Common Cause Oregon 2018 Endorsements

The Common Cause Oregon board has taken a position on two statewide ballot measure proposals up for debate this election season.

MEASURE 104 – OPPOSE
Definition of Raising Revenue for 3/5th Requirement

Policy Proposal: Measure 104 would amend the state constitution to apply a three-fifths supermajority vote requirement to any legislation that increases revenue, including changes to tax exemptions, credits and deductions.

Common Cause Position: Common Cause opposes this measure because it would hamstring the democratic process in order to protect tax breaks and loopholes for big money special interests at the expense of everyday Oregonians. The framers of our democracy reserved supermajority requirements for special cases. This measure is overly and unnecessarily restrictive, limiting lawmakers’ ability to create and maintain the infrastructure that drives economic success for all.

MEASURE 105 – OPPOSE
Repeal Sanctuary State Law Initiative

Policy Proposal: Measure 105 would repeal Oregon’s 1987 “sanctuary” law, which guides local law enforcement on how to handle immigration issues, limiting involvement when the violation in question is solely one of federal immigration law.

Common Cause Position: Common Cause opposes this measure because a strong democracy requires protecting everyone’s constitutional rights and ensuring our laws are fair and impartial. We are concerned that this measure – backed by the reputed hate group Oregonians For Immigration Reform – would leave Oregonians vulnerable to racial profiling and civil rights violations, while diminishing community trust and cooperation with local law enforcement.