Linn County Democratic Central Committee Resolutions Adopted in 2019
Resolution 2019-4
Regarding Vendor Exclusion, Primary Campaign Fairness and Legislator Accountability to Voters
WHEREAS, a stated goal of the Democratic Party is to encourage young voters to join our party and participate, and
WHEREAS, the Democratic Party needs to encourage and develop new younger candidates and candidate support staff who are the future of our party, and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) vendor exclusion policy on their political vendor contract states, “the DCCC will not conduct business with, nor recommend to any of its targeted campaigns, any consultant that works with an opponent of a sitting member of the House Democratic Caucus” and the DCCC recommends this policy be used by the DCCC’s individual members, and
WHEREAS, the DSCC (Democratic Senate Campaign Committee) has adopted the same vendor exclusion policy, and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) vendor exclusion policy sends a message to new candidates that they are not welcome, and
WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Oregon 2018 Platform, Article 1 – ECONOMY: Jobs; Business and Labor, plank 11 states “we believe in supporting small businesses by removing unnecessary barriers,” and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s policy of vendor exclusion of political consultant firms and their employees hired by primary challengers creates an unnecessary barrier for campaign support businesses to prosper, innovate and gain professional experience, thus building a Democratic talent pool and,
WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Oregon’s platform Article 5 - GOOD GOVERNANCE: Election Integrity...; plank 14 states, “We are committed to transparency, accountability, oversight, integrity, competence, fairness, honesty and citizen participation at all levels of government,” and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s vendor exclusion policy sends a negative message to voters about our party, and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s vendor exclusion policy protects incumbents from their voters thus giving lobbyists, and big donor and PAC money undue influence, and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s vendor exclusion policy violates the basic elections integrity principle of election fairness in that it wrongfully penalizes candidates who seek to unseat incumbents who are not performing their job to the satisfaction of their constituency.
NOW THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF LINN COUNTY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Democratic Party of Linn County shall not use vendor exclusion or other similar
policies that discourage primary challengers.
SECTION 2. We call upon all other party officials to ban this practice, and that the DPO’s (Democratic Party of Oregon’s) DNC (Democratic National Committee) Delegates shall take this resolution to the DNC, and that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the DSCC (Democratic Senate Campaign Committee), and to each of Oregon’s DCCC, DSCC members asking them to reconsider their policy.
SECTION 3. We request that the Oregon’s DNC (Democratic National Party) members resubmit DNC Resolution 40 (which failed to be seconded in the DNC’s Platform Committee and died in committee) at the next meeting of the DNC.
Resolution submitted by Genny Lynch, Linn County Platform and legislative Action Chair, Member Elections Integrity Caucus of the Democratic Party of Oregon. Delegate Democratic Platform Committee. State Central Committee Delegate for Linn County. PCP
Resolution 2019-01:
A Resolution Affirming Health Care as a Human Right and Endorsing Health Care for All Oregon
WHEREAS elected officials in Linn County have reduced funding for critical health care programs, including mental health services and preventative care, that residents of Linn County rely on; and
WHEREAS according to the Oregon Health Authority, 46% of the residents of Linn County are insured by either Medicare or the Oregon Health Plan – 5% higher than the state average – and 8.7% are uninsured – 2.5% higher than the state average1; and
WHEREAS Article 6, Plank 6 of the Democratic Party of Oregon 2018 Platform states “We support the adoption of an equitable, high-quality, comprehensive single-payer health care system that includes general, preventative, and emergency care plus vision, dental, hearing, and mental health services at the state or federal level”; and
WHEREAS the mission of Health Care for All Oregon is to “bring equitable, affordable, comprehensive, high quality, publicly-funded health care to everyone in Oregon and the United States.”
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Linn County Democratic Central Committee affirms that health care is a human right, and that we will advocate for single-payer health care for all Oregonians; and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Linn County Democratic Central Committee endorses Health Care for All Oregon in their mission to expand publically-funded health care to all Oregonians.
RESOLVED by the Linn County Democratic Central Committee on this 7th day of March, 2019.
Regarding Vendor Exclusion, Primary Campaign Fairness and Legislator Accountability to Voters
WHEREAS, a stated goal of the Democratic Party is to encourage young voters to join our party and participate, and
WHEREAS, the Democratic Party needs to encourage and develop new younger candidates and candidate support staff who are the future of our party, and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) vendor exclusion policy on their political vendor contract states, “the DCCC will not conduct business with, nor recommend to any of its targeted campaigns, any consultant that works with an opponent of a sitting member of the House Democratic Caucus” and the DCCC recommends this policy be used by the DCCC’s individual members, and
WHEREAS, the DSCC (Democratic Senate Campaign Committee) has adopted the same vendor exclusion policy, and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) vendor exclusion policy sends a message to new candidates that they are not welcome, and
WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Oregon 2018 Platform, Article 1 – ECONOMY: Jobs; Business and Labor, plank 11 states “we believe in supporting small businesses by removing unnecessary barriers,” and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s policy of vendor exclusion of political consultant firms and their employees hired by primary challengers creates an unnecessary barrier for campaign support businesses to prosper, innovate and gain professional experience, thus building a Democratic talent pool and,
WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Oregon’s platform Article 5 - GOOD GOVERNANCE: Election Integrity...; plank 14 states, “We are committed to transparency, accountability, oversight, integrity, competence, fairness, honesty and citizen participation at all levels of government,” and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s vendor exclusion policy sends a negative message to voters about our party, and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s vendor exclusion policy protects incumbents from their voters thus giving lobbyists, and big donor and PAC money undue influence, and
WHEREAS, the DCCC’s vendor exclusion policy violates the basic elections integrity principle of election fairness in that it wrongfully penalizes candidates who seek to unseat incumbents who are not performing their job to the satisfaction of their constituency.
NOW THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF LINN COUNTY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Democratic Party of Linn County shall not use vendor exclusion or other similar
policies that discourage primary challengers.
SECTION 2. We call upon all other party officials to ban this practice, and that the DPO’s (Democratic Party of Oregon’s) DNC (Democratic National Committee) Delegates shall take this resolution to the DNC, and that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee), the DSCC (Democratic Senate Campaign Committee), and to each of Oregon’s DCCC, DSCC members asking them to reconsider their policy.
SECTION 3. We request that the Oregon’s DNC (Democratic National Party) members resubmit DNC Resolution 40 (which failed to be seconded in the DNC’s Platform Committee and died in committee) at the next meeting of the DNC.
Resolution submitted by Genny Lynch, Linn County Platform and legislative Action Chair, Member Elections Integrity Caucus of the Democratic Party of Oregon. Delegate Democratic Platform Committee. State Central Committee Delegate for Linn County. PCP
Resolution 2019-01:
A Resolution Affirming Health Care as a Human Right and Endorsing Health Care for All Oregon
WHEREAS elected officials in Linn County have reduced funding for critical health care programs, including mental health services and preventative care, that residents of Linn County rely on; and
WHEREAS according to the Oregon Health Authority, 46% of the residents of Linn County are insured by either Medicare or the Oregon Health Plan – 5% higher than the state average – and 8.7% are uninsured – 2.5% higher than the state average1; and
WHEREAS Article 6, Plank 6 of the Democratic Party of Oregon 2018 Platform states “We support the adoption of an equitable, high-quality, comprehensive single-payer health care system that includes general, preventative, and emergency care plus vision, dental, hearing, and mental health services at the state or federal level”; and
WHEREAS the mission of Health Care for All Oregon is to “bring equitable, affordable, comprehensive, high quality, publicly-funded health care to everyone in Oregon and the United States.”
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Linn County Democratic Central Committee affirms that health care is a human right, and that we will advocate for single-payer health care for all Oregonians; and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Linn County Democratic Central Committee endorses Health Care for All Oregon in their mission to expand publically-funded health care to all Oregonians.
RESOLVED by the Linn County Democratic Central Committee on this 7th day of March, 2019.
Linn County Democratic Central Committee Resolutions Adopted in 2017
Resolution 2017-03: In Support of Ballot Measure 101
WHEREAS the 2017 Oregon Legislature passed the bipartisan Healthcare Protections Bill (HB 2391); and
WHEREAS the Linn County Democratic Central Committee Platform supports basic health care as a human right; and
WHEREAS 95 percent of Oregonians and 100 percent of children currently have access to health care in large part because of Medicaid Expansion; and
WHEREAS the bipartisan Healthcare Protections Act provides funding to maintain healthcare expansion and obtain matching federal funds; and
WHEREAS provider assessments are used by 49 states to fund Medicaid, and have the support of healthcare providers and insurers throughout Oregon; and Whereas without the Healthcare Protections Act, Oregon could lose up to $320 million in state revenue, and more than $1.3 billion in federal revenue for providing health care, resulting in upwards of 350,000 low-income and working Oregonians losing their healthcare; and
WHEREAS Republican- and extremist-backed efforts have succeeded in qualifying a Referendum vote on major parts of the Healthcare Protections Act for a Jan. 23, 2018, Special Election; and
WHEREAS a YES vote on Ballot Measure 101 will affirm support for the Healthcare Protections Act; be it therefore
Resolved that the Linn County Democratic Central Committee strongly endorses a YES vote on Ballot Measure 101 on Jan. 23, 2018.
Resolution 2017-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE LINN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE to create a statewide jail oversight task force to protect the vulnerable, ethnic minority, and immigrant populations.
WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Article 2 - Healthcare, Basic Human needs, and Human rights) states that Oregon Democrats affirm the rights of all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect and that we believe all people have an inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the freedom and equality of every individual. We believe in a strong social safety net and basic health care as a human right; and
WHEREAS, The DPO Platform (Plank 1) states that we believe in the right of individuals to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of inherent characteristics, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, residency status, disability, or other identifying qualities; and
WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Plank 4) states that we support the right of everyone to the basic necessities of life including: safety, clean air, water, food, shelter, health care, education, and family-wage jobs; and
WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Plank 5) calls for protecting the vulnerable from neglect and abuse, especially children, the medically fragile, people with disabilities, and the elderly; and
WHEREAS, The DPO Platform (Article 9 Immigration) states that Oregon Democrats believe that as a nation founded largely on immigration, we value its benefit to our society. Furthermore, that we need to stand firm against xenophobic, prejudiced, and racist rhetoric. The invaluable contributions of immigrants to our communities should be recognized and immigrants and their rights respected; and
WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Plank 4) states that Oregon Democrats believe deportation policies should be humane and flexible and allow for fair due process; and
WHEREAS, the National Institute of Corrections (Jail Standards and Inspection Programs, Resource and Implementation Guide) states that holding inmates under inhumane conditions is inappropriate and illegal; and
WHEREAS, the National Institute of Corrections (Jail Standards and Inspection Programs, Resource and Implementation Guide) states that there is no question that there is need for County and State oversight, further stating that it is in society’s best interest to ensure that jails are used and operated properly, which can only be achieved by establishing a clear set of standards coupled with a process of inspections and follow up to see that any identified deficiencies are corrected; and
WHEREAS, Oregon Law ORS 181A.820 states: No law enforcement agency of the State of Oregon or of any political subdivision of the state shall use agency moneys, equipment or personnel for the purpose of detecting or apprehending persons whose only violation of law is that they are persons of foreign citizenship present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2016-085 (Regarding the State of Oregon as a State of Inclusivity with respect to immigrants and refugees) makes it clear that we urge our State, Counties and Municipalities to oppose assisting with or cooperating with any raids or detentions or deportations of any immigrants, including the assistance of local law enforcement or providing data to the Federal Government; and
WHEREAS, the NORCOR jail (run by Wasco, Hood River, Sherman, and Gilliam Counties) has recently been found to be holding and transferring ICE detainees on behalf of the Federal Government, in violation of state law, and in violation of basic principles of human rights.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE LINN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE will urge our State, Counties and Municipalities to create a statewide oversight task force to examine the operation of jail facilities, conducting independent investigations to determine violations of state law, to maintain public records, and to recommend timely corrective action from necessary entities. Task Force can include but not limited to: the Department of Justice, the OR State Attorney General, OR Department of Corrections, the OR State Police, OR Association of County Sheriffs, the District Attorney’s Association, each OR County District Attorney's Office, the Criminal Justice Association, and immigrant advocacy organizations.
Resolution 2017-01
Resolution in Support of Oregon HB2927 and SB82 – National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
WHEREAS one of the basic foundations of democracy in America is the principle of “one person, one
vote,” and;
WHEREAS the United State Constitution provides for the election of President by vote of the Electoral
College; and
WHEREAS Electoral College “electors” are selected by rules that vary by state and by party, and whose
post-General election vote selects the U.S. President, and;
WHEREAS the anomaly of Electoral College electors gives undue influence to smaller states whose
electoral votes can “outweigh” those of a larger state by a factor as much as 3.2, and;
WHEREAS there is an increasing disparity between the total popular vote and Electoral College
outcomes, so that in 2000 and 2016 the candidate with a lower popular vote has been awarded the
Presidency on the basis of Electoral College votes, and;
WHEREAS the Electoral College would be difficult to repeal and replace with a popular national vote
because a Constitutional Amendment requires ratification by 3⁄4 of the state legislatures; and
WHEREAS an alternative that produces the same result is desirable; and
WHEREAS a national movement to correct the anomalies created by the Electoral College has begun,
known as the “National Popular Vote Interstate Compact”, as an alternative to a Constitutional
Amendment; and
WHEREAS the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, when approved by States with a total of 270
electoral votes or more (currently a majority of electoral votes) will commit those states to cast all of
their electoral votes for the candidate winning a majority of the popular vote of the entire United States
electorate; and:
WHEREAS ten states, including Washington and California, and the District of Columbia, representing a
total of 165 electoral votes, have formally joined the Compact; and;
WHEREAS should Oregon join with the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, its seven electoral
votes will bring the total votes in the Compact to 172, or 64% of the total needed to create a
Presidential election based on a popular vote rather than the Electoral College; and
WHEREAS the State Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Oregon has resolved to urge the
Legislature to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
THEREFORE, now be it resolved by the Linn County Democratic Central Committee, that we adopt this
resolution and urge the Oregon State Legislature to support passage of legislation equivalent to HB 2927
and SB 824 in the current legislative session, and to sign on to the National Popular Vote Interstate
Compact.
WHEREAS the 2017 Oregon Legislature passed the bipartisan Healthcare Protections Bill (HB 2391); and
WHEREAS the Linn County Democratic Central Committee Platform supports basic health care as a human right; and
WHEREAS 95 percent of Oregonians and 100 percent of children currently have access to health care in large part because of Medicaid Expansion; and
WHEREAS the bipartisan Healthcare Protections Act provides funding to maintain healthcare expansion and obtain matching federal funds; and
WHEREAS provider assessments are used by 49 states to fund Medicaid, and have the support of healthcare providers and insurers throughout Oregon; and Whereas without the Healthcare Protections Act, Oregon could lose up to $320 million in state revenue, and more than $1.3 billion in federal revenue for providing health care, resulting in upwards of 350,000 low-income and working Oregonians losing their healthcare; and
WHEREAS Republican- and extremist-backed efforts have succeeded in qualifying a Referendum vote on major parts of the Healthcare Protections Act for a Jan. 23, 2018, Special Election; and
WHEREAS a YES vote on Ballot Measure 101 will affirm support for the Healthcare Protections Act; be it therefore
Resolved that the Linn County Democratic Central Committee strongly endorses a YES vote on Ballot Measure 101 on Jan. 23, 2018.
Resolution 2017-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE LINN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE to create a statewide jail oversight task force to protect the vulnerable, ethnic minority, and immigrant populations.
WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Article 2 - Healthcare, Basic Human needs, and Human rights) states that Oregon Democrats affirm the rights of all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect and that we believe all people have an inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the freedom and equality of every individual. We believe in a strong social safety net and basic health care as a human right; and
WHEREAS, The DPO Platform (Plank 1) states that we believe in the right of individuals to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of inherent characteristics, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, residency status, disability, or other identifying qualities; and
WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Plank 4) states that we support the right of everyone to the basic necessities of life including: safety, clean air, water, food, shelter, health care, education, and family-wage jobs; and
WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Plank 5) calls for protecting the vulnerable from neglect and abuse, especially children, the medically fragile, people with disabilities, and the elderly; and
WHEREAS, The DPO Platform (Article 9 Immigration) states that Oregon Democrats believe that as a nation founded largely on immigration, we value its benefit to our society. Furthermore, that we need to stand firm against xenophobic, prejudiced, and racist rhetoric. The invaluable contributions of immigrants to our communities should be recognized and immigrants and their rights respected; and
WHEREAS, the DPO Platform (Plank 4) states that Oregon Democrats believe deportation policies should be humane and flexible and allow for fair due process; and
WHEREAS, the National Institute of Corrections (Jail Standards and Inspection Programs, Resource and Implementation Guide) states that holding inmates under inhumane conditions is inappropriate and illegal; and
WHEREAS, the National Institute of Corrections (Jail Standards and Inspection Programs, Resource and Implementation Guide) states that there is no question that there is need for County and State oversight, further stating that it is in society’s best interest to ensure that jails are used and operated properly, which can only be achieved by establishing a clear set of standards coupled with a process of inspections and follow up to see that any identified deficiencies are corrected; and
WHEREAS, Oregon Law ORS 181A.820 states: No law enforcement agency of the State of Oregon or of any political subdivision of the state shall use agency moneys, equipment or personnel for the purpose of detecting or apprehending persons whose only violation of law is that they are persons of foreign citizenship present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2016-085 (Regarding the State of Oregon as a State of Inclusivity with respect to immigrants and refugees) makes it clear that we urge our State, Counties and Municipalities to oppose assisting with or cooperating with any raids or detentions or deportations of any immigrants, including the assistance of local law enforcement or providing data to the Federal Government; and
WHEREAS, the NORCOR jail (run by Wasco, Hood River, Sherman, and Gilliam Counties) has recently been found to be holding and transferring ICE detainees on behalf of the Federal Government, in violation of state law, and in violation of basic principles of human rights.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE LINN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE will urge our State, Counties and Municipalities to create a statewide oversight task force to examine the operation of jail facilities, conducting independent investigations to determine violations of state law, to maintain public records, and to recommend timely corrective action from necessary entities. Task Force can include but not limited to: the Department of Justice, the OR State Attorney General, OR Department of Corrections, the OR State Police, OR Association of County Sheriffs, the District Attorney’s Association, each OR County District Attorney's Office, the Criminal Justice Association, and immigrant advocacy organizations.
Resolution 2017-01
Resolution in Support of Oregon HB2927 and SB82 – National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
WHEREAS one of the basic foundations of democracy in America is the principle of “one person, one
vote,” and;
WHEREAS the United State Constitution provides for the election of President by vote of the Electoral
College; and
WHEREAS Electoral College “electors” are selected by rules that vary by state and by party, and whose
post-General election vote selects the U.S. President, and;
WHEREAS the anomaly of Electoral College electors gives undue influence to smaller states whose
electoral votes can “outweigh” those of a larger state by a factor as much as 3.2, and;
WHEREAS there is an increasing disparity between the total popular vote and Electoral College
outcomes, so that in 2000 and 2016 the candidate with a lower popular vote has been awarded the
Presidency on the basis of Electoral College votes, and;
WHEREAS the Electoral College would be difficult to repeal and replace with a popular national vote
because a Constitutional Amendment requires ratification by 3⁄4 of the state legislatures; and
WHEREAS an alternative that produces the same result is desirable; and
WHEREAS a national movement to correct the anomalies created by the Electoral College has begun,
known as the “National Popular Vote Interstate Compact”, as an alternative to a Constitutional
Amendment; and
WHEREAS the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, when approved by States with a total of 270
electoral votes or more (currently a majority of electoral votes) will commit those states to cast all of
their electoral votes for the candidate winning a majority of the popular vote of the entire United States
electorate; and:
WHEREAS ten states, including Washington and California, and the District of Columbia, representing a
total of 165 electoral votes, have formally joined the Compact; and;
WHEREAS should Oregon join with the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, its seven electoral
votes will bring the total votes in the Compact to 172, or 64% of the total needed to create a
Presidential election based on a popular vote rather than the Electoral College; and
WHEREAS the State Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Oregon has resolved to urge the
Legislature to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
THEREFORE, now be it resolved by the Linn County Democratic Central Committee, that we adopt this
resolution and urge the Oregon State Legislature to support passage of legislation equivalent to HB 2927
and SB 824 in the current legislative session, and to sign on to the National Popular Vote Interstate
Compact.