Get out the Native Vote! NAYA Ballot Measure Endorsements for November 6th
As an Urban Native community, one of the most powerful things we can do this fall is turn out to vote. In a time when voting is being challenged in many areas of the country, we are fortunate in Oregon to have the Oregon Motor Voter Act automatically register voters, and a mail-in ballot process. But we must still VOTE!
NAYA Family Center strives to build upon the strengths of our diverse cultures, providing opportunities to learn about important issues through civic conversations and forums, informing our community members on the issues that impact them and giving them a place to make their voices heard.
With a number of important ballot measures and races being decided in this mid term election, November 6, 2018, the NAYA Family Center has endorsed the following measures and encourages you to:
Vote YES on Measure 26-199:
This Metro Regional affordable housing bond would create additional affordable housing units in the Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. The total bond is $652.8 million over 20 years. By proposing a region-wide bond, rather than a local bond, more communities will contribute to and benefit from the regional affordable housing bond — lowering the burden on taxpayers. The bond will cost an estimated 24 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, which will cost the average homeowner only $5 per month, or $60 per year. NAYA endorses a YES vote on Measure 26-199.
Vote YES on Measure 102:
This statewide constitutional amendment which would allow cities and counties to use bonds to fund privately owned affordable housing. Making up just 2.5 % of the population in Multnomah County, 10% of the Native American population is homeless – a far greater rate of homelessness than any other group. Measure 102 is a step in the right direction, providing more affordable housing units for individuals throughout Oregon. Voters can help keep our communities together by voting YES for Affordable Housing. NAYA Family Center is supporting Measure 102 and Measure 26-199, two affordable housing ballot measures that will ensure safe, affordable housing for more working families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities throughout our region. NAYA endorses a YES vote on Measure 102.
Vote YES on 26-201:
Measure 26-201 would require Portland retailers with total annual revenue over $1 billion dollars and a Portland annual revenue over $500,000 dollars to pay 1% surcharge on gross revenue from retail sales within Portland. Proceeds placed into the new Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund will benefit private, Oregon nonprofit organizations for Clean Energy Projects, Clean Energy Jobs Training, and Future Innovations. NAYA endorses a YES vote on Measure 26-201.
Vote NO on Measure 105:
Measure 105 would repeal the current state law which forbids state agencies, including law enforcement, from using state resources or personnel to detect and apprehend people whose only violation of law is that they are persons of foreign citizenship present in the United States and in violation of federal immigration laws. If passed, this would open the door for law enforcement to racially profile people of color. NAYA endorses a NO vote on Measure 105.
Vote NO on Measure 106:
Anti-abortion groups in Oregon have put this measure on the ballot that would cut access to care for vulnerable Oregonians. Measure 106 is a backdoor ban on abortion, making abortion available only to those who can afford it. No one should be denied healthcare because they can’t afford it. We, as a Native Community value the right to govern our own people and our own bodies because we know the pain of having that right taken away. If passed, Measure 106 would continue to take away the body sovereignty that women deserve when making family planning decisions. NAYA endorses a NO vote on Measure 106.
Our indigenous voice is powerful; let it be heard this election! Turn out to vote by November 6th.