The Safety Net Crisis
In a state as abundant as Oregon, no one should go hungry, skip medicine, or fear an impoverished retirement. Yet our safety net is full of holes, and the most vulnerable Oregonians fall through every day.
"No one understands food insecurity like someone who has gone to bed hungry."
Rabbi Fora
Ending Hunger in Oregon
In a state as abundant as Oregon, no one should go hungry. Yet hundreds of thousands of Oregonians, including children, face food insecurity every day. Rabbi Fora will end hunger in Oregon through bold, structural solutions.
State Grocery Options
Establish state-sponsored grocery options in every county to end food deserts. No Oregonian should have to drive an hour to buy fresh produce.
Oregon Food Card
Create a supplemental Oregon Food Card program that goes beyond federal SNAP benefits to ensure every family can afford nutritious food.
School Meals for All
Guarantee free breakfast and lunch for every Oregon student, regardless of family income. We will also establish takeaway dinners for any family who asks. Kids can't learn on an empty stomach.
Support Local Agriculture
Connect state food programs with Oregon farmers, supporting local agriculture while feeding our communities.
Affordable Medicine for All
No one should have to choose between paying for medicine and paying for food. Oregon can lead the nation in making essential medications affordable for everyone.
-
State Pharmaceutical Production
Oregon will establish state-level production of generic medications, particularly insulin and other life-saving drugs, to break the pharmaceutical monopoly.
-
State Pharmacies
Establish state-run pharmacies that offer medications at cost, providing a public option that keeps private pharmacies honest.
-
Bulk Purchasing
Use the state's purchasing power to negotiate lower drug prices for all Oregonians, similar to what the VA does for veterans.
-
Price Transparency
Require pharmaceutical companies to justify price increases and publish their true costs.
Direct Family Support
When families are secure, communities are safer. Investing in families isn't just compassionate. It's smart economic policy that reduces crime, improves health outcomes, and builds a stronger Oregon.
Oregon Child Benefit
Rabbi Fora will establish direct cash payments to families with children. The expanded federal Child Tax Credit lifted millions out of poverty before it expired, and Oregon can create its own version.
- Monthly payments, not annual tax credits
- No work requirements or complicated applications
- Reaches the families who need it most
Affordable Childcare
Expand state subsidies so no family pays more than 7% of income on childcare. Parents shouldn't have to choose between working and caring for their children.
Paid Family Leave
Strengthen Oregon's Paid Leave program to ensure every worker can take time off for family needs without financial devastation.
Retirement Security
After a lifetime of work, every Oregonian deserves a dignified retirement. Rabbi Fora will protect existing retirement systems and expand access to new ones.
Protect PERS
Defend the Public Employee Retirement System from attacks. Public employees earned these benefits, and they will be honored.
Private Sector Pensions
Establish a state-sponsored pension system for private employees and self-employed folks. If someone already has a pension through their employer, this will be calculated into their payment from the state system.
Self-Employed Coverage
Extend retirement options to self-employed Oregonians, gig workers, and small business owners.
Social Security Advocacy
Use Oregon's voice to fight federal attempts to cut or privatize Social Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn't this socialism?
As Harry Truman put it, "Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people." These investments in our communities pay direct dividends to us all. Full children learn better, healthy workers are more productive, secure seniors use fewer services. A strong safety net makes Oregonians stronger.
Can Oregon really produce its own medicine?
California is already exploring state insulin production. The technology exists; what's been lacking is political will. Oregon can partner with universities and existing manufacturers to produce generic medications at a fraction of current prices.
How do direct payments help the economy?
When families have money, they spend it locally: on groceries, clothes, services. That money circulates through the economy, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Poverty is expensive; reducing it saves money in the long run.
Questions or Feedback?
Have questions about Rabbi Fora's safety net policy? Want to share your thoughts? We'd love to hear from you.
Build a Safety Net That Works
Every Oregonian deserves security: food on the table, medicine they can afford, and a dignified retirement. Help us make it happen.