14 Measures may be headed for November ballot

Yesterday marked the deadline for the submission of ballot measures in Oregon, and Oregonians will likely have 12 to 14 measures to vote on this November. Four of the measures were submitted by legislative referral, and 10 by public initiative.

9 of the 10 measures filed by initiative petition were filed by conservative activists, Bill Sizemore, Kevin Mannix, and Russ Walker appear designed to drain the financial resources of liberal advocacy groups like the public employees unions, trial lawyers, and teachers.

The 10th measure, the Oregon Open Primary, will create a non-partisan primary system where the top two candidates would advance to the general election. The measure is being promoted by former Oregon Secretaries of State Norma Paulus and Phil Keisling.

Here is a rundown of the 14 measures Oregonians will likely vote on this November:

• Creates an unlimited deduction for federal income taxes on Oregon tax returns. Oregon voters defeated a similar measure in 2006.
• Prohibits teaching public school students in a language other than english for more than two years.
• Prevents public employee unions from collecting dues for political purposes.
• Exempts property owners from building permit requirements for improvements under $35,000.
• Creates mandatory minimum prison sentences for identity theft and other crimes.
• Requires merit pay for teachers.
• Earmarks of 15 percent of lottery funds to publc safety.
• Limits amount lawyers can earn in contingency fees on case settlements.
• Punishes attorneys for filing "frivolous lawsuits.
• Will create a non-partisan primary system where the top two candidates would advance to the general election.

The fate of 2 Kevin Mannix-led measures will be determined by the Oregon Supreme Court in the coming months, as the Secretary of State ruled that the measures had to cease circulating due to non-comliance with the state's new rigorous laws governing the circulation of initiative petitions.