Portland, Ore. – Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon today announced its endorsement of Ballot Measure 97, which would provide stable, adequate funding for healthcare services and education programs by increasing the minimum tax for large and out-of-state corporations with more than $25 million in annual Oregon sales.
PPAO is the political arm of the organization, advocating on behalf of Oregon’s 12 health centers and the 61,672 women, men and young people who count on Planned Parenthood services every year.
PPAO strongly believes every Oregonian deserves health care, regardless of their race, income, geography, immigration status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
“As advocates for affordable health care and comprehensive sex education in public schools, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon know the importance of protecting funding that ensures all Oregonians can access the services they deserve to help them stay healthy,” says Mary Nolan, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon. “About 1 in 10 Oregonians remain uninsured – disproportionately people of color, the LGBT community and low-wage workers. Many of them are patients at Planned Parenthood. For all of them across Oregon, vital treatment is out of reach without stable, adequate public revenue. That’s why we endorse Ballot Measure 97, which would make large and out-of-state corporations pay their fair share in taxes and direct new revenue to health care, education and senior services.”
Sarah Johnson, a 24-year-old Portland resident, adds, “As a woman who has turned to Planned Parenthood for affordable health services, I think it’s time working Oregonians pay less out of pocket so that health care is affordable for everyone. Family planning is a smart investment, and our state budget shouldn’t be balanced on the backs of the most vulnerable Oregonians. It’s time for corporations to pay their fair share, so I’m voting yes on Ballot Measure 97.”
