C. Oregon Realtors meet with lawmakers in Salem
Over 50 members of the Central Oregon Association of Realtors attended the 2019 Realtor Day at the Capitol on Tuesday April 2 nd to meet with four Central Oregon lawmakers: Sen. Tim Knopp, Rep. Cheri Helt, Rep. Mike McClain and Rep. Jack Zika.
“Being active with fellow Realtors is one key to success for all of us. This week’s trip to Salem was no exception. We all learned details about how our lawmaking process works and got to ask direct questions of our lawmakers in person. And help those lawmakers better understand how parts of some bills proposed affect private property rights via real -life stories from our clients, ” said Dave Feagans, past COAR President.
Issues that were discussed with Central Oregon legislators included:
Support for Senate Bill 2-A, Eastern Oregon Economic Development Opportunity Zones. SB 2 would authorize ten Eastern Oregon counties (Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Lake, Malheur, Sherman, Union, Wallowa and Wheeler) to conduct an economic opportunity analysis outside of their Urban Growth Boundaries (UGB) as part of their comprehensive plan. The bill seeks to help areas with declining populations and slow recovery from the recession spur economic activity. Support for House Bill 2001, Missing Middle Housing. This bill will encourage more development in existing neighborhoods to help ease the shortage of 155,000 housing units with amendments addressing city size and lack of local control. Support Senate Bill 88, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) for Rural Residential Zones. SB 88 authorizes owners of a lot or parcel zoned rural residential to construct one ADU on lots over 2 acres. Support House Bill 2055/2056-Workforce Housing Accelerator. These bills will expand the Workforce Housing Initiative beyond the five pilot projects (out of 31 applications) being selected to form partnerships between local communities, business and private developers to address the workforce housing shortage. Support Senate Bill 790 and House Bill 3133-Individual Development Accounts (IDA). IDAs help Oregonians that are under 80% of the Area Median Income build financial skills as they save toward a goal. The Initiative usually matches $3 for every $1 saved. Oppose House Bill 3349-Phase-Out and Means Test for the Mortgage Interested Deduction (MID). With the median home price in Oregon exceeding over $400,000 in many communities, the MID can make the difference between a family being able to purchase a home or being a renter. The bill targets residences with an income test to receive the MID and second homes, often purchased with the intent of being a primary residence in the future.
The positions Realtors discussed are focused on protecting private property rights and increasing opportunities for homeownership. ” I think it is so important and helpful to see first-hand how our political system works, and how every individual can make a difference, ” said Susanna Abrahamson, COAR State Director.
