SALEM, Ore. – Today, Senate and House Republican Leaders called on the Presiding Officers of the Legislature to convene the Emergency Board which would expedite immediate relief to Oregonians most in need of rental assistance.
This process would be the fastest way to support renters and property owners for the winter months as opposed to an unpredictable and cumbersome special session prone to competing priorities.
Any additional drastic government intervention other than immediate financial support would cause long-term damage to the availability of naturally affordable rental units throughout the state.
“The Emergency Board was created for these kinds of urgent situations,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend).“ If the presiding officers convened an Emergency Board meeting, we can come together on a bipartisan basis to get help to those who need it and avoid any negative consequences of a special session.”
“To immediately help Oregonians most in need we should convene the Emergency Board now,” said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville.) “The drawn-out process of an uncertain special session is not the answer. Let’s make Oregonians a priority by expediting relief.”
The Emergency Board has discretionary authority over funding which can be used to help get relief money out the door quicker and expand assistance to those who still wish to apply. Oregon is set to receive tens of millions more from the federal government in rental assistance in the coming months.