Multnomah County believes the 2013 Legislative Session presents an unprecedented opportunity to work with the State of Oregon to provide essential programs and services to our 748,000 residents. We know that county-state partnership can develop innovative solutions to budget, infrastructure, and service delivery challenges.
Priorities
Local issues, local solutions
We support legislation to remove state-imposed preemptions and restrictions that smother local governments’ ability to devise the best local solutions. Among those preemptions are restrictions on local governments raising tobacco taxes.
Rebuilding the century-old Courthouse
The Multnomah County Courthouse urgently needs replacement due to design and seismic deficiencies that make the building unsafe for the public. We are seeking a county and state partnership to rebuild this critical part of the State’s judicial infrastructure.
Reform Public Safety System
We support proven strategies that can reduce the climbing cost of corrections in Oregon while improving public safety and lowering recidivism rates.
Key legislative and budget issues
Health Care
- Assure any modifications to health care transformation improve health and reduce costs.
- Support cultural competency training for health professionals.
Early Learning
Support guidelines that develop local early learning council hubs and ensure adequate funding for system changes in each community.
Mental Health Services and Funding
Support additional funding for community mental health programs and services.
Public Health
- Support legislation that helps reduce deaths from opiate overdoses.
- Support legislation that allows public health officials to keep information confidential when exterminators report bed bug infestations.
Reduce Poverty
- Support legislation to remove barriers and increase choice and stability for low-income people seeking affordable housing.
- Support Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Veterans
Support efforts that assist veterans’ access to benefits earned through their service, including help in health care, employment and housing.
Community Corrections
Support cost-effective programs that provide accountability for offenders and reduce recidivism.
Juvenile Services
Support funding for services to safely manage juvenile offenders in the local community and increase access to residential placements.
Gang Intervention
Preserve and enhance funding for critical gang intervention programs, including the East Multnomah County Gang Enforcement Program.
Human Trafficking
Support efforts to prevent victimization of children and provide support services for children who have been victimized.
Prevent Gun Violence
Support statewide legislation to protect public safety by prohibiting the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Allow local jurisdictions to regulate weapons in public facilities.
Transportation Funding
Support funding for infrastructure in the Portland metro region, including the I-5 Bridge.
Land Use
Support legislation transferring Area 93 from Multnomah County to Washington County.
Seismic Upgrades to Public Buildings and Infrastructure
Support state funding for critical seismic upgrades to schools, bridges, and other public buildings.
Property Tax Administration
- Support renewal of the manufactured home tax cancellation statute.
- Support legislation to improve the Senior Property Tax Deferral Program.
Employee Benefits
Explore opportunities to improve the health and well-being of employees while reducing overall costs.
PERS
Support reforms that increase the Public Employee Retirement System’s stability and sustainability while maintaining healthy retirement benefits.