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Oregon 2024 Short Session – Sine Die
After many last-minute bill approvals in both the House and the Senate, Speaker Rayfield hit the gavel to indicate Sine Die for the 2024 Short Session. While the adjournment came three days before the constitutional required end date, I believe all members will look back on this session as one of the most productive and least partisan for in a long time. The end of the session also represented the end of Representative Rayfield’s term as Speaker and the election of Representative Julie Fahey as the new Speaker. I compliment former Speaker Rayfield for a job well done and look forward to working with and supporting Speaker Fahey as she takes on her new leadership role.
Let’s Talk: I have scheduled a town hall for Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Springfield City Hall. We will be meeting in the Council Chambers from 6 PM to 8 PM. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend to hear a summary of the 2024 Short Session and to ask your questions about implementation timing and potential local impacts.
Although the short session imposes limitations on the number of bills, it doesn't diminish the significant accomplishments and progress made.
Emergency Housing Stability and Production Package. At the start of the Session, Governor Kotek proposed additional comprehensive actions to take to continue addressing available/affordable housing including: more sheltering and other immediate actions to address homelessness, funding for public infrastructure needed to support additional housing construction, and other modifications to rules aimed at speeding up new housing construction in communities around our state. This package appropriates $131 million for housing and homelessness, $123.5 million for infrastructure and housing production, and $24.5 million for healthy and safe homes. The programs and funds supporting this effort were approved by overwhelming bipartisan support and information on these bills can be found on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS):
SB 1530(Housing Stability Bill): SB1530 2024 Regular Session - Oregon Legislative Information System (oregonlegislature.gov).
SB 1537(Housing Production and Infrastructure): SB1537 2024 Regular Session - Oregon Legislative Information System (oregonlegislature.gov)
For constituents living in District 7, the City of Springfield received $3 million towards the extension of sewer service in Glenwood that will support development of affordable housing and much more as the city implements plans to redevelop Glenwood.
Addiction and Community Safety Package. HB 4002 received broad bipartisan consensus in the House and the Senate and represents major changes in our approach to address issues impacting all our communities regarding drug usage, addiction and treatment. This legislation did not repeal Measure 110, but rather strengthened the ability of local communities to respond to the ongoing crisis and increased investments needed to provide treatment and other supports to those so negatively impacted by this crisis. The approved legislation urgently expands drug treatment, prioritizes prevention, and aims to interrupt the addiction cycle while providing enhanced tools for law enforcement to stop drug dealers. As with any major legislative changes, results will take time and require a great deal of cooperation and support between the State, Counties, Cities, and all those who provide these essential services. New investments to support these efforts amount to $211.16 million.
Some other highlights. Childcare continues to be a major challenge to families throughout Oregon. Actions taken this session to address this include $86 million in additional funds to support the increased caseload of employment-related day care and a new effort, HB 4098, which ensures available daycare for construction workers and others impacted by efforts to expand semi-conductor investments in our state.
This year, $30 million has been allocated to support summer learning in our K-12 schools, marking a positive step toward providing summer school opportunities for students in need.
Lastly, HB 4024 also received strong bi-partisan support in addressing campaign contribution limits that most Oregonians have asked for over the last 40 years. This is an important milestone and first step to limit a wide range of campaign contributions. The limitations were agreed to by a wide range of stakeholders involved in campaigns and its approval resulted in at least two major ballot measures being withdrawn to avoid what would have been a costly and confusing effort to convince voters of the best path forward.
The completion of this short session marks my 12th session since first joining the House of Representatives in 2013. The journey has had its ups and downs, but I have learned a great deal and feel good about being one of 90 members who have the best interests of Oregon at heart and work hard to find common ground to move the state forward.
I look forward to seeing you at our Town Hall and the opportunity for continuing engagement and dialogue as we work together to solve the shared challenges we face and support our citizens. You are always welcome to contact me at rep.johnlively@oregonlegislature.gov or 503-986-1407. Thanks for your continued support.
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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