Letter to Senators: “We cannot succeed without a functioning legislature.”
Letter to Senators: “We cannot succeed without a functioning legislature.”
Fifty community, faith organizations on the frontlines of Oregon’s most pressing challenges pen letter urging state senators to return to work now
Media Contact: Morgan Dewey
SALEM, OR — Fifty leading community- and faith-based organizations today joined together in urging the legislature’s prompt return to work on behalf of Oregon families. In their letter to state senators, groups on the front lines of food and housing insecurity, immigrant rights, environmental protection and more expressed serious concern that walkout tactics are again preventing action on the serious challenges we face as a state.
More than a million Oregonians will seek support from a free food market, pantry or meal site this year as prices rise and grocery budgets shrink. Nearly 18,000 people are living outdoors and over 100,000 families are in need of non-existent affordable housing. Access to childcare and healthcare is at risk — and one out of every three adults in Oregon report unmet needs around mental health and addiction. None of these challenges will be meaningfully addressed until senators return to work and come together to pass the policies and investments our communities need to address these crises head-on.
“Our organizations are on the frontlines each day, supporting people and communities struggling with economic hardship, and we cannot succeed without a functioning legislature. Vital services will not be funded. Commonsense policies cannot pass to address the root causes of hunger and poverty,” the leader reads, in part. “And waiting until the last day or week of the session is too late to make real progress on complex issues like food and housing security — let alone reach agreement on proposals to improve healthcare access and community safety. Oregonians need action now.”
Read the full letter below — or view a PDF version. Concerned Oregonians can access an easy-to-use online form to contact their senators and urge action.
