Dennis Tuuri

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Explanation: During “Catastrophic Disaster” In the case of a “catastrophic disaster,” something on a really large scale, how would state government function? This change to Oregon’s Constitution, referred to the voters by the Legislature, seeks to answer this question. It would allow several major changes, for a period of thirty days , when the Governor declares a “catastrophic disaster.” First, it gives the Governor the ability call the Legislature into session outside of the normally required location of the Capitol building in Salem. Second, it would eliminate the usual quorum requirement of the Legislature, granting whatever Legislators who could show up the ability to pass laws. And third, it would also allow the use of tax dollars previously designated for specific purposes (like roads or schools) to be used instead to deal with the disaster.

This Measure comes to the ballot because all changes to Oregon’s Constitution require a vote of the people. In the Bible, God provided a variety of governing systems–judges, kings, elected officials, etc. No one form of government is made ultimate. It seems reasonable that under very unusual circumstances, the form of governance could be changed for a brief time to accommodate the difficulties that might follow a nuclear blast, biological warfare, or even very extreme natural disasters. While these changes are significant and subject to possible abuse, this referral from the Legislature received nearly unanimous support from both Democrats and Republicans in the Orego n House and Senate. We recommend a Yes vote