The possibility of a new $1,600 stimulus check coming to fruition in 2026 is gaining traction in the state of Oregon. This initiative, known as Measure 118, will be put to a vote during the presidential elections in November 2025 and promises direct rebates for all state residents. Although the measure is not yet finalized, it is backed by several organizations and could become a reality for thousands of people.
Measure 118 proposes sending stimulus checks of up to $1,600 to every Oregon resident. The initiative is being introduced in response to the escalating housing crisis and the rising costs of rent in the state. According to the proposal, anyone who has lived in Oregon for at least 200 days would be eligible to receive the payment, with no additional criteria required. Moreover, dependents would also be included in the program.
Why is this stimulus check important?
The primary goal of this measure is to provide financial relief to low-income renters who have been disproportionately impacted by inflation and the increasing housing prices. Oregon has faced a surge in housing costs, and this measure seeks to alleviate some of the pressure these residents are experiencing.
Data from Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis shows that nearly half of renters in the state spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Additionally, more than 50% of these renters report that after paying rent, they barely have enough left to cover other essential expenses such as food or medicine. In this context, the $1,600 check proposed by Measure 118 could make a significant difference for many families.
Kim McCarty, executive director of the Community Alliance of Tenants, one of the organizations supporting the measure, stated: “Measure 118 is a lifeline for Oregon renters facing exorbitant costs. This rebate offers immediate relief in a volatile and often predatory housing market.” In a time when rents continue to rise, this check could help prevent many families from becoming homeless.
How would measure 118 impact renters?
According to Leeor Schweitzer, an organizer with Portland Tenants United, “renters are cutting back on food and medicine to afford rent.” For organizations like Portland Tenants United, this check wouldn’t just ease the financial burden on tenants; it would also serve as a crucial safety net to prevent housing instability.
While the measure doesn’t solve all of the housing-related problems, it does represent an important step towards greater tenant protections. The rebate would provide much-needed temporary relief, though it doesn’t replace the need for additional rights for tenants. Housing advocates emphasize that the check could be a vital tool to address some of the immediate economic pressures, particularly as more long-term solutions are being developed.
The housing situation in Oregon has been deteriorating for years, and the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the issue. Many tenants are still struggling to recover from pandemic-related financial difficulties, and rising rents have made it even harder to make ends meet. By providing this rebate, Measure 118 aims to prevent more families from being pushed into poverty or, worse, homelessness.
Obstacles to the approval of the measure
Despite the support Measure 118 has garnered, it’s not without its opposition. One of the main critics is the business sector, which has raised concerns about potential tax increases to fund these checks. According to the proposal, the state would have to raise the minimum corporate tax rate by 3% for businesses with revenues over $25 million. This has sparked concern among companies, particularly those with narrower profit margins, as they fear that this tax hike might eventually be passed down to consumers.
“It’s rare for new taxes to be accepted, whether corporate or personal,” commented Powers, an expert quoted. “Businesses worry that this tax will be based on revenues rather than profits, which would affect sectors with thinner margins.”
These concerns reflect broader debates on the balance between providing necessary financial support to individuals and the economic impact on businesses. Some opponents argue that such tax hikes could harm the local economy, as higher costs might deter investments or result in price increases for consumers.
Supporters of the measure, however, believe that the economic benefits of providing direct financial aid to struggling families outweigh the potential downsides. They argue that giving low-income households a boost will help stimulate local spending, which in turn could benefit businesses and the economy at large.
When would the stimulus check be approved?
If Measure 118 is approved by voters in November 2025, the first $1,600 checks would start being distributed in 2026 as part of the rebate from the previous year’s taxes. This money would arrive at a critical time, as inflation and rising living costs continue to affect low-income families across the state.
While the future of Measure 118 remains uncertain until the vote takes place, the conversations around it are shedding light on the urgent need for housing and economic reforms in Oregon. Housing advocates and tenants’ rights groups see the measure as a potential game-changer, offering immediate financial relief and laying the groundwork for more comprehensive solutions to the state’s housing crisis.
Measure 118 could be a turning point for many Oregonians, particularly those struggling to keep up with rising rents and basic living expenses. Though not without its challenges and detractors, the proposal has sparked an important conversation about the state’s responsibility to protect its most vulnerable residents. Should the measure pass, it could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar housing issues.