Whether you follow our voting recommendations for the November election isn’t important. What we hope more than anything, is that you get out and vote. We have provided our view on several of these measures in greater depth over the past several weeks, but here is an abridged run-down of some of the more important measures to help you decide how to vote this November.
Measure 39: This measure would make it illegal for the government to use eminent domain to seize private property and hand it over to other private parties. Essentially, this would prevent the government from taking advantage of small business and home owners by forcibly purchasing their land and selling it to corporations it values more. We encourage you to vote yes on Measure 39.
Measure 41: This measure would lower state income taxes in the short term by allowing taxpayers to opt for state tax deductions equal to their federal tax deductions if they exceed the amount of their personal state exemption credits. The measure is complicated, but it would result in Oregon’s public universitites taking a tremendous hit. It is crucial that all students vote no on Measure 41, because the passing of this bill would mean an estimated $77 million less for higher education – an amount the system absolutely cannot afford to lose.
Measure 42: This measure would prohibit insurance companies from using credit scores to determine interest rates. Essentially, it would mean that insurance companies would no longer have the ability to charge a person more based on the likelihood that they will fail to repay loans. While supporters argue that this bill would help college students pay less in insurance premiums because they are more likely to default on loans, the reality is that this measure is simply unfair. Everyone would pay more for insurance just so that they people with bad credit can pay less. It’s taking the reward away from responsible people. Without this measure, college students can earn their right to low insurance rates the same way previous generations have. Vote no on Measure 42.
Measure 43: This measure would require that physicians notify the parents of daughters who are about to have abortions within in 48 hours of the operation. Before the physician can perform the operation, the parents would need to show proper identification to prove that they have been notified before the abortion can be carried out. This is an obvious attempt to infringe upon women’s right to privacy and control over their own bodies. The Emerald urges you to vote no on Measure 43.
Measures 46 and 47: These measures would put a cap on the amount of money that people or groups can contribute to political campaigns. Supporters of the measures claim this would get big money and big businesses out of politics and we agree. Vote yes on Measures 46 and 47.
Measure 48: This measure would amend the Oregon constitution and put a spending cap on the state’s budget. Several years ago the state of Colorado enacted a similar measure, but suspended it in 2005 because of its adverse effects on roads, public schools and higher education. If this measure passes, higher education would be hit especially hard. The Emerald encourages you to vote no on Measure 48.