Community Relations Committee opposes 41 and 48
By Toshio Suzuki
article created on:
The Community Relations Committee and the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland recently voted to oppose Oregon ballot measures 41 and 48. Both measures pose a threat to state-run services and caused leaders in the Jewish community to act with an impressive majority vote.
"If we are to take our role as stewards of the Jewish community seriously, then we must make our voice heard in opposition to ballot measures that would have a devastating impact on long-term care, mental health services, public education and public safety, all of which are critical services that the Jewish community supports," said CRC Director Bob Horenstein.
Measure 41 is a tax deduction bill that would allow Oregonians the choice to use federal limits on income tax deductions. As opposed to a state tax-credit, usually worth about $154 per exemption, citizens would be able to use a federal tax deduction, which in 2005 was worth about $3,200 per exemption.
Measure 48 is an Oregon Constitutional amendment that would control the state's two-year budget cycle, prohibiting additional spending that exceeds the previous period above the rate of inflation and population increase. Even then, the increase would have to pass three majority votes from the Oregon House, Senate and general populace before it is implemented.
With one measure potentially limiting the amount of revenue coming into the state and the other controlling budgetary spending, both, if passed, have serious implications for even the most basic of state services, according to Horenstein.
"Measures 41 and 48 would act to reduce the amount of state government resources available to meet the needs of the neediest and most vulnerable members of the Jewish community—and all communities in Oregon," he said. "They would affect, disproportionately, the recipients of state financial assistance at the Robison Home and clients of the Jewish Family and Child Services."
"These funds are crucial to our ability to take care of elders who have outlived their resources," said Cedar Sinai Park CEO David Fuks. "These ballot measures would radically reduce the funds available for a state match of federal Medicaid dollars," adding that about 50 percent of CSP's Robison residents are on Medicaid, which in turn pays for only about 60 percent of all their living requirements.
In a paid Voter's Pamphlet statement, Nevada millionaire and chief financial supporter for Measure 41, Loren Parks, said he trusts Oregonians to use the extra money for their families. Measure 48 also has an out-of-state bankroller in Howard Rich from New York, who heads the group Americans for Limited Government.
A story in the Oct. 1 Oregonian quoted Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney as saying that 48 would make Oregon "ungovernable." Proponents however cite the need for a rainy day fund and current budgetary spending that is double the rates of inflation or population growth.
While it seems there is an almost insurmountable level of opposition to ballot measures 41 and 48, the classic "more versus less government" debate is alive again in Oregon. Disregarding the political spectrum, members of the JFGP and CRC boards have made it clear they are not willing to jeopardize the well being of others in the community, especially when the trade-off is what can only be described as outside political interests.
As Tauman put it, "They (proponents) are not Oregonians and are not really interested in what's best for Oregon."