OREGON LEGISLATURE
“ROLLS UP ITS SLEEVES”
Based on excerpts from Lauren Dake Report (OPB)Jan. 17, 2023
Photo – Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
Newly sworn-in Governor, Tina Kotek has declared a homeless state of emergency and called for an increase in the production of new housing units. She’s also asked the Legislature to move swiftly to approve $130 million to help more than 1,000 Oregonians.
Democrats, who control both legislative chambers but lack the supermajorities they’ve had in recent sessions, have signaled they are aligned with Kotek’s plan and are preparing to quickly dedicate money to keeping the state’s most vulnerable housed, in particular: people living with disabilities, veterans and children placed in foster care who are aging out of the system.
OTHER LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
State’s behavioral health programs and treatment facilities. When Oregon voters approved the 2020 drug decriminalization law Measure 110, part of the deal was funding more treatment programs. But the money has been slow to get out the door delaying the availability of treatment while people struggling with mental health and addiction problems continue to increase.
Abortion Rights They have promised to take a closer look at making Oregon’s laws even more protective of the right to an abortion and how to ensure healthcare workers are protected from any criminal litigation that could stem from providing abortions to people coming from other states.
Gun Laws They are considering how to strengthen the state’s gun laws and will be looking at a range of options from banning what are known as ghost guns, raising the age to purchase handguns and ensuring the voter-approved Measure 114 new permitting process to buy a firearm is adequately funded. (A Harney County judge has issued an injunction that has prevented Measure 114 from taking effect.)
State’s Workforce Shortage. There will be bills on how to improve the state’s workforce shortage, reduce property crimes, support teachers and improve how we fight wildfires. Lawmakers will also decide which programs deserve state money and what needs to be trimmed as part of approving the next two-year budget.
Semiconductor Industry. When President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act, that sent billions in funding to the industry. If Oregon is able to leverage those federal funds, some lawmakers believe it could funnel billions to the state in the next decade, helping the economy and creating jobs.
Legislators have now returned to Salem and public committee hearings will be in person for the first time since 2020. Thanks to voter-approved Measure 113 to curb walkouts, hopefully legislators will work together to address the myriad crises currently facing the state.
As he was sworn in as House Speaker, Dan Rayfield said, “We have an opportunity to improve housing supply, provide supports to those who are houseless, create pathways to homeownership, and ensure the historic investments we have made in housing, mental health care, and addiction services are making an impact on the ground.”
Speaker Rayfield added, “I ask all of us to consider what is our responsibility, as leaders of this state, to build community instead of succumbing to the pressures of a political system that incentivizes demonizing each other.”
Source:
Oregon Legislature begins 2023 work with focus on housing and homelessness - OPB.