Action: Write to the Oregonian about Delaying Measure 57

Let legislators know that delaying Measure 57 is the will of the people.

On Thursday, the Oregonian printed an editorial supporting the delay of Measure 57, Measure 57 Can Wait.

To delay Measure 57 will require a two-thirds majority in the House and Senate. We need to demonstrate that there’s significant public support for the delay. As someone who voted for Measure 57, we need you to write a letter to the Oregonian supporting the delay of Measure 57.  Make sure to include that you voted for Measure 57 in your letter.

You might also include:

• Treatment for addiction and addiction-driven crime is much more cost effective than incarceration.
• In the time of a budget crisis, Oregon tax payers can’t afford more prisons.

Remember, your letter should be no more than 150 words and include your name, phone number and address. (Phone number and address are used for verification and will not be published.) Email your letter to letters-at-news.oregonian.com. Check out our tip sheet about writing letters that get published.

More about the legislative session…

The legislature plans to adjourn by the end of this month, and activity in Salem is moving at a fast and furious pace. We are closely monitoring and working on HB 2335-B, the omnibus criminal justice bill that includes the delay of Measure 57, earned time for some prisoners and other reforms.  Unfortunately, the vehicle used for these progressive changes is the regressive parole board legislation (the original HB 2335, which was “stuffed” with the cost-saving amendments).

PSJ’s Shannon Wight testified in front of the Ways & Means Public Safety Subcommittee this week about the parole board legislation, the amendments, and the cuts that will take place if HB 2335-B isn’t passed. HB 2335-B is still in the Public Safety Subcommittee of Ways and Means, and at this point we are unsure of what will happen next. HB 2335-B will take a two-thirds majority vote in the House and Senate to pass. If legislators feel it will get the votes, it will pass out of committee soon; if it can’t get the votes, it will die in committee.

Remember, if HB 2335-B doesn’t pass, there’s a whole list of severe public safety cuts that will go into effect. These cuts include the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund, public defense services, Drug Courts, OYA, the Department of Corrections, and other public safety services.
Here are links to the text of HB 2335, a summary of the contents of the bill, and a list of cuts that will go into effect if HB 2335 doesn’t pass.

As we learn more about decisions being made in Salem, we’ll let you know. Feel free to call us or email Caylor with any questions you have.

Thank you!

Keep up with the latest PSJ news at www.safetyandjustice.org.