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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 2018)
18 Wednesday, August 1, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Splash... Oregon voters to decide on state funding for abortions By Andrew Selsky Associated Press SALEM (AP) — Oregon voters will decide in November whether one of America’s most progressive states should keep funding abortions. Opponents of the funding gathered just enough signa- tures to put the issue on the ballot, the secretary of state’s office said Friday. “I’m thrilled,” said Marylin Shannon, one of the chief petitioners. “We’ve been trying to do this since 2012.” The retired schoolteacher and former Republican state senator said she opposes abortion. Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, last year signed a bill expanding coverage on abortions and other repro- ductive services to thousands of Oregonians, regardless of income, citizenship status or gender identity. The measure going before Oregon voters says the state “shall not spend public funds for any abortion, except when medically necessary or as may be required by federal law.” Similar measures failed in 1978, with 52 percent voting against the move, and in 1986, when 55 percent of voters were opposed. Emily McLain, execu- tive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, said the new measure isn’t aligned with the values of Oregonians. “One of the biggest issues for us is it forces the state to set a dangerous precedent by cherry-picking what will and won’t be covered by insur- ance,” McLain said. She said public employ- ees, teachers, nurses and oth- ers serving the state would be affected if the measure passes because their insurance would no longer cover abortions. The measure also “targets the most vulnerable and low-income Oregonians,” McLain said. The Oregon secretary of state’s website showed Friday that petitioners gathered 117,799 valid signatures, just over the 117,578 needed to qualify for the ballot. The effort had a year to gather signatures, Shannon said, in contrast to previous efforts when challenges left backers with too little time to gather enough signatures. Oregon is one of a hand- ful of states that allows pub- lic funds to pay for abortions through its Medicaid pro- gram, with the full cost paid by Oregon taxpayers. “We think public fund- ing of abortion is wrong,” Shannon said. In 1969, Oregon became one of the first states to decriminalize abortion, four years before the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that affirmed a woman’s right to abortion. Summer Fun $ 300 Discount FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST when you start a comprehensive treatment program. New patients only. Flexible fi nancing available. Call now to schedule your complimentary consultation Smile by Shanda & The Brace Place! 541-382-0410 410 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters CentralOregonBracePlace.com Dr. George Mecouch , D.O. Board Certifi ed Psychiatrist New to Sisters with 36 years experience. Jungian-Oriented Psychotherapy and Process-Oriented Therapy I take your needs seriously in a therapy practice that listens to mind, body, and soul. 541-904-4030 392 Main Ave., Suite 3C DrGeorgeMecouch.com PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK Little kids aren’t the only ones who love the Fir Street Park splash pad. WE’RE NOT JUST TIRES! We do... Tasty THURSDAY August 2, 5-7 p.m. Vital “Fundraising” Winery Come try our Honey Bourbon Steak Tips or Creamy Mushroom Risotto! 391 W. W Cascade Ave. Ave | 541 541-549-2675 549 2675 corkcellarswinebistro.com Alignments, Brakes, Shocks, Struts, CV Joints, U Joints, Axle Shafts, Drivelines, & Tire Siping ...not only cars, but trailers, too! DAVIS TIRE 541-549-1026 Serving Sisters Since 1962 188 W. Sisters Park Dr. In Sisters Industrial Park across from SnoCap Mini Storage
