Urge the co-chairs to fully fund the 2017-19 Veterans Budget and Ballot Measure 96

Key points to share with Legislators opposing cuts to veterans:

  • Oregon voters overwhelmingly approved Ballot Measure 96 by 83 percent last year.
    • The Official 2016 General Election Voters Pamphlet included language stating: “In addition to current state funding for veterans, Measure 96 will provide critical support for our veterans…”
  • The Governor’s Budget contains a $10 million reduction for Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA’s) general funds.
  • The Co-Chairs of Ways and Means contain a $5 million reduction to ODVA’s general funds.  
  • Voters gave a clear message that Ballot Measure 96 was intended for strengthening and expanding veterans services rather than for back-filling budget cuts.
  • I/we oppose these cuts to veterans.

See here for AOC resolution of December 12, 2016 opposing a reduction of ODVA general funds.  

See here (on page page 62) the official voters pamphlet for Ballow Measure 96.

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 detailed 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).