AFSCME interviews and endorses candidates during every election cycle. AFSCME is a non-partisan organization and endorses pro-worker candidates regardless of political party affiliation. AFSCME only endorses candidates and measures that protect and value workers. The PAC is open to members of all beliefs and creeds. If you are interested in participating in future candidate interviews, contact our local President, LaRece Rivera.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP ELECT PRO-WORKER CANDIDATES HERE
2020 General Election Endorsements:
Laurie Trieger, Lane County Commissioner, District 3
Endorsed by AFSCME Local 2831, Oregon AFSCME, and Lane County Central Labor Chapter
Learn More: https://www.laurietrieger.com/
Shemia Fagan, Secretary of State
Endorsed by Oregon AFSCME and Oregon AFL-CIO
Learn More: https://shemiafororegon.com/
Tobias Read, State Treasurer
Endorsed by Oregon AFSCME and Oregon AFL-CIO
Learn More: https://www.tobiasread.com/
Ellen Rosenblum, State Attorney General
Endorsed by Oregon AFSCME and Oregon AFL-CIO
Learn More: https://www.ellenrosenblum.com/
Melissa Cribbins, State Senate, District 5
Endorsed by Oregon AFSCME and Oregon AFL-CIO
Learn More: https://www.melissacribbins.com/
Cal Mukumoto, State Representative, House District 9
Endorsed by Oregon AFSCME and Oregon AFL-CIO
Learn More: https://calmukumoto.com/
STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURES Endorsed by Oregon AFSCME
Campaign Finance Limits Amendment, Measure 107
https://www.fairandhonestelections.org
Measure 107 would authorize the Oregon State Legislature and local governments to limit political contributions and expenditures. The amendment authorizes the state legislature and local governments to enact laws and ordinances to (1) limit political campaign contributions and expenditures (2) require disclosure of contributions and expenditures, (3) require political advertisement to identify people or entities that paid for them.
Oregon AFSCME endorses Measure 107 and encourages a ‘Yes’ vote because currently, there are no limits on contributions from big money interests and there is lack of transparency in political advertising. For years, special interest groups have contributed millions of dollars that influence the outcome of Oregon elections. Voting ‘Yes’ on Measure 107 ensures we end the role of big money in politics and gives back political power to working-class people.
Tobacco and E-Cigarette Tax Increases for Health Programs Measure, Measure 108
Measure 108 would increase taxes on distributors of tobacco products and other nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes and vaping products. Tax revenue would be allocated to fund the state’s Medical Assistance Program, including prevention and cessation programs, addressing tobacco- and nicotine-related diseases.
Oregon AFSCME endorses Measure 108 and encourages a ‘Yes’ vote because taxing vapes and tobacco has proven to reduce smoking and vaping, saving on costs and saving lives. Additionally, the revenue would go back into communities affected by big tobacco by funding public health such as the Oregon Health Plan.
Psilocybin Mushroom Services Program Initiative, Measure 109
Measure 109 would create a program, authorized by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), to administer psilocybin products, such as psilocybin mushrooms and fungi, to individuals aged 21 years or older.
Oregon AFSCME endorses Measure 108 and encourages a ‘Yes’ vote because it would provide low-risk and effective long term treatment for anxiety and depression by establishing a regulated psilocybin therapy system. Many of our members suffer from post traumatic stress injury and this treatment could benefit them and our members in behavioral health have asked for these tools to provide their patients alternative treatment.
Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative, Measure 110
Measure 110 would reclassify personal non-commercial possession of certain drugs under specified amounts from a misdemeanor or felony (depending on person’s criminal history) to Class E violation subject to either $100 fine and establish a drug addiction treatment and recovery program funded in part by the state’s marijuana tax revenue.
Oregon AFSCME endorses Measure 110 and encourages a ‘Yes’ vote because Oregon has the fourth highest addiction rate in the country but is last in access to treatment costing the state $6 billion a year in policing and healthcare. Measure 110 addresses this issue by focusing on prevention and treatment rather than punishment.
LOCAL BALLOT MEASURES Endorsed by Oregon AFSCME
Five-Year Public Safety Operations Local Option Tax, City of Oakridge, Measure 20-308
This five year levy would impose $2.73 per $1,000 of assessed value to provide police and emergency services to the community at current level. This levy would allow the City to maintain its Advanced Life Support Level I ambulance transport service and provide a police force of four officers, one sergeant and a police chief.
Oregon AFSCME endorses Measure 20-308 and encourages a ‘Yes’ vote to continue to provide police and critical emergency services to the community that would otherwise be reduced without this levy or revenue from other sources.
Sweet Home Library Five-Year Operating Levy Renewal, City of Sweet Home, Measure 22-184
This five year levy would continue to support the public library with an annual property tax levy of $1.17 per $1,000 to maintain current services beginning in fiscal year 2022. This measure renews current local option taxes.
Oregon AFSCME endorses Measure 22-184 and encourages a ‘Yes’ vote to continue to fund the Sweet Home library to keep up with the community’s need for essential services and programs.
