PORTLAND -- Just hours after the failure of Measure 28, jail workers were already preparing to release dozens of inmates in Multnomah County.
Before noon, more than 30 prisoners walked free at the Justice Center in downtown Portland. Another 50 would be released around 5 p.m.

Without funding from the state, Sheriff Bernie Giusto said he can't afford to house all the inmates. When the money runs out, so does the space, he said.

In all, 114 prisoners are targeted for release this week. The repeat offenders were serving time for theft, drug possession, identity theft and sexual assault. They are processed to determine risk, and historically, violent offenders are kept behind bars.

"The worst part about it is we are not done," Giusto told KOIN 6 News.

"We could release 300-500 people if we don't get some help out of the state Legislature soon."

One woman was released Wednesday after serving just one day of a six-month theft sentence. She told KOIN that she would have voted for Measure 28, but was glad that it failed and she could go home.

you should see the smile on my face...

this is GREAT news.

That's really to bad they can't get more money OH DAMN! LOL. Love Barbara

oh one more bit of information :)


PORTLAND -- Oregon voters soundly defeated a proposed three-year temporary income tax increase on Tuesday.
With 92 percent of the vote counted Wednesday morning, Ballot Measure 28 was failing 55 percent to 45 percent.

The failure of Measure 28 will trigger more than $310 million in cuts to schools, public safety and social service budgets. The impact is expected to be immediate and could be dramatic.

Jails

At the Multnomah County Jail, officials began processing inmates around 1 a.m., preparing to release at least 114 prisoners. Between 20 and 30 are set to walk out around 11 a.m. and 30 or 40 more around 5 p.m. Dozens more will be released by the end of the month.

The sheriff said the beds will remain empty until funding is secured.

Social Services

Funding is set to stop Friday for several social service programs.

More than 4,000 low-income Oregonians will be affected by reductions in service such as in-home care for the disabled and free clinics for drug addicts. Basic welfare grants will drop by $5 a month for 18,000 households.

Medical benefit payments will end for 8,000 elderly and disabled people who do not qualify for Medicaid or the Oregon Health Plan.

Schools

Unless lawmakers find a quick solution, schools will lose $95 million.

To deal with the lack of money, the Portland district could shorten the school year by 24 days. Other districts are considering their options.

Oregon State Police

Pink slips have already gone out at the Oregon State Police.

Around 130 troopers will lose their jobs by Friday, along with other non-sworn employees.

That's good about the inmates getting out BUT not the education and social service funding.

Deb