February 5, 2024 – Rep. Lucetta Elmer: Announces Commencement of the 2024 Legislative Session, Priority Legislation, and Committee Assignments
Today, Representative Lucetta Elmer (R- McMinnville) announced the commencement of the 2024 Legislative Session, her priority legislation, as well as her committee assignments.
“I am excited about the possibility of meaningful change this session, but also feel a great sense of responsibility – Oregon is truly at a crossroads. Oregonians have been clear that something must change with Measure 110, Oregon’s addiction crisis, and the rampant public drug use on our streets. Half attempted measures will not suffice for an emergency of this magnitude,” said Representative Elmer. “We know what needs to be done to get to the heart of this issue, but it will require the political will, by all parties, to accomplish this.”
Representative Elmer’s Priority Bills for the Session:
- Housing Oregon’s Workforce (House Bill 4134) – This bipartisan legislation, co-chief sponsored by Representative Gomberg (D-Otis), would allow cities across the state that have land within their current urban growth boundaries to develop workforce affordable housing through a public-private partnership – taking a onetime ask of public funds for stopgap infrastructure, in partnership with private development dollars. There are currently 10 projects earmarked within the bill. To qualify, cities had to show they had shovel-ready infrastructure and housing ready for development, within the city’s current UGB, that could be completed within 60 months of receiving a direct allocation from the state. Additionally, local developers in each area had to confirm the affordability would pencil for them: 30% of the completed housing units must be available for sale or rent at 130% or less AMI.
- Modifying Oregon’s Certificate of Need (House Bill 4139): In Oregon, a Certificate of Need is required to add beds to hospitals, build a nursing home, acquire radiation therapy equipment, or offer inpatient psychiatric services, among other things. Evidence shows that Certificate of Need Laws increase costs, decrease access, and decrease the quality of healthcare. This legislation would exempt inpatient rehab, psychiatric, alcohol withdrawal, chemical dependency, and skilled nursing facilities from needing a Certificate of Need.
“I am thoroughly excited about the solutions both of my priority bills bring to the table. The passage of House Bill 4134 would provide House District 24 with 418 new housing units – between Sheridan, Carlton, McMinnville, and Amity, who all have infrastructure projects included in the bill. And House Bill 4139 would address Oregon’s rehab per capita deficiency, our rapidly aging population, as well as Oregon’s mental health crisis in a tangible way by removing a burdensome regulatory requirement,” said Representative Elmer. “There is a lot to accomplish in just 35 short days. It is an honor to represent House District 24 in the Oregon Legislature.”
Representative Elmer’s Committee Assignments:
- House Committee on Business and Labor – Vice-Chair
- House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business
- House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services
- House Committee on Higher Education
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