Hello Friends,
Secretary of State Dennis Richardson lost his battle with cancer this week, when he passed away at home Tuesday night surrounded by family and friends. I had the honor of working with Dennis as we served in the Legislature together. He was instrumental in getting the final $4.5 million dollars for the construction of the Vernonia Schools. A man of integrity, he never once tried to take credit for his actions to benefit the school children of Vernonia. As Secretary of State, Dennis brought many professional and personal gifts and experience to his office, he focused on transparency, accountability and integrity, with an uncompromising work ethic. A great colleague and friend, I will miss him.
Dennis Richardson
State lawmakers are continuing the discussion about Oregon’s housing issue. The lack of affordable housing has reached a crisis level and we are looking at various ways to address these concerns, and as a result, I introduced HB 2285 to clarify the receivership process relating to abandoned homes. HB 2285 received a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary this week. The bill would provide a tool for counties and cities to convert abandoned homes into affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity, the Oregon Housing Alliance and other housing advocates testified in support of this bill, which would help jurisdictions identify homes that are vacant, abandoned and determined to be a threat to public health, safety and welfare to assess liens on the property beginning a foreclosure procedure. The property could then be sold or donated to an affordable housing developer in order to create new housing opportunities for families or individuals with low and moderate incomes.
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Rep Witt Speaks on House Floor
On Tuesday I joined with my colleagues to approve HB 2191 which expands reasons for excused absences from school to include mental or behavioral health. This bill was supported by educators, parents and students alike, as they seek to affirm that mental illness is no different than physical illness, and this bill will offer support to the many students struggling with mental health challenges in our communities. It is estimated that one in nine students struggle with emotional problems some time in their lives, and this would give those students a chance to deal with their issues away from school without being penalized with an unexcused school absence. HB 2191 was approved on a floor vote of 48-12 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Thanks for reading my newsletter.
Brad
email: Rep.BradWitt@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1431
address: 900 Court St NE, H-382 Salem, OR, 97301 website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt
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