A recap of the 2024 Legislative Session

On Thursday, March 7, the Oregon legislature wrapped up this year’s short session, and we’re happy to report we achieved significant victories for our budget priorities. Thanks to the support of frontline communities and hard work of progressive legislators across Oregon, we tackled critical issues head-on and avoided potential disruptions.

Our biggest success was also our biggest priority, securing funding for the Healthy Homes Grant Program. Healthy Homes is an Oregon grant program that goes to household-serving organizations that do essential home repairs across the state. Its goal is to keep low-income families healthy, reduce medical costs, and decrease energy bills, but funding for this critical program was set to run out by 2025. 

Thanks to our lobbyists, staff, and activated base of supporters, we drove over 300 emails to legislators in support of this funding request and it passed in Senate Bill 1530 at $15 million. By securing these additional dollars, we were able to keep this program going and ensure that low-income families across Oregon can build resilience against extreme weather, such as the ice storm in January.

Another big win was the passing of SB 5701 including $1 million for Water Equity Fund. Oregon communities face pressing challenges as our water systems bear the weight of aging infrastructure, inadequate investment, and the compounding impacts of climate change. These stressors hit environmental justice communities harder, amplifying historical injustices and illustrating the necessity for tailored support and investment.

We secured $1 million for the Water Equity Fund that will go to the University of Oregon’s Just Futures Institute and Portland State University’s Center for Public Service. They will provide grants for clean water access and sanitation projects in communities and to continue water-related work, including the Tribal Water Work Group. Special thanks to alliance member Verde and Representative Anessa Hartman for their dedication to this important win.

One highlight of supporting Verde’s water justice work was the opportunity to attend the 2024 Water Justice Retreat, hosted by Oregon Water Futures partners including OJTA member Verde. At the retreat, Indigenous peoples, communities of color, low-income communities, and organizations academic institutions came together to share stories and strategies from individuals fighting for water justice on state, national, and international level. 

Of the retreat, OJTA Alliance Manager Alexander Vasquez-Ibarra says, “These intentional spaces energize me so much and remind me of the power of collective voice paired with collective action. I am extremely grateful to learn from such amazing people and to have been able to participate.”

Victories did not come easy to frontline communities across Oregon. In January, public statements from two Oregon lawmakers expressed extremist homophobic and transphobic as well as xenophobic and Islamophobic opinions. These comments crossed the line from political opinion into hateful attacks that make frontline communities feel isolated and unwelcome at the Oregon State Capitol. 

In response to these hateful attacks, Western States Center, Basic Rights Oregon, and Oregon Just Transition Alliance organized a press conference at the capitol as the session came to a close. We took this opportunity to remind our elected officials, community members, and all Oregonians that everyone belongs at the capitol. 

While the press conference made it clear that we’re committed to fostering an environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of their belief system, cultural background, or where they come from, we were disheartened to learn that our third legislative priority did not move forward. Run by Oregon Worker Relief, the Climate Change Fund gives financial assistance to agricultural workers who have to miss work because of extreme heat or smoke. The $9 million funding request would have gone a long way to ensure farmworkers are safe and financially stable during instances of extreme weather and wildfire smoke.

As with any legislative session, there are wins and opportunities to keep advocating. While we’re full-heartedly celebrating our achievements, it’s important to note that aggressive climate change mitigation measures were not prioritized this time around. Our focus remains steadfast on combating the impact of climate change on frontline communities.

As we navigate the future, let us remember the power of collective action and the importance of standing together in solidarity. While there is much work to be done, we remain committed to building a more just and resilient future for all Oregonians.