We concluded a successful 2022 Legislative Short Session on March 4th! In addition to my priority bills, HB 4150 and SB1567 passing, we made progress on several other policies and priorities that will make Oregon a healthier, safer, and more stable place for all Oregonians. Now it’s time for legislators to keep an eye on the implementation of the policies that were passed, and work on future policies. Read on for an update on session accomplishments, the date of my next few town halls, upcoming community events, and more.
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CPO 7 is the local Community Participation Organization (CPO) covering Bethany, Rock Creek, and Sunset West communities. CPO 7 is holding a meeting on Monday, March 14th, at 7:00pm, open to all community members. This meeting will be virtual and will provide an opportunity to engage with your community and learn about some of the local projects, voice concerns, and get involved. Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez will be present to provide updates. Land Use and Transportation will discuss the needed connection of Shackleford Road and 185th, and you will also have the opportunity to hear about the Saltzman Road Project. Visit this link to join.
Northwest Native Plant and Tree Sale
The Oregon Small Woodlands Association is hosting a plant and tree sale on Saturday, March 12th, from 9am - 3pm. More information is provided here.
Min Yasui Day Symposium
Minoru (Min) Yasui fought against the incarceration of Japanese Americans and was awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the only Oregonian to receive this honor. Oregon recognizes March 28th as Min Yasui day, and the ACLU is sponsoring an event to help encourage a conversation to support what he fought for. Learn more and register for the event here.
This spring I am looking forward to being together in person, and I am starting to plan for hybrid (in person and virtual) events to allow for the comfort and safety of as many people as possible. Please check back as the event gets closer to verify the location details. Any updates or changes will also be sent to you via the email provided in your registration. If you have additional thoughts on how I can engage your community, please let me know.
The best way to reach me is through my email: Rep.MaxineDexter@oregonlegislature.gov. If you would like to speak with me individually, my office can help set up a time for meeting.
Town Halls (Register through links below)
A warm thank you to all of you who attended my town hall in mid-February. I will be hosting another fully virtual Zoom Town Hall on March 26th at 10am to focus on how to address community safety with local community leaders, including Lakayana Drury, Executive Director of Word is Bond.
I will be co-hosting a hybrid town hall with Senator Steiner Hayward and Representative Helm on Monday, April 11th, at 5:30pm to talk about accomplishments from the short session. There will be opportunities to attend via Zoom or in person. If you would like to attend in person (subject to change, of course), it will be taking place at the Cedar Hills Rec Center (11640 SW Park Way, Portland, OR 97225).
I will also be co-hosting a hybrid town hall with Representative Reynolds and Senator Steiner Hayward on June 7th at 5:30pm. There will be opportunities to attend via Zoom or in person. We are working on securing a space and will provide an update through the link once we have the address.
Some of the best ideas we get for policy come from my constituents and people who care and think deeply about issues of concern to them. Thank you to all those who have submitted an idea! We look forward to following up with you. Please submit here. No idea is too big or too small! We look forward to dreaming big together to help make sure we all have the ability to live healthy lives, in a healthy community, on a healthy planet.
We just concluded the short session at the end of last week, on March 4th, 2022. Read on below for updates on my bill, HB 4150, and some of the other successes from the session.
I detailed the the two major bills I worked on this session in the last newsletter, and am pleased to provide an additional updates here:
House bill 4150 establishes the Community Information Exchange Workgroup through the OHA and the group is tasked with determining how a statewide system can be best designed to fit the needs of Oregonians. On February 11th, HB 4150 passed in the House, and on February 21st it passed in the Senate. It is now off to the desk of the Governor for her signature. I look forward to using the recommendations from this bill to create 2023 legislation for a statewide community information exchange.
The stability of Oregon’s Central Energy Infrastructure Hub which is located in HD33 is a topic of great importance to me and to many of our neighbors. Senate bill 1567 will give the DEQ authority to require fuel storage facilities to assess their seismic vulnerability and implement mitigation plans to reduce risks. Newer tanks mean significantly less risk for storage failure. This bill would also require the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to develop an Energy Security Plan that recommends steps to improve community resilience by increasing geographic diversity of fuel storage capacity. I testified during the public hearing for this bill on February 7th. This bill passed out of the Senate on March 1st, and the House on March 4th. I am grateful, as a Chief Sponsor, that this bill passed, and will make our community and environment safer.
In addition to working and voting on bills, we also have a responsibility to make sure state funds are spent on important and relevant projects. My office worked hard to get a Department of Corrections Ombuds position funded, as well as supporting an effort to get $15 million to fund the North Portland Aquatic Center Project. The Legislature passed key policy and made critical investments to making Oregon a more safe, clean and equitable place for all.
Economic Recovery: We focused on improving access to funds for small business owners and uplifting our workforce to provide more opportunities in numerous sectors.
SB 1579 directs the Oregon Business Development Department to develop and implement the Economic Equity Investment Program. This program will award grants to organizations that provide culturally responsive services to support economic stability, self-sufficiency, wealth building and economic equity among disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses and communities in Oregon.
HB 4015 will expand Entrepreneurial Development Loans and allow for greater investments in small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across the state.
SB 1545 provides an investment of $200 million for Future Ready Oregon and is an investment in workforce development to help workers access the training they need.
Housing Investments: In addition to passing bills that help current and former homeowners, we focused on investments to get the houseless into safe housing with a goal of providing long term stability. We passed a $400 million package that includes $165 million for homeless services, $215 million to build and preserve affordable housing, and $20 million to improve access to homeownership.
HB 4064 expands the eligibility of prefabricated homes in zones that allow single family dwellings and also helps Oregonians rebuild from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires.
SB 1536 will provide heat relief for tenants and houseless people through grants and building requirements. After the heat events of 2021, we needed to find a way to keep members of our community safe and housed.
HB 4013 provides increased support for homeless youth through expanding access to services and providing support to those who are pursuing a higher education by offering tuition waivers to Oregon’s public universities.
Access to Care: As many of you know, providing access to quality healthcare is something I work hard for as a State Representative. In addition to HB 4150, the legislature took other important steps. As a member of the Clinician’s caucus, I am proud of the work we have accomplished as a group in caring for Oregonians in the legislature and in medical settings. This Press release outlines the work we have done this session.
HB 4035 establishes goals for the OHA as they work through the Medicaid redetermination process, including maintaining continuity of care and minimizing disruption. It also creates a task force to establish a bridge program that will provide affordable health insurance for Oregonians at the edge of Medicaid eligibility.
HB 4052 aims to address the racial disparities in healthcare outcomes by establishing a pilot program for two culturally and linguistically specific mobile health units for individuals who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, or members of tribes. This is an important first step in addressing the public health crisis of racism.
Community Safety: We must address the rise in gun violence and hate crimes by giving law enforcement the resources needed to investigate these crimes and by simultaneously investing in our community resources to address the root causes of community violence.
SB 1510 aims to reduce law enforcement interactions with Oregonians for small, less dangerous infractions such as broken tail lights and liberate law enforcement to dedicate more of their crime to solving serious crimes.
HB 4045 funds existing evidence-based hospital-based violence intervention programs and creates a path for Medicaid reimbursement for this work. Additionally, the bill provides grants to community organizations focused on community violence prevention and those providing intervention and support services.
Oregon has the third lowest cumulative COVID-19 case rate in the nation and the seventh lowest COVID-19 death rate since the start of the pandemic. Oregon’s comparatively strong compliance with mask rules and its high vaccination and booster rates have blunted the Omicron surge and – for now – prevented Oregon’s hospitals from breaking under the potentially hundreds more hospitalizations they could have faced so far. As of 3/10/22, there were 270 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19.
As announced by state health officials, Oregon will remove general mask requirements for indoor public places at 11:59pm tonight (March 11, 2022). The mask mandate will remain in place in healthcare settings, on public transportation, and in other specialized settings.
Once requirements are lifted, employers and businesses may continue to establish their own mask requirements to protect employees and customers. I urge you and your loved ones to continue making the personal decisions that are best for your health.
If you have questions about additional doses of the COVID 19 vaccine, you might find it helpful to watch the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Q & A here. You can visit this website to find a vaccination location near you, and many pharmacies are allowing walk-in vaccinations.
Oregon has a new Positive COVID Test website where people who test positive can find important information on isolation and other ways to keep themselves and those around them safe as they recover. In addition, reporting your positive test helps the Oregon Health Authority monitor the spread of COVID in our state. Positive COVID Test website and COVID-19 Case Support Hotline, 866-917-8881.
Betsy and Iya Betsy and Iya is a local shop carrying beautiful and unique handmade jewelry and curated goods in NW Portland. The Betsy and Iya line of jewelry is made by hand at the shop. Other lines carried by the shop are made directly by their designers or in close proximity, keeping sustainability at the forefront of their business. Betsy and Iya offers free repairs, recycles 100% of their scrap, and have an ethical and sustainable supply chain.
The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) will stop accepting new applications on March 14, 2022 at 11:59pm. If you or someone you know is in need, please make sure to get your application in by that date (Application). Washington County’s local Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program continues to help folks through existing local pathways.
Tenants in need now should reach out to local organizations for assistance, here: Community Action Agencies. These organizations receive resources from the state to prevent eviction and were granted additional funds in the December 2021 Special Session's eviction prevention package to keep Oregonians in their homes. More information about local jurisdictions with ERA funds available to renters can be found here.
Homeowner Assistance Fund
Congress established the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), resulting in $90 M to prevent Oregon homeowners from losing their homes. This program will open in phases and currently are accepting applications from homeowners in Phase 1 to target those at most risk for foreclosure. You can view the application guide or the plan that was submitted to the U.S. Treasury Department for more information.
Landlord Guarantee Program
The effects of the pandemic have affected not only tenants but landlords as well. If you are a landlord and you have tenants with rent owed, the Oregon Landlord Guarantee Program can help. Oregon Landlord Guarantee Program reimburses landlords for eligible non-payment costs such as rent and late fees incurred during the “safe harbor” period. You mayqualify for funds if your tenant provided you with documentation they received from a rent assistance provider showing that they applied for rent assistance and you: 1) Delayed delivering a Termination Notice for Non-payment or 2) Delayed initiating or continuing an action for possession based on a termination notice for non-payment. If you have questions, feel free to reference the FAQ or reach out to the LGP Team.
The best way to stay informed and connect with my legislative work is through my Facebook page (State Representative Maxine Dexter), my Twitter account (@RepDexterOR), and my Instagram (@RepDexterOR). In addition, please feel free to reach out to my office at Rep.MaxineDexter@OregonLegislature.gov.
I am honored to represent you in Salem and look forward to continuing to serve you as we work towards healthy lives, in a healthy community, on a healthy planet.
Housing assistance: Family Promise of Beaverton is committed to helping children and their families affected by homelessness in the Beaverton area. (https://www.familypromiseofbeaverton.org/#homepage)
Housing assistance: Community Housing Fund focuses on providing affordable housing and works on community projects.
Housing assistance: Community Action helps pay rent and help to get people in need of housing.
Housing assistance, utility assistance, food assistance: United Way of the Columbia-Willamette provides access to critical services like housing assistance and utility assistance and access to food.
Utility assistance: Oregon Energy Fund is a 30-year-old nonprofit that provides energy bill assistance to low-income Oregonians in support of household stability.
Utility assistance: EnergyTrust helps people save money and energy.
Disability assistance: Plan For Work services help individuals with disabilities and provide different services to those in need.
Youth assistance: New Avenues for Youth provides meals, showers, laundry, respite from the streets, engagement activities, and legal counsel.
Community assistance: Oregon Solutions solves community problems using a problem-solving system.
Transportation assistance: Trimet has a reduced fare for low-income rider and seniors age 65+.
Food assistance, water bill assistance, and grants, utility assistance: Care To Share coordinates assistance to families and individuals who seek emergency food and other basic necessities.
Food assistance: Mercy Corps Northwest provides assistance for community members returning from prison.
Food assistance, housing assistance, utility assistance, disability assistance: Department of County Human Services ensures that everyone can reach their potential and contribute to communities.
Follow Representative Dexter on social media to stay connected!
