Senate Joint Resolution 11 proposes lottery funding for Oregon's wildfire suppression efforts

In a pivotal meeting of the Oregon Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue, lawmakers discussed critical funding strategies for wildfire suppression, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive financial plan. The committee highlighted the potential use of remaining funds from interest earnings to support firefighting efforts, but concerns were raised about the prioritization of community adaptation and mitigation over immediate response needs.

Senator Gerard, representing rural areas, presented a multi-faceted approach to wildfire funding, which he described as a "three-legged stool." This plan includes reallocating $150 million from the rainy day fund to address this year's fire suppression costs, a move aimed at preventing future budget shortfalls that could leave firefighters underfunded during peak fire seasons. Gerard also pointed to a retaliatory tax from insurance companies, which could contribute an estimated $160 million to the general fund, further supporting firefighting efforts.

The proposed Senate Joint Resolution 11 seeks to allocate a percentage of lottery funds—potentially up to $200 million—toward wildfire suppression. With Oregon's lottery generating around $2 billion annually, this funding could significantly bolster the state's firefighting budget. Gerard underscored the importance of early intervention in fire management, echoing sentiments from previous testimonies about the need for proactive measures.

As the committee concluded its public hearing, the discussions underscored a pressing need for legislative action to ensure adequate funding for wildfire response, with the potential for future special sessions if financial obligations are not met. The outcome of these deliberations could shape Oregon's wildfire management strategy for years to come.