Joint Task Force on Addressing Racial Disparities in Home Ownership

At the beginning of this summer, I was honored to be named to the Joint Task Force on Addressing Racial Disparities in Home Ownership, and to be nominated for co-chairship of the task force by my colleagues. After serving on the task force in 2018-2019, I am pleased to continue the work of reviewing our previous action in the context of the progress we have made since, and to collaborate on new proposals and solutions that bring communities statewide closer to putting home ownership in the reach of all Oregonians.

The task force will make its final report to the Legislative Assembly no later than September 15, 2022. To view task force meeting recordings and other materials, head to www.olis.oregonlegislature.gov.

Project Turnkey 2.0

In 2020 the Oregon Legislature allocated $65 million for Project Turnkey, a program to acquire motels/hotels for use as non-congregate shelter for people experiencing homelessness, at-risk of homelessness, or those displaced by wildfires. Over the course of seven months, the project created 19 new shelters in 13 counties, leading to a 20% increase in the state supply of shelter beds.

Based on the success of the Project Turnkey 1.0, and in the face of ongoing need for emergency shelter and transitional housing, the Oregon Legislature allocated $50 million in new funding for more emergency shelter and transitional housing around the state for Project Turnkey 2.0 earlier this year.

I was very proud to be able to work alongside experts and community members on Project Turnkey 1.0, which is why I was so pleased to be invited back to continue work on Project Turnkey 2.0. We can and must do more to ensure that all Oregonians can find quality, affordable housing for themselves and their loved ones. I look forward to the strides forward this program will allow us to take, and continue to advocate for additional opportunities for Oregonians at all income levels.

Fall Legislative Days

Legislative Days are back in September, with committees holding informational hearings on a variety of topics, and to address statewide budgetary needs via the Emergency Board. Although no policy is voted on or passed during these meetings, many of the hearings will involve legislation that is in the works, as well as updates on previous bill implementations and state agency and Task Force reports. 

As Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee, my staff and I are hard at work on building the agenda for the committee hearing. I also sit on the Senate Health Care, Judiciary, and Rules committees, as well as the legislative Emergency Board. Meetings for all of these will take place September 21-23, and you can learn more about viewing and participation at www.oregonlegislature.gov.

Connecting with Our Community

Over the summer, I have had the immense pleasure of getting out into our community to speak with and listen to neighbors, advocates, and other community members. The time we have between legislative sessions is so important because this is when I get to learn the most about what issues are really important to the people of Senate District 7. It’s also such a joy to get to see the good work going on locally, and in Lane County at large.

I was honored to speak at Lane Community College Commencement and accept the Distinguished Alumni award for myself and in memory of Lawanda Joyce Manning. (Photo Credit: Matt Keating)

I had a great time speaking with this group at Northwest Youth Corps on their conservation work and local priorities on homelessness, climate change, and health care. (Photo Credit: Kenzy Seifert)

Thank you to the folks at Ko-Kwel Wellness Center for sharing the work you do providing culturally specific, quality care to our local tribal community. (Photo Credit: Kenzy Seifert)

Eugene Public Library Goes Fine-Free

As of May 1, Eugene Public Library no longer charges overdue fines. Additionally, any existing overdue fines will be removed from accounts, which will allow many previously-blocked cards to be used again.

In taking this approach, Eugene is part of a trend sweeping public libraries nationwide. The old policy inadvertently caused unnecessary barriers to library use, particularly for those already facing financial challenges. The risk of overdue fines led some people to borrow fewer items or not use the library at all. 

The new fine-free policy aims to make library use as easy and accessible as possible for all community members. Learn more.

Securing New Equipment for Oregon Firefighters

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced that three Oregon fire districts (Coos Bay, Siletz, and Sheridan) will receive a combined nearly $100,000 in federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). When it comes to wildfire, better preparedness and equipment for one region means more security and stability across our state. I am so grateful to Senators Wyden and Merkley for their work in this area.

As we approach the two year anniversary of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, I encourage all of you to keep those affected--past and present--in your hearts and thoughts. This is also a good time to review your household’s preparation and evacuation plans. Learn more about being fire ready, and sign up for local alerts here on the Oregon Office of Emergency Management’s website.

Closing the Internet Gap

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit  provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575. Enroll by visiting a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.

Student Debt Relief

President Joe Biden has announced new measures in student debt relief that will provide working Oregonians more breathing room to recover from the strains associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include extending the pause on federal student loan repayment through December 31, 2022, an income-driven repayment plan that caps monthly payments for undergraduate loans at 5% of the individual’s discretionary income, and forgiving up to $20,000 of federal student loan debt for eligible borrowers.

The application for student loan forgiveness will provide up to $10,000 of relief for borrowers earning less than $125,000 a year, or $250,000 for households. A total of up to $20,000 will be available for borrowers meeting those income requirements who also received Pell Grants. To check whether you received a Pell Grant, visit studentaid.gov. Please continue to watch studentaid.gov to learn more about when the application for loan forgiveness opens.

Happy Birthday!

Wishing health and happiness to those who have celebrated a birthday since our last newsletter!

Staff Information

Kenzy Seifert Legislative Director Kenzy.Seifert@oregonlegislature.gov (she/her)

Capitol Phone:  503-986-1707    District Phone:  541-321-5082
Capitol Address:  900 Court St. NE, S-205, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email:  sen.jamesmanning@oregonlegislature.gov

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