JANUARY 22, 2018
The 2018 Legislative Session

February 5 marks the official opening of the 2018 Legislative Session. This session, limited to 35 days by law, will feature a number of issues, budget decisions and policy discussions. The first round of pre-session filed bills were released today and are available on the Oregon Legislative Website (check them out HERE   then go to: Bills and you will see drop down menus).

O4AD will be tracking bills during the session and you can follow our reports HERE.  

Bills will continue to be released throughout this week and during the session so stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact O4AD with any questions we may answer for you. Email us HERE. 


Advocacy Opportunities 

O4AD will be offering different opportunities to engage in the Legislative session. 

• Legislative Conference Calls - O4AD will host legislative conference calls weekly on Fridays during the session. Call in to listen on the latest happenings in the Capitol, talk about senior and disability priorities and ask questions regarding the session. Calls will begin Friday, February 2, 11 am. You can dial in at: 
  1-866-200-5786
  Participant Code: 835329
• Legislative Emails - O4AD will be publishing regular email updates during the session. If you are not on our list, go to http://www.o4ad.org and enter your information on the front page. It's that easy! 
• Legislative Day Lite - For the first time, O4AD will host a Legislative Advocacy Day during the short session. Mark February 14 on your calendar to join O4AD at the Capitol. This is an opportunity for you to meet with legislators and staff (be sure to schedule your appointments ahead of time), observe hearings and floor session. O4AD will host breakfast and lunches for those participating. This will be a 'slimmed down' version of our long session Advocacy Day. To register, please complete this online form HERE. 

The Oregon Legislative process is a process that allows for citizen involvement. Get involved and make your voice heard! 

Don't Forget to Vote - Ballots due January 23 - TOMORROW
Tomorrow is the deadline for ballots to be returned in Oregon's special election. This is a critical election on Measure 101. Please be sure to return your ballot by 5 pm at your local drop off. 



For more information, contact O4AD at: info@o4ad.org or 503.463.8692
 
O4AD advocates for the independence, dignity, choice and safety of Oregon’s seniors and people with disabilities. http://www.o4ad.org. 

Legislative Update June 14, 2017
O4AD Legislative Conference Call 
Friday, June 16, 2017
O4AD will hold our weekly Legislative conference call on Friday, June 16th at 11 am. Please join us for this update on the Session and current progress as negotiations continue to move the session to a conclusion. 

1-866-200-5786
User Code: 835329

O4AD will conclude weekly Legislative Calls on June 30. 


Bill Tracking and Reporting
Now that Policy Committees have closed, remaining committees are down to limited notice for hearings. To follow how bills are now moving, please be sure to visit the Committee Agendas Online webpage of the Oregon Legislative Website: 
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/LIZ/Committees/Meeting/List

O4AD will post our updated bill lists with all "dead bills" removed. We are currently awaiting the movement of the Department of Human Services budget bill which is moved close to the end of the session. Negotiations around budget and revenue continue with various proposals being attempted. The uncertainty that is an inherent part of the end of session will continue as we move to sine die. Advocates remain engaged to help insure that services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities  are adequately funded for the 2017-19 biennium. 

Checking on agendas online is the most effective and efficient way to track bills being heard at this time. For more information or with questions, please contact O4AD - info@o4ad.org or 503.463.8692. 

Oregon Project Independence
As the Legislature heads to Sine Die, O4AD continues to work closely on protecting funding for Oregon Project Independence. We sincerely appreciate all of the hard work of advocates throughout the session to help achieve this goal of protecting this funding and the independence for the seniors  and people with disabilities served. 

It is important to remember that while our advocacy has focused on Ways & Means, all Legislators have a vote in the end of the Budgets that passed. Be sure that YOUR legislators are aware of the importance of this program, the impact it has on older adults and people with disabilities in your local community and the cost effectiveness and efficiency of OPI - along with program effectiveness. 

Share the cost effectiveness of OPI with this one pager HERE. 

You can talk about the comparison of OPI versus other programs as well as demographic information via this one pager HERE.

You can find the contact information for YOUR legislators via the Oregon Legislative website - just enter your address and their information will be available. Look at "Find your District and Legislator" on the front page of the Legislative website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov 

Thank you! 

Remember, please do not hesitate to contact O4AD with any questions or for more information. 
http://www.o4ad.org

​O4AD Legislative Update June 5, 2017
Policy Committees Conclude Their WorkOn Friday, June 2, the Policy Committees concluded the majority of their work as the second deadline hit. Bills that had moved through the first Chamber and were in the second Chamber policy Committee had to have a work session occur and action taken by Friday in order for the bill to remain alive. This does NOT apply to bills in Ways & Means, Rules or Revenue. From here, a Policy Committee may hold an informational hearing, may hear other items if they wish, but their action on bills has concluded in a formal capacity. Therefore, you will see a dramatic decrease in hearings from now until the end of the session. 

Rebalance & Caseload
During the past week, the Department of Human Services released their Spring Rebalance report and Caseload forecast. Both reports are tools used by the Legislature in their overall view of the budget and resources available. 

DHS reported overall that they have no current General Fund request - no additional funds needed at this time to balance their budget - and an overall $51 million in potential excess General Fund available. 

To learn more about the DHS rebalance, please read here: 
1. DHS Rebalance Presentation: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/131173
2. DHS Rebalance Letter: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/131172
3. SB 5543 (DHS Rebalance bill) webpage: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB5543
4. Legislative Fiscal Recommendation: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/131174

The Department also shared their most current Caseload forecast. The forecast is also a key budget tool that shows changes in numbers of individuals DHS is serving. Overall, there is an expected continued increase in the DHS caseload for Aging & People with Disabilities and in-home care continuing to gain in consumers (this relates to Medicaid). The Committee discussed the factors which includes demographics, more individuals without family to help provide care, geographic separation from family and other factors). 

You can read the most recent Caseload Forecast presentation here: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/131170.

This week there will continue to be further discussions in the Legislature on PERS, cost containment and revenue/transportation packages as the Legislature grapples with how to move towards the budget work to be done that will bring the Session to a close. O4AD will continue to stay closely engaged in this process in order to update advocates and other stakeholders. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or for more information. 


Hearings This WeekWith the second deadline having now occurred for policy bills, there will be a dramatic decrease in the number of bills up for hearing. However, you will see more action in Ways & Means. This does not apply to bills that are currently in Ways & Means, Rules or Revenue. The Senate has announced that they are now on a one hour notice for Committee hearings - a Senate Committee that is going to hear a bill or 'work' a bill need only give a one hour notice before holding the hearing. This can make it challenging to follow the hearing schedule - we recommend staying in close contact with the Oregon Legislative website which is updated to reflect new hearings. Please visit the Committee Agendas Online page to stay up to date - https://olis.leg.state.or.us/LIZ/Committees/Meeting/List.


Of note this week: 
6/5/2017
Senate Rule
SB 494
Public Hearing and Work Session - SRULES
HR B
Establishes Advance Directive Adoption Committee for purpose of adopting form of advance directive to be used in this state.
Catch Line:
Relating to health care decisions; prescribing an effective date.
 
6/5/2017
House Revenue
HB 2830
Work Session - HREV
HR A
Catch Line:
Relating to state finance; prescribing an effective date; providing for revenue raising that requires approval by a three-fifths majority.
 
6/6/2017
JWMHS Joint Ways & Means Human Services Subcommittee
SB 397
Public Hearing
HR F
Directs Department of Human Services to convene work group to develop common client confidentiality release form to be used by public bodies and community organizations to enable and facilitate appropriate sharing of confidential information.
Catch Line:
Relating to the sharing of information between social services providers; declaring an emergency.
 
6/6/2017
Joint Ways & Means Human Services
HB 2402
Public Hearing and Work Session
HR F
Directs Oregon Health Authority to establish grant program through which individual who is homeless may obtain certified copy of individual's record of live birth at reduced cost or free of charge.
Catch Line:
Relating to individuals who are homeless; prescribing an effective date.
1
6/6/2017
O4AD: Oregon Association of Area Agencies on Aging
JWMNR
SB 380
No Position 0
Public Hearing - JWMNR
H-174
Veterans
Client:
1:00 PM
Requires State Parks and Recreation Department to set aside certain number of campsites to be available for reservation only by disabled veterans during first 30 days of any applicable reservation period.
Catch Line:
Relating to reservations for use of state parks; prescribing an effective date.
 
6/6/2017
House Rules
HB 2947
Public Hearing and Possible Work Session
HR 50
Directs specified state agencies to file annual report with interim committees of Legislative Assembly on general government affairs describing amount of federal funds received by agencies in preceding fiscal year and describing plan to operate agency if amount of federal funds received by agency in current fiscal year is reduced.
Catch Line:
Relating to state financial administration; declaring an emergency.
 
6/7/2017
Senate Rules
HB 3253
Public Hearing and Possible Work Session
HR B
Requires state agencies, departments and political subdivisions to grant to persons who are blind priority to establish and operate vending facilities in public buildings.
Catch Line:
Relating to persons who are blind; prescribing an effective date.

You can review O4AD's most recent bill tracking report HERE. 

O4AD's most recent bill calendar is also available HERE. 

If you are attending hearings, please note you may contact the Capitol if accommodations are needed in the room. For information on visiting the Capitol and Special Needs, please click HERE. 

You may view a complete listing of hearings occurring via the Legislative website - HERE. 

 Oregon Project Independence - An Essential piece of the budget picture. 
As the Legislature moves to intensive budget discussions, it is important that there is a focus on budget needs for older adults and people with disabilities. Both populations are currently provided services through Oregon Project Independence, older adults have statewide access and people with disabilities have services through the Pilot Program in five geographic areas around the state. This cost effective, programmatically efficient program has allowed individuals to stay in their own home and own community and avoid premature or unnecessary entrance into Medicaid or facility based care. The Legislature cannot afford to NOT fund this program for seniors and people with disabilities. Moving individuals from OPI into Medicaid would result in an immediate 50% cost increase to the General Fund at a minimum. 

O4AD has released Talking Points on the importance of protecting funding for OPI. You can access these talking points HERE. 


You can contact Ways & Means legislators to let them know the importance of this program. You can access their contact information HERE.

Or you can email them directly following these links: 

Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Representative Dan Rayfield - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Senator Sara Gelser
Senator Jackie Winters
Representative Teresa Alonso Leon
Representative Knute Buehler
Representative Cedric Hayden
Representative Sheri Malstrom

Senator Richard Devlin - Co Chair, Ways & Means
Representative Nancy Nathanson - Co-Chair, Ways & Means

Our message is simple - Protect Funding for OPI at Current Funding Levels. 

Read about O4AD's budget priorities HERE.

You can also access other talking points and information on OPI via O4AD's website - HERE. 

THANK YOU! Your voice is critical as we fight to protect this important program. 

For more information or with questions, please contact O4AD. info@o4ad.org.


THANK YOU for your continued work on protecting funding for OPI! 
 O4AD Legislative Conference CallO4AD is pleased to host our weekly Legislative Conference Call on Friday, June 9 at 11 am. We will be joined by n4a, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging & Disabilities, for a Federal Policy update. 

Join us: 
Friday, June 9. 
11 am
1-866-200-5786
User code: 835329

O4AD Legislative Update - Deadline Week edition May 31, 2017
Deadline Week for Policy BillsOregon's Legislature continues to move ahead even with no clear direction on a revenue package, consensus on a transportation package or a vote yet on the Provider Tax bills. However, this week, a short week due to the Memorial Day holiday, is the deadline week for Policy Bills. All bills that are not already in Ways & Means, Rules or Revenue must have had a Work Session by Friday, June 2 in order to continue to move through the process. This means the bill would have already had a work session in the originating chamber, been to a  vote on that Chamber's floor, then been referred to the 2nd Chamber's appropriate policy committee and must now have a Work Session by June 2 and then head to that Chamber's floor for vote. 

O4AD will update our bill tracking once this deadline passes in order to keep up updated on the latest in policy moving ahead. 

Now that the Legislature moves forward out of policy work, with some exceptions, the conversation moves very quickly to budget. The Co Chairs of Ways & Means and their Subcommittee Co Chairs are working through different budget scenarios. Due to the uncertainty of potential revenue sources, and other obligations or priorities, the budget writers are presented with unique challenges in crafting budgets that address a number of scenarios - increases in revenue, decreases in revenue, flat revenue, increases in potential revenues forecasts, decreases in potential revenue forecasts, and other contingencies. This leaves advocates for aging and disability programs with significant work over the next month! Please stay updated with O4AD for ways YOU can engage to protect OPI funding. 



Hearings This WeekDue to the upcoming deadline, please visit O4AD's website for the most recent bill tracking report. You may access this HERE. 

You may also access our most recent bill calendar HERE. 

We will issue a full update after the deadlines on Friday. 

If you are attending hearings, please note you may contact the Capitol if accommodations are needed in the room. For information on visiting the Capitol and Special Needs, please click HERE. 

You may view a complete listing of hearings occurring via the Legislative website - HERE. 

 Advocacy Steps Up as Budget Negotiations Step Up
As O4AD continues to work on protecting funding for Oregon Project Independence for both older adults and people with disabilities, Legislators tell us they are hearing from YOU! They are hearing about the importance of this program from advocates, constituents, OPI consumers and others. THANK YOU for your hard work on this important and critical issue to older adults and people with disabilities. YOUR VOICE matters in this important conversation on how Oregon will fund services and supports during the 2017-19 biennium. It is essential that we do not balance budgets on the backs of our most vulnerable populations. 

O4AD has released Talking Points on the importance of protecting funding for OPI. You can access these talking points HERE. Please take a moment to share these points with your Legislator - regardless of the Committees where they serve, their support for OPI with their colleagues is critical. 


You can also contact Ways & Means legislators to let them know the importance of this program. You can access their contact information HERE.

Or you can email them directly following these links: 

Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Representative Dan Rayfield - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Senator Sara Gelser
Senator Jackie Winters
Representative Teresa Alonso Leon
Representative Knute Buehler
Representative Cedric Hayden
Representative Sheri Malstrom

Senator Richard Devlin - Co Chair, Ways & Means
Representative Nancy Nathanson - Co-Chair, Ways & Means

Our message is simple - Protect Funding for OPI at Current Funding Levels. 

Read about O4AD's budget priorities HERE.


THANK YOU! Your voice is critical as we fight to protect this important program. 

For more information or with questions, please contact O4AD. info@o4ad.org.

 O4AD Legislative Conference Call - No call on June 2. Call on June 9 to include Federal Policy Update from DC. 
Please note, there will be NO Legislative Conference Call on Friday, June 2 due to Legislative Deadline.

Our NEXT Legislative Conference call will be June 9, 11 am with a Federal Policy update with n4a - the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging included. ​

O4AD Legislative Update May 22, 2017
The Revenue Forecast and the KickerIn the past week, Oregon's economists shared the most recent Revenue Forecast. The forecast is a projection of how the State sees their resources and availability to meet the financial needs of the State. Traditionally, the May forecast helps set the projected funds available for the Co Chairs of Ways & Means to determine their budget proposals in the upcoming biennium (in this case, the 17-19 budget). 

The Revenue forecast showed a net gain in overall revenue available for the 17-19 budgets compared to the COS (Close of Session) projections made previously. The forecast shows an overall increase in resources that will result in nearly $187 million more in resources available for the 17-19 biennium which reduces the projected shortfall in the 2017-19 biennium to $1.6 billion versus the original $1.8 billion projections. Further, it is estimated there is likely additional revenue to be achieved over the course of the next biennium which would bring the deficit down even further. 

The Revenue Forecast also shows that Oregon's Kicker is likely to "kick". The Kicker is a uniquely Oregon creation which sends surplus revenue, revenue exceeding 2% of expected returns, back to Oregonians. The Kicker was revised and is now a tax credit back to Oregonians when it is returned versus previous "kicker checks" that were returned back to taxpayers. The Kicker is projected at approximately $400 million to be returned but again, as a tax credit the impact is more subtle than the previous kicker checks. 

The Revenue forecast now plays into the conversations overall on a potential Revenue package, Provider Tax package and Transportation package that are the major revenue initiatives for the Session. Additional revenue is a welcome outcome of the forecast for the Legislature. 

You can read Oregon's most recent Revenue forecast HERE
You can read more about Oregon's kicker HERE
You can read more about the Revenue Forecast HERE. 



Hearings This WeekFriday, May 19th was the deadline for bills to be scheduled for a work session within a policy committee that is moving through the session. Bills that have now been scheduled for a work session on the second side must occur by June 2. This does not apply to bills that are currently in Ways & Means, Rules or Revenue. 

You can review O4AD's most recent bill tracking report HERE. 

O4AD's most recent bill calendar is also available HERE. 

This week, here are some of the bills of interest to advocates: 

SB 59 ~ Authorizes court to remove fiduciary or modify power or authority of fiduciary on motion of Long Term Care Ombudsman. House Human Services. Tuesday, May 23. 

SB 58 ~ Directs Long Term Care Ombudsman to appoint Residential Facilities Ombudsman within Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman. House Human Services. May 23. 

HJM6 ~ Urges Congress to change funding of veterans' health care from discretionary entitlement to permanent and direct entitlement. Senate Veterans and Emergency Preparedness. May 23. 

HB 3262 ~ Requires Department of Human Services, in collaboration with other agencies, to adopt rules related to prescription of psychotropic medications elderly persons and persons wit disabilities. Senate Human Services. May 24. 

HB 2630 ~ Makes changes to Oregon guardianship laws to ensure adequate safeguards for respondents and protected persons. Senate Judiciary. May 25. 


If you are attending hearings, please note you may contact the Capitol if accommodations are needed in the room. For information on visiting the Capitol and Special Needs, please click HERE. 

You may view a complete listing of hearings occurring via the Legislative website - HERE. 

 In District Days an Opportunity to Advocate for OPI
O4AD would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our most recent Day at the Capitol. We had a full day of advocacy from participants coming in from all corners of the state. The message to fund Oregon Project Independence was heard loud and clear. Thank you! 

Legislators will be back in the District for "In District Day" over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Many legislators will be holding Constituent coffees, Town Halls and other occasions to interact with their District residents. This is a GREAT opportunity for advocates to remind their elected officials of the importance of senior and disability services and supports in budget conversations. 

Your discussions with Legislators brings important attention to the need to fund Oregon Project Independence at current funding levels - $21 million for Seniors and $6 million for the People with Disabilities Pilot Project. Current funding levels will still result in 10% less resources available than the current biennium due to rising costs of care however, there simply cannot be less than current funding for this program. OPI provides not only program effectiveness but also critical cost savings for the state. Reduction and/or elimination of the program will result in immediate cost increases for the State General Fund - an unwise choice in the overall budget picture for our state. 

O4AD has released Talking Points on the importance of protecting funding for OPI. You can access these talking points HERE. 

Take a moment to visit with your Legislator when they are back in the District this weekend! 

You can also contact Ways & Means legislators to let them know the importance of this program. You can access their contact information HERE.

Or you can email them directly following these links: 

Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Representative Dan Rayfield - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Senator Sara Gelser
Senator Jackie Winters
Representative Teresa Alonso Leon
Representative Knute Buehler
Representative Cedric Hayden
Representative Sheri Malstrom

Senator Richard Devlin - Co Chair, Ways & Means
Representative Nancy Nathanson - Co-Chair, Ways & Means

Our message is simple - Protect Funding for OPI at Current Funding Levels. 

Read about O4AD's budget priorities HERE.

You can also access other talking points and information on OPI via O4AD's website - HERE. 

THANK YOU! Your voice is critical as we fight to protect this important program. 

For more information or with questions, please contact O4AD. info@o4ad.org.

 O4AD Legislative Conference CallPlease note, there will be NO Legislative Conference Call on Friday, May 26. 
 
From n4a ~ 
Breaking Policy News Expected This Week 
Administration’s Budget Request and Health Care Report on Tap for Release 
 
Amidst all of the breaking stories coming out of Washington, DC these days, we expect two major pieces of policy news from the White House and Capitol Hill that could potentially have significant implications for older adults and caregivers in every community. The Trump Administration will release their full FY 2018 budget request for federal programs, which could include significant threats for Older Americans Act and other aging programs (o4ad note - this is expected to be released on May 23). The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is also expected to release its analysis of the recent House-passed American Health Care Act (AHCA), which will include projections as to how the AHCA, if enacted, could affect health care and Medicaid coverage for millions of older adults.
 
n4a will have more analysis for members and advocates about how each of these federal policy updates could affect the programs and services that serve older adults and caregivers in your communities. In addition to this sneak-peak and next week’s in-depth analysis, we also invite you to join us next Friday, May 26 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. ET for a webinar to review both the Administration’s budget proposal and next steps for health care reform.
 
What We Expect in the Administration’s Budget Request
 
After releasing a preliminary “skinny budget” in March, we expect that the Trump Administration’s full budget request to Congress will outline major shifts in federal funding priorities. The Administration is likely to stick to their overall goal of increasing defense programs by $54 billion by breaking current parity between non-defense (NDD) and defense discretionary programs, and slashing NDD programs by $54 billion overall.
 
While we only currently have top-line agency numbers in the Trump’s FY 2018 budget that reflect deep cuts far below current budget caps, we expect to see details on exactly which programs the Administration will specifically target to achieve those deep cuts. Some sources have indicated that we will see a cut to overall Administration for Community Living funding, but we don’t know yet which ACL programs—such as Older Americans Act or disability programs, for example—will be hit the hardest.
 
We do anticipate, however, that the Administration will target some key programs for especially deep cuts or even elimination. Based on how the Administration approached the early “skinny” FY 2018 budget and the President’s FY 2017 requests, the hardest hit could include, but may not be limited to, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), OAA Title V Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) under the Department of Labor (DOL); Senior Corps under the Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS); the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG); and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Cutting or eliminating any of these programs could have significant consequences for vulnerable older adults.
 
We are also hearing that the budget request may outline major changes and cuts to mandatory (i.e., entitlement) programs including Medicaid, nutrition assistance programs and other income-based entitlement benefits. We don’t expect to see consequential cuts or changes to Medicare or Social Security, but these are only predictions at this point.
 
It is important to remember that the Administration’s budget request, is simply that—a request. Congress ultimately makes funding decisions, and there is word from Capitol Hill that many of the Administration’s proposals will be roundly rejected. However, advocacy and rapid response to the budget will be necessary. n4a will work diligently to update members and advocates about details from the Administration’s budget proposal and necessary advocacy next steps as soon as we have them. We will also offer members the opportunity to get their questions answered and to hear more from n4a staff on next Friday’s webinar.
 
News on Health Care Reform
 
As our recent Advocacy Alert detailed, earlier this month the House passed its plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and completely restructure Medicaid without full analysis from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) about the coverage implications and costs of the final bill.
 
We expect the CBO to release their analysis about the narrowly approved American Health Care Act (AHCA) sometime early next week. Because some of the final changes included in the AHCA could affect the availability and cost of private insurance and Medicaid coverage, the final CBO report could substantially update previous estimates that the AHCA could jeopardize insurance coverage for up to 24 million people.
 
The Senate is continuing to work on their version of an ACA repeal and replacement bill and lawmakers in that chamber have indicated that they are waiting for the CBO report before they consider the House-passed proposal. Again, n4a will have more updates as we have them.

for more information, please visit: http://www.n4a.org 

O4AD Legislative UpdateMay 15, 2017
Transportation & Revenue continues to dominate the conversationIn the past week, the Transportation package was unveiled to the public. The Transportation package has been a high priority for the Governor and Legislature. The Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization is the special joint committee created to work with this package throughout the session. In the interim leading up to the session, there has been significant work done to look at the transportation needs around the state and gauge what needs to be done, the costs and benefits and how to put that together in a package with funding that could stand a chance at passage. 

You can read the Transportation package proposal HERE.  In order to fund the items within the package, there would be revenue vote(s) required. The Oregonian looks at what is in the package and what the challenges are to passage HERE. 

Along with the Revenue package and Transportation package, Legislators are also looking at the Provider Tax. The Provider Tax is a tax on Oregon's healthcare systems that allows for a reimbursement to providers along with a tax. The Provider tax is in general used to fund Medicaid health care and is hoped to fill the budgetary hole that currently exists in current coverage for the Medicaid healthcare expansion. 

You can read more about the Provider Tax HERE and HERE. Passage of the Provider Tax would also be a revenue/tax vote and would require a super majority in order to move it through this session. 



Hearings This WeekThe next deadline for bills is upcoming. May 19th is the deadline for bills that are now in a second chamber policy committee to be scheduled for a work session. This work session must then occur by June 2. This does NOT apply to bills in Ways & Means, Revenue or Rules. You can read O4AD's most recent bill tracking HERE. 

O4AD's most recent bill calendar is also available HERE. 

This week, here are some of the bills of interest to advocates: 

HB 2630 ~ Makes changes to Oregon guardianship laws to ensure adequate safeguards for respondents and protected persons. May 16, 2017. Senate Judiciary. 

HB 2303 ~ Modifies date by which coordinated care organization must report to the Oregon Health Authority proportion of total medical costs allocated to primary care. May 16, 2017. Senate Health Care. 

HB 3253 ~ Clarifies that state agency and departments shall purchase certain products and services from Commission for the Blind. May 16, 2017. House Rules. 

HB 3175 ~ Makes changes to definition of "Low Income Households" in Local Innovation nd Fast Track Housing Program. May 17, 2017. Senate Human Services. 

HB 2391 ~ Requires the Oregon Health Authority to submit blueprint for basic health plan to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by December 31, 2017. May 18, 2017. Joint Ways & Means on Human Services. 

SB 493 ~ Creates new manner of committing crime of assault in the fourth degree when person with criminal negligence causes serious physical injury to vulnerable user of public way by means of motor vehicles. May 18, 2017. House Judiciary. 

If you are attending hearings, please note you may contact the Capitol if accommodations are needed in the room. For information on visiting the Capitol and Special Needs, please click HERE. 

You may view a complete listing of hearings occurring via the Legislative website - HERE. 

 Join the Advocacy for Oregon Project Independence on May 17.
O4AD will be focusing our attention on the absolute need to protect funding for Oregon Project Independence during our Day at the Capitol on May 17. If you are not able to join us at the Capitol, please take this opportunity to advocate with legislators on the importance of protecting this program which protects so many older adults and people with disabilities. 

Your communication with Legislators brings important attention to the need to fund Oregon Project Independence at current funding levels - $21 million for Seniors and $6 million for the People with Disabilities Pilot Project. Current funding levels will still result in 10% less resources available than the current biennium due to rising costs of care however, there simply cannot be less than current funding for this program. OPI provides not only program effectiveness but also critical cost savings for the state. Reduction and/or elimination of the program will result in immediate cost increases for the State General Fund - an unwise choice in the overall budget picture for our state. 

O4AD has released Talking Points on the importance of protecting funding for OPI. You can access these talking points HERE. 

Contact Ways & Means legislators to let them know the importance of this program. You can access their contact information HERE.

Or you can email them directly following these links: 

Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Representative Dan Rayfield - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Senator Sara Gelser
Senator Jackie Winters
Representative Teresa Alonso Leon
Representative Knute Buehler
Representative Cedric Hayden
Representative Sheri Malstrom

Senator Richard Devlin - Co Chair, Ways & Means
Representative Nancy Nathanson - Co-Chair, Ways & Means

Our message is simple - Protect Funding for OPI at Current Funding Levels. 

Read about O4AD's budget priorities HERE.

You can also access other talking points and information on OPI via O4AD's website - HERE. 

THANK YOU! Your voice is critical as we fight to protect this important program. 

For more information or with questions, please contact O4AD. info@o4ad.org.

 O4AD Day at the Capitol
O4AD is pleased to host our Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, May 17. We look forward to welcoming senior and disability advocates to the Capitol to share their stories, perspectives and call for support to Oregon's system of long term services and supports. Thank you to everyone who is taking time out of their day to participate! 
 
O4AD Legislative Conference CallO4AD will host our Legislative Conference Call on Friday, May 19th at 11 am. This week we will discuss the revenue proposals and transportation package that is expected to be discussed this week along with any other new news from the week at the Capitol.  If there is a topic you would like to learn more about, EMAIL O4AD. 

Call in: 1-866-200-5786
Participant Code: 835329

Please note, there will be NO Legislative Conference Call on Friday, May 26. ​

​O4AD Legislative UpdateMay 8, 2017
Revenue dominates the conversationThis past week, the Joint Committee on Tax Reform began their work in earnest to debate various ideas, concepts and proposals for revenue/tax reform. On Thursday, Speaker Kotek, Revenue Chair Barnhart and Ways & Means Co-Chair Nathanson presented a proposal on behalf of the House Democrats. Their proposal can be found HERE. This proposal puts forward a Corporate Activity Tax that would be applied to businesses with doing over $5 million in business within Oregon. The proposal recommends a .95% tax rate and also proposes a plan for how to utilize the funds that would be raised. The proposal includes: 
 

• $1b for K12 education
• $150m for early childhood
• $250m for higher education
• $250m for ‘essential services’ for Oregon To be defined. 
• $350m for Measure 96, 98 and M99 (veterans, career technical and outdoor school ballot measure that passed but did not have funding)

The House Democrats plan also included cost containment measures: 

• Require public employees to contribute larger amount to PERS
• Merge PEBB and OEBB
• Avoid opening another women’s prison
• Stop automatically increasing budgets for services and supplies and “more effectively’ manage vacancies and new positions

At this time, this is just one proposal and it is expected others will  come forward. 

To read more about the Committee and the proposals they've heard thus far, 
 

• Oregonian article: http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/05/house_democrats_tax_proposal.html 
• Oregonian Article with table that compares different rates for the CAT: http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/05/corporate_activities_tax_vs_measure_97.html#incart_river_index 
• Overview - Legislative website: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/124017
• Framework - Legislative website: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/123970 
• Speaker’s proposal - Legislative website: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/124928
• Comparisons - Legislative website: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/124885 

 
 The Committee will continue their work this week. Another piece of the overall financial picture is expected to be released on Monday evening.  The Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization has been working on a comprehensive transportation plan all session.  The details are expected be released at that time.


Hearings This WeekThe next deadline for bills is upcoming. May 19th is the deadline for bills that are now in a second chamber policy committee to be scheduled for a work session. This work session must then occur by June 2. This does NOT apply to bills in Ways & Means, Revenue or Rules. You can read O4AD's most recent bill tracking HERE. 

O4AD's most recent bill calendar is also available HERE. 

This week, here are some of the bills of interest: 

HB 3262 - Requires Department of Human Services in collaboration with other agencies to adopt rules related to prescription of psychotropic medication to elderly persons or persons with disabilities. Senate Human Services. May 8, 2017. 

HB 2622 - Authorizes financial institutions to refuse certain financial transactions when financial institution reasonably believes financial exploitation of vulnerable person may have occurred, may have been attempted or is being attempted. Senate Judiciary. May 9, 2017

SB 2838 - Requires Oregon Health Authority to take specific steps to improve assistance provided to individuals applying for or seeking to renew medical assistance eligibility. Senate Health Care. May 9, 2017

SB 58 - Directs Long Term Care Ombudsman to appoint Residential Facilities Ombudsman within Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman. Senate Rules. May 10, 2017. 

HB 3253 - Clarifies that state agencies and departments shall purchase certain products and services from Commission for the Blind. House Rules. May 11, 2017

If you are attending hearings, please note you may contact the Capitol if accommodations are needed in the room. For information on visiting the Capitol and Special Needs, please click HERE. 

You may view a complete listing of hearings occurring via the Legislative website - HERE. 

 Oregon Project Independence need your contacts to Legislators. 
As O4AD gears up for our Day at the Capitol, we are working to make sure Oregon Project Independence and the need to protect the current funding level for seniors and people with disabilities in this program remains stable and at current funding levels. The Budget Reduction document from the Co Chairs,  proposes a 50% cut to the OPI program serving seniors and elimination of funding for OPI services to people with disabilities. This proposal not only  places OPI consumers in jeopardy of losing their current level of independence but also threatens the State General Fund through anticipated increases in overall General Fund expenditures from consumers moving into Medicaid. 


Your contacts to Legislators bring an important focus to the need to fund Oregon Project Independence at current funding levels - $21 million for Seniors and $6 million for the People with Disabilities Pilot Project. Current funding levels will still result in 10% less resources available than the current biennium due to rising costs of care however, there simply cannot be less than $27 million in funding for this program. OPI provides not only program effectiveness but also critical cost savings for the state. Reduction and/or elimination of the program will result in immediate cost increases for the State General Fund - an unwise choice in the overall budget picture for our state. 

O4AD has released new Talking Points on the importance of protecting funding for OPI. You can access these talking points HERE. 

Contact Ways & Means legislators to let them know the importance of this program. You can access their contact information HERE.

Or you can email them directly following these links: 

Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Representative Dan Rayfield - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Senator Sara Gelser
Senator Jackie Winters
Representative Teresa Alonso Leon
Representative Knute Buehler
Representative Cedric Hayden
Representative Sheri Malstrom

Senator Richard Devlin - Co Chair, Ways & Means
Representative Nancy Nathanson - Co-Chair, Ways & Means

Our message is simple - Protect Funding for OPI at Current Funding Levels. 

Read about O4AD's budget priorities HERE.

You can also access other talking points and information on OPI via O4AD's website - HERE. 

THANK YOU! Your voice is critical as we fight to protect this important program. 

For more information or with questions, please contact O4AD. info@o4ad.org.

 O4AD Day at the Capitol
O4AD will host their Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, May 17. Register now through your local Area Agency on Aging or Advisory Council. We look forward to a busy day advocating for services and supports on behalf of Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. For more information, please contact O4AD at info@o4ad.org or your local Area Agency on Aging. 

You may also sign up via our Google Form. Please note you will need to indicate the Area Agency you are affiliated with for this event. Access the Google Form HERE.  

n4a Comments on Recent House Passage of American Health Care Actn4a, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, released the following statement regarding the recent House passage of the American Health Care Act: 


Statement by Sandy Markwood, CEO
House-Passed Health Care Bill Dangerous for Millions of Older Americans
Washington, DC— The American Health Care Act (AHCA) passed this afternoon by the House of Representatives represents a grave risk to millions of older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities, as this bill would negatively impact their access to the affordable health care and accessible long-term care they need to maintain their health and independence.
As advocates for quality long-term services and supports provided at home and in the community, as well as a range of evidence-based healthy aging programs, n4a is deeply concerned by the passage of AHCA.
The measure cuts $839 billion from the Medicaid program, would allow insurers to significantly increase premiums based on a consumer’s age, shortens the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund by four years, and eliminates a key prevention program that funds local falls prevention and chronic disease self-management efforts that are critical to preserving the health of older Americans.
The bill’s recent updates to allow states to waive Essential Health Benefits and community rating rules, which put anyone with a pre-existing condition at risk of being unable to secure affordable health care, only add to our long list of concerns about the negative effects this legislation will have on older adults and all Americans.
As the health care action moves to the Senate, there will be much work ahead, but for now, we urge older adults, caregivers, people with disabilities and other consumers to raise their concerns with their Representatives who voted in favor of this bill, which will have dangerous consequences for millions of Americans.
About n4a
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is a 501c(3) membership association representing America’s national network of 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and providing a voice in the nation’s capital for the 256 Title VI Native American aging programs. The mission of n4a is to build the capacity of its members so they can better help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Learn more about the Aging Services provided by AAAs and Title VI programs. Find the AAA and/or Title VI program in your area.


O4AD Legislative Conference CallO4AD will host our Legislative Conference Call on Friday, May 5 at 11 am.This week we will discuss the revenue proposals and transportation package that is expected to be discussed this week along with any other new news from the week at the Capitol.  If there is a topic you would like to learn more about, EMAIL O4AD. 

Call in: 1-866-200-5786
Participant Code: 835329

​O4AD Legislative UpdateMay 1, 2017
The Revenue Conversation Heats UpActivity at the Capitol has been a bit slower for the Committees, and the focus has been on the House and Senate floor sessions, where all of the bills passed out of committees before the recent deadline are being heard.  Once they are voted off the floor of the originating chamber, the Committees will once again be the center of attention as bills are scheduled for hearing and work session in the second chamber.  The deadlines for the second chamber are May 19th for posting of work sessions and June 2nd for the work sessions to be completed. The exception to these deadlines are bills in Ways & Means, Rules and Revenue. These bills have no deadline and remain alive through the end of session. 

This past week, Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek appointed the new Joint Committee on Tax Reform.  The Committee will hold its first meeting on May 2 and will consider a rough proposal to replace the state's corporate income tax with a tax on business sales (gross receipts). The Committee is tasked with making revisions that may make it more palatable for passage  Any tax reform proposal will need a three-fifths majority vote to pass in each chamber.  In both the Senate and House, the Democrats will have to attract one Republican vote to pass a reform bill.  In addition to the gross receipts tax proposal, another option (HB 2876) could be to raise personal income taxes on the wealthy by adding a top new bracket, taxing earnings over $250,000 at 13 percent.

On Thursday, Governor Brown announced her plan to cut state costs.  The plan focuses on three prongs:  establishing best practices when negotiating labor contracts with unions, recovering debts owed to the state, and creating an expert task force to address pension costs.  Brown hopes her proposals will result in savings right away and over the next several years, but she is not sure how much those savings will be. You can read her press release HERE. The Governor had previously announced a hiring freeze for state workers as well. You can read this information HERE. 


Another piece of the overall financial picture is expected to be released on May 8th.  The Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization has been working on a comprehensive transportation plan all session.  The details are expected be released at that time.




Hearings This Week
Now that the first bill deadline has passed, O4AD has reviewed our bill tracking and cleaned out bills that are no longer moving through the process. You can access the most recent bill tracking report HERE. 

O4AD's most recent bill calendar is also available HERE. 

With a focus on the pending revenue proposals, the bill calendars are lighter than is generally expected for this time during the session. Some bills of interest include: 

HB 3175 ~ Makes changes to the definition of "low income households" in Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program. 5/1/17. Senate Human Services. 

HB 2005 ~ Provides definitions relating to comparable work for purposes of pay equity provisions. 5/3/17. Senate Work Force

HB 2675 ~ Requires community health improvement plans adopted by coordinated care organizations and community advisory councils to focus on and develop strategy for integrating physical, behavioral and oral health care services. 5/2/17. Senate Health Care. 

SB 71 ~ Clarifies legislative intent related to administration of noninjectable medication in long term care facilities. 5/3/17. House Health Care. 

If you are attending hearings, please note you may contact the Capitol if accommodations are needed in the room. For information on visiting the Capitol and Special Needs, please click HERE. 

 Oregon Project Independence - Keep up contacts to Legislators to protect funds for OPI. 
As the budget conversation continues, it is critical to not let up on the focus on OPI. The Budget Reduction document from the Co Chairs, released last week, proposes a 50% cut to the OPI program serving seniors and elimination of funding for OPI services to people with disabilities. This proposal not only  places OPI consumers in jeopardy of losing their current level of independence but also threatens the State General Fund through anticipated increases in overall General Fund expenditures from consumers moving into Medicaid. 


Your contacts to Legislators bring an important focus to the need to fund Oregon Project Independence at current funding levels - $21 million for Seniors and $6 million for the People with Disabilities Pilot Project. Current funding levels will still result in 10% less resources available than the current biennium due to rising costs of care however, there cannot be less than $27 million in funding for this program. 

O4AD has released new Talking Points on the importance of protecting funding for OPI. You can access these talking points HERE. 

Contact Ways & Means legislators to let them know the importance of this program. You can access their contact information HERE.

Or you can email them directly following these links: 

Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Representative Dan Rayfield - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Senator Sara Gelser
Senator Jackie Winters
Representative Teresa Alonso Leon
Representative Knute Buehler
Representative Cedric Hayden
Representative Sheri Malstrom

Senator Richard Devlin - Co Chair, Ways & Means
Representative Nancy Nathanson - Co-Chair, Ways & Means

Our message is simple - Protect Funding for OPI at Current Funding Levels. 

Read about O4AD's budget priorities HERE.

You can also access other talking points and information on OPI via O4AD's website - HERE. 

THANK YOU! Your voice is critical as we fight to protect this important program. 

For more information or with questions, please contact O4AD. info@o4ad.org.

 O4AD Day at the Capitol
O4AD will host their Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, May 17. Register now through your local Area Agency on Aging or Advisory Council. We look forward to a busy day advocating for services and supports on behalf of Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. For more information, please contact O4AD at info@o4ad.org or your local Area Agency on Aging. 

You may also sign up via our Google Form. Please note you will need to indicate the Area Agency you are affiliated with for this event. Access the Google Form HERE.  

 O4AD Legislative Conference CallO4AD will host our Legislative Conference Call on Friday, May 5 at 11 am. Last week we were pleased to welcome staff from Congressman Bluemenauer's office and Senator Wyden's office who updated us on the flurry of activity in DC. This week we will discuss the revenue proposals that are expected to be unveiled this week as well as other happenings in the Capitol. If there is a topic you would like to learn more about, EMAIL O4AD. 

Call in: 1-866-200-5786
Participant Code: 835329

​O4AD Legislative UpdateApril 24, 2017
Post-Deadline ReviewThe dust has settled after the bill deadline of last week. Many bills met their end during the deadline but there are still many proceeding in the process. The next deadline is June 2 for bills that are NOT in Ways & Means, Revenue or Rules, to move out of the policy committee in the second chamber. 

Along with this deadline, further information was shared in the budget conversation which prompted significant conversation in the capitol. 

The Co Chairs of Ways & Means released a "Targeted Reduction" list. This list, which was emphasized to be a discussion document only and not a proposed budget, not a binding document, not even a formal proposal, was released to demonstrate the options that may have to be exercised in the event there is no further revenue available during the session and no other mechanisms possible to help balance the currently projected $1.6 billion deficit. The document met with many different perspectives and you can read the reduction list HERE. 

The Co Chairs have also participated in a workgroup that has released a set of potential cost containment measures that could be implemented to help lower the budget deficit gap for the 17-19 biennium. This proposal was met with both disdain and applause and you can access the proposal HERE. Again, this document is for discussion and does not represent a formal proposal that is set to be implemented. 

These proposals have garnered significant conversation- you can read media coverage below: 

• Oregon Budget Writers Unveil PERS reforms and other cutbacks
• 4 Things to Know as Oregon's Tax and Budget Wars Heat Up
• Lawmakers Float PERS Reform Ideas that Finance Experts Question
• Lawmakers: Oregon Budget Deficits Could Get Worse

The Legislature will continue to move ahead with the budget and revenue conversation but the pace is slow, to say the least. 




Hearings This Week
Now that the first bill deadline has passed, O4AD has reviewed our bill tracking and cleaned out bills that are no longer moving through the process. You can access the most recent bill tracking report HERE. 

O4AD's most recent bill calendar is also available HERE. 

This week, there is a lighter bill calendar as people pick up the pieces after the first deadline. Some bills of interest include: 

HJM 4. Urges Congress to pass RAISE Family Caregivers Act. Senate Human Services. 

SB 104. Modifies provisions relating to registry of persons who provide care in certain facilities. House Human Services. 

HB 5039. Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Bill. Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development. 

HB 2675. Requires community health improvement plans adopted by coordinated care organizations and community advisory councils to focus on and develop strategy for integrating physical, behavioral and oral health care services. Senate Health Care. 


If you are attending hearings, please note you may contact the Capitol if accommodations are needed in the room. For information on visiting the Capitol and Special Needs, please click HERE. 

 Oregon Project Independence - Keeping the focus on protecting funds for OPI. 
As the budget conversation continues, it is critical to not let up on the focus to OPI. The Budget Reduction document from the Co Chairs, released last week, proposes a 50% cut to the OPI program serving seniors and elimination of funding for OPI services to people with disabilities. This proposal not only  places OPI consumers in jeopardy of losing their current level of independence but also threatens the State General Fund through anticipated increases in overall General Fund expenditures from consumers moving into Medicaid. 

You can read O4AD's response to the Co Chairs Targeted Reduction List HERE. 

O4AD has released our newest Talking Points on the importance of protecting funding for OPI. You can access these talking points HERE. 

Contact Ways & Means legislators to let them know the importance of this program. You can access their contact information HERE.

Or you can email them directly following these links: 

Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Representative Dan Rayfield - Co Chair, Human Services Ways & Means Subcommittee
Senator Sara Gelser
Senator Jackie Winters
Representative Teresa Alonso Leon
Representative Knute Buehler
Representative Cedric Hayden
Representative Sheri Malstrom

Senator Richard Devlin - Co Chair, Ways & Means
Representative Nancy Nathanson - Co-Chair, Ways & Means

Read about O4AD's budget priorities HERE.

You can also access other talking points and information on OPI via O4AD's website - HERE. 

THANK YOU! Your voice is critical as we fight to protect this important program. 

For more information or with questions, please contact O4AD. info@o4ad.org.

 O4AD Day at the Capitol
O4AD will host their Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, May 17. Register now through your local Area Agency on Aging or Advisory Council. We look forward to a busy day advocating for services and supports on behalf of Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. For more information, please contact O4AD at info@o4ad.org or your local Area Agency on Aging. 

You may also sign up via our Google Form. Please note you will need to indicate the Area Agency you are affiliated with for this event. Access the Google Form HERE.  

O4AD Legislative UpdateApril 17, 2017
Tuesday at 11:59 pmTomorrow, Tuesday, April 18, is the deadline for bills to have a work session in the originating committee held by midnight. The exception to this deadline are bills that:

• Had already had a work session scheduled
• Were already in Ways & Means, Rules or Revenue (on the Senate side, Finance & Revenue)

Bills must have their work session and move out of the Committee in order to remain alive in the Session. After Tuesday we expect to see many bills no longer moving or considered "dead". PERS bills, bills regarding firearms, worker scheduling bills and a variety of bills on the environment and healthcare are all expected to be heard and moved on before the deadline on Tuesday. 

Often, bills are moved to another committee simply for the purposes of keeping them alive and it is anticipated that the current language of the bill will be amended greatly before it is finalized. 


Hearings This WeekDue to the Tuesday deadline, there are MANY bills being heard this week. We encourage your to stay up to date by visiting the "Committee Agendas Online" webpage of the Oregon Capitol website. As committee hearings occur and bills are moved around, this webpage is updated regularly. Visit this webpage HERE. 

Due to the highly transitional nature of the schedule, please check out O4AD's most recent bill calendar HERE. O4AD will post an updated calendar AFTER the Tuesday deadline. 

Please also reference O4AD's latest bill tracking report HERE. O4AD will post an updated bill tracking report after the Tuesday deadline as well. 

Remember - bills that have not been scheduled for a work session or are not already in Ways & Means, Revenue or Rules is no long proceeding forward in the process. 

If you are attending hearings, please note you may contact the Capitol if accommodations are needed in the room. For information on visiting the Capitol and Special Needs, please click HERE. 

 Oregon Project Independence - Remind Legislators that OPI must be protected.
As Legislators continue to work through development of budgets, priorities, revenue packages and more, it is critical that the importance of services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities remain at the forefront of their considerations in investments. Protecting OPI is not only the right thing to do, it is a wise investment. OPI is cost efficient and a proven effective program that helps protect the independence, dignity and choice of seniors and people with disabilities. 

Services in OPI cost, on average, $332 per month in State General Fund per consumer served. Medicaid long term services and supports come at a much higher price tag to the State General Fund. 

• Medicaid in-home services - approximately $803 per month in State General Fund
• Medicaid Community Based Care - approximately $846 per month in State General Fund
• Medicaid Nursing Facility Care - approximately $3,168 per month in State General Fund

Legislators must protect funding for Oregon Project Independence. O4AD is advocating for protection of current funding for OPI - 

• $21 million for services to older adults
• $6 million for services to people with disabilities via the pilot project. 

Read more about the cost efficiency of OPI HERE. 

Contact Ways & Means legislators to let them know the importance of this program. You can access their contact information HERE.

Read about O4AD's budget priorities HERE.

THANK YOU! Your voice is critical as we fight to protect this important program. 

For more information or with questions, please contact O4AD. info@o4ad.org.

 O4AD Day at the Capitol
O4AD will host their Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, May 17. Register now through your local Area Agency on Aging or Advisory Council. We look forward to a busy day advocating for services and supports on behalf of Oregon's older adults and people with disabilities. For more information, please contact O4AD at info@o4ad.org or your local Area Agency on Aging. 


From n4a ~ Congressoman Bonamici calls for OAA Title III Funding
Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Ted Deutch (R-FL) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA) this week sent a letter signed by 80 of their colleagues in the House supporting increased funding for OAA Title III B, C and E. The bipartisan letter was signed by 77 Democratic and 3 Republican Members of Congress. If your Member signed on to the letter, make sure to send thanks!
 
You can read a copy of the Congresswoman's letter HERE. 

During the recess, n4a encourages you to keep reaching out while Congress is on recess in support of funding for Older Americans Act and other key aging programs. Lawmakers will make funding decisions for both the remainder of FY 2017 and FY 2018 this spring and summer, and need to hear from you about the importance of aging services in your community! Use n4a's FY 2018 Appropriations Campaign tools and resources to engage your lawmakers! Stay tuned for updates and additional resources as well.  http://www.n4a.org