The 2021 Legislative Session began on January 19, 2021. For the foreseeable future, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, committees will be held virtually, and floor sessions will be pared down to limit exposure to COVID-19.
Several new health, human services, and housing related committees were formed for the 2021 Session, which came with the announcements of committee chairs. Those of interest for the health and human services policy area are:
- Senate Committee on Health Care– Chair Deb Patterson (D-Salem)
- Senate Committee on Housing and Development– Chair Kayse Jama (D-Portland)
- Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health, and Recovery– Chair Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis)
- House Committee on Behavioral Health– Chair Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland)
- House Committee on Health Care– Chair Rachel Prusak (D-Tualatin); COVID-19 Subcommittee– Chair Maxine Dexter (D-Portland)
- House Committee on Housing– Chair Juley Fahey (D-Eugene)
- House Committee on Human Services– Chair Anna Williams (D-Hood River)
The 81st Legislative Assembly will tackle many challenges during the Legislative Session, including balancing the budget in a deficit and responding to continued needs related to wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Response to wildfires and the pandemic have stressed the state and county health, human services, and housing systems. These crises pose an important lesson: the Legislature has an opportunity to prioritize prevention-based funding, which will better serve Oregonian’s long-term needs, and will help assuage the impacts of future crises.
Topics of importance in the health and human services policy arena will include:
- Continued response to the coronavirus, emergency planning for future crises, and fortifying the public health system.
- Non-congregate sheltering, housing in wildfire-affected areas, and housing those experiencing homelessness.
- Addressing behavioral health workforce issues, improving the aid and assist process, increased telehealth services, and behavioral health parity.
The AOC team will be following these issues closely, and will keep AOC members and partners apprised of key updates and issues of interest.
For questions, please contact Lizzy Atwood Wills.
Contributed by: Lizzy Atwood Wills | Legislative Affairs Manager