By Today, the Oregon Legislative Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Caucus shares a common mission to advance racial justice efforts in Oregon and eliminate systemic oppression and racism. He announced his top priorities for the 2024 Congress. of Oregon HB 4041.
At this conference, the caucus will focus on promoting inclusive economic growth and addressing Oregon's long-standing wealth disparities by race, gender, and immigration status. Promote economic justice by revitalizing small businesses, increasing homeownership rates in communities of color, and expanding access to affordable child care across the state, including in rural areas. The caucus will also advocate for the creation of Oregon's first comprehensive newcomer support system to ensure immigrants and refugees have the resources they need to seek safety and prosperity in their new home.
“This agenda speaks to the deep need for economic justice, social justice, and cultural connection in our communities and our caucus’s commitment to addressing these issues and more. We look forward to our work as a caucus and our continued advocacy,” said Sen. Urnsbay Campos (D-Aloha/Beaverton/Hillsboro), BIPOC Caucus Co-Chair.
“The caucus’ efforts to revitalize small businesses, promote homeownership in diverse communities, and expand access to affordable child care reflect a dedication to economic justice. Advocating for a newcomer support system highlights our commitment to ensuring immigrants and refugees have the essential resources to get a safe and prosperous start in their new homeland. This positive agenda is important to all Oregonians. Their focus on building a more just and prosperous future is commendable,” said Rep. Ricky Lewis (D-Gresham), co-chair of the BIPOC caucus.
Oregon BIPOC Caucus Priorities Act of 2024: HB 4041
Will the BIPOC Caucus Defend the Economic Equity Act? House Bill (HB) 4041 As a signature bill for the 2024 session. The law provides grants and technical assistance to community-based programs that work to build intergenerational wealth for people who face multiple economic risks, including rural residence, racial discrimination, and English language proficiency. It directly addresses growing poverty in Oregon by providing:
“Economic justice is social justice. Funding the Economic Equity Investment Program creates new opportunities for Oregonians in every corner of our state to build generational wealth for their families and communities.” ” said Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Happy Valley/North Clackamas), the House committee chair. About economic development and small businesses.
What is the Economic Equity Investment Act (HB 4041)?
The Economic Equity Investment Act (now House Bill 4041) is legislation that supports the Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP). It's a plan whose supporters have been lobbying in the halls of the Oregon Legislature for several years. While advocates were able to make some progress last year, they were unable to fully fund the program. The bill is scheduled to have its first hearing later this week, and the coalition is seeking testimony.
you can submit evidence here.
Congressmen Bynum, Lewis, and Jama have supported these priorities since advocacy for this groundbreaking program began.
Complete Priorities for the 2024 Oregon BIPOC Caucus
In addition, the caucus Complete list of priorities continues to support working families, individuals, and small businesses by removing barriers that have long prevented Oregonians from realizing their economic development opportunities and economic goals.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue the American Dream. For more than 20 years, Oregon Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) have helped low-income Oregonians improve their financial lives by providing them with the opportunity to save money they deserve. As we work to address the affordable housing crisis, IDA is one of the best tools we have to make homeownership more attainable. We will continue,” said Sen. Keith Jama (D-East Portland, Damascus, and Boring).
“Shedding light on issues is the best way to know where resources are most needed. Secretary of State to create a system to identify minority/women/veteran-owned businesses in the state.” By asking the Office, we can strengthen support for underserved businesses and increase economic development opportunities and technical assistance.'' Rep. Travis Nelson (D-North Portland) said this:
The BIPOC Caucus believes that child care is a fundamental right and that access to culturally appropriate, affordable child care is critical to creating a strong and equitable economy.
“Flexible, high-quality, affordable child care is critically important to all working families. Culturally sensitive care is a key element in closing the child care gap in Oregon, and we are committed to providing large-scale We need to provide support to these small home-based centers, not just the large centers,” said Rep. Daniel Nguyen (D-Lake Oswego).
The BIPOC Caucus recognizes that immigrant and refugee communities not only enrich our cultural landscape, but also make our economy stronger by bringing innovative skills, talents, and perspectives. I am.
“We all want to live in comfortable conditions. Connecting newcomers to resources ensures that all neighbors are treated fairly and everyone can find their place here.” Through this pilot program, HB 4159, we hope that Oregon will be ready to receive federal funds should the federal government choose to step in and assist newcomers. is a way to strengthen Oregon's workforce and ensure that new Oregonians can integrate into our state and contribute to our collective success.” said Rep. Hoa Nguyen (D-East Portland/Damascus). He said this.
Summary of HB4041
