MILWAUKIE, OR — The Oregon Liquor Control Commission will decide whether to extend a 50-cent-per-bottle surcharge through the next year on August 21st.
The OLCC’s Christie Scott estimates that the surcharge would add $33.8 million to the state’s general fund, which is earmarked for critical services like first responders, healthcare, and education.
While the decision to extend the surcharge would usually made next year, the commission looks to lock down a decision to assist lawmakers as they plan the state budget.
“The commission can stabilize the funding source and ease the burden on the governor and legislative budget process,” Scott says. “We wouldn’t have that $33.8 million gap that they would have to make up somewhere else.”
Approximately $10 million of the state general fund went to fire fighting efforts last year.
A public hearing will be held at the OLCC headquarters in Milwaukie prior to the decision.
For more information on the hearing, click here.
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