This week, as students receive their voters’ pamphlets in the mail, many eyes will gloss over a slew of political jargon, but it is critical for students to understand the issues and vote responsibly. Here are a few of the measures explained.
Measure 57 and 61 both deal with identity theft, property crime and the manufacturing and distribution of drugs. In the event that both pass, the measure with the most votes will supersede the other. Measure 57 raises the probation time required for each crime. Measure 61 creates mandatory minimum sentences for the same crimes and requires that they be served in state prisons as opposed to county jails. Measure 57 offers rehabilitation for criminals while Measure 61 does not. The underlying question: Should the public pay to embrace and rehabilitate a person or are they better to be hard on drug crimes?
Measure 58 would limit the number of years a non-English speaking student can take classes in their native language before being put into English-only classes. Proponents feel that the measure would fast-track non-native students to learning English while opponents claim it is a “one-size-fits-all” approach that ignores students with special needs.
Measure 62 attempts to funnel 15 percent of lottery profits to public safety. Roughly $100 million out of the lottery’s annual $700 million profit would be used to fund at-risk youth programs, investigations and forensic operations. Last year, Lane County looked to cut money from an already struggling public safety fund. Proponents argue that would supplement these cuts while opponents argue the money is being taken away from education, urban development and state park services. Currently, 44 percent of lottery funds are going to parks, bonds and the educational reserve fund. The Oregon Lottery’s Web site says that 63 percent of lottery profits are going toward education.
[email protected]