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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-18 Adding Healthcare Measure to Ballot RESOLUTION NO 2016 - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND, JACKSON COUNTY, OREGON, TO SUBMIT TO ASHLAND ELECTORS AT THE NOVEMBER 89 2016 GENERAL ELECTION AN ADVISORY QUESTION TO ENCOURAGE THE 2017 OREGON LEGISLATURE TO DESIGN AN IMPROVED COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FOR ALL OREGON RESIDENTS, THAT WOULD ENSURE CHOICE OF PROVIDER; HAVE EFFECTIVE COST CONTROLS; PROVIDE TIMELY AND EQUITABLE ACCESS; EMPHASIZE PREVENTION AND BE AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES, BUSINESSES, AND SOCIETY RECITALS: A. The City Council of the City of Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon (the "City") has the authority to submit to electors at duly scheduled elections advisory questions on matters of interest to the City regardless of whether they are beyond the scope of the City's power to enact legislation. B. Ashland residents are directly affected by Oregon laws regarding the provision and financing of health care to Oregonians. C. The Oregon Legislature in chapter 712, Oregon laws 2013, required the Oregon Health Authority to conduct a study in accordance with certain criteria set forth in the legislation, and then recommend the best option for financing health care in the state. The study was funded by HB2828 in the 2015 session and is to be completed in time for the 2017 session. D. The City Council wishes to afford the voters of Ashland the opportunity to decide whether to encourage the 2017 Oregon Legislature to design and improved comprehensive healthcare system for all Oregon residents. This healthcare system would ensure choice of provider; have effective cost controls; provide timely and equitable access; emphasize prevention and be affordable for families, businesses, and society. THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. At the November 8, 2016 election, the advisory question in the ballot title in the attached Exhibit A shall be submitted to the electors of Ashland for their "yes" or "no" vote. SECTION 2. The City Recorder shall cause to be delivered to the Elections Officer of Jackson County, Oregon, not later than 61 days prior to the November 8, 2016 election notice of the City's referral of the advisory ballot question and all that is required to ensure that the ballot title as shown in Exhibit A complies with County and State requirements for submittal to Ashland electors in the November 8, 2016 election. Resolution No. 2015- Page 1 of 3 SECTION 3. The City Recorder shall give notice of receipt of the ballot title and notice of electors' right to petition for review of the ballot title as provided in the laws of the State of Oregon and the charter and ordinances of the City of Ashland. SECTION 4. The City Attorney is authorized to modify the text of the ballot title and explanatory statement shown in Exhibit A to comply with any rules, procedures or practices of the Elections Officer of Jackson County to implement the requirements of Oregon law. This resolution is effective upon signing by th Mayor. PASSED and ADOPTED this day of , 2016. Barbara Christensen, City Recorder SIGNED and APPROVED this --2© day of , 2016. Jo n S o,mberg, Mayor Reviewed as to form: David Lohman, City Attorney Resolution No. 2015- Page 2 of 3 EXHIBIT "A" City of Ashland Ballot Measure November 8, 2016 General Election: Advisory Question on Implementation of Oregon Health Care Study Caption: Support Legislature's efforts for significant improvement in Oregon's healthcare system. Total 10 words (10 words permitted per ORS 250.035) Question: Shall Ashland voters encourage the 2017 Oregon Legislature to design an improved comprehensive health care system for Oregon? Total 18 words (20 words permitted per ORS 250.035 20) Summary: The Ashland City Council has placed this advisory question on the ballot to determine whether a majority of Ashland voters wish to encourage the 2017 Oregon Legislature to design an improved comprehensive healthcare system for all Oregon residents. This healthcare system would ensure choice of provider; have effective cost controls; provide timely and equitable access; emphasize prevention and be affordable for families, businesses, and society. The outcome of the election on this advisory question will not be binding; it will, instead, serve to inform the Oregon Legislature of the views of a majority of Ashland voters. Total 96 words (175 words permitted per ORS 250.035) Explanatory Statement: The Oregon Legislature in chapter 712, Oregon laws 2013, required the Oregon Health Authority to conduct a study in accordance with certain criteria set forth in the legislation, and then recommend the best option for financing health care in the state. The study was funded by HB2828 in the 2015 session and is to be completed in time for the 2017 session. A "yes" vote on the advisory question would encourage the 2017 Legislature to utilize the results of the study authorized in 2013 and 2015 to design a system that provides timely access to comprehensive health care for all Oregon residents, ensures choice of provider, and has effective cost controls, equitable access, and a focus on preventative care. A "no" vote would not encourage the 2017 legislature to design a system that provides timely access to comprehensive health care for all Oregon residents, ensures choice of provider, and has effective cost controls, equitable access, and a focus on preventative care. Total 161 words (500 words permitted per ORS 250.035) Resolution No. 2015- Page 3 of 3