Measure 11
Measure 11 was the first mandatory sentencing initiative that was passed by Oregon voters in 1994. While at first glance it would seem like the passing of this measure should be included on a website about Education Funding, it is a key piece to why Education Funding in Oregon is not adequate.
Since Oregon funds its schools through income taxes, income taxes are highly volatile and Oregon can't raise taxes easily without the support of the state electorate any dollar spent on jails is a dollar that can't be spent on Education or other state services.
According to Eugene psychologist, Claudia Hardwick, "Shortly after Measure 11 was passed, then-Gov. John Kitzhaber commented, "School districts will cut hundreds of teachers but we will be hiring a thousand new prison guards. So we won't be teaching your kids, but we will be guarding them well."
Since Oregon funds its schools through income taxes, income taxes are highly volatile and Oregon can't raise taxes easily without the support of the state electorate any dollar spent on jails is a dollar that can't be spent on Education or other state services.
According to Eugene psychologist, Claudia Hardwick, "Shortly after Measure 11 was passed, then-Gov. John Kitzhaber commented, "School districts will cut hundreds of teachers but we will be hiring a thousand new prison guards. So we won't be teaching your kids, but we will be guarding them well."
