Groceries and the Oregon Constitution

Friday Forum—live at the Sentinel Hotel!

The grocery industry has put Measure 103 on the ballot to preempt the taxation of groceries. But are apples and bread being targeted for new taxes? And do we really need a grocery specific tax protection in the Oregon Constitution?

We'll discuss these and other questions at Friday Forum. Join us as we hear from those who disagree with Measure 103 and why they—and City Club members—think voters should vote "No" in November.

Panel

Barbara Smith Warner (D) represents Oregon House District 45, which includes Northeast Portland, the City of Maywood Park, and the Parkrose area. She is the House Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Student Success, House Co-Chair of the Ways and Means subcommittee on Education, and serves on the House Revenue and House Rules committees. 

Christina Bodamer is the Oregon Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association and a ten-year veteran in healthcare nonprofit government affairs. She says she endeavors to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of all Oregonians. Advocating for research-based policy changes at both the state and local level, she says the American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Previous organizations include the Oregon Dental Association and the American Lung Association.

Elisabeth Swarttouw is the Campaign Manager for the No on Measure 103 Campaign. She has years of public policy and campaign experience in Oregon. She got her start in Senator Michael Dembrow's legislative office and more recently managed Senator-Elect Shemia Fagan's successful primary campaign. Elisabeth is most passionate about working on behalf of policies that benefit working people, communities of color, and reform our criminal justice system.

Moderator

Hillary Borrud covers state government and politics for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Over the last decade, Hillary covered local government in central Oregon and state government for publications including the East Oregonian, Portland Tribune and other community newspapers across the state.