SOCIAL ISSUES

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 Oregon has long been a place of welcome—where people from all over the world come to build better lives for themselves and their families. I believe in protecting that spirit. Immigrants are vital to Oregon’s economy, culture, and future. At the same time, our policies must evolve to meet today’s realities.

I believe we can be both compassionate and responsible. If someone is in the country without legal status but is working hard, staying out of trouble, and contributing to their community—they deserve a fair and attainable pathway to legal residency and, ultimately, citizenship. But if someone is convicted of a violent crime, regardless of status, they must be deported.

Oregon’s current sanctuary law was crafted with good intentions—to foster trust between immigrant communities and public institutions. But when that policy results in individuals who commit serious violent crimes avoiding accountability simply because of a lack of coordination between agencies, it undermines that trust for everyone.

This isn’t about division or fear—it’s about fairness and safety for everyone who calls Oregon home. I believe we can honor our values and protect our communities at the same time.

Oregon’s seniors and disabled residents have waited long enough. They’ve paid into the system, carried this state through hard times, and now many are forced to live on federal checks that barely cover rent—let alone food, medicine, or transportation. That’s not dignity. That’s neglect. And as Governor, I won’t stand for it.

I’m proposing that Oregon double Social Security and disability payments—not by replacing the federal system, but by creating a state-funded monthly supplement for all Oregonians receiving Social Security Retirement (SSR), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This would give our seniors, disabled individuals, and survivors twice the income they currently receive, lifting them out of poverty and ensuring they can actually live—not just survive.

This is not a giveaway—it’s a return on the lifelong contributions of our most vulnerable residents. Oregon should be the first state in the nation to treat Social Security and disability recipients with the respect they deserve.

 Every Oregonian deserves to know where they come from. As Governor, I will push for legislation to open all adoption records—past and future—so that adoptees have full access to their birth records, family histories, and medical information. For too long, adoptees have been denied the basic right to their own identity in the name of secrecy and outdated systems. It's time to recognize that transparency is healing, and truth belongs to everyone.

This policy will apply retroactively and moving forward, with protections in place for both adoptees and birth parents. Opening adoption records helps people reconnect with their roots, understand hereditary health risks, and find closure. It is not about disrupting families—it’s about empowering individuals. Oregon can lead the nation in reforming adoption practices by replacing shame with honesty, and secrecy with compassion. The era of closed doors and lost histories must end.

 Oregon is currently spending over $2 billion on homelessness and crime-related services, including more than $700 million specifically for shelters, outreach, and harm reduction programs. In Portland alone, over $500 million was spent last year with little to show for it—homelessness is rising, crime is increasing, and overdose deaths are spiraling out of control. These funds are being absorbed by nonprofits, administrative costs, and short-term fixes that don’t address root causes. The system is broken—and taxpayers are footing the bill for policies that fail to protect the public or help those in need.

As Governor, I will redirect those funds toward real, structured solutions. I’ll invest in state-run communities that provide mandatory drug treatment, mental health care, job training, and secure housing—not open-air chaos. I will double police pay, expand mental health crisis teams, and establish civilian oversight in every major jurisdiction. We will stop enabling criminal behavior and start restoring public order, while still offering compassion and support. With long-term revenue from Solar City, we’ll have the resources to expand these programs without raising taxes. Oregon can—and must—do better. I will make sure we do.

Too many Oregonians are just one missed paycheck away from eviction or living without power. While large-scale housing and energy reforms are critical, we must also deliver immediate, direct relief to those struggling right now. As Governor, I will implement Direct Rent Payments and Direct Energy Payments for low- and middle-income Oregonians—fast, flexible assistance that helps people stay housed, safe, and stable.

Under my plan, eligible residents will receive monthly Direct Rent Payments to cover up to $250 of their housing costs based on income level and rent burden. Landlords will be required to accept these payments, and in exchange, must agree to freeze rent increases and comply with basic habitability standards. This approach ensures tenants get support, landlords get paid, and neighborhoods stay intact. No bureaucracy, no delay—just money where it’s needed, when it’s needed.

I will also launch Direct Energy Payments, covering up to $350 per household per month in electricity, gas, or heat expenses during qualifying hardship periods. These payments will be funded through a combination of new revenue streams—including a carbon offset fee on major polluters and an AI Workforce Replacement Tax—ensuring that working Oregonians are not the ones footing the bill. In a modern society, no one should have to choose between heat and food, or rent and survival. These payments are not just relief—they're a reset.

I support enacting a 15-week limit on elective abortions in Oregon, with clear exceptions for cases of rape, incest, severe fetal abnormalities, and when the life or serious health of the mother is at risk. This policy respects both the right of a woman to make deeply personal decisions in the earliest stages of pregnancy and society’s interest in protecting developing life beyond a point where science shows a fetus can respond to pain and exhibit human form. At 15 weeks, we strike a compassionate balance—preserving access in urgent or tragic circumstances while ensuring that late-term abortions are not used casually or without medical justification.

Oregon currently has some of the most permissive abortion laws in the country, with no gestational limits at all. I believe we can do better—by protecting both unborn life and vulnerable women. This 15-week framework is not about punishment or control; it's about drawing a moral line that reflects our shared values of responsibility, compassion, and care for the voiceless. We can support mothers, expand healthcare access, provide free birth control and childcare—and still say: after 15 weeks, unless there’s a tragic reason, we protect the life growing inside.

 Oregon’s parks are sacred spaces—vital to our health, our communities, and our future. I believe every Oregonian deserves access to clean, safe, and well-maintained public parks, trails, and green spaces. As Governor, I will prioritize investment in park infrastructure, expanding and renovating community parks, upgrading restrooms and water facilities, restoring trails, and ensuring ADA accessibility across the state. Parks are not just recreational areas—they are natural classrooms, cultural gathering places, and sanctuaries for mental wellness.

To protect and preserve these shared spaces, I will push for the hiring and training of more park rangers with expanded authority and visibility. These rangers won’t just enforce rules—they will serve as stewards of public lands, ambassadors for conservation, and frontline responders in emergencies. I will support funding for modern ranger equipment, increased presence in high-traffic areas, and programs that involve rangers in youth education and environmental initiatives. Parks should be places where families feel safe, wildlife is respected, and Oregon’s natural beauty is protected for generations to come.

 I strongly support the mission and expansion of Job Corps as a cornerstone of workforce development in Oregon. Job Corps provides essential career training, education, and life skills to young people—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—helping them gain the tools to achieve independence, stability, and long-term success. As Governor, I will fight to fully fund Oregon’s Job Corps centers, enhance program offerings, and ensure every eligible youth has access to free vocational training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, renewable energy, construction, and information technology.

I will also work to better integrate Job Corps with Oregon’s broader economic development strategy. That means forming stronger partnerships with employers, unions, and community colleges to create clear pipelines from Job Corps training to real, good-paying jobs. I will push for increased wraparound services like mental health support, mentorship, and housing assistance to ensure students can focus on their futures. Job Corps is not a charity—it’s a smart investment in Oregon’s workforce, economy, and youth.

Oregon’s current income tax system is outdated, overly complex, and unfair to working families. As Governor, I will implement a new, simplified flat income tax system that lowers the burden on low- and middle-income earners while ensuring the wealthiest contribute their fair share. Under my plan, Oregonians making under $80,000 a year will pay just 3%, while those making more will pay a flat 5%—with no hidden loopholes or confusing brackets.

This new model will put more money back into the hands of working people and small business owners, stimulate the local economy, and remove the bureaucratic red tape that punishes success and stifles growth. It's built to be fair, transparent, and easy to understand. Combined with the elimination of property taxes, this reform offers real financial breathing room to the people who need it most—while keeping Oregon’s essential services fully funded through smart budgeting and alternative revenue strategies.

 Oregon’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but our current tax system often punishes the local entrepreneur while letting massive corporations off the hook. As Governor, I will implement a tiered business tax structure that protects small businesses and working-class employers, while ensuring that large, high-profit corporations contribute fairly to the communities they profit from.

Under my plan, businesses making under $1 million in annual revenue will pay no state business tax. For companies earning between $1 million and $10 million, a modest 2% flat business tax will apply. Major corporations and investment-backed enterprises making over $10 million annually will be subject to a standard 5% business tax, with additional surcharges on companies that replace human jobs with AI or automation.

This structure will reward Oregon-grown businesses, encourage innovation, and ensure multinational corporations pay their fair share to support the infrastructure and workforce they rely on.

Alex backs the blue but also believes that Oregon deserves a public safety system that is both trusted and equipped. I believe in a balanced, responsible approach to policing—one that fully supports our officers, while also upholding transparency, accountability, and the trust of the people.

As Governor, I will fight to increase funding for law enforcement across Oregon, especially in areas where rising crime and stretched budgets have made public safety harder to maintain. This funding will be directed not only toward better staffing and training, but toward giving departments modern gear, vehicles, and technology so officers are never under-equipped. I want our officers to have everything they need to do their jobs safely, effectively, and professionally.

At the same time, I’ll push for mandatory body-worn cameras, strict de-escalation training, and civilian oversight in every jurisdiction. The goal is not to politicize policing—but to restore public confidence through clear standards and fair review. Accountability and support must go hand in hand.

Finally, I will expand the role of mental health crisis response teams, so officers are not left to handle situations better served by trained behavioral specialists. This model will reduce unnecessary confrontations and help law enforcement focus on real threats to public safety.

We don’t need to choose between public safety and justice—we need leadership that delivers both. I will work to make Oregon a place where communities feel safe, and officers are fully equipped to protect and serve.

 Oregon’s firefighters are true public servants—risking their lives to protect our homes, our forests, and our communities. Whether it’s battling wildfires in the mountains or responding to emergencies in our towns, they show up with courage, professionalism, and grit. As Governor, I will ensure they are respected not just in words, but in action—with the funding, protections, and pay they deserve.

I will fight to cut income taxes in half for all first responders, including firefighters, and ensure they receive significantly higher base pay for the essential work they perform. I support full funding for fire equipment, station upgrades, hazard pay, and expanded mental health care—including trauma and burnout support. I will also prioritize wildfire prevention through prescribed burns and land management programs that reduce the risks our firefighters face. When Oregon is on fire, our firefighters never hesitate to act—it's time their state did the same for them.

 Emergency medical service workers are the quiet backbone of Oregon’s emergency response system—often the first to arrive and the last to be recognized. These professionals deliver lifesaving care in moments of crisis, yet they are too often underpaid, overworked, and overlooked. As Governor, I will change that. I will fight to cut income taxes in half for all EMS workers, recognizing the essential, high-risk nature of their work with real, permanent financial relief.

Beyond tax cuts, I will advocate for higher wages, expanded mental health support, and greater funding for rural and understaffed EMS departments. Whether they’re stabilizing a patient on the side of a highway or responding to a fentanyl overdose in a city alley, EMS professionals are heroes—and it’s time Oregon treated them like it. Supporting EMS isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s how we build a healthier, safer, and more resilient state.

This issue is deeply personal to me. My grandfather served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and his legacy instilled in me a profound respect for the sacrifice and resilience of our veterans. I believe Oregon must do better for those who have served—and as Governor, I will fight to make Oregon the best state in the country for veterans to live, heal, and thrive. That includes pushing for guaranteed housing for all veterans, expanding 24/7 access to mental health and addiction care, and establishing a statewide Veterans Ombudsman Office to cut through red tape and fight for the benefits our veterans have earned. I also support providing $250 monthly payments to veterans earning under $80,000, and cutting their state income taxes in half to ease financial burdens and reward service.

I'll work to expand veteran job programs and apprenticeships in fields like infrastructure, clean energy, and public service, while backing a Veteran Business Fund to support entrepreneurship and long-term success. Veterans will receive priority access to housing, public employment, and tuition-free education and retraining opportunities. I also plan to push for improvements to the VA system in Oregon and expand access to federal and state benefits—especially in rural and underserved regions. 

As we fight to end property taxes statewide for all Oregonians, we must also ensure that those who defended this country are never left behind. Supporting veterans isn’t charity—it’s a moral obligation.

 Our public schools don't function without the dedicated work of school support staff—bus drivers, cafeteria workers, janitors, classroom aides, office staff, and security personnel. These essential workers are the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring that our students are fed, safe, transported, and supported every single day. Yet despite their critical role, many of them earn near-poverty wages. As Governor, I will fight to double the pay of all public school support staff across Oregon.

This investment is not just about fairness—it’s about stability. When support staff are paid what they’re worth, schools run more efficiently, students are better cared for, and communities thrive. Higher pay will reduce turnover, improve morale, and attract the kind of dependable, compassionate professionals our students deserve. If we’re serious about strengthening public education, we have to value everyone who makes it possible—not just in words, but in paychecks.

 First responders are the backbone of public safety in Oregon. Whether it’s firefighters battling wildfires, police officers responding to emergencies, or EMS workers saving lives in crisis, these individuals put everything on the line for our communities. As Governor, I will fight to double the base pay of all first responders in Oregon—because no one willing to risk their life should be forced to work multiple jobs just to survive.

This pay increase will help recruit and retain top-tier talent, reduce burnout, and ensure that our emergency response system remains strong, fast, and effective. At the same time, I will continue to push for full funding of equipment, vehicles, and trauma recovery support. This is more than compensation—it’s respect in action. A safer, more stable Oregon starts by standing up for those who stand up for us.

Oregon’s healthcare workers are exhausted, undervalued, and leaving the profession in record numbers—and our system is suffering because of it. As Governor, I will fight to double the base pay of all frontline healthcare workers, including nurses, medical technicians, hospital staff, and long-term care professionals. These are the people who kept Oregon alive through pandemics, crises, and chronic understaffing. Doubling their pay is not a luxury—it’s a necessity to retain talent, prevent collapse, and ensure every Oregonian has access to timely, quality care. If we can’t afford to pay the people who save lives, then we’re investing in the wrong priorities.

Oregon’s social workers are on the front lines of our most urgent crises—child welfare, foster care, domestic violence, mental health, addiction, homelessness, and elder care. These are emotionally and physically demanding jobs, often carried out under immense pressure and with little recognition. As Governor, I will fight to double the base pay of all publicly employed social workers, because no one doing this kind of vital, high-stakes work should be underpaid or undervalued.

High caseloads, burnout, and low wages are driving experienced professionals out of the field, leaving vulnerable Oregonians without the support they need. Doubling pay will help recruit and retain qualified, passionate workers while restoring dignity to one of the most important professions in our state. If we want real solutions to the cycles of poverty, trauma, and crisis, we must start by empowering the people tasked with solving them. This is not charity—it’s infrastructure. Social workers hold our communities together, and it’s time Oregon held them up.