I am writing with an update on HB 2020- Oregon’s proposed cap and invest bill. The omnibus amendment package for HB 2020-31 was introduced on Monday and the biggest concern is that they have reinstated allocations for tribes (10%) and impacted communities (40%), as well as $10 million set aside for the Just Transition Fund but investments in natural and working lands continue to be left out.
As the the voices of COLT and implementors of natural climate solutions, I am sending out a rallying cry for you to help us with the effort of reinstating a dedicated funds for natural and working lands in HB 2020.
May I ask of you
Please take ten minutes to email your legislators and ask them to be a champion for a dedicated 20% allocation for investments in natural and working lands, similar to what was included in SB 1507 (the bill from last session). The message should be positive about the trajectory of the bill, emphasize the urgency to pass it, but to communicate that this is a final improvement that will strengthen the bill and allocate revenue to investments that Oregonians overwhelmingly support (wildfire reduction, forest health, water quality) in recent polling and support rural communities.
The timeline on the next amendment package is uncertain, but the next few days will be absolutely critical to reach out to your legislators to ask them to champion these issues and share the message with leadership. This ask needs to be communicated to Senator Courtney, Speaker Kotek, as well as Senator Dembrow and Representative Power as soon as possible. Contact info below. Please reach out to offices you have good relationships (including your own state legislators) with and ask them to be a champion for these dedicated percentages. Thanks for your advocacy and for spreading the word to get this across the finish line.<br>-Kelley
Rep. TinaKotek@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen. petercourtney@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen. MichaelDembrow@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep. KarinPower@oregonlegislature.gov
