Oregon lawmakers tell Gov. Tina Kotek to call state of emergency over Measure 110
Oregon State Senators Push for State of Emergency Over Drug Decriminalization
State senators in Oregon are urging Governor Tina Kotek to declare a state of emergency regarding a measure passed three years ago that decriminalized small amounts of illicit drugs. In addition, Senate Republicans are calling for a special session to address the state’s drug crisis. So far, the lawmakers have not received a response from the governor.
Measure 110’s Impact on Oregonians
“Measure 110 has failed Oregonians, and the majority of people want change,” stated GOP state Senator David Brock Smith. He expressed concerns about the decriminalization of drug possession, the lack of incarceration, and forced treatment, which he believes have led to a significant increase in drug use, addiction, homelessness, and overall crime rates. Smith argues that Measure 110 has compromised the safety of residents by reducing the deterrent effect of law enforcement and their ability to make arrests.
In 2020, Oregon voters approved Measure 110, which reduced penalties for drug possession to a maximum fine of $100 and eliminated all criminal charges for possessing small amounts of drugs. The measure received 58% of the vote and allocated a portion of marijuana revenue to fund drug addiction recovery programs throughout the state.
Addressing the Urgency
A letter signed by 11 Republican state senators and one independent emphasizes the urgency of the situation. It states that since the implementation of Measure 110, drug overdoses have increased by 61%, and fentanyl overdoses have risen by nearly 600%. These statistics are based on testimony from Rachael Banks, the Public Health Director at the Oregon Health Authority, who highlighted the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl deaths have been on the rise for the past decade. In 2019, there were 36,359 overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, and this number increased to 70,601 in 2021, as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
While a study from New York University Grossman School of Medicine found no evidence linking fatal drug overdose rates to decriminalization in 13 states with similar policies, a majority of Oregonians still support repealing Measure 110. A survey conducted by Emerson College Polling revealed that 56% of registered voters in Oregon prefer to repeal the law. The Rainier City Council also recently voted in favor of repealing the provisions in Measure 110.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to Governor Kotek’s office for comment.
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How effective has Measure 110 been in diverting individuals struggling with addiction towards treatment rather than punishment?
T the state of emergency is necessary to address these escalating issues.
Measure 110, also known as the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, was passed in November 2020, making Oregon the first state in the United States to decriminalize small amounts of illicit drugs, such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The measure replaced criminal charges for drug possession with citations and mandatory attendance at addiction recovery centers. Its aim was to divert individuals struggling with addiction towards treatment instead of punishment.
However, Senator David Brock Smith, along with other state senators, believes that Measure 110 has not achieved its intended goals. He argues that the decriminalization of drug possession has led to an increased availability of drugs in the state, perpetuating addiction rather than addressing it. Smith further contends that the lack of incarceration for drug offenses has removed the consequences that may discourage drug use.
Moreover, the forced treatment aspect of Measure 110 has raised concerns among critics. Smith argues that mandatory treatment may not be effective for individuals who are not ready or willing to seek help. He asserts that evidence-based treatment options must be available for those struggling with addiction, rather than being forced into programs that may not suit their needs.
The impact of Measure 110 can be seen in the rising drug use, addiction, homelessness, and crime rates in Oregon. Critics argue that the measure has inadvertently enabled drug dealers and traffickers to operate more freely without fear of severe consequences. With the lack of incarceration, drug offenders are not deterred from engaging in illegal activities, resulting in an increase in crime.
In light of these concerning developments, state senators are urging Governor Tina Kotek to declare a state of emergency. This move would allow for additional resources and funding to be allocated towards combating drug addiction, providing comprehensive treatment options, and addressing the underlying causes of drug use and homelessness.
Furthermore, Senate Republicans are calling for a special session to address the state’s drug crisis. They believe that immediate action must be taken to address the pressing issues faced by Oregonians, and a special session would allow for a focused and intensive discussion on potential solutions.
Despite the Senate Republicans’ push for a state of emergency and a special session, there has been no response from Governor Kotek thus far. It remains uncertain whether she will take action in response to the mounting concerns regarding Measure 110.
In conclusion, the push by Oregon State Senators for a state of emergency over drug decriminalization highlights the challenges and unintended consequences that have arisen since the implementation of Measure 110. With rising drug use, addiction rates, and crime, it is vital for the state government to reassess the impact of the measure and explore alternative strategies to address the challenges posed by drug addiction.
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