Budget Hearings Continue This Week
TIME CHANGE FOR THE EUGENE MEETING
​February 23, 2017
Hearings continue around Oregon this week.This week, Oregon's primary budget writing Committee, Ways & Means, will continue their budget hearings around the state. These hearings are designed to gain input from Oregonians and hear their perspectives on the priorities for the Legislature as they determine how to fund programs and services in 2017-19. 
Hearings will be held on Friday evening and Saturday this week in Ashland and Eugene. PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE FOR THE EUGENE MEETING ON SATURDAY. 
Friday, February 24 -- Ashland
5 to 7 p.m.
Rogue River Room
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland
 
 
Saturday, February 25 -- Eugene  
2 to 4 p.m. 
Rooms 308-309 Building 17 (The Forum)
Lane Community College
4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene

Next week will be the final hearing in this series - 
Tillamook
6-8 p.m. Friday, Mar. 3
Port of Tillamook Bay
Officers Mess Hall
6825 Officers Row
Hearings will open approximately one hour prior to the start time to allow for sign up to testify. You may also submit written testimony, which we encourage. 

• To submit written testimony, please email: waysandmeans.budget@oregonlegislature.gov

Oregon's budget writers are facing an unprecedented challenge in balancing the needs of Oregonians with limited budget dollars. There is a potential for dramatic reductions which would impact budget areas including human services and seniors and people with disabilities. The Governor's Recommended Budget proposed severe reductions to Oregon Project Independence (OPI) including

• 75% reduction in funding to OPI for Seniors 
• Complete elimination of the OPI program for People with Disabilities

These kinds of cuts jeopardize the independence, dignity, choice and safety of our vulnerable citizens. 

The Budget Co-Chairs have released their "budget framework" which outlines the current budget situation the state faces and the gaps in funding. The "Existing Resources Budget Framework"  explains the state’s $1.8 billion budget shortfall and outlining potential cuts to programs.

O4AD has information for your use in the budget conversation. You can access our talking points on our website, bill tracking reports, bill calendars and more information on the Session at: 

http://www.o4ad.org/useful-links--documents.html

There you will find: 
1. Oregon Project Independence - Cost Comparisons. Why investing and protecting OPI makes sense for Oregon's budget. Click HERE for these talking points. 
2. O4AD Budget Priorities - O4AD has issued our priorities for Oregon's budget writers. Click HERE for these talking points. 
3. Learn about the history of OPI and the instability this program has faced in secure and stable funding. Click HERE for this overview. 


You may access the membership of the Ways & Means Committee HERE, on the Oregon Legislative website. 

You may also access Ways & Means Human Services and Full Ways & Means membership, Districts, major cities and counties in their districts, corresponding Area Agency and contact information on O4AD's website. Click HERE to access this information to make your contacts. 

 Don't Forget! O4AD Legislative Conference Call
O4AD will host our weekly Legislative Conference Call on Friday, February 24. This call is intended to update advocates on what's happening in the Capitol, what's coming up and answer any questions we can to help YOU stay engaged with the process. We hope you can join us! 

Friday, February 24, 2017. 11 am 
Dial in: 1-866-200-5786
Participant Code: 835329

For more information or if you have questions, please contact O4AD at: info@o4ad.org. We are happy to help answer questions and provide as much information as we have available. 

Plan to attend a hearing, send in comments to the Committee or find other ways to engage in this important conversation on protecting and preserving services for Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. Your Voice Matters! 
 
http://www.o4ad.org
 
   
About O4ADO4AD advocates to protect the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon’s seniors and people with disabilities. Area Agencies on Aging & Disabilities, our members, provide long-term care services statewide including home delivered meals, ADRC services, Medicaid services in many areas and Oregon Project Independence statewide. O4AD’s members are responsible for service provision to the majority of seniors and people with disabilities in the state. http://www.o4ad.org

 
   
UPCOMING EVENTS
O4AD Legislative Conference Call
Friday, February 24, 2017. 11 am 
Dial in: 1-866-200-5786
Participant Code: 835329
 Friday, February 24 -- Ashland
5 to 7 p.m.
Rogue River Room
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland
 
 
Saturday, February 25 -- Eugene  
2 to 4 p.m.  - NOTE CHANGE OF TIME 
Rooms 308-309 Building 17 (The Forum)
Lane Community College
4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene

Happy President's Day! 

The pace of this year’s session is beginning to pick up speed, with full committee hearing agendas.  However, bill introduction continues to move slowly.

Budget hearings continue around the state.  Next week the Ways & Means (budget) Committee will be Ashland on Friday and Eugene on Saturday.  The last of these hearings will be on Friday, March 3 in Tillamook.

This week Revenue Committees will hear the next Revenue Forecast and there have been indications that the Co Chairs may release a draft budget after this forecast. This will be heard on Wednesday in a combined Revenue Committee hearing.

Another potential revenue topic this session is the potential for changes to the property tax system, specifically the results of Ballot Measures 5 and 50 which passed in the late 1990s.  The Senate Revenue Committee held its first hearing on Monday on SB 151 and SJR 3, which are proposals to address inequities in individual property owner’s taxes. Reforms to property tax has the potential to create new revenue for public safety, schools and local government – which factors into the overall revenue conversation and filling gaps in budgets. 


Ways & Means Hearings Around the State

The Ways & Means Committee continues their hearings around the state. They have now visited Salem, Portland, Hermiston and Madras. This week, hearings will move to Ashland and Eugene. 

Hearing Schedule ~ Ashland: 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in Rogue River Room, Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Eugene: 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 in Building 17 (The Forum), Lane Community College, 4000 E 30th Ave.
Tillamook: 6 to 8 p.m. March 3 in Officer’s Mess, Port of Tillamook Bay, 6825 Officers Row.

Please note signups for testimony opens at 1 hour prior to the hearing. In general, not all individuals who sign up for testimony will be able to be heard due to time constraints. Hearings are very crowded so we suggest arriving as early as may be possible to secure seating and ease in accessing the hearing locations. 

Submitting testimony via email: You may submit written testimony at the hearing to Committee staff or via email at: waysandmeans.budget@oregonlegislature.gov (This is the correct email to submit testimony for Ways & Means related to the budget hearings). 
Learn about the Members of Ways & Means by visiting the Committee website HERE. You can visit each member's webpage to learn their District and their background.

Access O4AD's talking points for the Ways & Means Hearing. Click HERE for our Ways & Means one pager. 

Make your voice heard on behalf of Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities. Weigh in at a hearing, send in your comments to the Ways & Means Committee or contact your local legislators! Your voice matters! 


Hearings this week ~ 

This week, there are a number of hearing as Committees get underway. Check out O4AD's bill calendar to follow bills we are tracking that are scheduled this week. You can access our most current list on our "Useful Links and Documents" page HERE. You can also access our Bill Calendar which lists bills we are following that are being heard this week. 


Ways & Means Human Services continues hearing the overview from the Oregon Health Authority on their various programs. You can check out their committee website to follow their agendas. Click HERE for the Committee website. 

The Ways & Means Subcommittee on Human Services is scheduled to begin hearing the Department of Human Services budget and agency overviews on March 14. At this time, we have heard that the following are dates to take note of: 

• March 14 - The Committee will begin their hearings on the Department of Human Services with an introduction and overview by Directors Clyde Saiki
• March 15 & 16 - The Committee will begin hearing information and overview of the Aging and People with Disabilities Division of DHS. 
• March 28 - Public testimony is currently scheduled on the DHS budget.

Please note that all dates are subject to change. 
 
The Subcommittee meets Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8:30 am in Hearing Room F. 

House Human Services will hear HB 2724 which directors Housing and Community Services Department to develop and implement Rent Guarantee Program to provide incentives and financial assistance to landlords that rent or lease to low income households by guaranteeing payments to landlords for unpaid rent and for eviction and property damage costs. This bill is scheduled to be heard  Thursday, February 23 at 8 am in Hearing Room E. 

House Human Services will also hear HB 2446 which Directors Housing and Community Services Department and Oregon Housing Stability Council to seek, obtain and renew waivers of certain federal rental rental subsidy and assistance payment requirements to increase availability of payments under federal rent subsidy program. 

House Revenue and Senate Finance & Revenue will hear the next Revenue forecast on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 8:30 am in Hearing Room A. This revenue forecast will help define what the potential revenue sources are for the 2017-19 biennial budget and where the gaps are as the Budget Co Chairs work to develop their initial budget drafts. 

House Health Care will hold an informational hearing on Cost Drivers in Health Care on Friday, February 24 at 8 am in Hearing Room E. 

House Human Services & Housing will hold an informational hearing on Emergency Housing Assistance & the State Homeless Assistance Program on Thursday, February 23 at 8 am in Hearing Room E. 

You can access Committee Agendas Online via the Oregon Legislative Information System - https://olis.leg.state.or.us/LIZ/Committees/Meeting/List.

Please note if you need ADA accommodation for attendance at hearings in the capitol, please contact  employee.services@oregonlegislature.gov 
or by calling 1-800-332-2313 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting time.

Please do not hesitate to contact O4AD with questions regarding Committees and Hearings. 


Advocate Resources! 
Please utilize the many resources available for advocates: 

• O4AD publishes our bill tracking reports regularly on our website. Click HERE to access our information page. You will find bill tracking reports and bill calendars updated regularly. 
• O4AD's Bill Tracking Report can be found HERE. 
• O4AD's Bill Calendar - this report shows the bills that are currently scheduled for hearing as of the date of our report. We will compile this report weekly (note it is subject to change). Find this report HERE.  
• 2017 House Committee Membership
• 2017 Senate Committee Membership
•  2017 Legislative Committee Meeting Schedule
• 2017 Legislative Calendar of Deadlines

O4AD will continue to update our information as we head through the session with talking points and information to help you stay up to date with what's happening. Please continue to check back: http://www.o4ad.org


Oregon Legislative Website

Oregon's Legislative Website offers many different ways to stay up to date on the Session. Take a moment to visit Oregon's Legislative Website to learn what you can access. Click HERE for the website. 

Tools for Advocates on the Oregon Legislative Website: 

• OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System): OLIS provides a wealth of information regarding the current session. Find Committee agendas, Committee membership, Bills, New Measures, Daily and Cumulative Publications and more. 
• Committee Agendas Online: This page offers a listing of all currently scheduled Committee hearings and is updated as soon as Committee hearings are posted or revised. 
• Today's Session Information: Each day, information on hearings, bills introduced, bills to be heard on the Senate or House Floor and Session Publications are listed. 
• Audio/Visual for the Capitol: Hearings are now streamed live which allows for greater access by all. Advocates can review hearings that are upcoming which may be access online. Hearings are also archived and may be watched later. 

Take a moment to visit the Oregon Legislative website and find the many resources available to follow the Session. 


Advocacy Opportunities in 2017

O4AD continues to work to keep you updated on the Legislative Session and opportunities for advocacy. With the projected revenue shortages, the protection of programs for older adults and people with disabilities is of critical importance for O4AD, our members and advocates. We hope that you will engage on these issues.

O4AD is offering many different opportunities for engagement. You may also find dates and times on our website at: http://www.o4ad.org/calendar.html. 

Advocacy opportunities for the 2017 Session ~ 

O4AD Advocacy Day at the Capitol: Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Information on registration to follow. Please plan to join O4AD and our advocates at the Capitol to carry the message of the importance of protecting the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. 

The Campaign for Oregon's Seniors & People with Disabilities Advocacy Day: February 28, 2017. This event is currently closed to registration due to constraints in room availability. If you have pre-registered, please expect information to come your way. 

O4AD Advocacy Check ins: Launched in 2016, O4AD has reserved Room 350 in the Capitol as an opportunity for advocates to come to the Capitol, have a place to take a break, grab a cup of coffee or tea, hear updates from O4AD and visit with your legislators. It is O4AD's goal to make the Capitol as accessible as possible for advocates. If you are planning a day to meet with Legislators or bring advocates, please consider utilizing a check in day in order to have a meeting room at your disposal. Check in days are scheduled on the following dates: 

• Thursday, March 16. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, April 13. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, June 8. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, June 15. Room 350. Oregon Capitol

O4AD Legislative Conference Calls: O4AD will be hosting weekly Legislative Conference calls. We may revise the schedule as the session continues but as things move quickly during the opening of the session, we will be scheduling calls on Fridays. Please call in on our  conference line for an update of the weeks activities and occurrences in the Capitol. 
Friday, February 24, 2017. 11 am
O4AD Conference line: 1-866-200-5786. User code: 835329


Stay up to date! 
With the Legislative Session around the corner, stay up to date on what's happening and how you can be involved. O4AD values the participation of our advocates and their voice in the conversation about supports and services for Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities.

Please do not hesitate to contact O4AD with any questions or for information we can provide! 503.463.8692. info@o4ad.org

Forward this to a friend so they may sign up for O4AD updates too! 


 
O4AD advocates for the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities. 

O4AD Legislative Update

As Oregon's Legislature moves into the second week, we will celebrate Oregon's birthday on February 14, take up the legal age to use tobacco and discuss PERS reform. Bills are now being scheduled for hearings and the Ways & Means Budget writers will continue their hearings around the state. 


Ways & Means Hearings Around the State

After holding hearings in Salem and Portland, the Ways & Means Committee will continue their hearings around the state. 

This week, hearings will move to Eastern and Central Oregon with meetings in Hermiston and Madras. 

Hearing Schedule ~ Hermiston: 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Hermiston High School, 600 S 1st St.
Madras: 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 at Madras High School, 390 SE 10th St.
Ashland: 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in Rogue River Room, Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Eugene: 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 in Building 17 (The Forum), Lane Community College, 4000 E 30th Ave.
Tillamook: 6 to 8 p.m. March 3 in Officer’s Mess, Port of Tillamook Bay, 6825 Officers Row.

Please note signups for testimony opens at 1 hour prior to the hearing. In general, not all individuals who sign up for testimony will be able to be heard due to time constraints. 

You may submit written testimony at the hearing to Committee staff or via email at: waysandmeans.budget@oregonlegislature.gov (This is a CORRECTION from previously posted email addresses). 
Learn about the Members of Ways & Means by visiting the Committee website HERE. You can visit each member's webpage to learn their District and their background.

Access O4AD's talking points for the Ways & Means Hearing. Click HERE for our Ways & Means one pager. . We are advocating that Oregon's budget writers: 

• Preserve Oregon's system of long term services and supports that emphasizes independence, dignity, choice and safety - and is a model for the rest of the nation. 
• Protect current service level funding for senior and disability services including Oregon Project Independence, Medicaid long term services and supports, abuse prevention and intervention and the aging and disability infrastructure. These wise investments not only help meet the needs of our older adults and people with disabilities but also provides tremendous cost savings for the state budget - and has for many years. (read more about Oregon Project Independence HERE)
• Prioritize the needs of Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities in budget conversation. The needs of our vulnerable citizens should be a first conversation as budgets and investments are considered. 

Make your voice heard on behalf of Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities. Weigh in at a hearing, send in your comments to the Ways & Means Committee or contact your local legislators! Your voice matters! 


Hearings this week 

This week, there are a number of hearing as Committees get underway. Check out O4AD's bill calendar to follow bills we are tracking that are scheduled this week. You can access our most current list on our "Useful Links and Documents" page, HERE. You can also access our Bill Calendar which lists bills we are following that are being heard this week. 

House Human Services and Housing will hold an informational hearing on Oregon Project Independence on Thursday, February 16 at 8 am. This will be in hearing room E. You can read the agenda HERE. 
If you are attending this hearing, O4AD has reserved Room 243 in the Capitol to stop by before the hearing or until 10:30 am for advocates. 

Ways & Means Human Services continues hearing the overview from the Oregon Health Authority on their various programs. You can check out their committee website to follow their agendas. Click HERE for the Committee website. 

Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development will begin to hear the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs budget on Tuesday at 1 pm. You can access their Committee website HERE. 

House Judiciary will hear HB 2622 which authorizes financial institutions to refuse certain financial transactions when a financial institution reasonable believes financial exploitation of a vulnerably person may be occurring. You can access their agenda HERE for this hearing on February 15th at 1 pm, Hearing Room 343. 

You can access Committee Agendas Online via the Oregon Legislative Information System - https://olis.leg.state.or.us/LIZ/Committees/Meeting/List.

Please do not hesitate to contact O4AD with questions regarding Committees and Hearings. 


Advocate Resources! 
Please utilize the many resources available for advocates: 

• O4AD publishes our bill tracking reports regularly on our website. Click HERE to access our information page. You will find bill tracking reports and bill calendars updated regularly. 
• O4AD's Bill Tracking Report can be found HERE. 
• O4AD's Bill Calendar - this report shows the bills that are currently scheduled for hearing as of the date of our report. We will compile this report weekly (note it is subject to change). Find this report HERE.  
• 2017 House Committee Membership
• 2017 Senate Committee Membership
•  2017 Legislative Committee Meeting Schedule
• 2017 Legislative Calendar of Deadlines

O4AD will continue to update our information as we head through the session with talking points and information to help you stay up to date with what's happening. Please continue to check back: http://www.o4ad.org


Oregon Legislative Website

Oregon's Legislative Website offers many different ways to stay up to date on the Session. Take a moment to visit Oregon's Legislative Website to learn what you can access. Click HERE for the website. 

Tools for Advocates on the Oregon Legislative Website: 

• OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System): OLIS provides a wealth of information regarding the current session. Find Committee agendas, Committee membership, Bills, New Measures, Daily and Cumulative Publications and more. 
• Committee Agendas Online: This page offers a listing of all currently scheduled Committee hearings and is updated as soon as Committee hearings are posted or revised. 
• Today's Session Information: Each day, information on hearings, bills introduced, bills to be heard on the Senate or House Floor and Session Publications are listed. 
• Audio/Visual for the Capitol: Hearings are now streamed live which allows for greater access by all. Advocates can review hearings that are upcoming which may be access online. Hearings are also archived and may be watched later. 

Take a moment to visit the Oregon Legislative website and find the many resources available to follow the Session. 


Advocacy Opportunities in 2017

O4AD continues to work to keep you updated on the Legislative Session and opportunities for advocacy. With the projected revenue shortages, the protection of programs for older adults and people with disabilities is of critical importance for O4AD, our members and advocates. We hope that you will engage on these issues.

O4AD is offering many different opportunities for engagement. You may also find dates and times on our website at: http://www.o4ad.org/calendar.html. 

Advocacy opportunities for the 2017 Session ~ 

O4AD Advocacy Day at the Capitol: Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Information on registration to follow. Please plan to join O4AD and our advocates at the Capitol to carry the message of the importance of protecting the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. 

The Campaign for Oregon's Seniors & People with Disabilities Advocacy Day: February 28, 2017. For more information on this advocacy opportunity, please click HERE.  If you plan to attend, the Campaign asks that you please register via the link above. 

O4AD Advocacy Check ins: Launched in 2016, O4AD has reserved Room 350 in the Capitol as an opportunity for advocates to come to the Capitol, have a place to take a break, grab a cup of coffee or tea, hear updates from O4AD and visit with your legislators. It is O4AD's goal to make the Capitol as accessible as possible for advocates. If you are planning a day to meet with Legislators or bring advocates, please consider utilizing a check in day in order to have a meeting room at your disposal. Check in days are scheduled on the following dates: 

• Thursday, March 16. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, April 13. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, June 8. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, June 15. Room 350. Oregon Capitol

O4AD Legislative Conference Calls: O4AD will be hosting weekly Legislative Conference calls. We may revise the schedule as the session continues but as things move quickly during the opening of the session, we will be scheduling calls on Fridays. Please call in on our  conference line for an update of the weeks activities and occurrences in the Capitol. 
Fridays, Beginning February 3. 11 am 
O4AD Conference line: 1-866-200-5786. User code: 835329


Stay up to date! 
With the Legislative Session around the corner, stay up to date on what's happening and how you can be involved. O4AD values the participation of our advocates and their voice in the conversation about supports and services for Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities.

Please do not hesitate to contact O4AD with any questions or for information we can provide! 503.463.8692. info@o4ad.org

Forward this to a friend so they may sign up for O4AD updates too! 

 
O4AD advocates for the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities. 
 

Budget Hearings Begin Around the StateFebruary 9, 2017
Hearings start Friday, February 10This week, Oregon's primary budget writing Committee, Ways & Means, will begin their hearings around the state. These hearings are designed to gain input from Oregonians and hear their perspectives on the priorities for the Legislature as they determine how to fund programs and services in 2017-19. 
Hearings will be held on Friday evenings and Saturdays during February. The complete schedule is as follows: 
Salem
5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10
Oregon State Capitol
Hearing Room F
900 Court Street NE
Portland 
Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11
Portland Community College, Sylvania Campus
Amo DeBernardis College Center
12000 SW 49th Ave.
Hermiston
5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
Hermiston High School
Main Commons
600 S 1st Street
Madras 
1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Madras High School
Performing Arts Center
390 SE 10th Street
Ashland
5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 
Southern Oregon University
Stevenson Union, Rogue River Room
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Eugene
1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Lane Community College
Forum (Building 17), Rooms 308-309
4000 E 30th Ave.
Tillamook
6-8 p.m. Friday, Mar. 3
Port of Tillamook Bay
Officers Mess Hall
6825 Officers Row
Hearings will open approximately one hour prior to the start time to allow for sign up to testify. You may also submit written testimony, which we encourage. 

• To submit written testimony, please email:  waysandmeans.budget@oregonlegislature.gov

Oregon's budget writers are facing an unprecedented challenge in balancing the needs of Oregonians with limited budget dollars. There is a potential for dramatic reductions which would impact budget areas including human services and seniors and people with disabilities. The Governor's Recommended Budget proposed severe reductions to Oregon Project Independence (OPI) including

• 75% reduction in funding to OPI for Seniors 
• Complete elimination of the OPI program for People with Disabilities

These kinds of cuts jeopardize the independence, dignity, choice and safety of our vulnerable citizens. 

O4AD has information for your use in the budget conversation. You can access our talking points on our website at: 

http://www.o4ad.org/useful-links--documents.html

There you will find: 
1. Oregon Project Independence - Cost Comparisons. Why investing and protecting OPI makes sense for Oregon's budget. Click HERE for these talking points. 
2. O4AD Budget Priorities - O4AD shares our priorities and principles for Oregon's budget writers. Click HERE for these talking points. 
3. Learn about the history of OPI and the instability this program has faced in secure and stable funding. Click HERE for this overview. 


You may access the membership of the Ways & Means Committee HERE, on the Oregon Legislative website. 

For more information or if you have questions, please contact O4AD at: info@o4ad.org. We are happy to help answer questions and provide as much information as we have available. 

Plan to attend a hearing, send in comments to the Committee or find other ways to engage in this important conversation on protecting and preserving services for Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. Your Voice Matters! 

O4AD Legislative Update

Oregon's Legislature started their first week with a partial week of hearings and meetings. Moving into week 2, the 'normal' pace picks up. The Legislature announced their 'Road Show' hearings for budget input by the public on how the State will prioritize budget investments and face budget reductions. The Advocate voice is critical for these hearings to convey the importance of prioritizing services for seniors and people with disabilities in budget deliberations. 


Ways & Means Hearings Around the State

The Oregon Legislature announced hearings around the state on budget. 

From the Statesman Journal: The Oregon Legislature will kick off a statewide series of public hearings on the 2017-19 budget in Salem next week.
They’ll take input on the “existing resources framework” budget released by the Joint Ways and Means Committee co-chairmen Jan. 19.
The document shows what the next two years will look like if lawmakers can’t agree on new taxes or other revenue measures to fill a $1.8 billion budget gap.
It promises teacher layoffs and larger class sizes; higher college tuition and reduced financial aid; and fewer health services for people on Medicaid.
Here’s the hearing schedule:
Salem: 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 10 in Hearing Room F at the Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court St. NE.
Portland: Noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 11 in Main Mall, Amo DeBernardis CC Building, PCC Sylvania campus, 12000 SW 49th Ave.
Hermiston: 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Hermiston High School, 600 S 1st St.
Madras: 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 at Madras High School, 390 SE 10th St.
Ashland: 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in Rogue River Room, Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Eugene: 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 in Building 17 (The Forum), Lane Community College, 4000 E 30th Ave.
Tillamook: 6 to 8 p.m. March 3 in Officer’s Mess, Port of Tillamook Bay, 6825 Officers Row.
tloew@statesmanjournal.com, 503-399-6779 or follow at Twitter.com/Tracy_Loew
O4AD encourages advocates to join and make their voice heard in these hearings around the state. Stay tuned for more information on talking points for these hearings. 

Learn about the Members of Ways & Means by visiting the Committee website HERE. You can visit each member's webpage to learn their District and their background.



Ways & Means Agency Hearings
The Ways & Means Subcommittee on Human Services will begin their work learning about state Agencies this week. The Oregon Health Authority will be up first in February and it is estimated that the Department of Human Services will be before the Committee in March. O4AD will keep you updated on information for the hearings as they become available. 

You can visit the Ways & Means Human Services Subcommittee webpage at: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Committees/JWMHS/Overview. 



Hearings this week 

This week, there are a number of hearing as Committees get underway. Check out O4AD's bill calendar to follow bills we are tracking that are scheduled this week. You can access our most current list on our "Useful Links and Documents" page, HERE. 

House Human Services will hold an informational hearing on Housing Needs on Tuesday, February 7 at 8 am in Hearing Room E. You can read the Committee agenda HERE. 

House Veterans and Emergency Preparedness will hold a hearing on Veterans Issues on Thursday, February 9 at 3 pm in Hearing Room E. You can read the Committee Agenda HERE. 

Ways & Means Human Services will begin their agency hearings with overviews on the Oregon Health Authority this week. Check out their committee website to follow their agendas. Click HERE for the Committee website. 

You can access Committee Agendas Online via the Oregon Legislative Information System - https://olis.leg.state.or.us/LIZ/Committees/Meeting/List.

Please do not hesitate to contact O4AD with questions regarding Committees and Hearings. 


Advocate Resources! 
Please utilize the many resources available for advocates: 

• O4AD publishes our bill tracking reports regularly on our website. Click HERE to access our information page. You will find bill tracking reports and bill calendars updated regularly. 
• O4AD's Bill Tracking Report can be found HERE. 
• O4AD's Bill Calendar - this report shows the bills that are currently scheduled for hearing as of the date of our report. We will compile this report weekly (note it is subject to change). Find this report HERE. 
• 2017 House Committee Membership
• 2017 Senate Committee Membership
•  2017 Legislative Committee Meeting Schedule
• 2017 Legislative Calendar of Deadlines

O4AD will continue to update our information as we head through the session with talking points and information to help you stay up to date with what's happening. Please continue to check back: http://www.o4ad.org


Oregon Legislative Website

Oregon's Legislative Website offers many different ways to stay up to date on the Session. Take a moment to visit Oregon's Legislative Website to learn what you can access. Click HERE for the website. 

Tools for Advocates on the Oregon Legislative Website: 

• OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System): OLIS provides a wealth of information regarding the current session. Find Committee agendas, Committee membership, Bills, New Measures, Daily and Cumulative Publications and more. 
• Committee Agendas Online: This page offers a listing of all currently scheduled Committee hearings and is updated as soon as Committee hearings are posted or revised. 
• Today's Session Information: Each day, information on hearings, bills introduced, bills to be heard on the Senate or House Floor and Session Publications are listed. 
• Audio/Visual for the Capitol: Hearings are now streamed live which allows for greater access by all. Advocates can review hearings that are upcoming which may be access online. Hearings are also archived and may be watched later. 

Take a moment to visit the Oregon Legislative website and find the many resources available to follow the Session. 


Advocacy Opportunities in 2017

O4AD continues to work to keep you updated on the Legislative Session and opportunities for advocacy. With the projected revenue shortages, the protection of programs for older adults and people with disabilities is of critical importance for O4AD, our members and advocates. We hope that you will engage on these issues.

O4AD is offering many different opportunities for engagement. You may also find dates and times on our website at: http://www.o4ad.org/calendar.html. 

Advocacy opportunities for the 2017 Session ~ 

O4AD Advocacy Day at the Capitol: Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Information on registration to follow. Please plan to join O4AD and our advocates at the Capitol to carry the message of the importance of protecting the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. 

The Campaign for Oregon's Seniors & People with Disabilities Advocacy Day: February 28, 2017. For more information on this advocacy opportunity, please click HERE. 

O4AD Advocacy Check ins: Launched in 2016, O4AD has reserved Room 350 in the Capitol as an opportunity for advocates to come to the Capitol, have a place to take a break, grab a cup of coffee or tea, hear updates from O4AD and visit with your legislators. It is O4AD's goal to make the Capitol as accessible as possible for advocates. If you are planning a day to meet with Legislators or bring advocates, please consider utilizing a check in day in order to have a meeting room at your disposal. Check in days are scheduled on the following dates: 

• Thursday, March 16. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, April 13. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, June 8. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, June 15. Room 350. Oregon Capitol

O4AD Legislative Conference Calls: O4AD will be hosting weekly Legislative Conference calls. We may revise the schedule as the session continues but as things move quickly during the opening of the session, we will be scheduling calls on Fridays. Please call in on our  conference line for an update of the weeks activities and occurrences in the Capitol. 
Fridays, Beginning February 3. 11 am 
O4AD Conference line: 1-866-200-5786. User code: 835329


Stay up to date! 
With the Legislative Session around the corner, stay up to date on what's happening and how you can be involved. O4AD values the participation of our advocates and their voice in the conversation about supports and services for Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities.

Please do not hesitate to contact O4AD with any questions or for information we can provide! 503.463.8692. info@o4ad.org

Forward this to a friend so they may sign up for O4AD updates too! 


 
O4AD advocates for the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities. 
​

O4AD Legislative Update
2017 Legislative Session Begins

Oregon's Legislative Session begins their work in earnest today. Committees will begin holding hearings and working bills in the Capitol.

Advocates can use many resources to follow the activity in the Capitol.

• O4AD publishes our bill tracking reports regularly on our website. Click HEREto access our information page. You will find bill tracking reports. 
• O4AD's Bill Tracking Report can be found HERE.
• O4AD's Bill Calendar - this report shows the bills that are currently scheduled for hearing as of the date of our report. We will compile this report weekly (note it is subject to change). Find this report HERE. 
• 2017 House Committee Membership
• 2017 Senate Committee Membership
•  2017 Legislative Committee Meeting Schedule
• 2017 Legislative Calendar of Deadlines

O4AD will continue to update our information as we head through the session with talking points and information to help you stay up to date with what's happening. Please continue to check back: http://www.o4ad.org


Oregon Legislative Website

Oregon's Legislative Website offers many different ways to stay up to date on the Session. Take a moment to visit Oregon's Legislative Website to learn what you can access. Click HERE for the website. 

Tools for Advocates on the Oregon Legislative Website: 

• OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System): OLIS provides a wealth of information regarding the current session. Find Committee agendas, Committee membership, Bills, New Measures, Daily and Cumulative Publications and more. 
• Committee Agendas Online: This page offers a listing of all currently scheduled Committee hearings and is updated as soon as Committee hearings are posted or revised. 
• Today's Session Information: Each day, information on hearings, bills introduced, bills to be heard on the Senate or House Floor and Session Publications are listed. 
• Audio/Visual for the Capitol: Hearings are now streamed live which allows for greater access by all. Advocates can review hearings that are upcoming which may be access online. Hearings are also archived and may be watched later. 

Take a moment to visit the Oregon Legislative website and find the many resources available to follow the Session. 


Prioritizing Oregon Project Independence 

Oregon Project Independence, a proven, effective and cost efficient program, was slated for a 75% reduction in funding for older adults/seniors and elimination of all funding for people with disabilities in the Governor's Recommended Budget. This program has become one of Oregon's only 'safety net' programs in long term services and supports. OPI helps our vulnerable older adults stay in their own homes and communities, avoiding premature or unnecessary entrance into facility based care and/or Medicaid. And the savings to State and Federal budgets is indisputable.

Care through OPI has an average cost of $350 in General Fund per month while all levels of Medicaid funded care for seniors and people with disabilities. Care through OPI is 10% of the cost of Medicaid funded care through a nursing facility. The majority of individuals receiving OPI services would be income eligible for Medicaid funded long term services and supports. With a reduction or elimination of OPI funding, moving to Medicaid would be a likely only option for over 96% of current OPI consumers - at a net higher cost to General Fund for Oregon's budgets. 

Oregon's budget writers must prioritize the protection of Oregon Project Independence in the 2017-19 budget. Eliminating OPI funding would result in higher overall costs to the State's General Fund and jeopardize the independence for those in the OPI program.

O4AD has released an overview of the cost comparisons of OPI versus Medicaid. You can read this HERE.

Check out KPTV12 coverage of the proposed reduction to OPI in the Governor's Recommended Budget HERE. 

The Lund Report also covered the proposed reduction to OPI and potential for higher overall costs to State budgets from a reduction. Read their story HERE. 

Please stay tuned for opportunities to advocate to protect OPI funding for the 2017-19 biennium. 


Ways & Means Budget Hearings

Budget hearings to gain input from across the state have been announced. 

From the Office of the Senate President: 
The Oregon Legislative Assembly’s budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee will hold a series of public hearings in seven cities across the state beginning February 10.
 
The town hall events will create opportunities for Oregonians to provide input into the 2017-19 biennial state budget, according to Representative Nancy Nathanson (D-Eugene) and Senator Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin), the co-chairs of the committee. 
 
On January 19, the co-chairs released an “Existing Resources Framework,” recognizing that existing revenues fall $1.8 billion short of the funding necessary to continue state services at current levels. The entire budget framework and accompanying narrative are available here:https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lfo/Documents/2017%20Co-Chair%20Document.pdf.
 
The full schedule for the town hall tour is listed below.
 
Friday, February 10 -- Salem     
5 to 7 p.m.
Hearing Room F
Oregon State Capitol
900 Court Street NE, Salem
 
Saturday, February 11 -- Portland       
Noon to 2 p.m.
Main Mall, Amo DeBernardis CC Building
PCC, Sylvania campus
12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland
 
Friday, February 17 -- Hermiston    
5 to 7 p.m.
Main Commons
Hermiston High School
600 S 1st St, Hermiston
 
Saturday, February 18 -- Madras
1 to 3 p.m.
Performing Arts Center
Madras High School
390 SE 10th St, Madras
 
Friday, February 24 -- Ashland
5 to 7 p.m.
Rogue River Room
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland
 
Saturday, February 25 -- Eugene  
1 to 3 p.m.
Rooms 308-309 Building 17 (The Forum)
Lane Community College
4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene
 
Friday, March 3 -- Tillamook           
6 to 8 p.m. 
Officer’s Mess
Port of Tillamook Bay
6825 Officers Row, Tillamook
O4AD encourages Advocates to join a budget hearing in your area. Stay tuned for talking points to utilize during these hearings. 


Advocacy Opportunities in 2017

O4AD continues to work to keep you updated on the Legislative Session and opportunities for advocacy. With the projected revenue shortages, the protection of programs for older adults and people with disabilities is of critical importance for O4AD, our members and advocates. We hope that you will engage on these issues.

O4AD is offering many different opportunities for engagement. You may also find dates and times on our website at: http://www.o4ad.org/calendar.html. 

Advocacy opportunities for the 2017 Session ~ 

O4AD Advocacy Day at the Capitol: Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Information on registration to follow. Please plan to join O4AD and our advocates at the Capitol to carry the message of the importance of protecting the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. 

The Campaign for Oregon's Seniors & People with Disabilities Advocacy Day: February 28, 2017. For more information on this advocacy opportunity, please click HERE. 

O4AD Advocacy Check ins: Launched in 2016, O4AD has reserved Room 350 in the Capitol as an opportunity for advocates to come to the Capitol, have a place to take a break, grab a cup of coffee or tea, hear updates from O4AD and visit with your legislators. It is O4AD's goal to make the Capitol as accessible as possible for advocates. If you are planning a day to meet with Legislators or bring advocates, please consider utilizing a check in day in order to have a meeting room at your disposal. Check in days are scheduled on the following dates: 

• Thursday, March 16. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, April 13. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, June 8. Room 350. Oregon Capitol
• Thursday, June 15. Room 350. Oregon Capitol

O4AD Legislative Conference Calls: O4AD will be hosting weekly Legislative Conference calls. We may revise the schedule as the session continues but as things move quickly during the opening of the session, we will be scheduling calls on Fridays. Please call in on our  conference line for an update of the weeks activities and occurrences in the Capitol. 
Fridays, Beginning February 3. 11 am 
O4AD Conference line: 1-866-200-5786. User code: 835329


Stay up to date! 
With the Legislative Session around the corner, stay up to date on what's happening and how you can be involved. O4AD values the participation of our advocates and their voice in the conversation about supports and services for Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities.

Please do not hesitate to contact O4AD with any questions or for information we can provide! 503.463.8692. info@o4ad.org

Forward this to a friend so they may sign up for O4AD updates too! 


 
O4AD advocates for the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities. ​