In a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety, advocates for community violence intervention (CVI) programs urged Oregon legislators to prioritize sustainable funding to combat the rising tide of gun violence in the state. The discussions highlighted alarming statistics, including a 38% increase in firearm homicides from 2012 to 2021, with Portland experiencing one of the highest rates of gun violence in the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amy Wexler, representing the Alliance for a Safe Oregon, emphasized the need for a $20 million ongoing investment in violence prevention programs. She pointed out that while community violence intervention has shown promising results—reporting a 20% decrease in gun homicides and shootings in Portland and Salem—more funding is essential to maintain and expand these efforts. Wexler noted that black individuals in Oregon are disproportionately affected by gun violence, with homicide rates significantly higher than those of white individuals.

The meeting also featured testimony from Shelly Smith, executive director of Oregon Child Abuse Solutions, who underscored the critical role of Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) in addressing child abuse. Smith thanked state leaders for their support and highlighted the importance of funding for these centers, which provide essential services such as medical exams and mental health support for victims.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing recognition of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address gun violence and support vulnerable communities in Oregon. As advocates call for increased funding, the committee's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the state's approach to public safety and violence prevention in the coming years.