Oregon Ballot Measure 20 (2002)
From Ballotpedia
Oregon Ballot Measure 20 (2002) or House Bill (HB) 4051 is a legislatively-referred state statute that would increase the tax on cigarettes by 60 cents per 20 pack in order to fund and maintain the Oregon Health Plan.[1]
Official Ballot Title
Increases Cigarette Tax; Uses Revenue for Health Plan, Other Programs[2]
Results
This measure passed at the September 2002 Special Election.
Support
[3] Many in support of the measure argue that the higher tax on cigarettes would not only help fund and strengthen The Oregon Health plan, but it will reduce use of tobacco and prevent people from becoming smokers due to the higher prices. Supporters believed the measure would help get rid of the "state budget crisis".
Some of the organizations that supported the measure are:
- American Cancer Society
- American Lung Association of Oregon
- American Heart Association
- Oregon Business Association
- Oregon Nurses Association
- Oregon Medical Association
- Children First for Oregon
Opposition
[4] Some who oppose the measure label it as a "mean-spirited" tax that targets only a small percentage of Oregonians (smokers) to fund government services that benefit all Oregonians. Many believed the passage of the measure would only give government permission for more out of control spending of tax dollars and that raising taxes during a recession is never the right thing to do. Some were concerned about how the tax would affect the convenience story industry and believed the measure may force some to close.
Some of those who opposed the measure are:
- National Federation of Independent Business
- Citizens for a Sound Economy PAC
- Oregon Neighborhood Store Association
- Taxpayer Association of Oregon
References
- ↑ Measure 20 Explanatory Statement provided by the legislature of the 2002 Third Special Session
- ↑ Detailed information on this measure from the Secretary of State
- ↑ Arguments in Favor from the State Voting Guide
- ↑ Arguments in Opposition from the State Voting Guide
