—
Compiled by Ruth Williamson
A lively dialogue amongst regional representatives from our Central Oregon caucus engaged a full house at the Universal Unitarian Church on Thursday, September 18.
Moderated by Aaron Switzer of The Source Weekly, the opening question considered successful bills that moved successfully through the most recent legislative session.
Senator Broadman started off, noting that preventative wildfire legislative across Central Oregon had been awarded sustained funding with a bi-partisan effort. Whenever a new tax is proposed, Senator Broadman shared, it is always challenged. However, public safety is an important issue for all.
Senator Mike McClane from Prineville spoke of his efforts to protect and elevate free speech via anti-defamation suit prevention. This legislation sets new standards. Today, you cannot be sued unless the plaintiff can prove malice. Suppressing free speech with threat is not OK, Senator McClane stated. There was broad support for this bill as well.
Representative Emerson Levy turned to behavioral health care and housing as key issues she advocated for, including additional shelter and medical beds for kids in crisis. She noted her investigations into why anxiety and depression are skyrocketing in schools today, emphasizing the role of social media shaping the culture of our school-age kids. Her work is on-going.
Representative Jason Kropf spoke to behavioral health and substance abuse issues. As a success story, the Deschutes County Stabilization Center was awarded funding. This services hub has set a new standard across the country. Generally, he said intervention has been overly regulated, hence overly burdensome. He is seeking a more balanced process.
Representative Kropf also explained the $4million appropriated to Mosaic Community Health as the culmination of 4 years of conversation, with representatives working closely with leadership at Mosaic, talking through what the community needs.
Everyone noted the collegiality amongst our Central Oregon caucus—one of only two across the state. Our leaders are working together on projects such as the Core 3 Center for Disaster Relief, a multi-agency hub for coordinated training for emergency personal, in the case of statewide disaster.
Senator McClane called the state budget the biggest challenge facing the legislature in the year ahead. Noting that math is not partisan, the gap–$800 million, is a sobering reality, and a moral issue. We must work together, he implored, to tighten our belts and get through this.
Senator Broadman agreed. The State General Fund budget is not built to backfill pending Federal cuts. He called this budget process an “opportunity”.
Representative Levy respectfully disagreed. She views the budget as a serious crisis, noting the impact of tariffs and uncertainty as eroding Oregon’s economy, impacting our most vulnerable communities and families.
Representative Kropf underscored that food stamps and OHP insurance will see dramatic cuts. Turning again towards the budget, “We have difficult decisions ahead…”
In a lighter moment, Senator McClane stated he nominated Senator Broadman to chair the budget committee for the Central Oregon caucus (good luck!). On this, Senator Broadman says he is getting great support from regional business leadership and the Bend Chamber of Commerce.
However, Representative Kropf noted we will have to “roll up our sleeves”. To meet expanding need, Oregon leveraged Medicaid aggressively. With federal cuts imminent, access to services will be narrowed. It will be harder to ask for and get help through OHP.
With respect to education funding, Oregon rates in the middle of the country. Senator McClane stated our schools are bearing a legacy load, and funding for PERS, a sacred cow, needs to be on the table for discussion.
That said, all emphasized there are shared values within our Central Oregon caucus, acknowledging a regional approach is best and most sustainable. With our growing population, there is a distinct shift in the significance of our policy making. Central Oregon programs work and are getting attention across the country. Bi-partisanship matters.
