House approves modest budget for Oregon Advocacy Commission office amid calls to fund more staff

The House approved Senate Bill 55 01, the budget bill for the Oregon Advocacy Commission—s office (OACO), which provides administrative support to four statutory commissions focused on Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic and women—s affairs.

Representative Tran presented the budget, noting a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for $1,685,008 general fund, $25,432 other funds and four FTEs (the final enrolled version later adjusted). The budget includes a small increase in other-funds expenditure limitation to permit expenditure of donations for program support.

Representative Nelson, a House member serving on the Commission on Black Affairs, said she would cast a no vote to draw attention to what she described as underfunding. "Representation takes labor, not just lip service. Inclusion takes infrastructure and equity doesn't happen just because we write it into law. It happens when we fund it, when we staff it, and when we prioritize it," Nelson said. She said 15 bills this session relied on OACO's work and urged larger, permanent staffing investments.

Representative Tran and supporters said the budget represents a modest increase and that staffing reductions from an earlier draft would be addressed in future budget work. The clerk recorded the roll and declared Senate Bill 55 01 passed. The sponsor said removed positions will be restored in a later budget process.

Supporters described the office as a critical connection between historically marginalized communities and state government; one member used the floor vote to press for greater investment in permanent staffing and infrastructure.