Sine Die, Housing and Business Relief and More
Sine Die Imminent
On Tuesday, Speaker Kotek and President Courtney declared Sine Die (session's adjournment) imminent. While this may sound like we're close to the end of session, what it really means is the notification process about bills and committee hearings becomes much quicker. For most of the session, the legislature is required to give 24-hour notice before a bill is heard in committee or receives a vote. Once sine die is declared imminent, we enter into a time known in the Capitol as "post and go" as committees and bills can be scheduled with as little as one hour notice. While this makes it hard for most Oregonians to keep up with the legislative proceedings, you can be assured that my staff and I will be paying close attention to any last minute schedule changes or vote announcements!
House Bill 3026
Earlier this week, the legislature passed House Bill 3026 which I was proud to Chief Sponsor along with Rep Zach Hudson. This bill will waive application fees for homeless individuals applying for an Oregon ID card.
 
An identification card is necessary for many parts of daily life, yet the $44.50 application fee can be an expensive barrier for many individuals experiencing homelessness. Applicants would qualify for the fee-waiver by obtaining an attestation from a homeless services provider using a form that will be provided by the DMV. The fee-waiver will not apply to a driver’s license application.
 
HB 3026 is now awaiting the Governor’s approval.
School Funding
Our kids and families have struggled with remote learning and the effects of being out of school for the past year. They need all the support we can give to complete their education which is the foundation for the rest of their lives. I believe that we should fully support students by fully funding our schools and fully opening our schools. On Thursday, my colleagues in the House Republican Caucus and I advocated to fully fund our schools. Unfortunately, the majority party voted down our motion and instead passed a reduced budget. You can listen to the remarks I made on the House floor here.
Housing Relief
As I've mentioned in previous newsletters, there is still state relief available for housing needs for both landlords and tenants.

For landlords, the Landlord Compensation Fund is now accepting applications for the third and final round of funding. This round is first-come, first-serve so eligible landlords are encouraged to apply quickly.

Important to note - besides just the first-come, first-serve nature, there are additional changes to this third round.
  • Landlords may now apply for former tenants, not just current tenants.
  • Landlords may now apply for pet and garage rents, not just dwelling rent

An updated FAQ addressing the third round changes can be found HERE.

For renters, the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program is accepting applications for individuals in need.

Representative Fahey and Senator Jama are hosting a virtual learning session for tenants on Thursday, June 10th at 6:00pm. Experts from Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Oregon Law Center will present information and answer questions. You can RSVP HERE.
Business Oregon Grants

Business Oregon has opened applications for grant funding for businesses affected by COVID-19.

Eligible companies have 100 or fewer employees that:
  1. offer the consumption of food and or drink on premise;
  2. provide specified indoor physical exercise, recreational or family entertainment; OR
  3. provide specified personal services; and that experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon.

Restaurants, bars, gyms, brewpubs, theaters, bowling centers, and salons are some of the more common examples of eligible businesses.

The application deadline is June 6th. Awards will be selected after a random lottery process of all complete and eligible applications received.
SOU President Search
Earlier this spring Southern Oregon University President Linda Schott announced her intent to retire at the conclusion of 2021. The university is hosting a series of listening sessions to gain perspective and understanding about the ideal candidate to lead SOU. Alumni, parents, and members of the community are invited to join the conversation.

There are two sessions scheduled for Monday, June 7, 2021 for public participation.


If you are unable to attend the Zoom session, you are encouraged to submit your feedback in writing. 
All my best,