Oregon votes 2002
As the November election creeps closer, Oregon could undergo sweeping changes, including a 40-cent increase to the minimum wage and required labeling of genetically engineered foods.
This year, Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury released 12 new ballot measures, many fewer than the 26 measures released in 2000.
Despite the low number, however, battles between supporters
and opponents have already begun, most vocally in relation to
two measures.
Measure 27, which would require labeling of genetically engineered foods in Oregon, is especially controversial in the food industry. In the measure, “genetically-engineered” food is defined as “(food) produced or altered with techniques that change the molecular or cell biology of an organism by means … not possible under natural conditions or processes.”
Katelyn Lord, a chief petitioner for Measure 27, said the measure is based on the right for consumers to know what they’re eating.
“Our interest is from the consumer’s point of view,” she said. “Giving people a choice and making sure people are informed.”
Lord, who is the community outreach and member services director for Food Front Cooperative Grocery, added that since Oregon doesn’t produce a lot of genetically engineered foods, the bill is aimed more at food imports than exports.
Pat McCormick, who was hired to help fight Measure 27, said the opposition is worried about consumer and retail costs.
“There are substantial logistical problems,” he said. “The sheer breadth of the measure causes concerns for cost.”
McCormick, a Portland political consultant, said the opposition is primarily composed of Oregon farming, retail, restaurant and grocery industries.
Another controversial measure to appear on the ballot deals with health care and the fate of insurance companies in Oregon.
Measure 23 would create the Oregon Comprehensive Health Care Finance Plan designed to pay various medical bills for all Oregon residents. A state fund would finance the plan and be composed of government funds, a payroll tax and a progressive income tax.
John Partidge, a chief petitioner for the measure, said he hopes to establish the health care system state-by-state.
“I think this is a good thing for the whole nation,” he said.
Mike Becker, vice president of Public and Community Affairs for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, said significant harm would be done to Oregon industry as a result of the new taxes accompanying Measure 23.
“I don’t see it as just a health plan issue,” he said. “Oregon individuals and businesses can ill afford the largest tax increase in Oregon’s history.”
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