What’s in the end-of-session “Christmas Tree Bill”
Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 06/21/2023 10:24 AM PDT
Hello Friends,
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. Here is my weekly update from Salem:
A Compromise Has Been Reached
Last week, House and Senate leadership made a deal that has brought Senate Republicans back to the building so the Senate can reach a quorum–meaning there will be enough people present to begin voting on bills. After the longest walkout in state history, I’m excited that the Senate will be back to work (as a reminder, the House continued its work throughout the last six weeks).
You can read about the agreement in OPB, but here is a brief overview:
- The Senators who walked out will not have their absences excused and will likely be barred from re-election under voter-approved Ballot Measure 113.
- Abortion Access (HB 2002): An amended version of HB 2002 will move, which includes protections for providers and ensuring access to gender-affirming care. A compromise was made on parental notifications for minors seeking an abortion, with an exception for when two separate providers determine there would be a risk to the child to notify the parents.
- Firearm Safety (HB 2005): An amended version of HB 2005 will also move forward, banning untraceable “ghost guns”, which was in the original version of the bill. The other provisions of the bill will be dropped and a workgroup will be established to study the effects of those two policies and provide recommendations to the legislature.
- Enshrining Marriage Equality, Abortion Access, and Trans Rights in the Constitution (SJR 33): The constitutional amendment referral will not be moving forward in this session.
Most legislators I have spoken with, in both parties, have some objections to this deal. I imagine many of you are unhappy with some of the compromises, too. I feel the same way. But what I also know is that hundreds of pieces of legislation that will meaningfully improve people’s lives will be passed this session because of the deal.
Positive Budget News for Tigard - Hall Blvd Funding!
Every year, the House passes an end-of-session omnibus spending bill often called the “Christmas Tree Bill” because it contains many specific budget allocations. This year, Tigard will be getting $3 million for pedestrian access improvements along Hall Boulevard. I am hopeful that the money will go toward at least one crosswalk and several hundred feet of sidewalks (more to come on this). This is the first legislatively directed spending for Hall, and I am grateful that it is being included (many funding requests, including other “orphan highways” received $0). That being said, this is not enough to secure a jurisdictional transfer of the road–but it is a first step that will move us closer.
The text of the omnibus bill shows the $3 million allocation for Hall Blvd.
July 1st Office Hours!
After the legislative session comes to a close, I will be hosting office hours in Tigard and would love for you to stop by and chat! If you’re interested in scheduling a 15-minute meeting with me during office hours, please email rep.benbowman@oregonlegislature.gov and a member of my staff will find you an open time slot. Time slots not scheduled ahead of time will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jurisdictional Transfer Bill passes the House
In related news, my bill to create a Jurisdictional Transfer Committee has passed out of the House unanimously and is now on its way to the Senate! HB 2793 will create a committee that each year will identify orphan highways that cities want to take ownership of and recommend to the legislature that they be repaired, updated, and transferred to the city that wants them. Now that the Senate is back to work, I am working hard to make sure it passes before the legislature adjourns. If passed, I believe this will put Hall Blvd in a strong position to receive funding in 2025 in a state Transportation Package.
From left to right: Rep. Nosse, Myself, and Rep. Khanh Pham after HB 2793 passed the House
Child Tax Credit
Last week, the House released its Early Childhood Budget framework, including the first-ever Oregon Child Tax Credit. This $1,000 tax credit per child will go to working parents struggling to make ends meet, making it easier to provide for their children. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2022 that the 2021 expansion of the child tax credit resulted in 5.3 million Americans, including 2.9 million children, being lifted out of poverty. Working families should be able to afford to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, and afford daily essentials. These investments will be a big help for people who really need it.
DMV Data Breach
The Oregon Department of Transportation Driver and Motor Vehicles Division (DMV) has had a data breach that included unauthorized access to up to 90% of Oregonians' data, including driver's license information. This hack is part of a global technology hack that affected more than 2,000 organizations worldwide that use the MOVEit transfer software tool, including the Louisiana DMV, the U.S. Department of Energy, and others. Individuals who have an active credential (license, permit, ID card) should assume information related to that credential is part of the breach. To learn more about the attack and what it might mean for you, I found this article in the Oregonian helpful.
What you can do to protect yourself:
Check your credit report: Federal law allows individuals to receive a free credit report every 12 months. You can request one online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by phone at 1-877-322-8228. Check the reports for any activity you do not recognize. For more information, you can also visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website on identity theft at https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft.
Be vigilant in monitoring your credit activity. If you wish to freeze your credit files, contact all three monitoring agencies for assistance:
- Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services or 1-800-685-1111
- Experian: experian.com/help or 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-help or 1-888-909-8872
Providence Nurses Rally
On Monday, I stood alongside Providence nurses and clinicians on the first day of their strike–the first nursing strike in over 20 years. I implore Providence to return to the bargaining table and negotiate a resolution as soon as possible. I have heard loud and clear from nurses and other healthcare workers about the impossibly challenging working conditions they have faced since the start of the pandemic. They deserve a fair contract and they have my support.
I wrote last week about the cuts to mental health services that nurses are fighting against. I sincerely hope that Providence comes to the table soon to reach a contract that supports the Home and Health Hospice workforce and ensures that Tigard residents can receive the best possible care.
Standing with legislators and nurses behind ONA President Tamie Cline
Celebrating Juneteenth
Over the weekend, I celebrated Juneteenth in two ways: first, by attending the City of Tigard and the Tigard-Tualatin School District’s Juneteenth Celebration at Cook Park. Then on Monday, I attended a special Juneteenth Tour put on by Word is Bond of the Lower Albina neighborhood, which included Harriet Tubman Middle School. We also heard about how Phil Knight’s pledged $400 million investment could be used to support the historic neighborhood.
The group for the Juneteenth tour in the Albina community.
Thanks for reading,
Ben Bowman
Oregon State Representative
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