Latest news with #LeagueofWomenVotersofOregon
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Who controls tariffs?
President Donald Trump holds up a chart while speaking during a 'Make America Wealthy Again' trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) Tariffs affect everyone, from eastern Oregon farmers, to young urbanities, from rural coastal workers to retirees. It has captured the attention of the public and every media outlet, but often missing the complete background. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes one aspect of the tariffs (whether one supports or opposes them) is being ignored. Namely, the relationship to governmental separation of powers. A founding principle of the League is the belief that 'all powers of the US government should be exercised within the constitutional framework of a balance among the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.' The question then is who has control over tariffs? Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution tells us the answer is Congress, stating it has the power over 'taxes, duties, imposts and excises' and 'to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations.' Congress also has the right to delegate timely and various levels of authority on tariffs to the president, which it has done six times. In 1977, they passed the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which allows the president this power during times of emergency (which had been understood to mean an actual emergency). Congress can modify these powers at any time. Whether Oregonians praise or blame the president for tariff consequences, we need to understand which of our three branches of government constitutionally oversees such 'duties, imposts and excises.' We hope that the media will better communicate this important separation of powers and congressional responsibilities. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oregon bill would let 16- and 17-year-olds vote in school board elections
Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections. House Bill 3012 went before the House Committee on Rules on Tuesday, sparking debate over whether teenagers are ready for the responsibility. Dozens spoke at the hearing to argue both for and against the measure. Even more submitted written testimony — 75 wrote in opposition and 63 wrote in support. If passed, 16- and 17-year-olds who are registered to vote would be able to cast a ballot in school board elections starting in 2027. Supporters argue that giving teens the right to vote would boost their interest in politics and increase voter participation in the long run. Opponents argued that teens at those ages are not fully developed and may be easily influenced by guardians, peers or other outside pressures when voting. Rebecca Gladstone, representing the League of Women Voters of Oregon, said the organization was neutral on a specific voting age but noted that 33,000 Oregon students voted in mock elections facilitated by the organization in 2024. Rep. Courtney Neron, D-Wilsonville, the bill's chief sponsor, called HB 3012 the "Student Voice in Democracy Act." "Sixteen- and 17-year-olds are thoughtful and deeply care about their communities. Many are active and eager to have their voices heard," Neron said. "Student voices matter and student experiences, needs and concerns should inform district policies and school board priorities." Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland, a former public school teacher, testified in favor of the bill, stating that elected officials' decisions "disproportionately impact young people." He also said, from his observations in the classroom, these teens are more mature and wise than many might think. "When we empower young people, when we give them responsibility, that is when we bring out their best," Chotzen said. "If we want an active, engaged and responsible set of Oregonians of the future, we can do that by encouraging them to learn civics and to engage in democracy, not just in the classroom, but at the ballot box. This is a powerful educational tool." Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass, said he opposes the bill, noting that there are "good reasons" 16- and 17-year-olds are still considered children. He said teens may not be as informed about political issues and candidates. "Voting is a serious responsibility, and younger teens lack the necessary understanding of the political landscape and its long-term consequences," Yunker said. "Studies suggest that decision making (and) critical thinking continue to develop through adolescence. People do not fully mature until their early 20s." Yunker also pointed to "other adult responsibilities" that teens are not legally allowed to do at the age of 16 and 17, such as drinking alcohol, getting married without parental consent or renting a car. The 26th Amendment, passed in 1971, lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, following decades of calls to lower it. Supporters of HB 3012 cited responsibilities already granted to 16- and 17-year-olds, such as working jobs, paying income taxes, and driving. Seventeen-year-old Javier Quintana, who has represented Oregon at the National Board of Education and is a student representative on the Phoenix Talent School District board, spoke in favor of the bill. "I have seen firsthand the power of student advocacy and how much of a difference it makes when young people are given a platform to share their experiences and concerns," Quintana said. "It allows them to have the opportunity to be more informed and step up to being active members of their community, so this will lead to a generation of more informed people ready to make an impact on the world around them." Jasia Mosely, representing Next Up Action Fund, said several jurisdictions across the U.S. — most of which are in Maryland — already allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote. She added that 19 states allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they will be turning 18 by the general election. "Students have firsthand experiences that deserve to be addressed, and we have the opportunity in front of us to make that a reality with House Bill 3012," Mosely said. Speakers who opposed HB3012 pointed to teens not being fully developed and potentially not ready to make "reasonable decisions in politics." According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid-to-late 20s. Anna Munson, a Salem resident, was among those who spoke in opposition. "This (18) is the age in which a person is responsible for their own actions," Munson said. "Many kids do not, are not willing or even curious about the complexities of how the school that they attend functions." Munson pointed to the responsibilities of 18-year-olds, noting that those under 18 are not tried as adults in a court of law. However, some over age 15 can be tried as adults for certain crimes under Measure 11, which passed in 1994. "Do you really want a 16-year-old who's playing high school sports, living at home rent-free, dependent on their parents for their allowance and their living needs, to decide who is going to run a multimillion-dollar school board, which hires thousands of individuals?" Munson said. Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@ or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Oregon bill proposes younger voting age for school board elections
