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Oregon Food Bank and its partners put forth a ambitious legislative agenda this session. Several important victories were achieved for low-income Oregonians and significant groundwork was established for legislation to come in 2008 and 2009.
Passed
The Legislature strengthened family supports in the Oregon Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. This was the first reform of the (TANF) program since 1991. About $25.8 million in new dollars will be dedicated to several new and enhanced program areas, including stronger up-front assessments of needs and barriers, a new family SSI program, child support pass-through dollars, and monetary support to families as they transition into the work force.
Passed
Strengthened rules for consumer loans. As of July 1 it is illegal to charge more than 36 percent interest for any consumer loan under $50,000, including payday loans and car title loans.
Partial success
Funding was increased for affordable housing. The Oregon Housing and Community Services Department budget retained existing programs and added $26 million in new resources to fund housing for working families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. Sadly, HB 3551, the document recording fee bill, was held up at the last minute.
Partial success
Health care to cover every child in Oregon. The Healthy Kids Plan did not pass the 2007 Legislature; however the public will get a chance to vote on it this fall. Lawmakers succeeded in referring it as a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
Partial success
Refundable Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) was extended. A bill was passed that makes the EIC permanently refundable and extends the entire credit to 2014. Advocates were close but not able to pass an increase in the credit to eliminate all taxes on poverty wages.
More work needed
HB 3139 would have created a bridge program to provide monthly support for disabled Oregonians as they pursued Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). The bill did not survive the Ways and Means Committee.
Passed
The WIC farmers’ market coupon program was expanded. A $98,000 increase in funding for WIC coupons was included in the final budget and will help expand the program to more women and children.
Partial success
The Senior farmers’ market coupon program was expanded. Senior farmers’ market coupons were increased by $49,000 out of $230,000 requested.
More work needed
More work is needed to incorporate the statewide Food Policy Council into statute. HB 2288 would have created a forum for collaboration among farmers, consumers, and institutions to improve the food system in Oregon. It received bipartisan support but was blocked in Ways and Means. Advocates are working with the Governor’s Office to find an alternative means of starting the council.
Passed
SB 461 will help protect low-income Oregonians from energy shut-offs and expand the Oregon Energy Assistance Program.
Passed
HB 2073 added homelessness to the charge of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Hunger. The council added members and was renamed as the Interagency Council on Hunger and Homelessness.
Passed
HB 2650 will set new nutrition standards for food items sold in schools. School districts will phase out high-sugar, high-fat junk food and soda in favor of healthier snacks for children.
Passed
HB 5019 will provide $39 million in new revenue for Head Start to help an additional 3,000 children succeed in school and life.
Passed
Funding for the Oregon Opportunity Grant Program was doubled to $106 million to provide increased educational opportunities for low-income college students.
Useful contacts
Oregon SafeNet
Information and Referral for food stamps, Oregon Health Plan,
school lunches
1-800-SafeNet
1-800-723-3638
Governor's Advocacy Line
Call to report problems receiving Department of Human Services
(DHS) assistance
1-800-442-5238
Oregon Helps
Information and referral Web site for social service programs.
www.OregonHelps.org
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