Urge the Co-Chairs to Fully Fund the 2017-19 Veterans Budget and Ballot Measure 96

Oregon voters overwhelmingly approved Ballot Measure 96 by 83 percent last year, dedicating additional funding for veterans services. AOC urges the Legislature to sustain the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs’ general funding this biennium so the BM 96 funds can go toward strengthening and expanding services rather than back-filling budget cuts. See here for AOC resolution of December 12, 2016 opposing a reduction of ODVA general funds.  

The Governor’s Budget contains a $10 million reduction for ODVA’s general funds; the Ways and Means Co-Chair’s Budget contains a $5 million reduction.  Please testify to oppose these reductions.

Please urge veterans leaders in your communities to testify at the following Ways and Means town hall budget hearings. These hearings are opportunities for Oregonians to provide input into the 2017-19 biennium state budget, according to Representative Nancy Nathanson (D-Eugene) and Senator Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin), the co-chairs of the committee.  

Helpful Information to Support Veterans Testimony Before Ways & Means.  

Friday, February 10 — Salem     
5 to 7 p.m.
Hearing Room F
Oregon State Capitol
900 Court Street NE, Salem

Saturday, February 11 — Portland       
Noon to 2 p.m.
Main Mall, Amo DeBernardis CC Building
PCC, Sylvania campus
12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland

Friday, February 17 — Hermiston    
5 to 7 p.m.
Main Commons
Hermiston High School
600 S 1st St, Hermiston

Saturday, February 18 — Madras
1 to 3 p.m.
Performing Arts Center
Madras High School
390 SE 10th St, Madras

Friday, February 24 — Ashland
5 to 7 p.m.
Rogue River Room
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland

Saturday, February 25 — Eugene  
1 to 3 p.m.
Rooms 308-309 Building 17 (The Forum)
Lane Community College
4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene

Friday, March 3 — Tillamook           
6 to 8 p.m.
Officer’s Mess
Port of Tillamook Bay
6825 Officers Row, Tillamook

Additional Background: On January 19, the co-chairs released an “Existing Resources Framework,” recognizing that existing revenues fall $1.8 billion short of the funding necessary to continue state services at current levels. The entire budget framework and accompanying narrative are available here. This proposed budget sustains only half of ODVA’s level of general funds ($5 million out of a current level of $10 million).

Contributed by: Andy Smith | AOC Veterans Policy Manager