Governor Tina Kotek asked for $130 million to address homelessness and housing in her state of emergency and in her proposed budget. She has already issued three executive orders and urged lawmakers to push through her request and told them how she wanted the money spent. Apparently, her majority party wants to impress her with an estimated $200 million package.

Legislative housing chairs, Representative Maxine Dexter (D-NW & Downtown Portland) and Senator Kayse Jama (D-Portland), and Representative David Gomberg (D-Lincoln & Western Benton/Lane Counties) gave a preview of the estimated $200 million Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness Response Package (HB 2001 and HB 5019). They say it is the result of a bipartisan and bicameral process. They aim to pass the final package by mid-March to urgently respond to the current housing and homelessness crisis facing Oregon. Hearing on HB 2001 is scheduled February 27 at 8AM, room HR F in the state capitol, and is open to submit testimony.

The proposed package addresses the homelessness emergency response (HB 5019):

• Fully funds the Governor’s Homelessness State of Emergency ($130 million);
• Provides $27 million in additional funding to address homelessness in other 25 rural counties;
• Prevents more Oregonians, including unhoused youth, from being evicted for non-payment giving more time to access Rental Assistance and other services to help stay in their homes – lengthens eviction notice from 72 hours to 10 days and includes a right of redemption (HB 2001);
• Invests $25 million in critical support for most vulnerable youth and families connecting them with rental assistance, shelter facilities, outreach, culturally-specific services, mental health or substance abuse service, and continue other transitional options that has made Oregon the nation’s second largest decrease in youth homelessness.

The proposed package addresses affordable housing (HB 2001):

• Meets the Governor’s goal of building 36,000 affordable housing units annually by speeding up production.
• $20 million to ramp up the production of affordable modular home production using Oregon’s mass timber and other conventional materials to support Oregon’s homegrown industries;
• $3 million Revolving Loan Fund to support local governments and developers with predevelopment loans to build housing for middle-income families;
• $5 million in grants for farmers to improve the health and safety conditions of on-site housing for agricultural workers;
• Makes building affordable housing the top priority for the state through structural changes to Oregon’s land use system and partnerships with local governments streamlining urbanization process.

“Every Oregonian deserves to have access to safe and affordable housing in the community of their choice," said Representative Dexter. “ I am proud to put forth this package that will deliver bold and effective relief to every corner of the state.”

“Oregonians need relief now, and they need stability in the long term. This bill accomplishes both,” said Senator Jama. Representative Gomberg added, “I’m proud to say we were able to secure funding that ensures our rural and coastal regions will be taken care of.”

Representative Jami Cate (R-Lebanon) said it is an emergency housing package that doesn’t create more housing. “The Governor intends to spend over a billion dollars on housing and has set an incredibly ambitious goal of boosting Oregon's production to 36,000 units per year, and yet this rushed housing "omnibus" package does nothing to actually achieve that goal. Though some included items have merit (and others erode landlords' ability to operate their businesses, risking the loss of more rental units), we need to see more than lip service to the promise of actual housing solutions if we are going to address this crisis.”

The bills are sponsored by Democrats, but they say the proposal includes Republican and Democratic initiatives and is supported by a broad coalition of local governments and community leaders. The question for taxpayers is by adding $70 million onto a 26% inflated budget, is this the squeeze to go after the kicker?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-02-24 10:01:15

Last Update: 2023-02-24 16:38:18