HB 3348 Voters’ pamphlet statement requirement

This bill ensures voters know when a ballot measure has a financial impact to the state but does not identify a source of revenue. Requires the phrase, “MEASURE SPENDS MONEY WITHOUT IDENTIFYING A FUNDING SOURCE,” be added to the voter pamphlet statement if the measure has an anticipated cost exceeding $100,000.

Personal Choice and Responsibility
The statement that points out a lack of funding source could overtly imply support or opposition to a measure. Secretary of State should not be perceived as favorable to one side or another that might have undue influence.

Fiscal Responsibility
The statement is presented as a warning that is misleading. Other more costly programs would not have a ‘warning’ statement, such as being funded by lottery. Cap-and-trade would not have a ‘warning’ if on the ballot.

Limited Government
Oregon law establishes a financial estimate committee to review state measures and estimate the change in government expenditures, revenue or indebtedness the measure would require if enacted. The committee consists of the Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Director of the Department of Administrative Services, Director of the Department of Revenue and a member, selected by these four members, who represents a city, county or district and has expertise in local government finances. When the committee determines that a measure will have a financial effect that will not exceed $100,000, the committee is required to include a statement indicating that conclusion in the voters’ pamphlet. HB 3348 provides that, if the committee determines that a measure will have a financial effect in excess of $100,000, the committee is required to include a statement indicating that the measure spends money without identifying a funding source.

SAMPLE TESTIMONY TO COPY AND SEND to: srules.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov

Senate Committee on Rules
Chair Ginny Burdick and members of the committee

HB 3348 – STRONGLY OPPOSE

This bill ensures voters know when a ballot measure has a financial impact to the state but does not identify a source of revenue. Requires the phrase, “MEASURE SPENDS MONEY WITHOUT IDENTIFYING A FUNDING SOURCE,” be added to the voter pamphlet statement if the measure has an anticipated cost exceeding $100,000.

The statement that points out a lack of funding source could overtly imply support or opposition to a measure. Secretary of State should not be perceived as favorable to one side or another that might have undue influence.

The statement is presented as a warning that is misleading. Other more costly programs would not have a ‘warning’ statement, such as being funded by lottery. Cap-and-trade would not have a ‘warning’ if on the ballot. This will clearly confuse voters.

[name – county]