Dear ROPnet,
A democracy by for and of the people requires participation throughout the year. Actions from the White House are enriching billionaires by creating chaos, job losses, higher prices, and economic instability for everyday people. Here in Oregon, we can call on our state legislators to do what they can to protect Oregonians and not add to the chaos. Every state legislator deserves a call or email to hear your thoughts on how they should prioritize the state budget, but in the next few weeks we have a particularly important opportunity to have a say in the state budget: make your voices heard at the upcoming budget Ways and Means Roadshow events planned across the state.
In total, legislators will be stopping in 6 different counties across Oregon. Our partners are working to pack the rooms at each meeting and to have educators testify about why more funding for k-12 schools and community colleges is both needed and urgent.
Please note that all the locations EXCEPT the Salem location will prioritize in-person testimony. If you are not able to attend any of the in-person locations, please sign up for the Salem hearing as it will prioritize virtual testimony. If you would like to attend and/or testify, please see the details below and click here to RSVP:
- Gresham: Saturday, March 22
- 10 AM–12 PM, Mt. Hood Community College
- Mt. Hood Community College Theater, 26000 S.E. Stark St.
- Astoria: Friday, March 28
- 5–7 PM PST
- Liberty Theatre, 1203 Commercial St.
- Warm Springs: Friday, April 4
- 5–7 PM PST
- Old Warm Springs Elementary School, 1112 Wasco St.
- La Grande: Friday, April 11
- 5–7 PM PST, Eastern Oregon University
- Hoke Union Building #339, 1 University Blvd.
- Salem/Virtual: Wednesday, April 16
- 5–7 PM PST, Salem Capitol
- Hearing Room F
- Klamath Falls: Friday, 4/25
- 5–7 PM PST, Klamath Community College
- Building 4 Commons, 7390 South 6th St.
Want support strategizing about filling the room at your local meeting? Reach out to us at emma@rop.org and we would love to make a plan with you! Not sure what you might want to say? Here are some talking points from our partners at Our Oregon.
Protect Oregon Now: Shared Talking Points for Roadshow
Our nation is in a time of great uncertainty. Actions from the White House are enriching billionaires but creating chaos, job losses, higher prices, and economic instability for everyday people. Crafting a state budget during these unprecedented times is difficult, but Oregon lawmakers have spent years building reserves and have us well for moments like these. Now is the time for state leaders to protect Oregonians, not add to the chaos.
Protect Oregon Now Key Messages:
- Stay the Course: Protect Oregonians, not Unelected Billionaires. Don’t make pre-emptive cuts to services before federal action. Right now, Oregon’s economy is strong and we have healthy reserves. When and if federal budget cuts happen, we can address them at that time.
- Making preemptive cuts in our own budget would not be financially responsible; it would be a signal to Elon Musk that you are willing to help cover the cost of billionaire tax breaks by sacrificing some of the most critical basic services Oregonians all rely on.
- The Time is now: Prioritize investments that maximize opportunities for Oregon families and communities, especially during these difficult times. Every penny counts; prioritize protecting opportunities for the most Oregonians you possibly can.
- Reject new Oregon tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy. With the threat of a devastating loss of federal revenues, we absolutely can’t afford to follow Donald Trump’s lead by creating any new giveaways to corporations and the rich while Oregon families struggle.
Warmly,
Hannah and the ROP Team
Register your group by March 28th for early bird discounted rates to participate in the Rural Caucus & Strategy Session on Saturday, April 25-26th in Baker City! We can’t wait to see you there!
