AOC, your membership organization, has been hard at work this last quarter. We’ve been able to navigate some complex policy discussions; build and strengthen partnerships; and officially opened the doors to our new building to celebrate this achievement at our March open house.
While not a full review of our activities, below are some highlights for us as an organization this last quarter.
Legislative Session – Policy
Members and staff have been actively testifying and lobbying legislators on critical issues facing our counties. While we are nearing the end of the first chamber deadlines this session, we have already seen the bill list narrow – as a reminder, long sessions see anywhere from 3,000 – 4,000 bills introduced.
March 17 was the first deadline. By this date, bills that had not been posted for a work session are presumed dead. April 4, is the next deadline. Bills that have not been moved out of a policy committee in their chamber of origin to either the other chamber, or a joint committee will be added to that list, further narrowing bills of focus for the Legislature.
The AOC legislative affairs team has put together the initial list of high-level bills they are tracking, calling out which survived the first deadline and which did not. Click here to view this list.
As a reminder, while we are working hard to move AOC supported bills, it’s not as simple as a bill dying at the deadline. Some policy issues do resurface through “gut and stuffs”, amendments, the budget, new bill introductions, or may be further explored in work groups.
Sine die is the official call of what makes it and what does not, but deadlines help narrow the scope of focus on legislation.
Legislative Session – Budget
In addition to policy discussions, the Legislature is diving deeply into creation of the state’s 2023-25 budget.
Over the next few weeks, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means will be conducting its biennial “road show,” where they will take their budget framework, released March 23, by the powerful budget committee co chairs, and seek feedback from Oregonians.
The committee will visit the following four cities for public input:
- Portland (April 8);
- Newport (April 14);
- Roseburg (April 21); and
- Ontario (April 28).
More information is available here.
AOC would encourage our members to connect with legislators on the committee and provide testimony on key funding for county programs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or any member of our legislative affairs team.
Open House
On March 13, AOC officially opened its doors to members, partners, and stakeholders to celebrate our new building. Our building, purchased in November of 2021, is now equipped with furniture, audio visual equipment, and is well organized to support the needs of our organization, day-to-day operations, members, and any events we may host at the building.
I was delighted to see so many members and partners drop by to see our new space and network.
Partnerships
I am pleased to say AOC is building strong relationships with the governor’s office, her staff, and agency partners. I am meeting with the governor’s office to build relationships and elevate our membership needs. Staff on your legislative affairs team are regularly meeting with the governor’s staff and agency staff to advocate for our issues. This is important work, and a high priority for AOC as a new administration means new staff, new direction, and new opportunities for collaboration.
Looking Forward
We look forward to closing out the legislative session with some wins for our members.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
AOC Executive Director