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Hello Friends,
As some of you may have heard, SB 608 held a public hearing and work session this week. SB 608 passed out of my Human Services and Housing Committee by a party line 6-3 vote. I introduced various amendments to the bill and was disappointed that this flawed bill passed through the committee without any changes that would protect both tenants and landlord's rights alike.
One such amendment was to remove the emergency clause. The emergency clause provision of the bill would have made the bill into law as soon as the Governor signs it. I made the argument that a bill of this magnitude, especially since Oregon would become the first state in the country to implement statewide rent control, would give property managers, landlords, and local jurisdictions some time and notice to educate themselves on the various laws that would affect their properties.
SB 608 now heads to the full house floor for a vote, where I will continue to express my concerns about this bill and its negative effects on the supply of rental units available in Central Oregon. I appreciate the messages I have been receiving from my Central Oregon residents expressing their concerns on this bill, and I am thankful to those of you that came to Salem to testify.
In better news, our affordable housing pilot project bill (HB 2336) was passed out of committee with unanimous support. This bill now heads to the full house floor for a vote. I want to thank my fellow colleagues on that committee for their support of this bill and the need to address the housing shortage facing Central Oregonians. HB 2336 would allow roughly 485 new housing units to be built over a 40-acre parcel in Deschutes County. Half of those homes will be deed restricted for incomes of 80% AMI (Average Median Income) or less, bringing affordable housing to Redmond.
Lastly, cap and trade has been a priority for the majority party of the legislative assembly. There are some concerns I have with House Bill 2020, including the 16-cent increase in gas taxes and another 53% increase in your natural gas bill. These increases would cause a large economic strain on Central Oregon Families and Small Business alike. The Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction will be holding a town hall in Bend at Central Oregon Community College on March 6th from 9 AM to 12 PM to discuss House Bill 2020. I encourage Central Oregon residents to attend the event, to learn about how this bill will affect you. Details of the town hall are here.
Thanks and as always, please feel free to call us at 503-986-1453 for any questions, comments, or concerns.
Yours truly,
Representative Jack Zika
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On President's day, several teachers from Central Oregon came to visit me. Thank you for making the drive over to Salem! |
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Luda Isakharov, a high school student, and part of the Capital Ambassador's Program stopped by my office to discuss affordable housing. Part of her research project is on Oregon's housing crisis and wanted my opinion on how to address it. Thanks for stopping by Luda! |
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Students from Cascades Academy visited the Capitol. These middle school students are part of the Eco-Club elective course and wanted to discuss wildlife issues with their legislators. |
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-387, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.JackZika@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/zika
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