All Oregonians deserve access to safe, affordable homes and healthy food.
That is why we are urging a yes vote on Measure 102 and a no vote on Measure 103.
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon works to ensure that everyone in our state is free from hunger. When we considered our positions on ballot measures, we asked a simple question: How will these measures affect Oregonians experiencing hunger and food insecurity?
We support Measure 102 because it will help address the affordable-housing crises throughout the state, especially for Oregon families experiencing deep poverty. No one should have to choose between rent and food. Yet renters are seven times more likely to experience hunger than homeowners. It will allow local governments to use affordable-housing dollars more wisely and house more families.
We oppose Measure 103 because when you look beyond the slogans, it’s written primarily to shield special interests from tax loopholes. Oregonians want and need high-quality schools and public services that work. We oppose Measure 103 because it shields special interests from paying their fair share to make these things a reality.
We take particular exception to tactics the proponents of 103 have been using: intentionally misleading voters and the hungry about how food assistance even works.
Measure 103 created a TV ad containing the deeply misleading claim that it would protect food banks from taxes, implying that those in need would have to pay for the food they receive.
Let’s be clear: Measure 103 does nothing to change how food banks operate in Oregon. Food banks give food to those in need for free, and they are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits. For Oregonians who need to turn to food banks, it’s important to know that the food there is and always will be free, and Measure 103 won’t have any impact on that. Saying the measure will keep food banks tax free is like saying passing the measure will keep the sky blue.
We find it shameful that Measure 103 is hiding behind non-existent threats to food assistance to further the goal of codifying tax loopholes for special interests in Oregon’s Constitution.
Then, the special interests backing Measure 103 tried to link themselves to Measure 102. Measure 102 is a non-controversial measure that has no formal opposition. As a proponent of 102, and an opponent of 103, this was upsetting.
Don’t be deceived by this. While Measure 102 will address Oregon’s housing crisis, Measure 103 does nothing to help the one in eight Oregonians experiencing food insecurity.
Here’s who Measure 103 does help: Big tobacco, big soda, fast food all get permanent tax loopholes enshrined in Oregon’s Constitution. It doesn’t protect families who need the basics, as it doesn’t cover essentials like medicine, diapers and soap.
That’s why out-of-state corporations have poured more than $7 million into this campaign. Corporate grocers alone have poured more than $4 million into Measure 103. And in the past two months, the American Beverage Association and other big soda companies have put in over $3 million combined for the same reason. They are spending millions because Measure 103 will protect their bottom lines.
Here’s our bottom line: For our families and communities, we urge Oregonians to Vote Yes on 102 and No on 103.
Annie Kirschner is the executive director of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
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