State Auditor Finds Slow Spending and Challenges in Measure 110 Drug Treatment Grants
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Willamette Week
An audit conducted by the Oregon Secretary of State has found that funds from Measure 110, which decriminalized small amounts of drugs for personal use, are not being utilized efficiently. Despite distributing $261 million from cannabis taxes to drug treatment providers, only a third of the grant funds have been spent due to difficulties in hiring staff and other obstacles. This issue of underspending has been observed in other programs in Oregon as well. Critics of Measure 110 have filed initiatives to overturn it, while lawmakers are considering modifications. The audit also highlighted concerns about the Oregon Health Authority's ability to gather reliable data to measure the program's effectiveness. However, the audit did acknowledge that the grants have expanded community-based services and improved accessibility for vulnerable individuals.