Issues
In addition to the common sense reforms that Common Sense For Oregon supports through the initiative process, Common Sense For Oregon is also a leader in a number of issue areas of particular public importance.
Open Government
For years Oregonians prided themselves of having one of the most open, transparent governments in the entire nation. However, in recent times, state agencies, elected officials, and local governments have made blatant attempts to subvert Oregon’s tradition of open and transparent government. Common Sense For Oregon will not stand idly by and allow Oregon government to be hidden from the citizens.
Economic Liberties
Common Sense For Oregon will oppose any legislation and any laws on the books that create artificial barriers to business. For instance, in Oregon, in order for a company to be licensed as furniture movers, they must receive a permit from the Oregon Department of Transportation. Before a permit will be issued by the Department of Transportation, all of the other licensed moving companies in Oregon must agree to allow a new licensee to enter the market place. If any moving company rejects, the new moving company is subjected to considerable delay, administrative red tape, and ultimately a denial. This law creates a moving company “cartel” and prevents other moving companies from moving into the market place.
Protecting the Initiative Process
In Oregon, the power to legislate – the power to create new laws – is shared equally between the Legislative Assembly and the people of the State of Oregon. The reason why the people amended their constitution in 1902 to guarantee that legislative power would be shared equally between the people and the legislative assembly, is because at the time, the Oregon Legislature had become captured by special interests who helped get legislators elected to their office.
Spending Reform
Oregon does not have a revenue problem, Oregon has a spending problem.
Since 2003, the State of Oregon’s discretionary budget has increased 37%. In that same time period, the average per-capita income for Oregonians has only increased 18% — less than half. In other words, the Oregon Legislature is spending money at twice the rate that Oregonians are earning money.
ATTENTION OREGON TAXPAYERS!
Know of Government Waste
or Outrageous Spending?
Expose it Anonymously by
CLICKING HERE or Calling the Tip Line at
1-877-U-Fleece (1-877-835-3323)Blogroll
