OLCV: NO on Measure 61, Sentencing Gimmick Would Reduce Environmental Funding

To repeat a previous post: One of the challenges of passing good environmental laws is making sure we have the resources to carry them out. Whether it's water-quality monitoring or enforcement against corporate polluters, state parks maintenance or stopping invasive species, Oregon needs resources to meet our common environmental goals.

That is why OLCV is urging voters to vote NO on Measure 61, Kevin Mannix's sentencing gimmick. Measure 61 is a rigid one-size-fits-all approach to crime that would require the state to build three new prisons at a cost of more than a billion dollars, with operating costs of up to $400 million every two years to implement. Instead of allowing voters and our elected officials to adjust programs in response on changing needs, Measure 61 locks up critical dollars without allowing for change.

The measure does not including any funding solutions to cover its costs.

Oregon's critical environmental programs -- already underfunded -- would be cut even further. We urge a NO vote.

More on the measure, including the measure's text and ballot title.