Things continue to move quickly this week in session! In this week’s newsletter, find updates on our legislative agenda and committees. We also continue to celebrate Black History/Futures Month and encourage you to sign up for our End of Session Town Hall!
 

 

House Committee on Housing

Updates from the Housing Committee include: HB 4125 moving forward to the Senate floor; HB 4051 has moved forward to Joint Ways and Means; HB 4163 moved into Rules and passed with A-2 amendment now heading to Ways and Means; HB 4037 passed unanimously and has moved to the Senate. We were also provided an interim update on the Regional Housing Needs Analysis (RHNA) from the Department of Lands Conservation and Development and Oregon Housing and Community Services. Key takeaways from the interim report:

• 140,000 homes underproduced
• Current housing planning is failing housing needs of low and no income Oregonians and reinforcing geographic patterns of racial and economic segregation
• “Affordable” for this analysis housing means a household spends no more than 30% of their income on rent 
• There is no specific agency of state government that is responsible for overall housing production, and the regulatory tools available are better suited to preventing unwanted developments than to encouraging those that are needed.

They will provide a final report on this work, including policy recommendations, which was directed in 2019 from HB 2003 Housing Needs and Production by the end of this year. I look forward to working to ensure that our housing production system meets the needs of all Oregonians sustainably, equitably, and efficiently. 

House Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources

Had a public hearing for HB 4072 which would allow the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to charge fees for hunting, angling and shellfish licenses, tags and permits that are less than the amount established in the statutory fee schedule. Then, we revisited a couple of older bills which were HB 4077 (rename the Environmental Justice Task Force as the Environmental Justice Council) and HB 4080 which would authorize landowners who meet certain criteria to petition for formation of predator damage control district as funding mechanism to pay actual costs to the county of preventing, reducing and mitigating damage to property from predatory animals.

In the work sessions held for HB 4077 and HB 4072, both bills were referred to Ways and Means with the necessary amendments. There was also an informational meeting held for SB 1501 which is a compilation of proposed rules and regulations in relation to SB 1602 that was passed in the first special session of 2021. SB 1501 would direct the State Board of Forestry to adopt a single rule package on or before Nov. 30 of this year to implement the Private Forest Accord Report. You can follow this committee on OLIS, We meet every Monday and Wednesday starting at 1:00pm.

 

House Committee on Rules

We continue to be busy in the House Rules Committee. Earlier this week, we held a public hearing on HB 4144, a bill that I am championing with the Secretary of State office, which aims to protect election workers. You can watch the public hearing here. We also had a hearing on HB 4157, a bill I am championing, which will provide $600 direct payments to individuals and families who claimed the EITC in the 2020 tax year. You can watch the public hearing here. We also held public hearings and work sessions on HB 4138, an important bill that amends the workers compensation law.  You can follow the House Rules Committee on OLIS. 

 

House Committee on Revenue

HB 4055, relating to forest products harvest taxation had a work session earlier this week and adopted the -4 amendment and passed unanimously through the committee. Later this week, there will be a work session on HB 4054, which relates to the property tax special assessment of historic property to commercial property. You can follow this committee on OLIS, we meet every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 3:15pm. 

 

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

As the short session continues, bills that have a fiscal or revenue impact will move out of their respective policy committees to this committee. This week, our committee approved some federal grant applications and our work will be picking up as more policy bills have gotten referred to the committee. You can follow along with our work here.

 

 

Taking Ownership PDX
Is a grassroots effort started by Randal Wyatt that is directly addressing the impacts of racism and gentrification for Portland area Black communities. The group, powered by volunteers, provides repairs and renovations for Black owned homes. To learn more, volunteer, or request a renovation or repair, visit: https://takingownershippdx.com
 

 Fostering and Celebrating Black Joy and Wellness 

 

 

Do you have a question, need support, or want to share with us something that's important to you? You can reach our HD 47 staff by sending an email  to Rep.AndreaValderrama@oregonlegislature.gov  or calling (503) 986-1447.

The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance portal reopened on Wednesday, January 26th. 

 If you are in need of emergency rental assistance, once the application opens apply as soon as you are able as funds are limited, and the portal will stay open for a minimum of three weeks. 
 

 

 Non-Emergency Bias Response Hotline 

The Oregon Department of Justice now has a trauma informed hotline for community members who have experienced or witnessed a hate incident or crime. The operators on this line are trained to help survivors and there is multilingual support with interpreters in 240 languages.

The response hotline is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday PST. For community members with a hearing disability, please dial 711.
You can also visit: standagainsthate.oregon.gov

 Wellness 

As we continue to experience public health and safety issues due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people are struggling with their mental health. Many feelings of fatigue and repetition are normal when navigating a phenomenon like this, but if you are consistently experiencing depression or hopelessness please talk to someone who can offer you support. 

If you are in need of food access or other services, please check out Street Root's Rose City Resource for a comprehensive list of supportive services. 

• Lines for Life Racial Equity Line: 503-575-3764
  • Support by people who have lived experience of racism, weekdays 10am to 7pm
• Call to Safety: 503-235-5333
  • Trauma informed support for domestic and sexual abuse survivors, 24/7
• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
  • Support for queer youth, 24/7 via phone, text, or chat
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Support for people considering suicide in English and Español, 24/7 - you matter, please call if you are contemplating suicide. Also available for those who have a hearing disability. Chat option available.