May 2023
Greetings!

This Legislative Session is more than half over and we are excited to share some updates.

In this issue of Peace and Justice:
  • Join us for Interfaith Advocacy Day on Wednesday, May 10
  • Environmental Justice Updates
  • Update on Lobby Days
  • HB 2098: Read Rev. Cecil Prescod's Powerful Testimony
  • Action Alert: Tell Your Legislators to Support HB 3482 to build affordable housing!

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is proud to participate in policy advocacy that will make Oregon a better, more caring, and welcoming place.

Britt, Cherice, Lorena, Olivé, Nacia, Kim, and Julia
Join Us for Interfaith Advocacy Day!
Our upcoming event, Interfaith Advocacy Day, is next Wednesday, May 10, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Salem!

There is power in knowledge and strength in numbers. Attend issue briefs on advocating for compassionate legislation followed by meetings with state legislators. Talking points and legislative appointments will be provided.

ISSUES:
  • Climate and Environment: HB 2098, Reducing Transportation Climate Impact
  • Criminal Justice Reform: SB 520, Compassionate Medical Release
  • Gun-Violence Prevention: SB 348, Implementation of Ballot Measure 114
  • Housing: HB 3482 and SB 976, Building Housing, Addressing Homelessness
  • Hunger: SB 610, Food for All Oregonians
  • Standing with Oregon Immigrants, Refugees: HB 2957, Immigration Legal Services

SCHEDULE:
Morning Session: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Afternoon meetings with State Legislators: Times will vary.

REGISTER: Regular registration is $20, students $10 (to cover the cost for lunch provided); scholarships available. Online registration will close at 11 p.m. on Monday, May 8. Walk-in registration on the day of event is welcome; we will accept credit, check or exact cash.

QUESTIONS: emo@emoregon.org, (503) 221-1054
Environmental Policy Updates:
Lobby Days and HB 2098!
Environmental Justice Policy Advocate Julia Weinand and EMO Creation Justice Advocate Cherice Bock with other members of the Resilient Buildings Coalition at the Building Resilience Lobby Day.
Thank You for Attending Lobby Days!

While our climate priority bills have remained in Ways & Means, April was a busy month for EMO's creation justice advocates! We joined partner coalitions in Salem for two successful lobby days, advocating for the Building Resilience Package (SB 868-871, HB 3166) and Community Resilience Hubs (HB 2990).

We also met with over 25 legislators' offices for Oregon Interfaith Power & Light's Advocacy Days! A huge thank you to all who participated!
Reverend Cecil Prescod testifying before the Joint Committee on Transportation on HB 2098-3
Watch and Read Rev. Cecil Prescod's Testimony on HB 2098

"It is morally unjust to expand a freeway in the midst of a climate crisis." - Rev. Cecil Prescod
HB 2098 on the I-5 bridge replacement budget was heard by the Joint Committee on Transportation on April 27, where Public Policy Committee Chair Rev. Cecil Prescod testified on behalf of EMO in support of the -3 amendment. We recognize the need to replace the I-5 bridge and ensure it is seismically safe. We believe the -3 amendment is the best option to ensure the project is completed in an ecologically-just and fiscally-responsible way. 

As Rev. Prescod said in his testimony: "As a statewide organization that stands alongside Oregonians in need, EMO believes that the high cost of the -2 amendment does not reflect the priorities of our neighbors. ... EMO supports a phased approach to this multi-modal highway and interchange project ... that connects all communities without endangering the general fund or the climate."
To learn about the other climate-related legislation we are supporting, sign up for our Oregon Interfaith Power & Light Advocacy Team. You will receive regular action alerts by email, can attend monthly Zoom gatherings for updates and training, and hear about opportunities to meet with your state and federal legislators!
Action Alert: Contact Your Legislators about Supporting HB 3482!
Construction Workers
Tell Your Legislators to Support HB 3482 and Help Spur the Development of Thousands of Units of Affordable Housing Across the State!

Support among legislators continues to grow for HB 3482, championed by Reps. Gamba (D), Andersen (D) and Javadi (R), in tandem with EMO, Leaven Land and Housing Coalition and Together Lab. This bill will help faith communities, other nonprofits, housing authorities, local governments and tribal governments develop affordable housing on their land through funding for pre-development costs as well as project management support throughout the development process. This bill is currently in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and needs your help to become law!

Contact your Legislators about supporting HB 3482 today! Find your State Legislators.