Could Lottery Dollars Be Used To Fight Oregon Wildfires?

Oregon lawmakers are trying to find a regular source of funding to pay for fighting wildfires.  Fighting wildfires across the state costs around $300 million annually.  The Legislature is trying to find a regular source to pay that bill, instead of relying only on the general fund.  State Senator Fred Girod recently proposed using money from the Oregon Lottery.

“There's $2 billion in lottery, that's about what it earns per year," he said.  "I would suggest that you probably go up to 10% which is $200 million."

Voters would have to decide whether they want Lottery money used for fighting wildfires.  Mike Eliason, with the Oregon Forest Industries Council, said it would be a regular source of funding.

"We think this is truly an all Oregonian issue that the voters deserve to evaluate and decide if they want to take a slice of the remaining Lottery and dedicate it to wildfire."

Currently 4% of Lottery proceeds fund State Parks, Natural Habitats, Economic Growth, Outdoor School, Public Schools and Veterans Services.  The Legislature is still considering whether to send the measure to the ballot.

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