A few days ago Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver) was walking the narrow halls of the capitol building. He ran into someone from a prominent organization in Central Oregon. During their conversation, this person told Rep. Whisnant that his organization was thinking of endorsing the IDA legislation. Without hesitation Rep. Whisnant enveloped the person in a big hug of appreciation.
Oregon legislators and leaders are hearing your message loud and clear. The Oregon IDA Initiative works and more people need to be able to participate! But we’re still in the first half of the legislative session. We need to keep the momentum going. How the IDA will look in the next 7 years depends on you.
HB 2011 Passes Out of Committee Unanimously
Thanks to Chair Tobias Reed and the Higher Education, Innovation, and Workforce Development for their leadership and unanimous passage of the Oregon IDA Bill (HB 2011) to the Joint Committee on Tax Credits.
And thanks to you! The energy and insight shown by supporters of the Oregon IDA Initiative have made all the difference.
Oregon’s future depends on removing barriers to opportunity for all residents. And removing those barriers depends on building financial skills, savings and an attitude of hope.
We know how we can get more people to participate fully in the economy and grow local communities.
If we are able to renew, expand, and increase the IDA more than 17,000 people will be new homeowners, small business owners or will be able to get an education.
But the reality in Salem is a good idea isn’t enough. Legislators need to hear from voters that IDAs are one of the issues they need to pay attention to. If their neighbors and constituents care – they will too.
Here are two things you can do that would make the biggest impact on the renewal and expansion of the IDA.
Advocate for IDAs in Salem or Near Your City
1) Come to Salem and Advocate
Assets Opportunity Day – the day largely devoted to asking legislators to renew and expand the IDA – is on April 28. That’s just around the corner. And we need you there.
We know Salem is a long way for some. But showing up in person to speak to your elected officials face-to-face has immeasurable impact.
Here’s what you can expect if you come:
- All breakfast, lunch and beverages will be provided
- You receive a training on how to speak to legislators and what legislative meetings look like.
- We’ll schedule meetings with legislators for you, so you don’t have to worry about those logistics.
- There will be a fun, inspiring noon-time rally where you get to share your passion with people like you.
Let us know if travel is a barrier.
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2) Advocate at a local Ways and Means Roadshow
Speak face-to-face with members of the powerful Ways and Means committee. Speaking up at these “Roadshows” will remind committee members that the legislature has an opportunity to make dreams come true for 17,000 people working to provide for their families and communities.
Let us know if you can attend and would like to testify and we will follow up with more details. Also, the hearings tend to fill up quickly so arrive early! The hearings are scheduled as follows:
Friday, April 10 – La Grande
5:30 -7 p.m. at Eastern Oregon University
Saturday, April 11 – Boardman
12:30-2 p.m. at the S.A.G.E Center at the Port of Morrow
Tuesday, April 14 – Lincoln City
6:30 – 8 p.m. in the Lincoln City Cultural Center
Thursday, April 16 – Gresham
7 – 8:30 p.m. at Mt. Hood Community College
Tuesday, April 21 – Portland (PCC Rock Creek)
7 – 8:30 p.m. – at the Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus
Thursday, April 23 – Springfield
6:30 – 8 p.m. – (site to be determined)
Friday, April 24 – Klamath Falls
5:30-7 p.m. – at the Oregon Institute of Technology
Saturday, April 25 – Grants Pass
12:30-2 p.m. –Performing Arts Center Lecture Hall at Grants Pass High School
Participating in these face-to-face events sticks with legislators. They’ll remember your face and your passion. And who knows, they may even give you a hug.
