Dennis Tuuri

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Explanation: This Measure would stop groups such as the left-leaning Oregon Public Employees Union from using your tax dollars to collect dues which are then used for their liberal political purposes. We strongly support this Measure, and urge a Yes vote.

PEAPAC Commentary and Recommendation: We support this Measure for three reasons. First, it is just flat wrong for any union bosses to use your tax dollars to build their political machine. Its not fair to the many union members whose views are not reflected by their unions. Its not fair to the groups and candidates that are then the target of such unions’ political activity. But most of all, its just not fair for you, the taxpayer to have to give your money to help a union bureaucracy support abortion rights, higher taxes, etc.

Second, the Bible describes a tyrant king as one who takes more than ten percent of one’s income (1 Sam. 8:15). The combined take of all taxing authorities today is nearly five times that amount! Clearly, a sharp reduction in current tax rates is recommended by the Bible. While this Measure would have a very small impact on state spending, the principal of reducing taxes used for non-biblical ends is real and compelling. This is particularly true because the taxes addressed by this Measure are being used to finance groups such as the Oregon Public Employees Union which advocates positions on issues which are in many cases diametrically opposed to Biblical governance.

Third, this Measure will stop the current practice of the State using your tax dollars to underwrite partisan ads in the Voters’ Pamphlet. The State estimates this Measure would save us well over a million dollars every other year in Voters’ Pamphlet costs. While we may like the State subsidizing ads with our views on various Ballot Measures, we should all have to pay whatever the real costs are for such advertising.