What’s on the Ballot

The following measures will appear on the statewide November 2012 ballot.

Measure 79

Amends Constitution: Prohibits imposition of real estate transfer taxes, fees, assessments, except those operative by certain date
Chief Petitioners: Arthur Kegler, Barry Cain, James Frick

This measure prohibits real estate transfer taxes and fees. Local real estate transfer taxes are already banned by state law—this expands the ban to the State government. The Realtors group behind the petition made headlines for requiring their members to donate to the initiative political committee.
From The Oregonian: “To some, the action by the Realtors is a bit puzzling. Russ Dondero, a retired political science professor at Pacific University active in low-income housing groups, noted that advocates have largely given up on a real estate transfer tax.”

Measure 80

Allows personal marijuana, hemp cultivation/use without license; commission to regulate commercial marijuana cultivation/sale
Chief Petitioners: Douglas Paul Stanford, William Normal Appel, Phillip Ray Allen

This measure allows commercial marijuana cultivation and sale to adults through state-licensed stores as well as unlicensed personal cultivation and use by adults.

Measure 81

Prohibits commercial non-tribal fishing with gillnets in Oregon "inland waters," allows use of seine nets
Chief Petitioners: Fred Girod, Rod Monroe, David Schamp
This measure would ban the use of non-tribal gillnet fishing in Oregon.

Measure 82

Amends Constitution: Authorizes Establishment of Privately-Owned Casinos; Mandates Percentage Of Revenues Payable To Dedicated State Fund
Chief Petitioners: Bruce Studer, Matt Rossman
This measure amends the Constitution to allow non-tribal casinos in the state of Oregon.

Measure 83

Authorizes Privately-Owned Wood Village Casino; Mandates Percentage Of Revenues Payable To Dedicated State Fund
Chief Petitioners: Bruce Studer, Matt Rossman
This measure permits the first privately-owned, non-tribal casino to be located in Wood Village.
** Measure 83 is only valid if Measure 82 passes.

Measure 84

Phases out existing inheritance taxes on large estates, and all taxes on intra-family property transfers
Chief Petitioners: Gerald Freeman, Robert Zielinski
This measure would effectively provide a tax break for millionaires. See Sockeye Blog for more information.

Measure 85

Amends Constitution: Allocates Corporate Income/Excise Tax "Kicker" Refund To Additionally Fund K Through 12 Public Education
Chief Petitioner: Patrick Green
This measure would reform the corporate kicker by putting money into Oregon K‐12 classrooms, rather than back into the pockets of large, out‐of-state corporations. That would mean lowering class sizes and restoring important school programs.
These funds would also help get Oregon schools off of the financial roller coaster and provide more stability, even in economically tough years.

See here for more information.