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Tuesday, September 30, 2008 The Hillsboro Argus

A panel of citizens have issued their verdict on Measure 58. Their recommendation: Reject it.

Measure 58 would limit the number of years non-native students may be taught in the language of their birth: one year for elementary students, two for those in high-school.

The evaluation came as the result of a demonstration Citizens' Initiative Review project from Healthy Democracy Oregon. This group has proposed state legislation that would convene panels, carefully selected to represent a cross-section of the state's voters, to review statewide ballot initiatives before general elections.

UPDATE: Upon completing the state’s first ever Citizens’ Initiative Review and press conference was held on the steps of the state capitol to announce the results. The panel of 23 voters from across Oregon tasked with evaluating Measure 58, which deals with limiting bilingual education in public schools. After hearing testimony from the campaigns from and against Measure 58, along with background witnesses and policy experts, 9 panelists chose to support the measure, while 14 rejected it. The panelist drafted a Citizens’ Statement describing their reasons for support and opposition.

          Over the coming weeks Healthy Democracy Oregon will be releasing video from the Review along with documents provided to the panel as part of the advocacy team presentations.

Click here for the Citizens’ Statement on Ballot Measure 58

Here is video from the press conference held on 9/25/2008