Side Bars – Our Obligations – The Purpose of Civil Government – The Witness of the Reformational Church to the Role of the Civil Magistrate – Closing Exhortation

Ballot Recommendations Summary Measure 26 Measure 27 Measure 28 Measure 29 Measure 30 Measure 31 Measure 32 Measure 33 Measure 34 Measure 35 Measure 36 Measure 37 Measure 38 Measure 39 Measure 40 Measure 41 Measure 42 Measure 43 Measure 44 Measure 45 Measure 46 Measure 47 Measure 48

Measure 44
Increases, Adds Cigarette and Tobacco Taxes; Changes Tax Revenue Distribution

This Measure fails to meet muster on several counts. First, it does not aid in the punishment of evildoers, unless we are willing to say that certain great men of the faith, such as the great reformed Baptist preacher C. H. Spurgeon, and the great Presbyterian theologian R. H. Thornwell, were engaging in evil when they enjoyed a good cigar! (This should not be read as an endorsement of cigars.) Second, even if smoking was evil, it should then be outlawed, not taxed. Third, the proceeds goes for more unbiblical state programs, such as the Oregon Health Plan, socialist, collectivist medicine, paid for by your taxes. We strongly recommend a NO vote on this Measure.

"Yes" vote increases cigarette and tobacco taxes and establishes new taxes, changes distribution of revenues.

"No" vote leaves cigarette and tobacco taxes at current levels, does not affect revenue distribution.

SUMMARY: Increases cigarette tax from 1.4 to 2.9 cents per cigarette. Cities, counties, general fund, transportation department get smaller proportion; majority goes to Oregon Health Plan, tobacco use reduction programs. Adds one-time taxes totaling three cents per cigarette, proceeds to Oregon Health Plan, tobacco use reduction. Increases tobacco products tax from 35% to 65% of wholesale price; directs some proceeds to Oregon Health Plan, tobacco use reduction, less to general fund. Retains one-half cent per cigarette tax that funds Oregon Health Plan.

This voters' guide produced by Parents Education Association, PAC.