Education. The right to a high quality
public education — including higher education — is a fundamental principle of
our society, should be accessible and available to all who choose to attend. We support
excellent public education that is adequately funded and available to all.
Rights of Workers. We support the
rights of workers to organize, to bargain collectively, to strike if necessary without the
threat of permanent replacement, and to hold jobs that provide essential benefits and
family wages. We oppose "Right-to-Work-for-Less" initiatives and legislation.
Public Safety. Personal safety is a
fundamental right. We support a criminal justice system that protects the rights of
victims and the accused. We support effective rehabilitation programs and victim
restitution when appropriate. We believe that economic opportunity, education and
community involvement are key elements to preventing crime
Health Care. We believe all people
should have access to affordable, comprehensive and confidential health care that promotes
wellness. We believe abortion should be legal, safe and accessible, and strongly support
programs reducing unwanted pregnancies. We believe that clinic personnel and patients have
an inalienable right to freedom from harassment, intimidation, and physical harm. We
support programs which protect public and personal health and the rights of injured
workers.
Environment and Natural Resources. We
support a natural resource management program that provides for a sustainable economy and
a healthy environment. We support protecting, strengthening and enforcing Oregon’s
policies ensuring clean air and water, safe waste disposal policies, community recycling
and land use planning.
Human Rights and Justice. We support
strong enforcement of current laws against discrimination and reject any attempts to limit
protection from discrimination for any group. Because we are sensitive to the diverse
beliefs of our society, we support the historic constitutional separation of church and
state. We must work together to honor Indian treaty rights.
Tax Policy. We support making
Oregon’s tax system more progressive by tax reforms that readjust the income tax
rates, widen income tax brackets, and equalize the rates paid by corporations to those
paid by individuals. We believe that Oregon’s mix of taxes should provide adequate
revenue to meet the State’s commitment to quality education and to other essential
services. We oppose a general retail sales tax.
Election Laws. Free and honest
elections are essential to democracy. Our society must ensure that elective office is
available to all worthy candidates regardless of their personal wealth or that of
their associates. We support campaign finance reform that works towards this goal. We
believe that the double majority election requirement is contrary to participatory
democracy.
Economic Opportunity. A healthy and
sustainable economy is essential to Oregon. We support diversity in Oregon’s economy,
policies that provide family-wage jobs, access to child care, affordable housing,
incentives to small business, and programs that promote a skilled and educated work force.
Family and Community. Government has an
obligation to be supportive of families and to provide for those who cannot provide for
themselves. This assistance must be designed to maximize individual dignity and
independence, while encouraging initiative. We support the continuation of social security
in its present form and oppose privatizing this vital social insurance program. We support
a broad and diverse definition of "family."
Transportation. We advocate a
comprehensive, affordable, and environmentally sound transportation plan that supports
rail, light rail, air, roads, and alternative transportation in Oregon and the United
States.
Foreign Policy. We believe that
democratic world law is required to be applied to the persons as well as to the
governments of nation states.
