Loading...
1977-05-17 - Voters Pamphlet - State 0005-00r, STATE OF OREGON VOTERS"' PAMPHI.Er Special Election May 17, 1977 R � t 1859 Compiled and Distributed by NORMA PAULUS Secretary of State State Capitol Salem, Oregon 97310 The material contained in the Voters' Pamphlet is written by Joint Committees of the Legislature and by supporters or opponents of Ballot Measures. Under Oregon law the Secretary of State compiles and publishes the statements supplied to her. Pursuant to chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977 (Enrolled House Bill 5058), the arguments in support of or opposition to the Ballot Measures are not subject to review by the Secretary of State in the manner provided by ORS 255.425. 2 OffiClal Voters'Pamphlet INFORMATION STATEMENT (1) VOTER QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS A person who has changed his or her name within 60 days before an election and has not re-registered may vote upon YOU MAY REGISTER TO VOTE IF: presentation of proof of name change. 1. You are a citizen of the United States (3) VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT: 2. You will be 18 or older on election day 3. You are a resident of Oregon YOU MAY APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE IMPORTANT:You may REGISTER to vote if you meet BALLOT IF: the qualifications above,but you must be a resident of 1. You are a registered voter, and, Oregon 30 DAYS before you may vote. 2. You live more than 15 miles from your polling place,or YOU MUST RE-REGISTER IF: 3. You will be unable for any reason to attend the 1. Your address changes for any reason election. 2. Your name changes for any reason 4. If you are a "service voter". "Service voters" are registered by following the service voting procedure. 3. You wish to change political affiliation "Service voter means a citizen of the state of Oregon IMPORTANT:You cannot change political party affili- absent from his place of residence and serving in the ation within 30 days of the primary election. Armed Forces or Merchant Marine of the United You must be registered 30 days before the election(or by States, or temporarily residing outside the United April 16, 1977), in order for your name to be included in States and the District of Columbia. the poll book. OREGON LAW PROVIDES THAT YOU MAY (2) REGISTRATION WITHIN 30 DAYS OF APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT BY: ELECTION DAY: 1. Submitting an application to the county clerk within If you fail to register or re-register more than 30 days 60 days preceding the election. "Service voters" may prior to election, and you are otherwise qualified to vote, apply after January 1 of any election year. you may still register and vote by delivering to the county 2. The application must include: clerk of your county a completed voter registration form • Your signature and obtaining a"Clerk's Certificate". If the county clerk • Your address and precinct number receives your registration form more than five days prior to election day, your certificate will be mailed to you. If • Statement explaining your inability to attend the the clerk receives your registration form within the five election days of the election, you must obtain your certificate in • Address to which ballot will be mailed person from the clerk's office. After obtaining your certificate, you may present it at your precinct on election day. The election board will write your name in the poll book and you then may vote. YOU MUST RETURN THE VOTED ABSENTEE BAL- Your name will appear in the poll book for the next LOT TO THE COUNTY CLERK NOT LATER THAN 8 election at which you are entitled to vote. P.M. OF ELECTION DAY. 1 I ' 0005-0059 . Special Election,May 17 1977 3 S' INDEX Page MEASURE No. 1 School Operating Levy Measure............................................................................................... 4 Explanation By Designated Committee Pursuant to Chapter 71,Oregon Laws 1977........................... 5 Arguments in Favor By Joint Legislative Committee Designated Pursuant to Chapter 71,Oregon Laws 1977....................................................................................... 5 By Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Net for Schools Committee................................... 6,7,8 Arguments in Opposition By Women's Legislative Council......................................................................................... 9 By Representatives Ted Achilles,Sam Johnson,Denny Jones and Mae Yih.................... 9 By Senators Frank Roberts and Wally Carson and Representatives Phil Lang and Sam Johnson................................................................ 10 MEASURE No. 2 Authorizes Additional Veterans'Fund Uses............................................................................ 11 Explanation By Designated Committee Pursuant to.Chapter 71,Oregon Laws 1977........................... 11 Argument in Favor By Joint Legislative Committee Designated Pursuant to Chapter 71,Oregon Laws 1977.................................................................. 12 MEASURE No. 3 Increases Veterans'Loan Bonding Authority.......................................................................... 12 Explanation By Designated Committee Pursuant to Chapter 71,Oregon Laws 1977........................... 13 Argument in Favor By Joint Legislative Committee Designated Pursuant to Chapter 71,Oregon Laws 1977....................................................................................... 13 0035 4 Official Voters'Pamphlet a Measure No. 1 (3) The Legislative Assembly may,upon a finding of sufficient change of circumstance in a district, including School Operating Levy Measure but not limited to decrease in enrollment or other cost (Referred to Electorate of Oregon by 1977 Legislature,to reductions, reduce the tax levying authority granted in be voted on at the Special Election, May 17, 1977, by subsection (2) of this section by law generally applicable chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977.) to districts in like circumstances, but not below the tax base of the district. Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly (4) Nothing in this section affects the authority of a of the State of Oregon: district to levy taxes for the payment of bonded indebted- Paragraph 1. The Constitution of the State of Oregon ness or interest thereon or to levy serially if the serial levy is amended by creating a new section to be added to and is authorized exclusively for the acquisition of school sites made a part of Article XI and to read: or for constructing and equipping new school facilities or SECTION 11a. (1) As used in this section: for major additions-to existing school facilities. (a) "District" means a common or union high school (5) A district, with voter approval, may levy serially district. for purposes in addition to those described in subsection (4)of this section.However,any serial levy authorized for (b) "Levy for operating purposes" means the total purposes other than those described in subsection (4) of amount of levy certified to the county assessor minus this section shall not be levied in any year in which taxes levied to pay principal and interest on bonded paragraph (b) of subsection (2) is utilized. indebtedness, to acquire school sites, to construct and (6) Notwithstanding (a)of subsection(2)of equip new buildings or to make major additions to g p ara a p e this section, in any school district that has held two existing school buildings and those levies made by an intermediate education district the proceeds of which are elections in which the voters of the district did not approve in in er the proposed levy, additional elections may be authorized distributed to the component districts of the inter- mediate education district as revenue rather than as tax a a petition re the district.school board upon receipt offsets as of the effective date of this amendment. requesting another election containing signatures of re- gistered voters of the district in a number not less than 10 (c) "Tax base" means the tax base established by percent of the number voting at the last election held section 11 of this Article. under paragraph(a)of subsection(2)of this section by the (2) Notwithstanding section 11 of this Article: district. (a) A district may hold not more than two elections for (7) The provisions of this section apply to all elections the purpose of authorizing a levy for operating purposes held after the date of the election at which this amend- outside the district's tax base for any school year. An ment is approved by the people. election to authorize a serial levy shall be considered an Paragraph 2.The amendment proposed by this resolu- election for purposes of this paragraph only for the first tion shall be submitted to the people for their approval or year for which the levy would have been authorized. rejection at the next special election held throughout the (b) If the voters of a district do not approve a levy at state. the two elections provided for in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the district school board may, subject to the limitations imposed by this section, authorize a levy for BALLOT TITLE operating purposes. The levy authorized by the district school board pursuant to this paragraph shall not be more than the total levy for operating purposes of the district in SCHOOL OPERATING LEVY MEASURE— the previous year,plus not more than six percent thereof, 1 Purpose: Proposed constitutional amendment YES❑ MEASURE— or such lesser amount as provided in subsection(3)of this limits school.districts to two elections per year for section. operating levy outside tax base unless voters petition NO ❑ (c) The levy pursuant to paragraph(b)of this subeec- for additional elections. After two defeats, school tion shall be less than the smaller amount submitted to board may authorize operating levy not greater than the voters at either of the two elections described in Previous year's operating levy plus not more than six paragraph(a)of this subsection,plus the tax base and any percent. Amount must be less than lowest total serial levy for operating purposes plus six percent of that operating levy which unsuccessful election would serial levy. have authorized. Permits legislature to reduce au- thority in event of school cost reductions. Effective (d) Nothing in this subsection affects the tax base of immediately. the district. 0005-( 1 Special Election,May 17,1977 5 Measure No. 1 Measure No. 1 School Operating Levy Measure School Operating Levy Measure Explanation Argument in Favor By Joint Legislative Committee Designated Pur- By Committee Designated Pursuant to Chapter 71, suant to Chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977 Oregon Laws 1977 VOTE YES FOR THE SAFETY NET Ballot Measure 1 creates a new section in the Oregon As three of the 77 members of the Oregon State Constitution which would limit tax levying authority for Legislature who voted "YES" on Ballot Measure 1, we school districts. It limits school districts to two elections urge you to join us in supporting this important first step per year to obtain authority to levy operating funds in to school finance reform. excess of its tax base. BALLOT MEASURE 1 CREATES A SAFETY NET FOR The measure provides that after two levy failures, a KIDS AND TAXPAYERS district board could levy a limited amount for the purpose The primary purpose of Ballot Measure 1 is to prevent of operating the schools. Such levy is limited to the a repeat of the tragic school closures which halted the previous year's operating levy of the district plus no more education of over 12,000 Oregon children last year.But it than six percent. The allowable increase applies only to will provide other benefits as well.Measure 1 will insure the levy portion of the district's budget,not the district's local control of schools. It will make your votes on school total budget.Those districts which receive funds from IED levy elections count.And it will help control school costs. equalization distribution to be budgeted as revenue could BALLOT MEASURE 1 WILL PREVENT SCHOOL compute such receipts as part of the district's operating CLOSURES levy under this measure. Ballot Measure 1 also limits a district's taxing power Measure 1 will prevent school closures by placing a following two levy defeats to levying less than the lowest "safety net" under Oregon's antiquated school finance amount which an unsuccessful election would have au- system. Each school district would be allowed two elec- thorized. Subject to the measure's limitations,the locally tions to pass an operating levy if their tax base is elected school board determines the levy amount in all inadequate to meet current needs. If the levy passes at cases. either election,Measure 1 does not come into play.But,if The measure establishes the people's right to petition the voters defeat both levy requests,the district would not be forced to close its doors.Instead,Measure 1 would allow the school board for further levy elections. The petition the locally elected board to authorize a levy to operate the must be signed by at least 10 percent of the number voting schools. This "safety net" levy would be based upon the in the previous election. The school board may then previous year's voter approved levy, plus an optional, authorize another levy election. limited increase for inflation or enrollment increases. Ballot Measure 1 does not change existing law relat- Measure 1 will insure that Oregon's school children ing to tax bases. Levies for the payment of bonded debt receive the education our constitution guarantees. and serial levies for construction purposes are also unaf- fected by the measure. Explanatory Committee BALLOT MEASURE 1 CREATES A SAFETY NET FOR Members Appointed by TAXPAYERS Under Oregon's present system of school finance, Senator Jason Boe President of Senate Rieke property taxes for schools have increased at an average Representative Earl enauer Speaker of House yearly rate of 13 percent since 1974. But the largest Representative Mary Rieke Speaker of House increase under the Safety Net Plan is only six percent. That's less than half the size of the increases that have occurred in recent years! BALLOT MEASURE 1 INSURES LOCAL CONTROL Measure 1 places the responsibility for the "safety net" levy squarely in the hands of the locally elected school board members. First, it is the school board that develops the budget and submits levy requests for the voters' approval.Second,if the voters disapprove twice,it is the school board that determines whether to authorize a "safety net"levy and,if so,the amount of that levy.As the editors of the Salem Statesman said on April 12th: "School board members still will remain responsible to the people,either through recall or failure of re-election,should they defy the obvious will of the people by instituting an increase after the budget has been convincingly defeated twice." BALLOT MEASURE 1 MAKES YOUR VOTE COUNT Under present law,a school district can come back to you four, five, six or more times for approval of a levy. 0005- 2 6 Official Yoters'Pamphlet You are told to vote yes or face school closures. Even Measure No. 1 under these circumstances,the average increase in taxes School Operating Levy Measure for education has been 13 percent in recent years.Under Measure 1,you may,of course,vote for the levy requested Argument in Favor by the district—and history shows that most of you will approve reasonable requests at the first or second election. By Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Net for Schools But if you vote no,and the majority joins you,you will be Committee Pursuant to Chapter 71, Oregon Laws forcing the district to reduce the levy requests to no more 1977 than last year's plus six percent. (And, in those cases BALLOT MEASURE 1 IS THE SAFETY NET PLAN where the district has requested less than a six percent Oregon's present school financing system was created in increase, less even than that.)For the first time, a voter 1916. It is out of date, and insufficient to meet today's can cast a"no"vote on a school levy election without the needs. gun of school closures to his or her head. BALLOT MEASURE 1 IS THE FIRST STEP Last year, Oregon's school financing system broke down completely in four Oregon school districts. Over 12,000 We in the Legislature are committed to further work students had their school doors closed because of repeated on school finance. None of us can afford to rest on our levy failures in La Grande,Eagle Point,North Bend and laurels following passage of Ballot Measure 1. We have Cottage Grove. Many of these children will never be able achieved a significant increase in state basic school to regain the educational opportunities they lost. support for 1977-78 and we are working on a further The effect on the local communities—and on Oregon's increase for 1978-79. We are working hard on improving national reputation—was dramatic. Read what two na- the distribution and equalization formulas, tackling the tional news magazines said about Oregon's school problem of total school expenditures and developing closures: programs to improve and expand property tax relief. T vIE, DECEMBER 20, 1976 BALLOT MEASURE 1 HAS WIDE-SPREAD PUBLIC after almost two months [of school closures in Eagle SUPPORT Point]only about half the senior class returned to classes and Measure 1 has the support of both political parties, only about two-thirds of the younger students. Some had labor, business, educators, school board members and transferred to nearby districts (average tuition: $160 per citizens throughout this state. Never before has a school month)and could not transfer back.Others had taken jobs or finance measure had this kind of wide-spread,bipartisan simply dropped out." support. It has this support because, in the words of NEWSWEEK, DECEMBER 13, 1976 editorial writers across the state, it is a "reasonable, "In Cottage Grove, grade school children browsed through responsible compromise." the toy counters in Christmas-lighted shops along Main Street last week,while high school students idled away time Measure 1 has our support and it deserves yours! in the local drug store. Fourth grade teacher Jerry Set- VOTE YES ON BALLOT MEASURE 1 tlemeyer stripped classroom walls of his students' themes and artwork, then set off to register for unemployment Joint Legislative Committee benefits. At the height of the school year, school was Members Appointed b out—and Gene Savage, an elementary school librarian, ppo y summed up the prevailing gloom:`It's like somebody pulled Senator Ken Jernstedt President of Senate the rug out from under us.'" Representative Bill Grannell Speaker of House Schools closed. Children walking the streets. Teachers Representative Roger Martin Speaker of House living on unemployment benefits. Is this the kind of school system you want for Oregon? Of course not. But is happened last year, and it could happen again. Unless we place a safety net under Ore- gon's school financing system, the next closure could happen in your school district. Think about it. PREVENT LOCAL SCHOOL CLOSURES . . . ADOPT A SAFETY NET FOR OREGON'S KIDS . VOTE YES ON BALLOT MEASURE 1: THE SAFETY NET PLAN Submitted by: Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Net for Schools Committee D. Keith Swanson, Treasurer P.O. Box 69 Salem, Oregon 97308 k Special Election,May 17,1977 7 Measure No. 1 Measure No. 1 School Operating Levy Measure School Operating Levy Measure Argument in Favor Argument in Favor By Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Net for Schools By Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Net for Schools Committee Pursuant to Chapter 71, Oregon Laws Committee Pursuant to Chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977 1977 BALLOT MEASURE 1 CAN CURB BALLOT MEASURE 1 RETAINS LOCAL CONTROL SKYROCKETING PROPERTY TAXES The Legislature has offered several school finance reform Property taxes have skyrocketed in recent years. State- programs to the voters in the past,and they have all been wide property taxes for schools have increased at an voted down.Why?Because all of the plans were perceived average yearly rate of 13 percent since 1974.Voters have to threaten local control of schools. Ballot Measure 1 is been asked to either approve these increases, or risk different. Ballot Measure 1 maintains and strengthens closing schools completely.That's not fair to youngsters or local control. to taxpayers. BALLOT MEASURE 1 PROTECTS YOUR RIGHT Ballot Measure 1 assures schools only last year's levy, TO VOTE plus an optional increase for inflation of up to six percent. Several of the"Safety Net"plans presented to the Legisla- That's less than half the yearly school tax increase that ture would have taken away your right to vote. They has occured over the past three years!And since the total would have allowed school taxes to increase with the cost school budget also includes state and county money,even of living or student enrollments without any vote of the a full six percent levy increase is an increase of only three people,once the plan was placed in the constitution. But to four percent of the total school budget. not Ballot Measure 1! BALLOT MEASURE 1 DOES NOT Ballot Measure 1 will retain your right to vote on updated AUTOMATICALLY INCREASE TAXES tax bases,serial levies and levies in excess of the tax base. There is nothing automatic about Ballot Measure 1. It Ballot Measure 1 will prevent school boards from forcing simply says that in the event of two consecutive levy you to vote on a levy four, five, six or more times a year. defeats,the local school board can authorize the district to Present Oregon law allows up to eight such elections a fall back on last year's levy, plus a limited, optional year.Measure 1 limits this to two—unless you petition the increase for inflation. board for additional elections. This limited increase for inflation is not mandatory.The BALLOT MEASURE 1 STRENGTHENS LOCAL locally elected officials who sit on the school board must CONTROL OF SCHOOLS decide whether to authorize an increase for inflation,and The final decision on the"safety net levy"is not made by if so,how much.The school board can decide to authorize the Legislature or the Department of Education in Salem. no increase at all if the schools will still stay open. In no It is made at the local level,by the locally elected officials event, however, can the increase be greater than six who sit on the school board. As one major Oregon percent. And the increase must always be less than the newspaper put it: smallest levy defeated by the voters. "Some opponents of the safety-net plan think it is a scheme to BALLOT MEASURE 1 ALLOWS LOCAL SCHOOLS put the clamps on local school control.That isn't so,of course. TO RUN A BASIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM The plan would simply allow school districts some degree of Why does Ballot Measure 1 allow a limited increase for certainty that they would be able to operate with at least as inflation, even if,it is only an option?Because there are much local tax support as they had during the previous year. certain school costs over which the school board has But if school boards wanted to boost their levies out of sight, absolutely no control, including transportation and the voters would still have to pass judgment." utilities. Any plan that did not include a modest increase Albany Democrat-Herald, February 25, 1977 for inflation would,do as much harm as it would good. PROTECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE. STRENGTHEN Ballot Measure 1 will prevent future school closures.Any LOCAL CONTROL OF SCHOOLS. school that needs to fall back on the safety net plan will at VOTE YES ON BALLOT MEASURE 1. least be able to keep the doors open. Submitted by: Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Submitted by: Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Net for Schools Committee k, Net for Schools Committee D. Keith Swanson, Treasurer D. Keith Swanson, Treasurer P.O. Box 69 P.O. Box 69 Salem, Oregon 97308 Salem,.Oregon 97308 s. 0005-Cr A 8 Official Yoters'Pamphlet u Measure No. 1 Measure No. 1 School Operating Levy Measure School Operating Levy Measure Argument in Favor Argument in Favor By Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Net for Schools By Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Net for Schools Committee Pursuant to Chapter 71, Oregon Laws Committee Pursuant to Chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977 1977 BALLOT MEASURE 1 HAS WIDESPREAD PUBLIC BALLOT MEASURE 1 IS THE FIRST STEP TO SUPPORT SCHOOL FINANCE REFORM Ballot Measure 1 has received the support of Governor An open letter to Oregon voters: Bob Straub, Attorney General Jim Redden, State Treas- School finance reform starts with Ballot Measure 1. urer Clay Myers, Senate President Jason Boe, Senate Oregon's school tax system is in desperate need of Democratic Leader Fred Heard, Senate Republican repair. Property taxes have skyrocketed. State school Leader Vic Atiyeh, House Democratic Leader Ed Lind- quist,House Republican Leader Roger Martin,the Oregon dollars are not distributed equally among school districts. � Local tax rates raise varying amounts of money depend- AFL-CIO, many of Oregon's major businesses,The Ore- ing on where you live. gon Education Association, The Oregon School Boards Association, The Confederation of Oregon School Ad- The Oregon Legislature is working to overcome these ministrators and parents everywhere. problems. Even as you read this, the Legislature is striving to make school funding and taxes more equitable. THE SAFETY NET PLAN HAS BEEN PRAISED BY Ballot Measure 1 is the first step. It is designed to MANY OREGON NEWSPAPERS meet the immediate crisis of preventing future school Here are just a few examples: closures. . a heck of an improvement over what Oregonians As a second step, the Legislature has increased the have . . . for now, Oregon needs a safety net school level of State Basic School Support from the present 30 financing bill just to keep the schools open." percent level to 34 percent for the coming school year. Pendleton East Oregonian, January 31, 1977 Used wisely,this money will provide genuine property tax ". . . a first step toward school finance reform." relief. Portland Oregonian, March 25, 1977 The third step in this program is the comprehensive, . The next step is up to the voters. They should long-range reform of Oregon's school financing system. like the proposal." The Legislature is presently developing such a long-range Portland Oregon Journal, March 25, 1977 reform plan. . . . logical and reasonable." The Legislature is presently working on a program Albany Democrat-Herald, February 25, 1977 'that will permit the people to vote on a long-range plan ". . . we favor such a plan. . ." early next year. But that election may not be scheduled Eugene Register Guard, February 17, 1977 until after the start of the next school year at the earliest. a reasonable compromise between those who That is why we must pass Ballot Measure 1—the Safety would provide a `concrete safety net' under schools, Net Plan—now! Ballot Measure 1 will prevent school with no `give' in it whatsoever, and those who would closures until the vote on the long-range plan. remove taxpayer's hands from the reins of school Ballot Measure 1 is the first vital step to a total school finance." finance reform program.It has the overwhelming support Salem Statesman, February 20, 1977 of Oregon's locally elected Legislators in both political' "The merits of the safety net plan are obvious,They parties. We urge you to vote YES on Measure 1. are: Jason Boe, — Schools would be assured of operating funds. Senate President — School spending would be limited as the constitu- Fred Heard, tion intended. Senate Democratic Leader — School districts could not force taxpayers to pay for Vic Atiyeh, big budget increases unless the voters approve. Senate Republican Leader Ed Lindquist, — The meaning of election would be preserved, and House Democratic Leader voters would retain at least as much control over Roger Martin, spending as they do now with the schools staying House Republican Leader " open. Submitted b Limit Tax Le Elections/Safety Ashland Daily Tidings, January 17, 1977 y� v3' y ., Net for Schools Committee JOIN THESE AND THOUSANDS OF OTHER CON- D. Keith Swanson, Treasurer CERNED OREGONIANS. P.O. Box 69 VOTE YES ON BALLOT MEASURE 1. Salem, Oregon 97308 Submitted by: Limit Tax Levy Elections/Safety Net for Schools Committee D. Keith Swanson, Treasurer P.O. Box 69 Salem, Oregon 97308 0005-C 5 Special Election May 17 1977 9 Measure No. 1 Measure No. 1 School Operating Levy Measure School Operating Levy Measure Argument in Opposition Argument in Opposition By Women's Legislative Council Pursuant to Chap- By Ted Achilles, Sam Johnson, Denny Jones and ter 71, Oregon Laws 1977 Mae Yih Pursuant to Chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977 VOTE "NO" ON MEASURE 1! VOTE NO ON BALLOT MEASURE 1 MEASURE 1 EFFECTIVELY REMOVES VOTER CON- BECAUSE: TROL OVER SCHOOL EXPENDITURES. 1. EVEN IF THE VOTERS REJECT THE LOCAL LEVY • If a school levy is defeated twice,the district school TWICE,THE SCHOOL PROPERTY TAX LEVY CAN board has power to authorize a tax levy equal to the INCREASE BY 6 PERCENT. previous year's operating levy, plus 6%, without voter approval. 2. LOCAL CONTROL TO REDUCE SCHOOL EX- • Under Measure 1,even a majority"No"vote will not PENSES IS LOST. reduce school spending or property taxes. 3. BALLOT MEASURE 1 IS NOT SCHOOL FINANCE MEASURE 1 REMOVES THE PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO REFORM. IT IS THE TYPE OF BAND-AID, SHORT DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAX TO TERM APPROACH THAT HAS BEEN TRIED MANY BE LEVIED FOR SCHOOLS IN THEIR DISTRICT. TIMES BEFORE. • Instead, the power to levy taxes for "operational 4. SERIOUS ATTEMPTS FOR LONG TERM SCHOOL purposes",plus a yearly 6%increase,is vested in the FINANCE REFORM SUCH AS 40% STATE SUP local school board and the board does not need voter PORT WITH PROPERTY TAX RELIEF MAY BE approval to act. PUSHED ASIDE. MEASURE 1 WOULD PERMIT PROPERTY TAXES 5. EVEN IF BALLOT MEASURE 1 PASSES,REFORM LEVIED FOR SCHOOL OPERATING COST TO WILL STILL BE NECESSARY IF WE ARE EVER TO DOUBLE EVERY 12 YEARS WHETHER THE VOTERS HAVE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF OR TO HAVE CON- APPROVE OR NOT. TROL OVER RUN-AWAY SCHOOL COSTS. • Note that this CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT Submitted by: Representative Ted Achilles denies the people their right to demand and get Representative Sam Johnson DECREASES in school spending. Representative Denny Jones MEASURE 1 OFFERS NO SOLUTION,OR ALTERNA- Representative Mae Yih TIVE, TO CONTINUED ESCALATION OF PROPERTY State Capitol TAXES LEVIED FOR SCHOOLS. Salem, Oregon 97310 VOTE "NO" ON MEASURE 1 AND KEEP YOUR RIGHT TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU WANT TO SPEND ON SCHOOLS IN YOUR DISTRICT. VOTE "NO" ON MEASURE 1 AND KEEP SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL SPENDING RESPONSIVE TO THOSE WHO PAY THE BILLS . . . THE OREGON TAXPAYER. OREGONIANS WANT SOLID EDUCATION.THEY DO NOT WANT AUTOMATIC, RUNAWAY SCHOOL SPENDING AND TAXATION. VOTE "NO" ON MEASURE 1! Submitted by: Women's Legislative Council P.O. Box 19353 Portland, OR 97219 10 Ofna-1 Voters'Pamphkt Measure No. 1 (3) It will make voters hesitant to approve needed School Operating Levy Measure increases for schools because that amount could never again be reduced. Argument in Opposition (4) It might lock in a 6 percent increase when, in By Wally Carson, Sam Johnson, Phil Lang and penods of growing enrollments and double-digit inflation, Frank Roberts Pursuant to Chapter 71,Oregon Laws 6 percent may not be nearly enough. 1977 MEASURE 1 IS NOT THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE AND As legislators who supported responsible"safety net" IT'S NOT THE BEST ONE. proposals in the legislature but opposed SJR 7 (Measure It was just the only one that a powerful faction in the 1),we feel we owe an explanation to the voters of Oregon. legislature, supported by a number of special interest HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW groups,would allow the public to hear about.Other plans ABOUT THIS PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL were not even permitted a serious legislative hearing. AMENDMENT: We want a reasonable, responsible, and acceptable "safety net." We don't want children shut out of school (1) It is not a school finance plan—unless you mean while voters debate over tax increases.But,we don't think more property taxes. the voters of Oregon want to be stampeded into an unwise (2) It is not a property tax relief measure. It does not amendment of the Constitution.It's really not a crisis for reduce property taxes. Instead,it permits an automatic 6 Oregon when three districts out of 334 are closed for a percent increase in taxes each year. Since that is com- brief period in one year.The sky is not falling down just pounded,it could double the property taxes in your school because Chicken Little thinks it is!We should not burden district every 12 years without voter approval. 331 school districts because three districts were temporar- (3) It has nothing to do with state support of schools;it ily in trouble last fall. is not a part of any plan to take any of the cost of schools Other plans were pigeon-holed.None of these required off local property taxpayers. two costly and futile elections in each school district each (4) It is not a limitation on school taxes or school year. None of them permitted an automatic 6 percent expenditures. Voters could, just as at present, increase increase without voter approval. One would have per- taxes and expenditures by a majority vote.But,under this mitted an increase based on cost of living increases. measure,the voters could never decrease taxes.The school Several were levy or expenditure limitations based on district could, if it wished, always levy last year's taxes student enrollment—allowing expenditures to go up with plus 6 percent in spite of voter disapproval. enrollment, or down with enrollment. Any of these is (5) It would probably make it harder to provide better than an automatic 6 percent increase, with no property tax relief even if the amount of state basic school regard to enrollment change, and requiring two budget support is increased.The reason is simple.No matter how defeats to "authorize" a tax increase. much money the state contributed to a district, that If you want an up-dated tax base in your district,you district would still have the constitutional right to levy can vote for one in your district under the present the same amount in local taxes as in the previous year, Constitution. Then, as long as your school district could plus 6 percent. It would just add those taxes to whatever live on the 6 percent annual increases,you'd never have to the state had already contributed. have an annual budget election again.You wouldn't have to vote "no" twice a year to get an up-dated tax base as Measure 1 would require from now on. WE OPPOSE THIS MEASURE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: OUR SCHOOLS DESERVE BETTER REMEDY FOR (1) Voters do not want an automatic 6 percent in- THEIR ILLS.THE LEGISLATURE CAN PRESENT A crease in their school taxes each year. GOOD PLAN TO THE PEOPLE. (2) Voters do not want elections that do not count. When that happens, we are confident that the voters Under this proposal if you go to the polls in two successive will approve it. But not until then! school elections,and the majority of you vote"no"on a tax This proposal adds nearly six hundred more words to increase, you get the tax increase anyway. our already complicated Constitution. It's a proposal that was patched up again and again during its short legisla- (3) Voters are reluctant to see their school taxes tive life. It is a make-shift, `band-aid" kind of measure, automatically increased 6 percent each year (as this unworthy of the State Constitution.It can do little good.It constitutional amendment t would permit) even though school enrollment may be going down in their district. can do a lot of mischief.If Measure 1 is defeated we will strive to have a WE ARE CONCERNED THAT IF THIS PLAN IS WRIT- ust as 1�ndas s p s s proposal submitted to the people TEN INTO THE CONSTITUTION IT WILL DAMAGE Possib ible. Submitted b LOCAL CONTROL AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT y: Senator Frank Roberts FOR SCHOOLS: Senator Wally Carson et elections a sham. Representative Phil Lang (1) It will make budget Representative Sam Johnson (2) It will cause hostility among voters when they find State Capitol that their "no" vote has no effect. Salem, Oregon 97310 - U00 5- CC68 12 Official Voters'Pamphlet Measure No. 2 Measure No. 3 Argument in Favor Increases Veterans' Loan Bonding Authority Authorizes Additional Veterans' Fund Uses (Referred to Electorate of Oregon by the 1977 Legislature, B Committee Designated to be voted on at the Special Election, May 17, 1977,by By gnateL Pursuant to Chapter 71, chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977.) Oregon Laws 1877 In the years since World War II,Oregon has enacted Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the an efficient,effective and beneficial program for veterans State of Oregon: residing in this state. In addition to the Oregon veterans' Paragraph 1. Section 1,Article XI-A of the Constitu- home and farm loan program, this state has established tion of the State of Oregon, is amended to read: veterans' service programs that include: Sec.1.Notwithstanding the limits contained in section 1. Providing limited financial aid to war veterans' 7,Article XI of the Constitution,the credit of the State of organizations in connection with their rehabilitation Oregon may be loaned and indebtedness incurred in an and service programs to veterans; amount not to exceed[six]eight percent of the true cash 2. Providing limited financial aid to counties that value of all the property in the state, for the purpose of provide assistance to veterans and their dependents in creating a fund, to be known as the "Oregon War applying for pensions, hospitalization and other vet- Veterans' Fund," to be advanced for the acquisition of erans' benefits; farms and homes for the benefit of male and female 3. Providing training for county veterans' service residents of the State of Oregon who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Secured repayment thereof officers; and shall be and is a prerequisite to the advancement of 4. Allowing the Director of Veterans'Affairs to act as money from such fund. the conservator of the estates of certain veterans or their dependents. Paragraph 2.The amendment proposed by this resolu- These service programs are currently financed by part tion shall be submitted to the people for their approval or of the income earned in the operation of the Oregon home rejection at at a special election to be held throughout this and farm loan program, rather than by tax dollars or state as provided in chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977 other general state revenues. (Enrolled House Bill 5058). The Attorney General of Oregon, however, has con- strued section 1, Article XI-A of the Oregon Constitution BALLOT TITLE to prohibit the use of this earned income to finance the service programs. If passed, Measure No. 2 will allow the Legislative Assembly to continue the current practice of appropriat- INCREASES VETERANS'LOAN BONDING ing moneys earned by the Oregon veterans' home and 3 AUTHORITY—Purpose: Proposed constitution- YES❑ farm loan program for the purpose of operating and al amendment increases the authorized debt limita- maintaining other veterans' service programs. tion of the state, for the issuance of bonds whose NO ❑ proceeds are to be used for veterans'farm and home If Measure No.2 is defeated,the Legislative Assembly acquisition loans,from six percent to eight percent of will have to either abolish the veterans'service programs, the true cash value of property in the state. or support"them by appropriating general state revenues. Use of general state revenues will result in either a tax increase or diminished financial support for other impor- tant state programs because moneys that would otherwise be available will be used for veterans'service programs. Subject to the appropriation power of the Legislative Assembly and the administrative supervision of the Di- rector of Veterans' Affairs, the veterans of this state, through their participation in the Oregon veterans'farm and home loan program, have provided the financial support for other veterans' service programs. Passage of Measure No.2 will guarantee that they will continue to do SO. Joint Legislative Committee Members Appointed by Senator Lenn Hannon President of Senate Representative Al Riebel Speaker of House Representative Mae Yih Speaker of House Special Election,May 17,1977 `I1t.* Measure No. 2 Measure No. 2 Authorizes Additional Veterans' Fund Uses Authorizes Additional Veterans' Fund Uses (Referred to the Electorate of Oregon by the 1977 Legisla- ture,to be voted on at the Special Election,May 17, 1977, Explanation by chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977. By Committee Designated Pursuant to Chapter 71, Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly Oregon Laws 1977 of the State of Oregon: Since 1945, the Oregon Legislative Assembly has Paragraph 1. Section 1,Article XI-A of the Constitu- established various service programs to assist Oregon tion of the State of Oregon, is amended to read: veterans and their dependents in receiving veterans' Sec.1.Notwithstanding the limits contained in section benefits to which they are entitled under state and federal 7, article XI of the Constitution,the credit of the State of law. These service programs have been administered by Oregon may be loaned and indebtedness incurred in an the Director of Veterans'Affairs,and have been financed, amount not to exceed six percent of the true cash value of for the most part, by income from the Oregon veterans' all the property in the state,for the purpose of creating a farm and home loan program. This income consists fund,to be known as the"Oregon War Veterans'Fund,"to primarily of money received as payments of principal and be advanced for the acquisition of farms and homes for the interest on loans made to veterans for the acquisition of benefit of male and female residents of the State of homes and farms. Oregon who served in the Armed Forces of the United In March 1977, however, the Attorney General of States. Secured repayment thereof shall be and is a Oregon declared that the use of this money to finance the prerequisite to the advancement of money from such service programs was unconstitutional. fund(.] , except that moneys in the Oregon War Measure No. 2 amends the Oregon Constitution to Veterans' Fund may also be appropriated to the allow the Legislative Assembly to continue its current Director of Veterans'Affairs to be expended,without practice of appropriating part of the income from the security, for the following purposes: Oregon veterans' farm and home loan program, rather (1) Aiding war veterans'organizations in connec- than general state tax revenues, to finance specified tion with their programs of service to war veterans; service programs for veterans. The service programs (2) Training service officers appointed by the affected by the ruling of the Attorney General and counties to give aid as provided by law to veterans Measure No. 2 include: and their dependents; 1. Limited financial aid to war veterans' organiza- (3) Aiding the counties in connection with pro- tions in connection with their rehabilitation and grams of service to war veterans; service programs to veterams; (4) The duties of the Director of Veterans'Affairs 2. Limited financial aid to counties that provide as conservator of the estates of beneficiaries of the assistance to veterans and their dependents in United States Veterans' Administration; and applying for pensions, hospitalization and other (5) The duties of the Director of Veterans'Affairs veterans' benefits; in providing services to war veterans,their depend- 3. Training for county veterans' service officers. ents'and survivors. 4. The Director of Veterans' Affairs acting as conser- Paragraph 2.The amendment proposed by this resolu- vator of the estates of certain veterans or depen- tion shall be submitted to the people for their approval or dents; and rejection at a special election to be held throughout this 5. The Director of Veterans' Affairs providing other state as provided in chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977 services to veterans, their dependents and (Enrolled House Bill 5058). survivors. Explanatory Committee BALLOT TITLE Members Appointed by Senator Ed Fadeley President of Senate Representative Vera Katz Speaker of House AUTHORIZES ADDITIONAL VETERANS' Representative Wayne Fawbush Speaker of House 2 FUND USES—Purpose:Proposed constitutional YES ❑ amendment authorizes use of Oregon War Vete- rans'Fund,now limited to farm and home acquis- NO ❑ ition loans for qualified veterans, to (1) aid veterans' organizations' veterans' service pro- grams; (2) train county veterans' services offi- cers; (3) aid county veterans' service programs; (4) pay costs of Director of Veterans Affairs as conservator of veterans'estates;and(5)pay costs of Director in otherwise providing services to veterans, their dependents and survivors. 000 5—CC J Special Election,May 17,1977 13 Measure No. 3 Measure No. 3 Increases Veterans' Loan Bonding Authority Increases Veterans' Loan Bonding Authority Explanation Argument in Favor By Committee Designated Pursuant to Chapter 71, By Committee Designated Pursuant to Chapter 71, Oregon Laws 1977 Oregon Laws 1977 The purpose of this measure is to increase the bonding Under the Oregon veterans' farm and home loan limits of the Oregon War Veterans'Fund from six percent program,the Department of Veterans'Affairs periodical- to eight percent of the true cash value of all the property ly sells bonds to obtain money for deposit in the Oregon in the state. War Veterans'Fund.The money in the fund is then lent to This is the fund from which the money comes to make veterans,and to certain widows and wives of veterans,for loans to Oregon war veterans, and to certain widows and the acquisition of farms and homes.However,the Oregon wives of war veterans, for the acquisition of homes and Constitution sets a limit on the amount of bonds that may farms. All this money, plus interest, is repaid by the be sold for this purpose, and that limit now has virtually veterans, and repayment of the bonds is assured from the been reached. loan repayments. Thus, the bonds are self-liquidating; The purpose of Measure No. 3 is to increase the they cost the taxpayer nothing.In the 31 years of the loan bonding limits for the Oregon War Veterans'Fund from program,not only have all the bonds been retired as they six percent to eight percent of the true cash value of all came due,but earnings after all administrative expenses the property in the state. have amounted to more than $41 million. The demand for veterans'loans continues to be strong, Additional funds are necessary to stimulate Oregon's and loans in 1976 amounted to a record$595 million,or 47 housing, construction and lumber industries. Passage of percent above the previous year. Measure No.3 will assure bringing low-cost eastern funds If Measure No. 3 passes,it will enable the Department into Oregon to accomplish this economic stimulation. If of Veterans' Affairs to issue, as needed, approximately Measure No. 3 passes, it will enable the Department of $700 million in additional loan bonds to obtain funds to Veterans'Affairs to issue,as needed,approximately$700 meet the continuing demand for veterans' loans. These million in additional bonds in order to make more funds bonds are self-liquidating; there is no cost to the available for home and farm loans. taxpayers. Joint Legislative Committee If Measure No.3 fails,only a small part of the demand Members Appointed by for veterans' loans will be met--out of veterans' loan repayments, from which first must come the payment of Senator Jack Ripper President of Senate principal and interest on bonds, the annual veterans' Representative Tom Marsh Speaker of House property taxes, and administrative and other costs. Representative Brad Morris Speaker of House Explanatory Committee Members Appointed by Senator Jack Ripper President of,Senate Representative Glen Whallon Speaker of House Representative Clayton Klein Speaker of House 14 Official Voters'Pamphlet Special Election,May 17,1977 15 16 Official Voters'pamphlet SECRETARY OF STATE Capitol Building BULK RATE Salem, Oregon 97310 U.S. Postage PAID State of Oregon Residential Customer, Local