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
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