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Housing, Semi-conductors, Co-Chairs Framework, Deadlines and more!
Springfield Trivia: First settled in 1848 with the arrival of Elias and Mary Briggs. They settled in a site near a spring which they fenced in, hence the name Springfield. In 1852 he dug and built the mill race and he and Mr. Driggs of Linn County formed a company and built a flour mill and sawmill. Springfield was platted in 1856 and incorporated as a city on February 25, 1885.
While it’s early in the session, at least two significant pieces of legislation have already been approved and/or close to the finish line.
HB 2001/HB5019 – Affordable Housing & Emergency Homeless Response Package: HB 2001: HB2001 2023 Regular Session - Oregon Legislative Information System (oregonlegislature.gov)
HB 5019: HB5019 2023 Regular Session - Oregon Legislative Information System (oregonlegislature.gov) These measures relate to housing and set up programs which are funded by approximately $200 million in general and other funds. The funds are allocated in both the 2021-23 biennium and the 2023-25 biennium. The measures were approved with Bi-partisan support in Ways and Means, the House and the Senate and is ready for the Governor to sign. The measure establishes the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis; allows the Emergency Housing Account to be used for services and assistance to school-aged children enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12, or to their families if they are at risk of becoming homeless. The measure provides for grants to increase accessibility of shelter or services including host home projects, for youth experiencing homelessness; funding for modular housing development, agricultural workforce housing and much more. When combined with the millions committed in the two previous sessions, the intent is to provide a wide range of financial support to address homelessness, housing shortages and many other issues related to our current crisis in housing.
SB 4 – Directs Oregon Business Development Department to develop grant and loan programs to support businesses applying for financial assistance under Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act of 2022: SB4 2023 Regular Session - Oregon Legislative Information System (oregonlegislature.gov) The measure appropriates a total of $200 million General Fund in the 2021-23 biennium and $10 million in the 2023-25 biennium. The measure sets out accountability measures, expectations for any assistance, potential actions to increase the supply of key industrial sites, employment and pay standards and much more. You have probably all read about large investments being made in other states regarding increasing the capacity to manufacture semi-conductors. This measure is a means to make sure Oregon is in the competition to get some of the new investments for the next decade or so.
Co-Chairs Budget Framework – 2023-25 Co-Chair Budget Framework.pdf (oregonlegislature.gov) In February the Governor submitted her recommended budget. The framework is a response to that budget and provides guidance from the Co-Chairs of Joint Ways & Means regarding funds projected to be available and one likely response to the challenges of supporting state programs and balancing the state budget. The Co-Chairs used the following principles in developing this framework: Protect Vital Services; Get the Most for Every Dollar; Prioritize Investments in Key Areas and Plan for the Future. The 2023-25 current service level budget represents a $27.3 billion total funds, or 25.5%, increase over the 2019-21 current service level and reflects the addition of 4,792 positions. This increase has been driven by the significant investments over the past two biennia in early learning, K-12 education, housing, behavioral health, emergency management and wildfire response. Over the past two years many of the additional funds to support these increased investments were from Federal Funds. The state budget must now replace many of those funds to continue these important programs.
A couple of examples of the potential impacts, State School Fund total of $9.9 billion. The current service level calculation showed $9.5 billion, but districts are requesting $10.3 billion. While funding for K-12 education continues to increase, unfortunately support for Post Secondary Education continues to decline with an overall decrease of 1.8% from current service level. Providing the funds for the increases in current service level accounts for most funds available with little left for new programs, of which there are many supported by a wide range of legislators.
Deadlines – March 17th was the first deadline. All measures had to be posted for a work session by that date, or be eliminated from further consideration. This deadline does not apply to the Rules Committee, Revenue or any Joint Committees. However, with that deadline a much smaller group of bills remained to be considered. April 4th is the deadline when bills have to have moved out of committees, hence even some that made it past March 17th will be eliminated for many reasons. The bills that do not go to Ways & Means will then need to pass on the floor of the chamber in which it originated, then move to the committees in the other chamber for consideration and potential vote. The constitutional end date of session is scheduled for June 25th so much work will need to take place before that deadline. Given the budget limitations many bills will not be approved by Ways and Means.
Most bills to date have received strong bi-partisan support, but with the deadlines some of the more controversial measures are likely to see committee actions and potential votes on the floor of each chamber. This usually leads to tactics to slow the process down and results in more debates on the floor. All that is as it should be as that is how a representative democracy works.
Being back in the building has many challenges, but it is still worth being in person. The committee meetings being in person and virtual have allowed more involvement from those who live outside the valley. However, given the number of bills, more limited meeting days and times, testimony has often been limited to 2 or 3 minutes. Everyone can still submit written testimony and is encouraged to do so even if appearing in person. Some of the hearings have attracted a great deal of written testimony which is considered before any final decisions. Here is information on how to submit written testimony: Citizen Engagement Submit Exhibits (oregonlegislature.gov)
Any success we as individuals have is dependent on great staff support. Most of you know Andrew Hickerson who has worked for me since 2012, but new this session is Miles Larson. Both will write an article for the next newsletter so you can get to know them better.
I appreciate your interest and support over these years and during this session. Feel free to call or email my office at any time. I have a new district number and phone number: My district number is now House District 7 and phone number is 503-986-1407. My email address remains the same at rep.johnlively@oregonlegislature.gov. In addition, don’t forget the great resource the Oregon Legislative Information System is for keeping up on bills and current actions in each chamber.
Stay well.
email: Rep.JohnLively@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1412
address: 900 Court St NE, H-488, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lively
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