Dear neighbors,
The 2022 legislative session just came to a close and I am excited about what we were able to achieve. We were able to secure $2.5 million for the City of Salem to help with homeless outreach, in addition to the $1.9 million for the Navigation Center, $750k for trash and sanitation services, and $1.5 million for permanent supportive housing for Yaquina Hall. I was also pleased to receive bi-partisan support for my Micro Shelter Siting bill and am happy to announce that it has been signed by the Governor.
We made major investments to support small businesses and build stronger schools, and we addressed the challenges facing Oregon’s behavioral health care. We spent time holding the Oregon Health Authority accountable for the conditions at the Oregon State Hospital, and I look forward to helping improve patient care there.
|
A Place To Call Home
I supported a $400 million investment to tackle the urgent housing and homeless crisis which included:
- $165 million for homelessness services
- $215 million to build and preserve affordable housing
- $20 million to improve access to homeownership
I also supported investments to help our youth experiencing homelessness (HB 4013) and House Bill 4123, which brings needed coordination services to Polk County and across the state.
It's clear that we have more work to do to support Oregonians who are experiencing homelessness but I am proud about what we were able to accomplish and the willingness for members of both parties to come together and address this growing problem.
Education & Child Care
Our kids learn best in safe, healthy classrooms five days a week. That’s why I’m committed to keeping our schools open. To do that, we have to make sure our teachers, school staff, and students have the resources and support they need to succeed. This short session I supported:
- $300 million education package to address the staffing crisis in Oregon's schools, create summer learning opportunities, support wild-fire impacted school districts, and address education disparities by funding the Pacific Islander Student Success Plan and adding $5 million to the African American/Black Student Success Plan.
- $100 million investment to expand access to child care and rebuild the child care workforce
- Protections for Oregon superintendent's (SB 1521)
Our teachers and support staff in our schools deserve all of our respect and appreciation, but more than that, they deserve our commitment to fund an education system that is a model for the world. I was pleased with what we were able to achieve this session but we must do so much more in order to secure a future for our kids that we can all be proud of.
Equity & Justice for All
We need to invest in proven solutions that reduce and prevent violence, while fostering safe communities built on trust. I supported several targeted investments in community-based violence prevention programs that will help address the root of the problem and reduce crime. Key investments this session include:
- $15 million to support Community-Based Organizations that work to prevent violence
- $5 million to expand hospital-based community violence prevention programs
- $13 million to help local communities around the state clean up trash and provide sanitation services
- $14 million to support services for crime victims
- $10 million for the Oregon Domestic & Sexual Violence Services Fund
I also voted yes on HB 4075, making it easier for victims of crime, including small businesses, to seek restitution and be repaid for economic damages.
Economic Recovery and Workforce Development
Working families and small businesses are the backbone of our economy. That's why I supported investments in workforce development like Senate Bill 1545 which includes $200 million for the Future Ready Oregon program. I also supported $100 million to help rebuild critical infrastructure in rural Oregon, which will support local economies and create jobs across the state.
I also voted for $200 million for staffing at mental health facilities (HB 4004), and was proud to support our nurses by increasing staffing through House Bill 4003.
Capitol Construction Update
The next phase of the Capitol building renovation is moving forward. It will begin this month and is scheduled to be completed sometime in the middle of 2025. Seismic work will continue as well as lead pipe removal, asbestos abatement, and fire protection systems and emergency egress routes will all be enhanced, along with many other improvements. The renovation project will create between 2,250 - 2,500 jobs throughout its entirety.
Upcoming Town Halls!
If you'd like a larger recap of the 2022 legislative session, please join me and Rep. Paul Evans, along with Senator Deb Patterson at one of the town hall events listed below:
April 26th at 5:30pm located at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
May 3rd at 6:00pm located at Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Library, 645 Liberty St SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Yours truly,
Representative Chris Hoy
House District 21
Email: Rep.ChrisHoy@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1421
Address: 900 Court St NE, H-481, Salem, OR, 97301
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/hoy
| 
