Policy and Funding Successes
2024 Legislative Session
HB4002 reforms Ballot Measure 110 (2020) by recriminalizing drug possession. Passed with broad bipartisan support, it includes a mix of incentives, potential criminal penalties, and enhanced substance abuse treatment options.
HB4134 and HB4128 will help cities fund infrastructure projects to develop housing, including $2M for the City of McMinnville.
Housing-related projects are also funded with $279.6M in SB1530:
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$65M for shelter support
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$34M for homelessness prevention services + $7M to the Urban League
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$5M for Individual Development Accounts
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$15M to OHA's Healthy Homes Repair Fund
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$18M for housing projects for people recovering from SUD
The Legislature funds crucial behavioral health and substance use disorder programs through HB4002 and HB5204:
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$11.5M to Bridgeway Recovery Services
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$7.5M for Aid & Assist,
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$14.6M for county community corrections programs
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$525,000 to expand detox capacity
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$1.5M for culturally specific SUD residential capacity in Central Oregon
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$1.5M for the Deschutes County Stabilization Center
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Funding for Medically Assisted Treatment in Jails
We headed off the "corporate practice of medicine" proposal, one of the most contentious and confusing bills of Session supposedly sought to modify Oregon's laws governing ownership and "decision making" for medical clinics, doctors' offices, and surgical centers. HB4130 died on the final day of Session.
2023 Legislative Session
The Drought "Package," HB2010, contains $2.6 million for a major stream restoration program for the Central Oregon Cities Organization and funds for the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council to support it.
I-205 tolling is placed on hold and a legislative task force examining alternatives to avoid 100% of the impact falling on local resident is set up.
La Clinica receives $2.2 million to expand its acute care clinic in HB5506.
Deschutes County receives $15M to restore its Courthouse, and Redmond Northpoint Housing Infrastructure and Public Safety Center are funded with $5.5M and $3M.
2022 Legislative Session
HB4106 creates a surgical technologist apprenticeship program to help address the severe healthcare workforce shortage in hospitals and surgery centers. The bill had support from over 100 major organizations, unions, nurses, physicians, patients and surgical techs!
HB4004 provides $132 million in emergency assistance to keep Oregon's vital mental/behavioral health system afloat and provide tools to support the BH workforce. HB4012 requires agencies to use "true and accurate costs" to calculate rates which support a strong and resilient staff for children's system providers.
HB4013 enhances HB2544 (passed in 2021) to expand services for homeless youth into unserved areas, extend tuition and housing assistance, and require the state to propose a plan to reduce youth homelessness by 25% in 5 years.
HB1545 is the Governor's comprehensive workforce bill. Section 3 includes the entirety of HB4104 (Rep. Reardon) allocating $45 million for Local Workforce Boards & their community partners to immediately enhance and expand training programs for Oregonians, and the links to business and employment needs.
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