Greetings!
Happy Friday! We hope you have enjoyed the sunshine that has spread across the state this week. If you're like us, you've been extremely busy these past few weeks keeping up to date with everything happening in Salem. If you're not like us, not to worry! This email will update you on everything you need to know regarding Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and our legislative advocacy efforts!
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The next legislative deadline is next Tuesday, April 13. By that date, bills not in the Rules, Revenue or Joint Senate/House Committees must have had a committee vote and been referred to their respective chamber for a floor vote, or they will die.
Two bills co-led by EMO have already advanced past these work session votes, and one has a vote this Tuesday:
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Youth Houselessness, HB 2544: To increase funding for services for Oregon's Unaccompanied Houseless Youth passed unanimously out of the House Human Services Committee on March 31st, and is now up for consideration in the Ways and Means Committee.
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Oregon Refugees, SB 718: The Welcoming Refugees Bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health and Recovery on April 8th.
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Access to Immigration Legal Services, HB 3230: We continue to work with partners to develop strong legislation to benefit our community members:
- Those in Deportation Proceedings - Every Oregonian deserves legal representation.
- Frontline Workers - In Oregon, 1 in 7 essential workers are immigrants.
- DACAistas/Dreamers - As many as 1 in 3 DACAistas are eligible for other protections.
- Asylum Seekers - We proudly defend those seeking safety in the U.S.
- Would-Be Citizens - In Oregon, over 84,000 legally permanent residents are eligible to become U.S. citizens.
And we are actively engaged in dialogue and advocacy around the state to advance bills aligned with our legislative agenda, which you can view here!
More below!
- 2021 Oregon budget virtual hearings start next week. Make your voice heard!
- Upcoming EMO advocacy events
- Save Myanmar
- Join EMO's/OIPL's Creation Justice Advocacy Team
In solidarity,
Britt, Olivia, Aaron & Ella
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2021 Oregon Budget Virtual Hearings
This month, Oregonians can offer their feedback on the state budget at public hearings hosted by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Ways and Means. The hearings will be centered on the 2021-2023 Budget Framework released in March, which serves as a starting point for the 2021-2023 budget cycle. The budget framework includes federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, and it outlines the funding priorities for the next biennium. Because states cannot borrow money, the Legislature is required to balance the budget by choosing among competing expenditures over the next biennium.
As we read in Scripture, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt 6:21). It is the responsibility of people of faith to show up to these hearings, advocate for ethical budget allocations, and remind legislators that all budgets are moral documents. The 2021 Oregon Budget Virtual Hearings will be conducted virtually and organized by congressional district as follows:
Oregonians can find their congressional district here.
For faith-based talking points for Budget Virtual Hearings:
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Upcoming Events
Keep an eye out for emails from us with action alerts and check out our Advocacy and Action calendar of engagement:
Date Coming Soon!
Advocacy through the Lens of Racial Justice
In conjunction with the larger “Reckoning with Racism” cohort co-facilitated by EMO, this event will teach participants how to use legislative advocacy in the pursuit of racial justice. Please RSVP with The Rev. Michael Ellick for more information and a zoom link: mellick@emoregon.org.
April 15 @ 7 p.m.
Creation Justice Lobbying 101 and Storytelling Workshop
For those new to advocacy, learn about the lobbying process and craft your story to share with lawmakers. For those who have been doing this for a long time, share your experiences and ideas. Contact Cherice Bock to sign up.
April 16 - 25
Creation Justice Advocacy Week: Oregon Legislature
During Earth Week, advocate with us for creation justice. We will be setting up virtual meetings with your state senators and representatives. Pre-meetings will help prepare you to share your story about the moral basis for care for Creation. Mark your calendar!
April 19 - 23
National Refugee Advocacy Week
May 5 - 14
Oregon Interfaith Power & Light Advocacy Week: Congress
Advocate for environmental justice legislation and meet with your Member of Congress and their staff. More information soon!
May 13 @ 7 p.m.
Oregon Environmental & Policy Updates
Find out where our priority bills are in the legislative process and our strategy for the final month of the legislative session. Contact Cherice Bock to sign up.
May 25
Virtually attend issue briefings and workshops on advocating for compassionate legislation on issues such as housing, hunger, health care, immigration, gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform and climate justice. Following the briefings, we will make our faith voice heard in virtual meetings with state legislators. Group leaders will provide talking points and make all necessary appointments for you.
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Event Opportunity: Save Myanmar |
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Join members of our community to stand in solidarity with our community members in Myanmar who are impacted by political unrest in the nation. |
EMO Board Co-Chair Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee, along with other faith leaders will be present!
Events like this one serve as a reminder why Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon feels called to advocate for refugees, in Salem through SB 718, and in Washington, D.C., through Refugee Advocacy Days, occurring April 19-23rd.
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Creation Justice Advocacy 2021 |
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Want to help EMO/Oregon Interfaith Power & Light (OIPL) strengthen protections for the environment and frontline communities? Join EMO/OIPL's Creation Justice Advocacy Team and receive updates on creation justice-related advocacy opportunities, including virtual visits to your legislators during Earth Week!
And contact your legislators today with our email template in support of SCR 17 "Environmental Justice for Oregon" and HB 2021 "100% Clean Energy for All"!
For more information or details about how to get involved, contact Cherice Bock at cbock@emoregon.org.
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Sign up for legislative updates & events |
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During each legislative session, EMO’s goal is to empower people of faith with the advocacy tools they need to put their faith into action. To add your voice and your values to our public conversation, sign up for updates on the issues that are most important to you and view current events. |
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
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