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Learning the ropes as a new legislator continues to be an exciting race against time.
Recently, I learned how it feels to reach the first chamber deadline and see which bills still have a chance to pass and which bills don’t. For those of us who are still learning about the process, every bill must complete a set of actions in a limited timeframe in order to become law by the end of session. The simple version is that a bill must have both a public hearing and a work session in its assigned policy committee by April 9. If a bill doesn’t have its work session in time, then it won’t pass out of its original chamber. For example, as a Representative, any bill I introduce in the House only has until that date to clear these steps so that it can be voted on by my colleagues and hopefully sent to the Senate. I thankfully have no real plans to introduce further legislation this year—so phew! We are moving forward with a few others though—including SB 722 (the Coast Guard bill!).
Legislators introduced thousands of bills earlier in session, and it can be hard to see so many good ideas fail. Despite that, I am reassured by the fact that even the best ideas can take more than one session to perfect and pass. Reaching deadlines means the legislature is one step closer to passing needed change in some areas, and in others we are learning how to improve policy for next session. As for myself, after focusing this session on the remaining bills, I will be putting together some big efforts to really figure out how to fill the gaps in our mental health and substance abuse treatment system.
Now is the time for me to hear from constituents about which bills are important to them. If you want to tell me in person what your legislative priorities are, please come to a town hall. I will host my next town hall in Garibaldi on April 14 at 2 p.m. at City Hall. In May, I will visit Manzanita at 10 a.m. and Tillamook on 2 p.m. both on May 11. (More details included below). We’re also looking at additional Clatsop and Washington County dates, but those have not yet been finalized. As always, if you can’t make it to these events, but still want to connect, you can always call the office at 503-986-1432, or email me at rep.tiffinymitchell@oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Mitchell
Source: School House Rock
Newsletter Contents
- Campaign Finance (SJR 18)
- Child Welfare (HB 3191)
- Lobby Days
- Caregiver Respite (SB 1035)
- Upcoming Events
- Follow me on Social Media
Campaign Finance (SJR 18)
The Oregon Legislature is continuing to examine potential changes to campaign finance laws in our state. Historically, attempts to limit campaign contributions have been successfully challenged on the premise that financial contributions to a political campaign are the equivalent of free speech. We all know that free speech is a strong American value, but not everyone agrees that unregulated political contributions should be granted the same protections. After the famous Supreme Court case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission in 2010, most efforts to curtail the growing power of dark money in American politics have been struck down as unconstitutional. Oregon is one of the few remaining states with no limits on campaign contributions, partially because our state constitution has stronger free speech protections than the United States Constitution.
I am pleased to see Oregon Senators are hard work to find a constitutional solution to strengthen democracy in Oregon. Senate Joint Resolution 18 would amend Section 8, Article II of Oregon’s Constitution to permit enactment of laws limiting certain political contributions, as our state constitution currently creates a hurdle to campaign contribution limits. If the bill passes the Senate and the House of Representatives, then Oregonians will have the opportunity to approve this constitutional amendment as a ballot measure during the next primary election.
Child Welfare (HB 3191)
Before my election to become your State Representative, I worked at the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) in both Child Welfare and then Self Sufficiency. I will always be grateful for that experience because it has informed the work I am doing now to build relationships with agency administrators and workforce advocates.
Many people are deeply troubled by Oregon’s capacity to care for children who interact with DHS Child Welfare and those who enter the foster care system. In this conversation, I think it’s important that we address the root problems. During my time working in Child Welfare, I quickly realized that the heart of the issue is the limited funding to employ enough case workers, as well as social issues that lead so many people to enter the system in the first place. It’s far too common for caseworkers to drastically exceed their recommended caseload. The result of overworked staff is that the children who desperately need assistance are either neglected or only given a few brief moments with their caseworkers. Having worked directly to support these caseworkers, I know they are just as frustrated as the general public.
This session, I have been working closely with advocates to codify in statute some support for Child Welfare caseworkers. Most notably, this bill will require supervisors to work more closely with caseworkers on meeting their work obligations. In the absence of funding, everyone must work together to help Oregon’s most vulnerable children.
Lobby Days
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Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV)
March 21, 2019
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Causa Lobby Day
for HB 2015
(Driver's Licenses for All)
March 26, 2019
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SEIU Local 503
Homecare Workers
Lobby Day
April 1, 2019
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Caregiver Respite (SB 1035)
One bill that I’m working hard to pass right now is SB 1035, which would set up Oregon to take the first steps in establishing a caregiver respite program. Caregiver respite is incredibly valuable for caregivers. One thing that we chronically undervalue is the work done in the home by thousands of Oregonians. Whether it be child care, care for the elderly, or others who need care, we do too little to acknowledge, let alone assist, the vast number of Oregonians who do socially essential domestic work.
SB 1035 focuses specifically on caregiving responsibilities to some of our most vulnerable community members: those with disabilities and the elderly. Caregiving in these situations is tough work. There are few breaks, the stakes are high, and caregivers are often unpaid because they are generally family members. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 30 percent of caregivers help their loved one get dressed, 23percent help with bathing or showering, 20percent help with feeding, and 24% help with getting to and using the toilet. This is hard, emotionally intensive work that also often falls on the shoulders of women who may be caring for both children and aging parents. The potential for stress, burnout, and depression amongst all caregivers is high - and that is why respite is so essential.
SB 1035 does not impact the general fund in the next biennium, but creates a pathway to getting a waiver to receive matching funds from the federal government in future biennia. When the program is eventually established, qualified recipients will be eligible to receive up to $500 for services that provide respite or ease the burden of caring for an older adult with a serious illness or disabling condition. These services could include adult day care, purchasing needed medical equipment, or other approved services.
I testified in support of this bill along with advocates from AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association, who have been working with me to craft an amazing piece of legislation that is so needed in our community and throughout Oregon. The public hearing was held in the Senate Committee on Human Services on April 4.
Click to watch the SB 1035 Public Hearing
Upcoming Events
Legislative Townhall (Garibaldi)
Date: Sunday, April 14 2 p.m. Location: City Hall 107 6th St. Garibaldi, OR 97118
Legislative Townhall (Manzanita)
Date: Sunday, May 11 10 a.m. Location: Pine Grove Community House 225 Laneda Ave. Manzanita, OR 97130
Legislative Townhall (Tillamook)
Date: Sunday, May 11 2 p.m. Location: Tillamook County Library (Community Rooms)1716 3rd St. Tillamook, OR 97141
Follow me on Social Media!
Facebook: Tiffiny Mitchell for Oregon House District 32
Twitter: @RepMitchell32
#NorthCoast #ORHD32 #orpol #orleg
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1432
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-285, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.TiffinyMitchell@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mitchell
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