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Subcommittee approves $2.5 million retention bonus program for Oregon National Guard
Summary
The Public Safety Subcommittee adopted a dash-2 amendment to Senate Bill 807 to appropriate $2.5 million general fund to create a $5,000 retention bonus for National Guard members who enlist or extend service for at least three years and added an emergency clause; the bill was recommended to the full Ways and Means committee with a due-pass.
Senate Bill 807, which would authorize a retention bonus program in the Oregon National Guard, was amended and advanced from the Public Safety Subcommittee with a due-pass recommendation and an appropriation of $2.5 million general fund.
Under the amended measure, the Adjutant General of the Oregon Military Department would establish a retention-bonus program offering $5,000 to members of the Oregon Army and Air National Guard who enlist or extend service for at least three years. The LFO presentation estimated the appropriation would fund roughly 500 bonuses and said the military department could absorb administrative costs for the program. The dash-2 amendment adds the $2.5 million appropriation and an emergency clause.
Several senators voiced support for the investment as a recruitment and retention tool during what presenters described as a period of low enlistment. Senator Broadman said the funds were an investment in public safety and readiness; another senator highlighted recent wildfire response as an example of demand on the Guard's resources. The subcommittee adopted the dash-2 amendment and then voted the bill out to the full committee by unanimous voice consent.
The bill includes an emergency clause and the appropriation is intended to be available immediately if the measure is enacted. The subcommittee discussion emphasized recruitment challenges, the Guard's role in emergency response and the program's intent to make enlistment more attractive in a state with recruiting difficulties.
