News

http://www.dailyastorian.info/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=70046

Ballot measures referred by the Oregon Legislature are the least noticed elements on the May ballot. Measures 68 and 69 are relatively benign constitutional amendments. Both proposals are about how the educational sector finances capital expense.

Measure 68 would allow the state to match money that is raised by school districts that pass their own construction bonds. It expands the definition of an acceptable purchase to include computers, for instance, or major roof repair. Finally, this measure caps the state's contribution to schools at an amount equal to one-half of one percent of real market value of Oregon property.

Measure 69 would allow universities and community colleges to use general obligation bonds to buy buildings as well as build new ones. This proposal is most relevant to Portland State University, which is in the middle of a city, but it might well be used by other institutions.

Measure 68 had virtually no opposition in the legislature, and Measure 69 had none. The Oregon Voters Pamphlet contains no argument opposed to either.

We recommend a "yes" vote.