Dear neighbors,
The 2023 long session of the Oregon legislature may be over, but I’m still fighting for our community!
As a proud farmer and rancher, I know better than most of my legislative colleagues just how difficult our career can be. Sometimes, the pressure of a high-stress, low-revenue job can be too much, and we need someone to help ease the pressure. There is no shame in seeking a helping hand.
One of my signature bills this session was SB 955, which appropriates $300,000 to Oregon State University Extension to fund the AgriStress mental health hotline for my fellow farmers. The AgriStress Helpline was created and is staffed by a partnership of nonprofits who provide care during thecall and refer callers to resources in their community for follow-up care. The helpline is staffed 24 hours a day,seven days a week, and language services are available in over 160 languages. Six states currently have an AgriStress Helpline: Connecticut, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Governor Tina Kotek came all the way to Eastern Oregon, the heart of Beaver State ag country, to sign the bill into law!
As a proud farmer and rancher, I know better than most of my legislative colleagues just how difficult our career can be. Sometimes, the pressure of a high-stress, low-revenue job can be too much, and we need someone to help ease the pressure. There is no shame in seeking a helping hand.
One of my signature bills this session was SB 955, which appropriates $300,000 to Oregon State University Extension to fund the AgriStress mental health hotline for my fellow farmers. The AgriStress Helpline was created and is staffed by a partnership of nonprofits who provide care during thecall and refer callers to resources in their community for follow-up care. The helpline is staffed 24 hours a day,seven days a week, and language services are available in over 160 languages. Six states currently have an AgriStress Helpline: Connecticut, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Governor Tina Kotek came all the way to Eastern Oregon, the heart of Beaver State ag country, to sign the bill into law!
HB 2192
This new law aligns criteria for alteration, restoration or replacement of dwellings on lands zoned for forest use consistent with criteria applicable to dwellings on lands zoned for farm use.
HB 2898
Starting next year, this statute extends the time during which a recreational vehicle may be sited on a lot with a single-family dwelling that was damaged by a natural disaster.
OHCS Updates the Oregon Multifamily Energy Program Manual
OAR 813-206-0000 through 813-206-0070 address protocols, standards, and requirements with respect to the Multifamily Energy Program (the “Program”), the purpose of which is to address energy efficiency needs of low-income households in multifamily housing. Additional policies and instructions for this program are outlined in the Multifamily Energy Program Manual dated July 12, 2023, incorporated herein by this reference (“Manual”). Other applicable policies, standards, and requirements are contained in the department’s descriptive and procedural rules found in Division 1, in the department’s general rules found in Division 5, and in the department’s general procedures for public contracts and procurements found in Division 6. The department allocates funds for this program to eligible affordable multifamily rental housing developments (“Projects”) through developers and owners of such projects. Program funds are made available to the department from SB 1149 Electricity Public Purpose Charge account established in ORS757.612(3)(b)(C) for this and other purposes under ORS 757.612(3)(b)(C).
Eastern Oregon Economic Summit Kicks Off Next Week
Join me in Union County August 3-4 for industry tours, speakers, and discussion panels focused on the regional economy, federal and state legislation, program and industry updates, and more.
The Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition is hosting this year’s event at Eastern Oregon University in the hub of eastern Oregon, La Grande.
Thank you for the privilege to serve as your State Representative. For questions, concerns, and comments regarding legislation, call me at 541-561-5557, email me at rep.bobbylevy@oregonlegislature.gov, or visit my Capitol Office in H-385.
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