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Pacific Green Party of Oregon
http://www.pacificgreens.org/
January 13, 2004
Contacts:
Joanne Cvar, PGP Co-Chair and Media Coordinator, 541-563-3615 cvar@oregonvos.net
Jeff Cropp, Co-Chair, Portland Metro Chapter, 503-235-0300, jcropp@runbox.com
PACIFIC GREENS VOTE YES ON MEASURE 30
In accordance with their resolution to work for a
fairer tax structure in Oregon, the Pacific Green Party voted at
convention January 10 to endorse a "Yes" vote for Measure 30.
"We wanted to send a clear message to the community that the
Pacific Green Party values responsible government," said Jeff Cropp,
co-chair of the Portland Metro Chapter of the PGP. "The people
behind the 'No on 30' campaign don't really care about Oregon; they are
political opportunists who want to limit government regulation of the
marketplace."
"We think it is important to make a formal endorsement expressing
solidarity with those who support Measure 30," said Joanne Cvar,
PGP co-chair. "A 'Yes' vote on the measure upholds the surprisingly
progressive bi-partisan attempt of the state legislature to balance the
Oregon budget for the next biennium without making further cuts in
essential public services such as education, human services, and public
safety. This is a first step in the direction of a fair tax structure
for Oregon, but we must continue to look for long-term solutions."
"Although we recognize that government agencies should operate with
the highest level of service," said Chuck Fall, treasurer of the
Portland Metro Chapter, "given Oregon's high unemployment, now is a
time when government services are most vital. Opponents of Measure 30
are using an economic downturn to pillage the public sector. We are
voting 'Yes on 30' because Greens favor government that is economically
and socially just."
If Measure 30 passes, taxes raised in 2003-2005 will come mostly from
higher-income households and businesses, with middle-income families
paying less than $34 annually (taking into account the federal tax cut)
to save the Oregon Health Plan, support public education through the
college level, and save jobs. (According to the Oregon Center for Public
Policy, education and public safety, two state services that would face
millions of dollars in additional cuts if Measure 30 fails, are more
important for business location decisions than low tax rates).
"It took the legislature a record-breaking session to come up with
this revenue package," said Cvar. "If Measure 30 fails, there
will be no alternative to catastrophic cuts in the quality of life in
Oregon."
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