Why did Measure 50 fail? Viewers sound off

The following are responses received by KATU News via e-mail regarding whether they were surprised that Measure 50, which would have increased the tobacco tax in Oregon to pay for children's health care, failed. The comments have not been edited for grammar, spelling or punctuation.

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Well, Big Tobacco must be jumping up and down with joy today. Their millions of dollars in lies seems to have paid off in that it fooled enough Oregonians into voting NO on Measure 50.

When is the State Legislature going to put curbs on out-of-state and big corporate spending on state measures? And when are we going to hold those responsible for lying to us accountable? When are the advertisers for these big-money campaigns going to be required to fully disclose who they actually are in their ads?

The mere fact that the campaign against 50 was sponsored by Reynolds and Philip Morris should have been the giveaway. Two of the biggest tobacco conglomerates around against a tax on their source of income? How outrageous. So, one compaign of misdirection and lies later, and we still have tens or
hundreds of thousands of kids who will continue to go without proper healthcare.

Shame on all of us for falling for the lies.

- Tom

Measure 50 was a bad idea for 1 simple reason:  UNFAIR and downright DISCRIMINATORY taxation against a select group of consumers.  Child health care is (or should be) a state-wide concern of ALL Oregonians and, therefore, should be the financial responsibility of ALL Oregonians.  All Oregon politicians (Gordon Smith, et al) who supported this bill have lost my future vote, now that I know how unfair and prejudiced they are.

- Colleen

This measure was doomed from the start.  First by singling out one particular group of people to penalize.  The second thing that gets me is that every where you look people are trying to get smokers to quit, as the years go by there will be fewer smokers, then where would the tax money come from.  Fewer smokers mean less money in taxes.  Personally I thought the measure was very discriminator.  If your going to tax something to make money...tax alcohol.  There are many many more drinkers than there are smokers!
 
- Cheri

I don't smoke.  However, I voted down the proposed cigarette tax.  The money taken in from the tax would have been used to start up programs that would become unsustainable a few years down the road.  The smoker tax base IS going to dwindle as the current smokers die, and the number of replacement smokers falls due to health education.  In several years, the money would start to dry up and then the citizens of Oregon would be left to figure out how to come up with the extra money needed to keep the programs running.  The idea was flawed from the start.  There is no doubt we need some of those programs that the tax would have financed, but this was not the way to do so. 
And by the way, no, I am not influenced by voting ads, either pro or con.  Both sides have agendas and therefore neither side is unbiased.  I can think for myself, thank you very much.
 
- D

So the message seems to be that if I voted against Measure 50 I was bought by big tobacco.  I have a different take on that spin.  I voted against measure 50.  That means I was not bought by inept politicians who always come up with some tax scheme to “provide healthcare for the children.”  I voted against this measure because I do not trust ANY politician to spend my money. 

I am not a smoker and never have been, but I know that politicians, when given more money will come up with some way to squander that money because they think they have a better intention.  The fact is that there have never been adequate checks and balances—and for that matter, consequences—for tax funds.  The politicians will screw that up, not be held accountable, and come up with some way to tax the public for their mistakes while spinning their mistake to be something like…healthcare for the children.  I am always amazed that the losing side will always insult the winning side by claiming we were bought.  If I was bought by their side they would embrace me warmly and have some phony message to thank me for my support!

I agree that the children need healthcare and we should do more, but to rely on a politician to provide it is irresponsible and foolish!

- Ken

I voted "No". I am a non-smoker. I don't even have any friends who smoke.I don't watch TV so would have missed any advertising by "Big Tobacco". I voted as soon as ballots arrived so missed most print media as well.

I believe in democracy and don't think a small segment of society should shoulder the burden that all of us should be responsible for. I normally vote for most if not all bond/ tax measures. But this measure was grossly unfair to a small group of citizens who just happen to be smokers.

- Tim

First I must comment in regards to “anonymous” and “Rob’s” comments below and any other pro measure 50 supporters lashing out at people who don’t think like they do;
 
You two and the “hyper-liberal” policies you support are part of the problem with the fiscal infrastructure of this state, which pushes special interest programs and new taxes which equal higher taxes and less disposable income for working Oregonians!
 
Your ideals and grassroots liberal agendas are the reason why this state can not adapt a moderate stance to fiscal policy and balance its books!
The reason why measure 50 did not pass is that the majority of Oregonians are smarter then you think!
 
They have seen bond measures and bond money that they voted for be frittered away by state and local governments when they were supposed to be used for schools! They have voted yes countless times for new taxes because special interests groups that you support pumped money into campaigning there extreme liberal agendas!
 
The Oregon tax payer is sick and tired seeing there tax dollars wasted and then being asked for more because… well just because! The Oregon state government is the 3rd largest in the country and it got that way because of years of support and lobbying by hyper-liberals with short sighted agenda’s and pet projects… and you’re probably proud of that!
 
If you want health care for children then the governor and our elected officials need to allocate and spend our tax dollars more wisely and monitor unnecessary waste and they will find that the money is there for such an important need! As it stands, the trend seems to be tax and spend, tax and spend while being reckless with the tax revenue they already have and counting on new bonds or measures to pass so as to fill the void for wasteful spending now and for years to come!
 
In closing,
The harsh sentiment that I read towards people that did not vote the way you did has shown both your ignorance and arganance when it comes to the tax payer, fiscal responsibility and the future and health of the state of Oregon!!!
 
- Brett

Follow the money.  Big tobocco paid $24 per "No" vote.

- Barry

I NEVER vote for anything that tinkers with the Constitution - unless compelling arguments are made for the need.  Nobody made a compelling argument for it in this case.  In fact, nobody made a compelling - or any - response to any of the very good arguments against this measure.

I don't fall for scams from Nigeria, nor do I fall for   scams thrust in my face in the name of political-correctness.  There is an old saying: "Once created, the goal of every government agency is to perpetuate its existence."  It was just one more agency that would get padded with more unproductive jobs manned by people marking time until they collect PERS.

- Rebecca

Measure 50 was a pariah tax to persecute a small group of people so non smokers would NOT HAVE TO PAY THE TAX.  Targeting others to AVOID TAXATION to all.
 
If funds are needed... USE THE LOTTERY that was DESIGNED to pay for schools/children. (wasn't that the big PROMISE when we voted in the lottery?)  Now lottery funds go everywhere else with only a very small fraction to the schools.  What a surprise...and  how crass is that?
 
Legislators can give themselves raises without  "the people's vote",  get retirement benefits for serving only 2-4 years, while we (in careers) have to work 30 years and have to fight for every benefit...
 
Get rid of property taxes and install an Oregon state sales tax...where all ( the homeless,poor, rich, unemployed, employed or just passing through Oregon)  must pay. What's good for one is good for all.
 
If all are not part of the solution, all are part the problem.

- anonymous

I was not at all surprised that it failed. No one I talked to want a tax linked to the constitution and no one wanted so much money left to be spent on unidentified programs. Also the fact that they get one tax in and they will just keep adding others turned a lot of people off. It was poorly written and very sketchy as to how they would continue to pay for the insurance later down the road. Every one wants a child to be able to go to the doctor when they are sick and we all know that the system we have could do better.

So fix it do not just throw hard earned money away with no long term (10—20 years) plan to show that it will work, and that the money will just be spent on something specific not some unidentified thing called health care, like classes or movies or printed papers that kids are just going to throw away and not even read any way. It needs to be set aside for named things like shots, x-rays, asthma treatments, and any other ailment that kids get that the OHP is having trouble covering right now, some dental care would be good. Low income parents can not afford to have a filling done or a tooth pulled at today’s prices .   .

- Dee

Big money from the tobacco industry wins again.  People are influenced by the spin masters who can say black is white and up is down.

- Russ 

It is disgusting to me that all that out of state tobacco company money influenced so many Oregon voters!!!!!  Our priorities are so 
out of whack when we pay enormous amounts of our taxes to fight unjust wars killing our own and other young people and won't spend a 
much smaller percentage to pay for health care for our own citizens.
  
Many of these families can't afford to buy coverage because the good paying jobs with benefits have gone over seas and what we have now 
are low wages without benefits.  When will our country come to its senses????  What will it take for our elected officials finally get 
the message?

- anonymous

The burden of financing children's health insurance must be carried on the shoulders of all Oregonians--it wasn't fair to single out one particular group of citizens. I personally wanted the bill to pass, but primarily because it created a financial barrier to minors who wish to take up the habit of smoking. The (rather frightening) idea of amending the state's constitution created a good deal of fodder for the tobacco industry--which they put to very good use!
 
Better luck next time,
 
- John

I am FURIOUS about the outcome of the election.  The smokers rallied together and voted and tobacco won.  I can't imagine anyone but a smoker voting NO on healthcare for children, that means that everyone else sat on their butts and didn't vote or was brainwashed by the millions in advertising spent by big tobacco, it's disgusting and pathetic.
 
- Rob

The tax was defeated as it was a bad idea from the beginning. The cigarette companies did not influence our vote. The Governor needs to understand that the people of this state can think for themselves. This state can and should pay for the health care of it's children. Get them all into the Oregon Health Plan.
 
- James

Hello, I had little doubt that measure 50 would pass.There seems to be a tremendous amount of resentment and hostility against smokers these days.Maybe it is to punish us or perhaps we are the only group it is 'righteous' to pick on and for a few (my outlook) because of genuine belief of the detrimental effects.
No matter what they say there is not a smoker with a lick of sense who does not wish they were free of it.That includes myself of course.I could not help but notice the Oregonian was really promoting the issue even going so far as to denigrate smokers as lower income,poorly educated,community college students,if that.The great unwashed in other words.

Perhaps it would have passed if they had not been so greedy,that is if they had asked for a lesser amount per pack.

I wonder how much revenue would be produced by a tariff of 20 cents not only for cigarettes but for every container of an alcoholic beverage.With a guarantee the money would be spent only for childrens' medical I would vote for that.

- Daryl

Believe it or not, despite the claims made against the tobacco companies by sore losers, the people of Oregon have made their own choices known to all.
 
What an insult to me and other Oregonians, to imply that we were 'influenced' and not capable of making our own informed decisions.
 
Could it not possibly be, that our vote was based on the fact that we felt it was an unsound plan, or an unfair tax, or even because some of us didn't like the fact that our government attempted to herd in some new unpopular taxes on the coat tails of  the present day 'Smokers Witchunt' ?
 
- Pam

Our illustrious governor is flat wrong, the tobacco industry did NOT buy the election.  the people are smarter than he thinks, we know how to read.  the bill was written so that if tobacco use fell off, the taxation would come from somewhere else, non-smokers.

- Mark

Just another example of the power of money and TV. Anyone with enough money can pass anything in this state.
The tobacco people are laughing their heads off at the stupid people, now they control non smokers as well.
HOW DOES THAT FEEL----------YOU HAVE BEEN BOUGHT!
 
People need to read the ballots not watch TV for information ---this election would have been a lot different if the people had to read the ballot
 
Next week smoking rooms in schools! and let me take your house so we can open a 7-11 its best for everyone else
 
I thought I lived in OREGON  do you really think both measures were from Oregon money--think again look at who had something to gain follow the money.
 
- David

I am glad Oregonians voted against this tax.
If they were to tax all products that cause medical problems the way they tax smokers we would all have free heath care.
 
Lets start the new tax with $3 a gallon gas fees after your first 100 gallons per month, for SUV and gas guzzling trucks this would make it expensive too drive but they cause more pollution and higher prices for us all.
Than alcohol $2 tax on each bottle or can, More injuries and deaths are caused by alcohol than any other substance in America
By the way I am non smoker and non drinker, So it did not effect me if it passed, Unless you count my freedom to choose.

- Anonymous

I would gladly vote on a tax increase so all of the children in the state are covered (as long as the bill covered that and that alone), but to screw with the constitution the way that they did really irritated me. I just can't see putting it in the constitution to make it legal to tax a special interest group.

- Wrayal

No one in their right mind is going to give them more money to squander! 

- Leslie

You should never amend the constitution!  I don't smoke and I didn't think the tobacco company's ad campaign had anything to do with peoples votes. 

- John

It surprises me that the powers that be can't accept Measure 50 was a bad idea - trying to take the easy way out and putting the burden of Illegal Immigrants Health Care on the backs of one small group of people.  Thank Goodness Oregonians are not as stupid as the Legislator's think.

- Kay

Good riddance to a bad measure.  Like the Oregon health plan before it it would have been socialized medicine for illegals with the citizens of
Oregon left out in the cold once again.  To base it on a single product punitive tax is just wrong on all levels.  If the legislature wants
socialized health care they must put in safeguards for the identification of illegals and their deportation only then will the system be a benefit for the citizens of Oregon.

- Norman

I am not at all surprised about Measure 50 being defeated, the cigarette makers flooded the TV, radio & billboards, they spent so much money on the issue. Unfortunately the average person does not take the time to actually understand a ballot measure, they listen to the ads and make their choices from there…when all they hear is how screwed up a ballot measure is they start to believe it without truly understanding the issues behind it.  It is a sad fact that people in the masses will do what they are told rather than do their own research and think for themselves.
 
- Jennifer

First let me say I DO NOT SMOKE….but I voted no on the tax increase.. The money spent by the cigarette companies also had nothing to do with my vote. For me it was clearly discrimination, any time you pick a group of people because of something that is different from the majority it's discrimination. Next it will be if your over weight they will tax  you if you buy a candy bar, or if your too thin they will tax you on drinking a diet coke. Sorry folks money and second hand smoke had nothing to do with this, the measure was all wrong.

- Jessie

I agree with the idea of the tax to stop smoking. I think it was too large of an amount.  Good grief. However, why is if for children's health?  It should go back to help smokers quit and health care of smokers.  One has nothing to do with the other.

How about getting the premiums lower?  Don't they still have health plans offered at school for children?  Something should be done at the school and school level to get all children covered. Not run by the school system of course.

I don't smoke.  Never have.  Voted for the measure because of how addicting cigarettes are but never got the connection for helping children out.  They need to find another source.  How about the tobacco companies.  LOL.

My husband had stage 3 of 4 cancer caused by smoking 8 years ago.  Is fine now. Luckily he had great coverage but if he was one of the thousands of smokers who didn't the tax money should go to smokers recovery.  They are inadvertently paying the premiums.

The tobacco adds were clever and their angle made sense.  Many people fell for them.

Complicated issue.

- Faith  

To select one group of people to pay for the mishandleing of the uninsured... NO WAY
And I'm not a smoker

- Margaret

I never saw a single commercial on it. I am a truck driver who is gone for weeks at a time, but I didn't have to see one to know that this is just another attempt at social medicine and just another backdoor approach to punish the smokers. I do not smoke, and I don't like to smell it either, however, to do this to smokers, or more generally, nicotine users, is completely unfair and just another example of why it's absurd to continually elect and re-elect Democrats into office.

- Joshua

Cigarette companies want everyone to smoke.  I wonder if any of their families have died from lung cancer.  I have.

- Tede

I agree with the gouvenor, the result was bought by the tabacco industry.

- Annette

It was deceptive to say the least. Besides should I start smoking to support kids

- Donnie

My comment about Measure 50 and the reason it failed is:  I didn't like it being added to the constitution.  I  do believe that the tax on cigarettes should happen and a lot of the propaganda the tobacco companies put out is just that propaganda.  If people are going to smoke then they should pay for the health consequences for everyone who is affected for their compulsion.  It tier paying for this compulsion helps our children so much the better.  I don't smoke but a couple of my grown children do.  I still feel they should help pay for the damage.  A tax is a good way for this to happen because If you don't want to pay the tax don't smoke, find a way to quit.  It our elected officials wont step up and vote what's right instead of voting party lines then we need to replace our elected officials.  Thank You;
 
- Grace