Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
2013 Legislative Session Update
We're midway through the 2013 Legislative session and have been working hard on public policies that will help end hunger in Oregon. Below is a brief update on progress we've made on items in the Oregon Hunger Task Force 2013 Legislative Agenda. We've had great success moving several bills this session in partnership with many organizations. We appreciate all who have been able to provide support by calling and emailing their representatives.

 

Action Alerts - Sign up today!

We invite you to sign up for Action Alerts to hear about opportunities to add your voice to ending hunger in Oregon. These alerts will be in addition to our regular E-newsletter. 

 

There are a variety of actions you can take, such as contacting your legislator or the members of the Ways and Means Committee or sharing a message on your Facebook or Twitter account. 

 

Over the next week please attend a state budget hearing in your community to share your thoughts with the Joint Ways and Means Committee. They are taking input on the State's funding priorities. Committee members will be in Bend, Hermiston, Portland, Tillamook and Salem within the next couple of weeks. 

 

Thank you for your ongoing advocacy to help end hunger in Oregon!

 

Patti Whitney-Wise, executive director

 

Goal: Increase economic stability

 

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - Reduce the tax burden on low-wage workers, leaving more income for basic needs. 

 

SB 326/HB 2477 - Extends the sunset for the Oregon EITC until 2020. Current Status: SB 326 & HB 2477 are awaiting a hearing in the Joint Committee on Tax Credits.

  

SB 507/2850- Increases the Oregon EITC percentage of the federal credit from 6% to 9%, reducing the tax burden on low-wage workers. Current Status: SB 507 is in the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue and HB 2850 is in the House Committee on Revenue.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - Protecting children and strengthening Oregon families.

SB 5529 - Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Department of Human Services for certain biennial expenses, including TANF. Current Status: SB 5529 has been referred to the Joint Ways and Means sub-committee on Human Services

 

HB 3440 - Helps prevent homelessness by helping families stabilize and provides stronger supports as they transition off TANF and into employment. Current Status: HB 3440 is awaiting consideration in the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

 

Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC) - Support safe, affordable childcare for working parents.

   

SB 5529 - Relating to the financial administration of the Department of Human Services and funding for ERDC. Current Status: SB 5529 is in the Joint Ways and Means sub-committee on Human Services. 

 
Housing Opportunity - Keep Oregonians stable in their housing.

 

HB 5015 - Appropriates money for a variety of funding for housing programs including the Emergency Housing Account and the State Homeless Assistance Program. Current Status: HB 5015 is in the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development.

 

General Assistance Bridge Program - Provide temporary support for people who have disabilities while they apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI).

 

HB 2712 - Requires Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish an advisory committee to assist DHS in developing recommendations for the general assistance program that will serve childless adults with disabilities and to report on recommendations to the Legislative Assembly. Current Status: HB 2712 is in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

Goal: Cultivate a strong regional food system 

 

Farm Direct Nutrition Programs - Support the well being of Oregon's low-income seniors and families.
 
SB 456 - Appropriates $400,000 from the General Fund to Oregon Health Authority for Farm Direct Nutrition Program for low-income seniors. Current Status: SB 456 is in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

 

HB 2921- Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Oregon Health Authority for Farm Direct Nutrition Program for participants in the Women, Infants and Children Program. Current Status: HB 2921 is in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Farm to School and school gardens programs - Connect more children to Oregon-grown foods at school and in their communities.

 
HB 2649 - Appropriates $5 million to the Department of Education to award grants to schools for the purchase of Oregon grown and processed foods for the National School Lunch Program. Current Status: HB 2649 is in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. 
 

Goal: Improve the food assistance safety net 

  

Child Nutrition Programs - Feed low-income children when they are most at risk of hunger.


HB 2729
- Appropriates dollars from the General Fund to Department of Education for purpose of distributing mini-grants that will help expand participation in the USDA's Summer Food Service and Afterschool Meal and Snack Programs. Current Status: HB 2729 is in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

 

HB 2730 - Directs Department of Education to reimburse school districts, government agencies or community groups for every breakfast served during summer as part of the Summer Food Service Program. Current Status: HB 2730 is in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Oregon Hunger Response Fund - Increase funds for the Oregon Hunger Response Fund.

HB 5015 - Appropriates moneys from General Fund to support the purchase of food for the emergency food for the Regional Food Bank Network. Current Status: HB 5015 is in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, Committee on General Government.
 
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
712 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, Oregon 97214
503.595.5501