|
Capitol Address: District Address: |
Senator Jackie Dingfelder 
On February 1st, the Legislature reconvened for the 2012 session. Although this is a short session, we will be facing important decisions regarding the budget and allocation of limited resources to essential programs. I am committed to advocating for adequate funding to essential programs that serve the most vulnerable members of our state during the 2012 Legislative Session. Although this session will prove to be another difficult one, I am excited to be back to Salem representing the residents of Senate District 23. I am sponsoring two bills this time: the first bill will expand the Senior Farmers' Market Direct Nutrition Program for seniors. This program provides low-income seniors with vouchers that can be used to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs at farmers' markets and roadside stands. The program is intended to improve nutrition for Oregon seniors and at the same time support local farmers and producers. Current funding levels provide vouchers to only about half of all eligible seniors. While the amount requested in this bill will not fully fund the Senior Farm Direct Nutrition Program so that all eligible seniors receive a voucher, it will increase funding substantially and allow us to serve more seniors in need. Ultimately, more seniors will have access to fresh produce and can have a better chance of staying healthy. The second bill I am working on relates to affordable housing and how affordable housing properties get recorded in the public domain. Currently, the form required to transfer ownership of a property designated for low-income residents is long and very complex. Because filing fees are based on the number of pages in a document, filing an affordable housing form is more expensive than regular recording fees. This bill will help to ensure that more affordable housing documents are properly recorded and equalize some of the filing fees by allowing a Master/Short Form affordable document. If you would like to receive my legislative newsletter, please sign up at the top of this page or call my Capitol office. Sincerely,
State Jackie Dingfelder Northeast and Southeast Portland and Maywood Park The Oregon Senate Democrats now have an external legislative blog and website where you can connect with your elected officials. Please visit us at www.orsenatemajority.org to learn more. |
