Summary
Bans using public resources (time, buildings) for political activity; limits public sector union payroll deductions.
Biblical Reasoning
We have supported very similar Ballot Measures in 1998 and 2000. These Measures are all attempts to stop tax-financed state resources from being used to raise money for various unions and their political purposes. Clearly, the financial support of a union’s political activity is not a legitimate use of state tax monies.
Election Results
Voters rejected the prohibition on using public resources for politics (53% No).
Full PEAPAC Analysis
PEAPAC Explanation: If passed, Measure 98 would amend the Oregon Constitution to prohibit the use of public resources for political purposes, and stop public employee unions from collecting political dues through payroll deduction.
Should employees paid by your tax dollars use part of their workday to collect dues for public employee unions? These unions then use this money to support certain candidates or ballot measures. Should state employees use their tax-financed time, or government buildings and supplies, to help certain candidates get elected, or get certain ballot measures passed? It seems obvious to us that the answer is no, so we support this Measure.
What necessitates it is the Oregon Public Employees Union, an organization committed to increasing state control over larger and larger elements of the private sector. Unions can be a useful tool for employees as they communicate with management, and attempt to improve their covenants with their employers. But the OPEU has a long record of opposing Biblical reforms in childcare, education, tax policies and various other causes we think are important. Measure 98 is eminently reasonable in its efforts to put fair restraints on the OPEU, and we urge your Yes vote on it.
Related Measures
Measure 59 (1998) — Similar measure prohibiting public resources for politics. View →
Dennis Tuuri 
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