The Legislature ended its 32-day session after approving a balanced budget and making investments in communities across Oregon. The new funding will support construction projects, services, and economic development that move Oregon forward.
Democrats passed policies to address homelessness, support working families and small businesses, drive down the cost of living, invest in community safety and violence prevention, and support stronger schools. With the opportunity to invest funding from state revenues and federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, the Legislature made critical and life-saving investments in Oregonians who need it most.
The new budget also includes urgent funding to address Oregon’s homelessness and housing crises. A $400 million housing package will build new affordable housing and directly support local governments in providing temporary shelters and services for homeless individuals.
The Legislature approved $150 million in funding for the 2022 Summer Learning Package, creating new opportunities for kids to learn, play, and keep active over the summer months.
Other important education bills passed this session will support school districts in communities hit hard by the devastating 2020 fire season, expand eligibility for the Oregon Promise grant program, make child care more affordable, and boost the state’s education workforce by distributing $100 million in grants to hire new school staff and address teacher burnout.
Lawmakers worked to address gaps in the state’s behavioral health system this session, delivering investments that will make it easier for Oregonians to receive treatment. These investments include $100 million for Community Mental Health Programs to increase the availability of behavioral health housing and residential treatment beds. The new funding, will help prevent people facing mental illness and substance abuse disorders from becoming houseless and to alleviate bottleneck issues at the state hospital.
Read Full Content HERE