Published: August 2, 2018

There are 5 measures on the ballot this November. Here’s what you need to know.

Measure 102

Ballot Title: Allows local bonds for financing affordable housing with nongovernmental entities. Requires voter approval, annual audits.

Impact on SEIU members: This measure will make it easier for local governments to raise money for affordable housing. Many SEIU members struggle to keep up with rising housing costs, and a COLA or wage increase is only so valuable if housing costs go up faster.

SEIU member endorsement: YES ☑

Measure 103

Ballot Title: Amends Constitution: Prohibits taxes/fees based on transactions for “groceries” (defined) enacted or amended after September 2017.

Impact on SEIU members: Constitutional Amendment 103 is an unnecessary and risky change to Oregon’s constitution that would permanently carve out a wide range of transactions from any taxes or fees. Supporters claim it’s meant to keep groceries tax free, but there is no current tax on groceries. And the measure is so poorly written that it would disrupt the fuel tax, bottle deposit fee, and medicaid funding, but it would not cover items families rely on like medicine, diapers and toilet paper. These carve outs could lead to a budget crisis, resulting in potential public sector layoffs, cuts to homecare and PSW programs, or cuts to the Oregon Health Plan.

SEIU member endorsement: NO ❌

Measure 104

Ballot Title: Amends Constitution: Expands (beyond taxes) application of requirement that three-fifths legislative majority approve bills raising revenue.

Impact on SEIU members: Constitutional Amendment 104 is an unnecessary constitutional amendment. There is already a supermajority requirement for tax increases in Oregon. Our constitution should only be changed when there is a clear and urgent problem. Making this change would jeopardize funding for public schools, Medicaid, and other essential services. It would create gridlock in Salem. In recent years, when budget deficits have required the legislature to make cuts, some politicians have used the supermajority requirement to try to attack SEIU members’ benefits or cut funding to the programs we provide. Expanding this requirement puts our members at even greater risk, and it would also make it harder for the legislature to close wasteful tax loopholes that benefit only special interests and politicians.

SEIU member endorsement: NO ❌

Measure 105

Ballot Title: Repeals law limiting use of state/local law enforcement resources to enforce federal immigration laws.

Impact on SEIU members: Immigrants living in Oregon are part of our families, communities, workplaces, and our union. If Measure 105 passes, it could open the door to racial profiling and families being torn apart, simply because someone is perceived to be an undocumented immigrant. That’s not the Oregon way. In addition, Oregon’s current law provides clear guidance to local law enforcement officers on how to handle complicated immigration issues. It creates a bright line that says local police should be focused on solving local problems. Measure 105 would erase this clarity and open the door to local resources being used in federal immigration matters.  

SEIU member endorsement: NO ❌

Learn more: https://orunited.org/


Measure 106

Ballot Title: Amends Constitution: Prohibits spending “public funds” (defined) directly/indirectly for “abortion” (defined); exceptions; reduces abortion access.

Impact on SEIU members: If Measure 106 passes public service members would no longer be eligible for abortion coverage as part of their public employee benefits plan or through their Medicaid plan. Measure 106 sets a dangerous precedent of cherry picking which medical procedures will or will not be covered by public insurance and interferes with our members’ bargained benefits.

SEIU member endorsement: NO ❌

Learn more: https://nocutstocare.com/