House Moves Closer to Passing State Police Funding Plan

Bill sssures 24/7 Trooper coverage on Oregon highways.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - The Oregon House of Representatives on Monday, approved a Floor vote on HB 3535, the Republican plan to provide dedicated funding to the Oregon State Police.

The bill, with 51 bipartisan House and Senate co-sponsors, assures round-the-clock State Trooper coverage on Oregon’s highways without a tax increase.

A vote to enact HB 3535 is expected Wednesday.

Rep. Sal Esquivel (R-Medford), Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany), and Rep. Karen Minnis (R-Wood Village) led efforts to withdraw HB 3535 from committee for a Floor vote because House Democratic leadership had blocked legislation on dedicated State Police funding.

A week after Democrats granted “courtesy hearings” on State Police bills, House Republicans took action to prevent further delay.

“It’s about time that we did right by this organization, and public safety for the State of Oregon,” said Rep. Esquivel.

“Dedicated funding for the Oregon State Police has been a long time in coming,” said Rep. Olson, a retired State Police member. “The House now has the opportunity to add more State Troopers to protect Oregonians at all hours of the day and night - without raising taxes.”

HB 3535 dedicates one percent of General Fund revenue to a new Oregon State Police Patrol Division Fund.

The bill provides $126.7 million in 2007-09, sufficient revenue to add 140 State Troopers, fund additional dispatch services and meet division infrastructure needs.

By comparison, the Co-Chairs budget only provides funding for 100 Troopers, which does not assure 24/7 coverage.

“I sent my husband out the door as a police officer every day for 27 years, always knowing his safety was in question,” said Rep. Karen Minnis (R-Wood Village). “The Oregon State Police needs stable funding, and HB 3535 provides Troopers the tools and back-up they need to do their jobs.”

“The Republican plan firmly establishes the State Police as a top priority for existing tax dollars,” said House Republican Leader Wayne Scott (R-Canby). “It demonstrates we are able to fund important services without raising taxes. I look forward to the bill passing on Wednesday.”