Oregon House OKs expanded aid for wildfire damage
The Oregon House has approved a pair of bills that will expand the Wildfire Damage Housing Relief Program. The program, first established in 2015, provides financial assistance to low-income Oregonians who suffer a loss of housing due to a wildfire.
HB 2742 expands eligibility for the program to include families with an annual household income below 200% of the federal poverty line and increases the maximum relief grant to $7,000. HB 2741 appropriates money to fund the program.
“I’m very encouraged to see these bills pass the House and to see the Legislature renew its commitment to providing relief to victims of wildfires,” said House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), who chief sponsored the bills. “As we approach another wildfire season, our decision to expand the wildfire relief program will ensure that more Oregon families have access to immediate support if and when the worst happens.”
The Wildfire Damage Housing Relief Program was established in 2015 through legislation chief sponsored by House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte). Rep. McLane drafted the legislation after visiting communities impacted by the Moccasin Hill Fire in 2014 and hearing first-hand about the obstacles many Oregonians faced in the aftermath of a devastating wildfire.
Many of the victims, Rep. McLane noted, were uninsured or underinsured and had very limited personal financial resources available to help themselves get back on their feet. The wildfire relief program was established with many of these victims in mind.
“This program is not intended to replace traditional insurance or disaster relief programs,” continued McLane. “This is about providing support to the most vulnerable victims of wildfires, who may not have enough money to cover their deductibles or need a quick infusion of cash in order to keep food on the table as they try to get back on their feet after a devastating loss.”
HB 2742 increases the annual household income eligibility cap from 75% of the federal poverty line to 200%. The bill also raises the maximum grant award from $5,000 to $7,000 and makes clear that Oregonians who are already receiving insurance benefits are not eligible for benefits under the program. HB 2741 appropriates $500,000 to fund the program, which is overseen by the Housing and Community Services Department.
Both bills received unanimous support from the Oregon House. The bills now move to the Senate for further consideration.
