Interim Newsletter: November
Hello Friends,
It is December 1st which means the "Holiday Season" is in full swing! Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. I am thankful for my family, friends, co-workers, and the incredible communities and constituents that I serve.
Speaking of holidays, November 11th marked Veterans Day. I could not begin this newsletter without a genuine thank you to all who have served. Thank you will never be enough.
November was a busy month filled with work on several of the most important issues facing our state. Keep reading below for an extensive update!
Fighting to Address Oregon’s Mental Health and Criminal Justice Crisis
Recently, I spoke with KOIN6 about the steps the Oregon Legislature and Governor can take NOW to relieve the mental health and criminal justice crisis in Oregon.
My message to my colleagues and the Governor is this:
The Dome Building, which is right across the street from the Oregon State Hospital, has everything you need in terms of heat, lighting, and plumbing. The empty, state-owned, 67,000-square foot property could care for 400 mentally ill people. We have the funds and the space –we should use them to house 400 people in dire need. We don’t need to wait.
You can read more of my comments and watch the full interview here.
Rep. Mannix Speaks with KOIN6 on Oregon’s Mental Health Crisis.
Demanding Action on Measure 110
Recently, I joined my House Republican colleagues in calling on the leaders of the majority party to take action with proposed policy solutions to end the addiction, crime, and homelessness plaguing our state. As a member of the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response, I stand ready to act during the 2024 Legislative Session on this critical issue.
  
Measure 114 Ruled Unconstitutional
Last week, Harney County Judge Raschio issued his ruling regarding the ongoing Measure 114 litigation at the state level, permanently blocking the measure’s implementation and ruling it as unconstitutional.
Two major factors contributed to his findings, the permit to purchase scheme of Measure 114 and the ban on the sale, transfer, and manufacture of magazines holding more than 10 rounds.
The State is expected to appeal the ruling to the Oregon Supreme Court. However, this ruling is an important piece in the litigation efforts at both the state and federal levels.
You can read more about this decision here.
Meeting on Recovery Housing Programs, Measure 110
Although I have no pictures to share, my staff and I recently hosted a meeting with leaders in our community that work in Recovery Housing to discuss treatment home programs and models, Measure 110, areas where organizations need support, and how our team can help in the legislative realm.
Oregon needs creative solutions to increase affordable housing in the immediate future.
Recovery Housing should be a part of Oregon’s approach to helping people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. Recovery Housing is less expensive than Housing First initiatives. For example, a new single room occupancy unit can cost upwards of $500,000 per unit to build. A Recovery Housing unit typically rents for $600-$800 per month. However, historically few public funds have gone to Recovery Housing. Some of our Housing First dollars should be dedicated to Recovery Housing because they are more affordable units, and people can get into the beds more quickly. Individuals can enter Recovery Housing often within days of application, whereas it can take 3 months or longer to get into Housing First units because of the various background checks and rental history checks that must be completed before a person is accepted. Investing money into Recovery Housing could get people with substance use disorders in need of housing into beds economically and quickly. These units and programs are also an excellent transition to more permanent housing when the person is ready.
Supporting the Salem Airport and the Department of Aviation
Recently, I met with State and City of Salem leaders regarding support for the Salem Airport and the Department of Aviation. Those in attendance included Salem Mayor Chris Hoy, State Representative Tom Anderson, Salem Airport Manager John Paskell, Department of Aviation Director Kenji Sugahara, along with other key staff. Our discussion included Salem’s expansion to commercial flights and how the City of Salem and the State can work together in their efforts to support aviation locally and throughout Oregon.
Capital Futbol Club Dinner and Auction
Susanna and I attended the Capital Futbol Club dinner and auction celebration at the Salem Convention Center. They have achieved their 30th anniversary of serving our youth with outstanding soccer programs. This is an incredible feat.
Thanksgiving & Time with Family
One of the most special things about the holidays is extra time with family. Over Thanksgiving break, I took our grandson, Eli, on a tour of Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville. Below is a picture of us in the pilot/copilot seats of the famous Spruce Goose aircraft. We had a great time. I encourage everyone to visit this facility right here in the Willamette Valley.
This month’s “Student Spotlight” goes to two outstanding student athletes at McNary High School – Ben and Jake Allen. Ben and Jake are twin brothers, Seniors at McNary High School, and both received scholarships to attend the University of Portland next year. You can read more about them below.
Ben Allen – McNary Class of 2024. 3.91 GPA. Ben likes working out and playing sports. He is a baseball catcher and is looking forward to playing for the University of Portland next year.
Jake Allen – McNary Class of 2024. He has a 3.81 GPA. Jake loves baseball, football, cooking, and spending time with friends. He plans to attend the University of Portland where he will major in accounting and play baseball.
Do you know anyone who deserves to be acknowledged? Send your nominations to Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov.
City of Salem Toy Drive
The Salem fire stations recently started collecting toys for their annual toy drive. Drop new, unwrapped toys in the collection boxes at your nearest fire station. Toys can also be donated at the Salem Professional Firefighters Local 314 one-day event on Saturday, December 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Salem Fred Meyer. The Salvation Army and other locations will benefit.
Fire station locations can be found here.
Keizer Tree Lighting
This is a FREE Community Event put on by the Keizer Chamber in partnership with the Keizer Fire District and City of Keizer.
Bring the family and enjoy some great community Holiday Spirit! The Keizer Community Band will be playing Christmas Carols.
Kids 12 years and younger will be encouraged to place their name in a special drawing. Two names will be drawn and they will be asked to join Santa in flipping the switch that lights the Holiday Tree. Santa is expected to arrive at 7pm being escorted in by the Keizer Fire District.
When: Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 | 6:00 – 8:00pm
Where: Walery Plaza (Corner of Cherry Ave and River Rd)
Just North of Domino’s Pizza and Across from Copper Creek Mercantile
Click here for more information.
Thank you for reading! It is an honor to serve as your State Representative.
Sincerely,
Representative Kevin Mannix
House District 21
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1421
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-384, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mannix
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