High Chances For A $1,600 Stimulus Check In Oregon: What You Need to Know

A new $1,600 stimulus check could be on the horizon for Oregon residents, thanks to Measure 118, a proposal designed to provide direct rebates to combat the state’s growing housing crisis.

While the measure won’t be up for a vote until the presidential election in November 2025, the chances of it becoming reality are increasing.

Backed by several advocacy groups, Measure 118 could significantly impact renters who are struggling to keep up with rising costs of living.

Here’s a look at why this stimulus check is important, who stands to benefit, and what obstacles the measure might face on its path to approval.

Why Relief is Needed

Measure 118, if passed, would send $1,600 to every Oregon resident, aiming to provide financial relief in a state where the cost of living has skyrocketed.

The housing crisis has reached alarming levels, with rent prices continuing to climb and inflation making basic necessities harder to afford.

Oregon’s housing situation has worsened over the past decade, with nearly half of the renters now spending more than 30% of their income on rent.

More than 50% of these renters report that after paying rent, they have little left for other essential needs like food and medicine. This is where the $1,600 stimulus check could play a crucial role—offering a lifeline to renters who are barely getting by.

Key Figures:

• Renters spending 30%+ income on rent: Nearly 50%
• Renters struggling with essentials after rent: Over 50%

As Kim McCarty, executive director of the Community Alliance of Tenants, pointed out, this measure is crucial in a volatile housing market.

“Measure 118 is a lifeline for Oregon renters facing exorbitant costs,” she said, emphasizing how these direct rebates could keep many from falling into homelessness.

Eligibility

One of the appealing aspects of Measure 118 is its broad eligibility requirements. According to the proposal, any resident who has lived in Oregon for at least 200 days is eligible to receive the payment.

There are no additional income or employment criteria, meaning it is open to a wide range of people, including low-income workers, unemployed individuals, and dependents.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Residency: Must have lived in Oregon for at least 200 days
• Dependents: Also eligible for payment

This inclusive approach ensures that as many people as possible can benefit from the measure, especially those hit hardest by rising costs and economic instability.

The Potential Impact on Renters

The stimulus check is designed to provide temporary relief, but it could also help prevent long-term consequences like homelessness or severe financial hardship.

Renters in Oregon are increasingly forced to make tough choices, such as cutting back on food, medicine, or other essentials just to afford rent.

Leeor Schweitzer, an organizer with Portland Tenants United, noted that “renters are cutting back on food and medicine to afford rent,” underscoring how dire the situation has become.

Although the $1,600 check doesn’t solve the broader housing crisis, it can ease the burden for many. This immediate financial aid would allow renters to cover basic living expenses while also serving as a critical safety net against further housing instability.

Obstacles and Opposition

Despite growing support, Measure 118 does face challenges, particularly from the business sector. To fund these checks, the proposal suggests raising the minimum corporate tax rate by 3% for companies with revenues over $25 million.

Unsurprisingly, this has sparked concerns among businesses, many of whom fear that the tax increase will impact their bottom lines, potentially leading to higher consumer prices.

The opposition argues that taxing businesses based on revenue, rather than profits, could hurt companies with thinner profit margins. This concern highlights the tension between providing financial aid to individuals and the potential economic impact on businesses.

Economic expert Powers remarked, “It’s rare for new taxes to be accepted, whether corporate or personal.” The business community worries that the added tax burden might discourage investments or lead to cost increases for consumers, potentially slowing down the local economy.

Timeline for Approval

If the measure passes during the November 2025 vote, the first checks would likely be distributed in 2026.

These checks would serve as rebates from the previous year’s taxes, offering timely relief as rent prices and inflation continue to affect Oregon’s low-income families. The proposal, if successful, could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar housing affordability issues.

Timeline:

• Vote: November 2025
• First checks issued: 2026

Why It Matters

Although Measure 118 faces opposition, the conversations it has sparked are shining a much-needed spotlight on Oregon’s housing crisis.

Renters across the state are struggling to stay afloat, and this stimulus check could provide some temporary stability while longer-term housing reforms are developed.

This proposal also serves as a potential model for other states facing similar challenges. Should it pass, it could mark a significant turning point for how state governments tackle housing affordability and provide direct financial relief to residents.

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