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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends and Colleagues,
The final stretch of budget season is in full swing, and it has not been easy. Today in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means we passed the majority of agency budgets. Some of the budget choices we need to make are painful, including funding for Outdoor School. The June economic forecast showed us that we do not have as much money to invest in Outdoor School as previously expected. We have received hundreds of emails this week regarding funding for Outdoor School, so I want my weekly note to you to include as much detail as possible about the budget for this important program.
I love Outdoor School. It's an incredible program that is important to our community. For those new to Oregon, the Outdoor School Program started in Southern Oregon in 1957. From there, more pilot programs began to grow. In 2016, Oregon voters passed Ballot Measure 99 authorizing funds from the state lottery to provide 5th and 6th grade students access to attend Outdoor School. Here in Central Oregon, most of our kiddos go to Camp Tamarack on Suttle Lake. It’s truly beautiful.
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The 2025-2027 Budget reflects an investment of 48 million dollars in Outdoor Schools, which reflects the Governor's Budget. Based on previous receipts, this should cover the expenses, but no frills. The frustration that has been shared with me is that the voters allocated 4% of lottery funds, which is higher than 48 million dollars.
I want to share a note from Senator Janeen Sollman:
“While 4% of the Lottery revenues are statutorily dedicated to Outdoor School, the program has not always been funded at this level, as the Legislature can utilize these funds to balance the budget. The most recent example is from 2023-25 when the funds for Outdoor School were reduced in response to the large ending balance resulting from the pandemic, when students could not participate in Outdoor School. The Legislature made a $20 million reduction and allowed Outdoor School to spend down the majority of the balance by awarding Outdoor school providers grants to upgrade their facilities. This funding to providers to upgrade facilities was one-time and not intended to be ongoing.”
I know this isn’t great news, but I wanted to provide you with the actual numbers in hopes that this will provide comfort that the program will continue.
Lastly, the new framework for the Transportation Package was released today. I, along with other members of the moderate caucus, submitted a letter to the Speaker of the House requesting the removal of the tire tax and removal of Vehicle-Miles Traveled fees in the future for gas powered vehicles. You will see those changes reflected below. Our message remains the same: If we are asking the voters to tighten their belts, so should the state of Oregon. We need working roads for working families.
All the best,
Improving Healthcare Access for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
On Tuesday, the Oregon House of Representatives unanimously passed SB 729 which prohibits mental health providers from denying services to folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). For too long, people with I/DD have faced systemic barriers when it comes to accessing health care. This bill will close this gap, enforce accountability, and exemplify Oregon’s commitment to providing equitable, accessible health care to every population.
Right to Repair Bill Expands to Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices
In 2024, Oregon became the fourth state to enact a “Right to Repair” law, making it easier for consumers and repair shops to fix electronics. This year we expanded our state's right-to-repair framework to include electric wheelchairs and complex rehabilitation technology. Manufacturers are now required to provide owners and independent repair providers with the tools, parts, and information necessary to diagnose, maintain, and repair these essential devices. By empowering individuals with greater control over their mobility equipment, SB 550 enhances accessibility and reduces downtime for users who rely on these devices for daily activities. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that all Oregonians have the right to repair the equipment they depend on.
Oregon Eliminates Medical Debt on Credit Reports
SB 605B stops medical debt from showing up on credit reports and prohibits anyone from providing that information to a credit reporting agency. In January 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule that would’ve removed an estimated $49 billion in medical bills for 15 million Americans. This week, NPR reported that new leadership under Trump is actively trying to block the rule from going into effect. Far too many Oregonians have their credit scores ruined by an illness, an unexpected medical emergency, or even an error on their bill. The long-term effects of this can cost them a job and make it harder for them to find a place to live. This legislation empowers individuals to pursue housing, employment, and credit opportunities without the burden of medical debt on their records. By passing this bill, we affirm our commitment to protecting consumers and promoting financial equity across our state.
Our office finally has some updates to share regarding the long-awaited Transportation Reinvestment Package (TRIP). A proposed framework has been released, which includes revenue mechanisms and the purposes they will serve. With public safety as the main priority, earned revenue will be going towards fixing roads, investing in public transit, improving pedestrian infrastructure, and honoring previous project commitments. More details are expected next week.
If We Don’t Act? We will be seeing longer response times to incidents and unplowed roads, longer wait times at the DMV, decreased public transit, and unmaintained roads. These investments are safety focused, and the package is built on the principle that all users pay their fair share.
June marks Pride Month, a time we honor the LGBTQ+ community's history, resilience, and ongoing fight for equality. The observance began in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, when the LGBTQ+ community stood up against injustice and sparked a global movement. As we celebrate, let us also reaffirm our dedication to ensuring that every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with dignity and respect.
We're happy to celebrate that Summer EBT, which provides an additional $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child, is back for its second year in Oregon! Last week, 341,504 children received food benefits to make sure they have nutrition during summer months, when school is out and child hunger spikes. Click here to see if your family is eligible.
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Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-486, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/levye
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