2015 Policy Recommendations
We all want to live in a more prosperous, stable Oregon where everyone can afford the essentials for a healthy, full life. Our legislative priorities this session will give more Oregonians an opportunity to build a brighter future.
We're asking legislators to:
Make work pay:
- Increase job training and education for better–paying jobs and gradually increase the minimum wage so that families can afford food and other essentials.
- Provide adequate funds for targeted, evidence-based programs and graduated slopes for families using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) so that they retain more of their earnings and are more stable, thus less likely to return to assistance in the future.
- Expand and extend tax credits for families with low incomes, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to help cover basic living expenses.
Strengthen basic supports in the interim:
- Use state funds for the reduced-price lunch co-pay so more students have access to the nutrition they need to do well in school.
- Provide additional support through the Oregon Hunger Response Fund to extend emergency assistance to more families.
- Fund incentives for women, children and seniors with low incomes so they can access more fruits and vegetables.
- Expand funding for stable housing, including additions to the Emergency Housing Account (EHA) and State Housing Assistance Program (SHAP).
Support those who are unable to work:
- Pilot a General Assistance program for single adults to help them with a place to live as they await federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
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