In a recent meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Revenue, significant discussions emerged regarding the proposed tax on oral nicotine products. The meeting, held on June 18, 2025, featured testimony from various stakeholders, including health professionals and community leaders, who expressed concerns about the implications of this tax.

One prominent speaker opposed the inclusion of the oral nicotine products tax, arguing that it is not an effective means of addressing public health issues. The speaker emphasized that taxes on products with clear health risks, such as cigarettes and vapes, should be directed towards funding public health programs and tobacco cessation initiatives. They highlighted the addictive nature of nicotine and the growing prevalence of its use among high school students, suggesting that a tax set at only 65 cents per pack would be insufficient to deter usage. The speaker warned that reliance on this tax could lead to unstable funding for critical health services, especially as some counties in Oregon are moving to ban flavored nicotine products, which could further impact revenue.

In addition to the nicotine tax discussion, the meeting also addressed concerns from rural communities regarding rising tax rates on grazing and timber. A rancher from Morrow County reported a staggering 98% increase in grazing tax rates over the past four years, calling for sustainable fiscal policies to support agricultural livelihoods.

Furthermore, representatives from the Northwest Youth Corps advocated for the preservation of the Oregon Conservation Corps, which was established to enhance community wildfire protection and train future climate response workers. They urged the committee to consider legislative measures that would support these initiatives.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of balancing revenue generation through taxation with the need to prioritize public health and community sustainability. As discussions continue, stakeholders are keenly aware of the potential long-term impacts of these decisions on Oregon's health and economic landscape. The committee's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the proposed tax measures and their implications for both public health funding and community welfare.