Board approves Legislative Priorities

January 5, 2018

The Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 4 approved a 2018 Legislative Agenda that prioritizes housing, physical and mental health services and funding, and public safety.

Multnomah County Director of Government Relations Jeston Black
Multnomah County Director of Government Relations Jeston Black

Multnomah County’s Office of Government Relations presented its 2018 State Legislative Agenda at Thursday’s board meeting. The agenda will serve as a guide for County leaders and advocates during the six week session beginning on February 5.  

Jeston Black, the county’s new Director of Government Relations and office members, briefly walked the board through the legislative makeup, the process for developing the agenda and the 2018 priorities. View the full presentation

PRIORITIES INCLUDE:

Protect County Safety Net Programs

With a possible State General Fund reduction, vital safety net programs provided by the county need to be protected.

Take Action on Housing and Homelessness

Increase state funding for construction of new affordable, supportive housing, sheltering people experiencing homelessness and housing placement and eviction prevention. Restrict no-cause evictions and lift the preemption on local government regulation of rent increases.

Fund Behavioral Health

Fill the large gaps in mental health service availability and improve the quality of services.

Prevent Gun Violence

Keep firearms away from potentially dangerous individuals by closing loopholes.

Health

Strengthen efforts to reduce opioid crisis addiction. Expand regulation of tobacco sales to curb youth smoking. Protect health care access to children and all Oregonians.

Human Services

Fight poverty with jobs, training and needed services.

Public Safety

Shift public safety funds from expensive incarceration to effective supervision.

Sustainability

Protect Oregonians from toxics in the air and water. Improve efforts to fight climate change, reduce carbon emissions and create clean energy jobs.

Transportation

Seek funding for Burnside Bridge seismic safety improvements.