A decision has been dealt to the citizens of Oregon that will undoubtedly affect students regardless of the outcome. A vote, by referral of the state Legislature, will take place on Jan. 28 and will ask but one question of voters. Despite how you might weigh in on Measure 28, my question for you now is: Are you willing to take part, or will you allow others to make the decision for you?
This letter is intended to demonstrate not only the impact on students that both the passage or failure of Measure 28 will have, but, more importantly, what you’re reading is designed to encourage you to simply participate in the process.
As you will know from a letter that was included in your January bill, the Oregon Legislature, in an attempt to balance the state budget, referred an income tax surcharge to the voters as Measure 28. Measure 28 would raise $313 million in this biennium by increasing the state’s payroll tax from 9 percent to 9.5 percent. Additionally, corporate tax would be increased by 0.33 percent.
It is important to note that these increases would remain in effect over the next six years, but would then sunset. These aforementioned tax increases would be the result of a yes vote on Measure 28.
The letter in your January bill also explains the University’s proposal for covering anticipated cuts that will be made as a result of a no vote on Measure 28. In addition to overseeing further cuts on campus, the University will administer a tuition surcharge for winter and spring terms.
For undergraduate and graduate students, there will be a $10 per-credit-hour increase per term. For law students, who follow a semester system, there will be a $15 per-credit-hour increase. If Measure 28 fails, undergraduate students registered for 16 credits will pay an additional $160 winter term, and if they maintain the credit hours, a further $160 in
spring term.
The ASUO office and the University administration are prepared to help answer questions that you may have about the effects of Measure 28 on campus. Because of the evident impact that this measure will have on all students, the ASUO is working to educate and inform the campus community so that anyone who is able and willing may participate in this vote-by-mail election.
If you have never registered in the state of Oregon, today is the last day that you are able to be eligible to vote in this election. The ASUO office is prepared to register voters and to update any changes that you may need to make in order to re-register.
We highly encourage you to take part in this decision making process — to refuse to be affected without any say. Douglas Adams once wrote that human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. University students, however, have the ability to see the experience that has been had by many before, and, as a result, can act to change the current path laid by past apathy.
Students can make change — students
can vote.