Senate Passes Game-Changing Oregon Kids’ Tax Credit
Investment builds on the success of the Federal Child Tax Credit, ensures Oregon families have financial breathing room
Recently, the Oregon Senate approved House Bill 3235, delivering much-needed relief to families impacted by rising cost of living by implementing the Oregon Kids’ Tax Credit.
The bill passed the House on a bipartisan vote and now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
HB 3235 introduces a fully refundable $1000 tax credit per child between the ages of 0 and 5 for families earning $30,000 or less.
“By providing support during a child’s critical developmental years, the Oregon Kids’ Credit aims to address economic disparities and ensure that every child in Oregon has a strong foundation for life,” said Senator Wlnsvey Campos (D – Beaverton).
The Oregon Center for Public Policy estimates that nearly 55,000 children across Oregon will benefit from this credit, with a higher representation in rural communities and communities of color. Early childhood development through providing support to families who are facing financial challenges is crucial to reducing child poverty rates. After implementing the Federal Child Tax Credit in July 2021, child poverty rates declined 46%, its lowest ever recorded.
Supporting low-income families and children is a key component of Senate Democrats’ 2023 Oregon Works agenda.
HB 3235 is one of the hundreds of bills that Senate Democrats rescued by negotiating an end to the Senate Republican walkout. Thanks to Senate Democrats showing up, doing their jobs, and delivering results for the people of Oregon, HB 3235 now moves to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
Senate Advances Long and Short-Term Hospital Staffing and Care Solutions
Recently, the Oregon Senate approved House Bill 3396, which advances smart solutions that will work to improve staffing levels in hospitals across, and develop solutions to discharge challenges. This bill is just one component of a broader agreement between labor and hospital stakeholders who are all committed to enhancing the quality of care provided to Oregonians.
HB 3396 establishes the Joint Task Force on Hospital Discharge Challenge to develop recommendations on:
- Challenges hospitals face in discharging patients to appropriate care settings, including long-term care, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies, and
- Recommendations to reduce barriers to education and streamline pathways to licensure for nurses and nurse assistants.
“We simply do not have enough nurses, doctors, and health care workers to meet Oregonians’ needs right now,” said Senator Deb Patterson (D – Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Care. “HB 3396 is a meaningful investment that will help us train and retain health care workers, and ensure that vulnerable individuals, like those experiencing housing insecurity, receive proper care when they are discharged.”
HB 3396 also allocates $26.5 million to:
- Invest in clinical education opportunities,
- Award grants to increase on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities in the health care field
- Support nurse faculty at public institutions through recruitment and retention programs
“We need short and long-term solutions to our health care workforce challenges,” said Senator Wlnsvey Campos (D – Aloha), Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services. “Our system is broken, and this bill will go a long way towards fixing it.”
Solving Oregon’s health care workforce shortages is a key component of Senate Democrats’ 2023 Oregon Works agenda.
HB 3396 is one of the hundreds of bills that Senate Democrats rescued by negotiating an end to the Senate Republican walkout. Thanks to Senate Democrats showing up, doing their jobs, and delivering results for the people of Oregon, HB 3396 now moves to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
Oregon Senate Invests in Rural Economic Development
Investments will support rural and coastal small businesses and agriculture
Recently, with bipartisan support, the Oregon Senate passed House Bill 3410, which allocates $32.2 million to improve rural infrastructure and promote revitalization throughout the state. The bill includes the following provisions:
- $10 million for the Regional Revitalization Strategies Consortium. This money will be used for grants and loans to develop housing in rural areas and small cities. Additionally, $1.2 million is allocated to the Oregon Coast Visitors Association to help businesses focused on regional food systems.
- $3.5 million is provided to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to support the outdoor recreation economy and maritime workforce.
- $6.5 million is granted to the Oregon Business Development Department. This funding will be used for grant programs related to county fairgrounds, the outdoor gear industry, and to support small business development centers.
- $9 million is allocated to the Department of Agriculture to support a grant program that assists meat processors in meeting the requirements of the State Meat Inspection Program.
“This bill reflects our dedication to economic empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and supporting local businesses,” Senator Aaron Woods (D – Wilsonville), co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development. “Together, we are building a stronger Oregon where every individual and community can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
Promoting economic opportunity in every corner of the state is part of Senate Democrats’ 2023 Oregon Works agenda.
HB 3410 is one of the hundreds of bills that Senate Democrats rescued by negotiating an end to the Senate Republican walkout. Thanks to Senate Democrats showing up, doing their jobs, and delivering results for the people of Oregon, HB 3410 now moves to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
Oregon Senate Passes Critical Relief for Crime Victims
Recently, the Oregon Senate passed two bipartisan bills to provide critical relief for crime victims in the state.
House Bill 2676 will make critical updates to the statute for Oregon’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program that expands eligibility criteria and increases benefits for more Oregonians. These changes will make it easier for victims and survivors to access benefits for the duration of a case, including the post-prosecution criminal justice process.
“We should be doing everything in our power to support Oregonians in their hour of need. With these changes, the Oregon Crime Victims’ Compensation Program will help more people and communities heal,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D – Springfield & Eugene), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee who carried the bill on the floor.
House Bill 3421 passed unanimously. It is a student-led initiative to make sure survivors of sexual assault at institutions of higher education have the resources and support they need, including free legal, medical and counseling services; confidential advice; and special protections for parties who report sexual assault who could be afraid of disciplinary action for drug and alcohol use. This legislation will also ensure that Oregon collects consistent, accessible, statewide data on sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault from campus climate surveys. It will also require annual sexual assault response and prevention trainings for campus communities.
“I’m proud of all of the student-led advocacy that brought forward these important solutions. All of Oregon’s young people should be able to safely live and learn at our institutions of higher learning, and this legislation will make a big impact, empowering institutions and communities to better respond to and prevent sexual violence and harassment,” said Senator Michael Dembrow (D – Portland), who carried the bill on the floor and serves as the chair of the Senate Education Committee.
HB 2676 and HB 3421 are some of the hundreds of bills that Senate Democrats rescued by negotiating an end to the Senate Republican walkout. Thanks to Senate Democrats showing up, doing their jobs, and delivering results for the people of Oregon, these bills now move to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
Child Care Workforce and Availability Bills Pass Oregon Senate
Recently, Senate Democrats passed House Bill 2991 and House Bill 3005 to break down barriers and expand access to high quality child care and early learning. These bills will help Oregon grow our child care workforce and make it easier for childcare programs to open and expand.
HB 2991 will help to identify and break down barriers for child care workers, by directing the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to study and identify barriers to a high-quality early childhood workforce and convene a stakeholder group to provide recommendations to the Legislature regarding compensation and career development to build a robust early childhood workforce.
HB 3005 will increase the availability of child care by creating a grant and loan program within the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon) to provide financial assistance to help build and open new child care programs. Across Oregon, the costs to open, operate and expand child care services are too high for many providers. This financial boost will make it easier for new programs to open and existing programs to expand.
“Ensuring Oregon families have access to high-quality, affordable child care is critical for the social, emotional, and educational development of our children. We must break down barriers for Oregonians wishing to open, operate, and expand child care centers, and provide meaningful career pathways for early childhood educators,” said Senator Elizabeth Steiner (D – NW Portland).
Supporting the education workforce and providing Oregonians with high quality education from cradle to career is a key component of Senate Democrats’ 2023 Oregon Works agenda.
HB 2991 and HB 3005 are some of the hundreds of bills that Senate Democrats rescued by negotiating an end to the Senate Republican walkout. Thanks to Senate Democrats showing up, doing their jobs, and delivering results for the people of Oregon, they now move to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
Senate Supports Student Veterans, Honors Gold Star Families
Recently, the Oregon Senate unanimously passed two significant bills, House Bill 2271 and House Bill 3001, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families. These bills will provide crucial assistance to student veterans and recognize Gold Star Families for their sacrifice.
The bills passed the House on a bipartisan vote and now heads to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
HB 2271, the Veterans Educational Bridge Grant bill, addresses the challenges faced by student veterans who encounter obstacles in completing their academic or training programs. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 to veterans that meet the eligibility requirements. The bill will expand eligibility for the program, allowing more veterans to qualify and receive support. This bill also makes this program permanent, ensuring long-term assistance for student veterans pursuing their education.
“We owe it to our veterans to ensure that they have the resources they need to successfully complete their educational programs and embark on fulfilling careers,” said Senator Mark Meek (D-Clackamas), U.S. Air Force Veteran and chair of the Senate Committee On Finance and Revenue.
The Senate also passed HB 3001 to allow roadside memorial highway signs to be placed without charge to Gold Star families and requires the Department of Transportation to waive the surcharge associated with the vehicle registration plate for Gold Star families.
“This bill sends a resounding message of gratitude and recognition to the families who have suffered unimaginable loss of a loved one in military service,” said Senator Mark Meek (D-Clackamas). “Waiving the fees and surcharges associated with these symbols of remembrance is just common sense. It acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices made by these families in the defense of our nation.”
HB 2271 and HB 3001 were among the hundreds of bills that Senate Democrats rescued by negotiating an end to the Senate Republican walkout. Thanks to Senate Democrats showing up, doing their jobs, and delivering results for the people of Oregon, these bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Legislators Propose Constitutional Amendment to Hold Politicians Accountable
HJR 16 would let voters decide whether the Legislature should have the power to impeach statewide elected officials
The Oregon House passed House Joint Resolution 16, a proposed constitutional amendment that would hold politicians accountable by giving the Legislature the authority to impeach statewide elected officials. If signed into law, the resolution would be sent to voters for approval during the 2024 election.
“Accountability, transparency and good governance are values that all Oregonians share – regardless of party affiliation,” said House Majority Leader Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene & Veneta), a chief sponsor of the bill. “This policy will be an important tool for holding politicians accountable and improving trust in government.”
“Impeachment is a means of using the people’s voice in the Legislature to hold the Executive branch accountable, and can be found in every state in the nation—except Oregon,” said Representative Jami Cate (R-Lebanon), a chief sponsor of the bill. “HJR 16 will give Oregonians the long overdue opportunity to create this power and bring more checks and balances to our state government.”
If approved by voters, the impeachment clause would give the House of Representatives the power to bring impeachment forward, with a vote of two-thirds of the chamber. Impeachable offenses listed in the resolution are “malfeasance or corrupt conduct in office, willful neglect of statutory or constitutional duty or other felony or high crime.”
If an impeachment case is advanced to the Senate, the Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court would preside, and a conviction would require a vote of two-thirds of the Senate.
The legislation passed unanimously and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
First-Time Home Buyers Bill will Grow Homeownership in Oregon
SB 825 streamlines the reporting process for first-time home buyer savings accounts
The Oregon Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 825. This bill will empower Oregonians who are buying a home for the first time by changing reporting requirements for first-time homebuyer savings accounts from financial institutions to home buyers directly, to encourage participation with the program.
“For many Oregon families, homeownership is the foundation of economic stability and intergenerational wealth,” said Senator Mark Meek (D-Clackamas County), a chief sponsor of SB 825. “This bill will not only help more families buy their first home, it will ease the stress on Oregon’s rental market. It’s a win-win.”
Tackling housing affordability is a key component of Senate Democrats’ 2023 Oregon Works agenda.
SB 825 is one of the hundreds of bills that Senate Democrats rescued by negotiating an end to the Senate Republican walkout. Thanks to Senate Democrats showing up, doing their jobs, and delivering results for the people of Oregon, SB 825 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
New Legislation Supporting, Honoring Oregon Veterans, Active Duty Military Members Passes the Senate
Recently, the Oregon Senate passed several bills supporting and honoring Oregon veterans and active duty military members. Including:
- House Bill 2144: Expands qualification for fallen hero roadside memorials. Passed 25 – 0
- House Bill 2147: Ensures unclaimed veterans’ remains are properly interred. Honors our fallen veterans and brings them home to be laid to rest. Passed 25 – 0
- House Bill 2295: Gives all veterans procurement preference in public contracting. This bill was developed and brought forward by veterans. Passed 25 – 0
- House Bill 2865: Changes the training leave allotment of our current National Guard and military members who are public employees from 15 days to 21 days (mirrors Washington State). This will be an absolute game changer for these folks who selflessly give of their time to train and serve. Right now, our brave servicemembers are having to use their personal, vacation, and sick leave accruals to complete required training to serve our country. Passed 23 – 2
- House Bill 3421: Requires that the state commemorates Memorial Day and Veterans Day on the holiday and requires public access to such commemorations. Passed 24 – 0
“Oregon veterans and their families sacrifice to protect our safety, our rights, and our freedoms. We owe them a debt that can never be fully repaid,” said Senator Aaron Woods (D – Wilsonville), U.S. Army veteran who carried HB 2144 on the Senate Floor. “I’m glad we could do our part to honor the best and bravest of Oregon.”
“I’m proud that the Senate stepped up to deliver meaningful change for our veterans and current members of the Oregon National Guard. These Oregonians deserve our support and respect,” said Senator James I. Manning Jr. (D – Eugene & Veneta), chair of the Senate Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs Committee who was an active duty service member for the U.S. Army for 24 years, with multiple tours in South Korea, Australia, Japan, Honduras, and Panama.
HB 2144, HB 2147, HB 2295, HB 2865, and HB 3421 are among the hundreds of bills that Senate Democrats rescued by negotiating an end to the Senate Republican walkout. Thanks to Senate Democrats showing up, doing their jobs, and delivering results for the people of Oregon, these bills now move to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
