Oregon Senate Bill 5501 work session addresses budget for Advocacy Commission

The Oregon Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss critical funding for the Oregon Advocacy Commission's office through Senate Bill 5501. This bill proposes an appropriation of $1,685,008 from the general fund and $25,430 from other funds, marking a significant 23.9% decrease from the previous budget cycle.

The budget reduction is primarily attributed to the phase-out of three limited-duration positions that were previously funded to support the commission's work under House Bill 4052. This bill had tasked the commission with forming affinity task force groups to address the needs of specific priority populations, with a deadline for recommendations extended to June 30, 2026, by House Bill 2925. The ongoing work indicates that while staffing for these positions will cease, the commission is still in the process of compiling its report.

During the meeting, the subcommittee reviewed a recommendation from the Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) that included a minor increase in expenditure limitations for other funds, allowing the commission to utilize donations for program support and events. This adjustment will raise the expenditure limit for each commission from $2,671 to $6,358 per biennium.

The subcommittee members engaged in discussions about the implications of these budget changes, particularly the impact of reduced staffing on the commission's ability to fulfill its mandate. Representative Gomberg moved to accept the LFO's recommendation, which was met with no objections, indicating a consensus on the proposed budget adjustments.

As the Oregon Advocacy Commission continues its essential work in advocating for priority populations, the outcomes of this meeting highlight the ongoing challenges and adjustments faced by state agencies in meeting community needs amidst budget constraints. The next steps will involve monitoring the commission's progress in compiling its recommendations and ensuring that the necessary support is available for its initiatives.