Measure 50 failed in Oregon because the Legislature FAILEDMeasure "50" in Oregon was an increase in the tobacco tax. It could have funded medical help for Children. It was given to the public because the legislature was unable to enough to pass it.Measure 50 failed because the people
of Oregon didn't want to change the constitution, it
isn't supposed to work that way, the legislature is
supposed to take care of legislation like this. The
CDC says smoking costs the US 98 Billion dollars a
year in lost productivity alone, medical
expenses some studies show smoking-related health-care
costs, which was reported at $75.5 billion in 1998,
exceeds $167 billion per year in the United States. Now
I don't know what portion of that lost revenue Oregon
has but I do know this. What ever it is, proposition 50
would only cover a fraction. If the legislature had any
nads they would go with a much higher tax, but you won't
and I know why. 3 things. (1) Money, revenue. you people
are as addicted to the revenue from tobacco as the
smoker is addicted to the nicotine. 13 people die a day
in Oregon due to tobacco according to the pro
advertisement, but you are concerned about how much
money there is to spend in your district, to get
re-elected. (2) I don't doubt some of the legislatures
are getting some money from the tobacco industry. We
know what to call that. (3) Some of you are addicts,
nicotine addicts and you don't want to pay more for your
"fix". I used to live in a Miz Morgans district and I
corresponded with her regarding the 2002 proposition and
she lied repeatedly. Lied! She is or at least was, an
addict. So, people can die, children can become addicted
but you (the legislature as a whole, I don't know what
you did personally, even if there is a place to look it
up you probably couldn't believe it) are unable to get
enough people behind a bill to help fund children’s
health at the expense, no; actually to put it correctly,
at a little less subsidy to the addicts of Oregon. That
is pathetic. If you are not 'one' than you know who I am
talking about but obviously you didn't work hard enough.
I'll bet a pay raise flies through the process. I look
forward to your response. I will post it in full and
un-edited when I post this on my blog, my web site and
on the Oregon news groups. Thanks for taking the time to
read and respond. |