OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

REPUBLICANS HONOR OREGON VOTERS BY DEFENDING MEASURE 57

Democrats Threaten Painful Cuts To Public Safety Services

SALEM—Democrats today unsuccessfully tried to thwart the will of Oregon voters by suspending implementation of Measure 57, a law to hold chronic offenders accountable while providing treatment many of them need for drug addiction.  House Republicans defeated their plan to block Measure 57, and called on the Legislature to prioritize spending and fund the state’s critical public safety priorities.

“Republicans today voted to defend a ballot measure that was supported by 61 percent of Oregon voters,” said House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg). “Democrats have raised billions in taxes and fees, protected $250 million in state pay raises and have refused to redirect hundreds of millions in agency ending fund balances. Rather than prioritizing spending and funding our vital public safety programs, Democrats are slashing these services as part of a failed attempt to block a ballot measure that Oregonians want implemented.”

Democrats are threatening painful cuts to critical public safety programs unless Measure 57 is halted. These cuts include:

·                     Eliminating Oregon State Police Troopers from the Patrol Division, preventing the agency from providing 24/7 coverage throughout Oregon.

·                     Eliminating Oregon State Police detectives and making it difficult for OSP to investigate major crimes such identity theft and child abuse.

·                     Cutting resources for victim compensation and other victim-related programs.

·                     Cutting resources for county drug courts and efforts to reduce drug-related crime.

Rep. Hanna said Oregon’s District Attorneys and crime victims’ advocates have put together a sensible plan to continue Measure 57 implementation through common sense savings such as targeted reductions for nonviolent who are nearing the end of their sentences. The Republicans’ Back to Basics budget reflects these savings, continues implementation of Measure 57, and funds vital public safety services to protect Oregonians in their neighborhoods and on the state’s roads and highways. 

“It’s wrong to pit Measure 57 against critical public safety services that Oregonians expect to keep our communities safe,” Rep. Hanna said. “Rather than holding Measure 57 hostage, the Legislature should proceed with targeted savings that continue the measure’s implementation and hold repeat property and identity thieves accountable.”

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