The Oregon House Behavioral Health Committee met to discuss a proposed 2021-2023 Behavioral Health Funding Package, which includes House Bill 3377
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Beverage Alliance released the following statement after the Oregon House Behavioral Health Committee held an informational meeting on a proposed behavioral health funding package for 2021-2023:
“Oregon Beverage Alliance supports the legislature’s much-needed work on a behavioral health funding proposal, but opposes inclusion of House Bill 3377, which is not aligned with the rest of the package.
“The proposed 2021-2023 Behavioral Health Funding Package rightly focuses on treating the whole person – who often experiences cooccurring disorders – using existing funding and the additional revenue from passage of Measure 110 to address addiction prevention and recovery. It will also finally attempt to address accountability and outcomes in services to ensure those with addiction truly get help.
“Unfortunately, House Bill 3377 has been tucked into the proposal despite not being in line with these other priorities and efforts. HB 3377 would create a one-sided taskforce with the predetermined outcome of raising beer, wine, cider and spirits taxes despite alcohol already being the third largest source of revenue for the state yet only 3.5% of existing beer, wine, cider and spirits revenue are dedicated to addiction recovery. This is not a money problem. Oregonians need to know what we’re buying and whether programs are producing outcomes, which is what the 2021-2023 Behavioral Health Funding Package would help do without inclusion of HB 3377.
“Before raising taxes on Oregon’s local breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, politicians need to deeply examine the current system and why existing dollars are not being spent on these programs so resources can be directed where they are most needed. However, starting the process with the false assumption that consumers need to pay significantly more is out of step with the views of the vast majority of Oregonians.”
According to health officials, Oregon is spending more on behavioral health than 75% of other states yet ranks nearly last in outcomes compared to other states.
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About the Oregon Beverage Alliance
The Oregon Beverage Alliance is made up of local brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, distillers and their supply and hospitality partners creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. Learn more: www.DontTaxMyDrink.org
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