Side Bars – R.L. Dabney on Secular Conservatives – Rethinking Public Schools – The Bible and Private Property – The Bible and Possession Laws – Deuteronomy 4:5-9 – Lord Acton Quote – The Bible and Gambling – Closing Exhortation – Our Obligations – The Purpose of Civil Government

Ballot Recommendations Summary Measure 54 Measure 55 Measure 56 Measure 57 Measure 58 Measure 59 Measure 60 Measure 61 Measure 62 Measure 63 Measure 64 Measure 65 Measure 66 Measure 67

PEAPAC Information Help Us Expand Get a Political Tax Credit

Measure #55
Amends Constitution: Permits State To Guarantee Earnings On Prepaid Tuition Trust Fund

Result of “Yes” vote:
Vote yes to authorize state to guarantee earnings under tuition trust fund program.

Result of “No” vote:
Vote no to refuse authorization to guarantee earnings under tuition trust fund program.

PEAPAC Explanation:
This Measure would let parents prepay, years in advance, college tuition costs, and guarantee a certain rate of return on these prepaid dollars. We oppose this Measure, and recommend a No vote.

PEAPAC Commentary and Recommendation

This measure would guarantee a certain rate of return to those who prepay tuition costs. These moneys would then be invested by the State of Oregon. Should the interest rate on these investments not attain to that guarantee, tax dollars would pick up the difference. In the words of the official explanation found at the Secretary of State’s web site “The contract between the contributor and the state creates liabilities and debt for the state ..The measure allows the state to lend credit and incur debt to satisfy guarantees made in connection with higher education prepaid tuition trust funds.” The estimated cost to taxpayers is 1.2 million dollars over the first four years.

We have several concerns with this Measure. First, it potentially increases government funding of higher education. We believe tax rates should drop, and that many budget items should be reduced. It makes no sense to us, then, to increase taxes to help pay for tuition costs.

Second, state financing of higher education seems clearly out of keeping with the proper, biblical role of government. (See sidebar “Rethinking Public Schools”)

Third, there are a number of unanswered questions about the implementation of this Measure. What about parents whose children end up not wanting to go to college? What about those whose children end up in universities in other states, or in private colleges? The list goes on.

Fourth, we are generally opposed to the State of Oregon competing with private financial institutions for investment dollars. This Measure would increase State involvement in this area which belongs properly to the private economic sphere.

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