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Measure 57

Toughens sentences for drug trafficking and specified property crimes; requires addiction treatment for certain offenders.

Text of Measure
Explanatory Statement
Financial Estimate Statement
Explanation of Financial Estimate Statement

Oregonians are frustrated that just a small number of criminals are responsible for so many crimes, especially when it comes to drug trafficking, property crimes and identity theft. The one-size-fits-all approach for property and drug crime isn’t working. There is a better way to fight crime: Vote Yes on Measure 57.

Measure 57 holds criminals accountable. Victims of identity theft can have their lives ruined, their savings stolen, and it can take years to get good credit again. It just makes sense to treat these crimes, and drug crimes against children, more seriously. Measure 57 will hold those who commit these crimes accountable, and bring the kind of changes Oregon needs right now.

• Imposes tougher sentences for big-time drug trafficking of meth, cocaine and heroin.
  
  
• Eliminates probation for drug pushers who target our kids.
  
  
• Cracks down on identity thieves and those who target the elderly.
  
  
• Increases sentences for repeat offenders.

Measure 57 Stops the revolving door of justice. 85% of incarcerated property offenders in Oregon are addicted to drugs or alcohol and 49% of those who commit property crimes re-offend when released. By requiring addiction treatment, Measure 57 breaks the cycle of crime. And those who refuse to complete treatment will get longer sentences until they get the message.

Measure 57 is the best way to fight crime. It gives law enforcement officers the tools they need to stop the revolving door of Oregon’s criminal justice system. And Measure 57 is the only measure on your ballot that:

• Requires addiction treatment for certain offenders.
  
  
• Explicitly increases sentences for theft against the elderly.
  
  
• Offers more than the rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to drug and property crime that is failing to keep our families safe.

Other measures rely on more of the same “three-strikes-you’re-out” sentencing gimmicks that have made the war on drugs a miserable failure. Warehousing people in prison isn’t the answer, which is why Measure 57 is the better solution.