Oregon Measure 110

Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative (2020)

What Is It?

This measure will make personal non-commercial possession of a controlled substance no more than a Class E violation (max fine of $100 fine) and establishing a drug addiction treatment and recovery program funded in part by the state’s marijuana tax revenue and state prison savings.

Currently, the maximum penalty for personal non-commercial possession of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and meth is a Class A misdemeanor of one year in prison and a $6,250 fine. Measure 109 will lower it to a Class E which will mean no prison time and a max fine of $100.

One of the groups in support of this measure is the Democratic Party of Oregon while one of the groups in opposition to this measure is the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police.

Oregon Measure 109

Psilocybin Mushroom Services Program Initiative (2020)

What Is It?

This measure supports authorizing the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to create a program to permit licensed service providers to administer psilocybin-producing mushroom and fungi products to individuals 21 years of age or older.

What are psilocybin-producing mushrooms?

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a polyphyletic, informal group of fungi that contain psilocybin and psilocin.

The program would be available to individuals 21 years of age or older. The initiative authorizes the OHA not to require a client to be diagnosed with or have any particular medical condition to receive psilocybin services. Psilocybin service centers are not classified as healthcare facilities. To apply for a service center operator license, applicants must be over 21 years of age and provide proof of Oregon residence for the last two years. Measure 109 prohibits the OHA from requiring facilitators to have a degree from a post-secondary institution or college.

Tax Implications:

Measure 109 imposes a 15% sales tax on psilocybin products purchased and consumed at psilocybin service centers. The measure requires that the revenue in the Oregon Psilocybin Account be transferred quarterly to the Psilocybin Control and Regulation Fund for the use of the OHA to enforce the provisions of the initiative, including regulating psilocybin services and compensating the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board.

Oregon Measure 108

Tobacco and E-Cigarette Tax Increase for Health Programs Measure (2020)

What Is It?

It increases taxes on tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems (such as e-cigarettes) at the following rates:

• cigarette tax at 16.65 cents per cigarette, which is an increase from $1.33 to $3.33 per 20-pack of cigarettes;
• e-cigarettes and other nicotine inhalants at a rate of 65% of the wholesale sales price; and
• cigar tax cap of 65% of the wholesale sales price, not to exceed $1.00 per cigar, an increase from $0.50.

Under the ballot measure, revenues would first be dedicated to the administration and enforcement of the tax. The remaining revenue would be dedicated to the Oregon Health Authority for medical and healthcare-assistance programs, including mental health services, tribal health providers, including Urban Indian Health Program, and other programs concerning tobacco and nicotine health issues.

Electoral College: SB 870: Vote to pass a bill that authorizes an agreement between states to award electoral votes according to the national popular vote when determining the President of the United States. Senator Thatcher voted no on this bill while Shemia Fagan voted yes.

Gun Rights: SB941 Vote to pass a bill that requires a background check for firearm transfers, including private sales, effective immediately. Senator Thatcher voted no on this bill while Shemia Fagan voted yes.

Business Taxes: HB3427 Vote to pass a bill that increases the state business tax in order to enhance education funding. Senator Thatcher voted no on this bill while Shemia Fagan voted yes.

Parents Rights: HB3063. Vote to pass a bill that prohibits all religious and philosophical vaccination exemptions for public school students. Fagan supported the house bill. Kim Thatcher chose to walk out with the Republican caucus. Senator Thatcher voted no on this bill while Shemia Fagan voted yes.

Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants: HB2015 Authorizes Driver Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants. Senator Thatcher voted Yes while Senator Fagan voted no.

Sex Education: HB2509 Vote to pass a bill that specifies what elementary and secondary sexual education curriculum must include, such as the characteristics of a healthy relationship and medically accurate information about pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Senator Thatcher voted no on this bill. Senator Fagan did not vote on this bill and it is unclear what her stance on it is.

Abortion: Thatcher: Just because abortion should be legal in those relatively rare cases of rape or incest, it should only be last resort. The mental (as well as physical) well-being of the mother should take into consideration not only the trauma of rape or incest but also the additional mental trauma of killing an innocent child. Adoption should be given strong consideration. Generally, elective, non-medically necessary surgeries should not be publicly funded.

Fagan: Endorsed by planned parenthood.

Donald Trump vs Joe Biden

The United States of America’s primary election is coming up! We compared Donald Trump and Joe Bidens’ stand on popular political policies. Feel free read this and click the underlined words to read the sources to make an informed vote in November. Share with your friends and make sure you vote!

Deadline To Register To Vote In Oregon!

Tuesday, October 13th, 2020

Countdown To Election Day!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

So make sure you fill in your ballot and mail it in as soon as you get it.