It’s been a busy few weeks in Salem as legislators raced to meet the April 9 deadline for committees to hold work sessions on bills and move them out of committee for floor votes or consideration by joint House-Senate committees such as Ways and Means, Revenue or Rules.

Public hearings and work sessions were held on a number of bills of interest to AOR members. This update includes an action alert on a bill that would negatively impact Oregon’s Bottle Bill and updates on other bills of interest.

At the annual conference in June, AOR has hosted a series of equity-related sessions and speakers throughout the years (2014-2018) to identify issues and raise awareness. AOR has also offered an equity training open to members in 2016.

Legislators will discuss and consider a number of bills of interest to AOR's members. This update includes an overview of legislation that AOR's board will work to support or oppose in the coming weeks after considering recommendations from AOR's legislative committee. 

AOR Support:

Right to repair -- HB 2688 -- Support

Please welcome AOR's newest student member - an 8th grader from Oak Hill School!  

Name: Brennen Matherly

In what University/College are you currently enrolled, or if an Americorps Volunteer, where are you working/volunteering? I’m an 8th graders at Oak Hill School

The 2019 Oregon Legislative session begins January 22 and will likely include discussion of many issues of interest to AOR’s members. The legislative committee began review of legislative concepts in November. This update includes a summary of recent committee meetings and information about open positions on the committee and how to apply for those positions.

Name: Anna Greenberg 

In what University/College are you currently enrolled, or if an Americorps Volunteer, where are you working/volunteering? University of Oregon

Tell us about your major or current career path: I am in my 2nd year of my Masters in Community and Regional Planning Program.

Name: Dustin Boomer  

In what University/College are you currently enrolled, or if an Americorps Volunteer, where are you working/volunteering? I am the Waste Reduction Specialist in the Campus Sustainability Office at Portland State University.

Meet Peter Brandom from the City of Hillsboro, one of AOR's newest organization members!  

What is the name of your business or organization? City of Hillsboro

The Commonway Institute director talks about the intersection between homelessness and waste management

From Street Roots, November 24th, by Jared Paben

Shariff Abdullah asked the crowd if they’d ever heard the expression “poor white trash.” Hands raised throughout the hotel ballroom.