Measures Would Greatly Expand Oregon Prison System

Oregon voters are faced with two competing measures that could expand the prison industrial complex by over $1 billion. According to the Statesman Journal October 13, 2008 article, ("Measures Would Swell State Prisons") "Two dueling measures on the Nov. 4 ballot ask Oregon voters to impose tougher sentences on property criminals and could require the state to spend $314 million to $1.3 billion to build more prison space, state analysts said. Measure 61, sponsored by former Salem legislator Kevin Mannix, seeks to extend mandatory minimum prison sentences to first-time identity thieves, burglars and drug dealers. It also targets repeat offenders for tougher sentences. Measure 57, an alternative placed on the ballot by the Legislature, proposes to increase prison terms for repeat offenders but also would require more comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment for such inmates."

The article states, "Under either measure, Oregon's 14-prison, 13,600-inmate corrections system would swell with more non-violent felons. State analysts project that Measure 61 would increase the prison population by 4,106 to 6,389 inmates by mid-2012. To house the influx of offenders, the state would need to spend $1.1 billion to and $1.3 billion to expand existing facilities or build new ones, according to state estimates. It also would cost between $522 million and $797 million for operating costs in the first five years. State analysts estimate that Measure 57 would send to prison an estimated 1,670 property and drug offenders, requiring the state to spend $314 million for prison expansion, plus $411 million in operating costs in the first five years."

The article adds, "Public opinion polls indicate that both measures are likely to pass. If that happens, the one with the most votes will go into effect Jan. 1. The competing property-crime measures come at a time when the U.S. financial system is shaky and the economy is ailing, raising concerns about funding for Oregon's 2009-11 budget. When lawmakers convene in January, they will face tough choices about funding for schools, mental-health care, prisons and other needs."

For clarity, the Statesman Journal article included the following measure outline:

Measure 61: Explanation: Creates mandatory minimum prison sentences for drug, theft, forgery and burglary crimes; Effect of a Yes Vote: A state analysis concluded that the measure would increase Oregon's prison population by 4,106 to 6,389 inmates by July 2012. Costs: State debt for prison construction estimated between $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion. Operational costs estimated between $522 million and $797 million in the next five years; Sponsor: Mannix

Measure 57: Explanation: Increases sentences for drug and theft crimes; requires the prison system to provide inmates with drug and alcohol treatment; Effect of a Yes Vote: A state analysis concluded that the measure would increase the state's prison population by 1,670 inmates. Costs: State debt for prison construction estimated at $314 million. Operational costs estimated at $411 million during the next five years. Sponsor: 2007 Legislature