Support Our Oregon House Bill 4159: Newcomer Humanitarian Investment Bill
PORTLAND, Oregon, February 1, 2024 – Portland Refugee Support Group (PRSG) had the privilege of participating in a coalition of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) tasked with crafting a policy proposal to present to the Oregon State Legislature during the upcoming short session, scheduled from February 5th to mid-March 2024. Represented by Rebecca Battin and Angela Swan, PRSG played a pivotal role in spearheading the creation of this groundbreaking policy proposal addressing critical community needs.
PRSG, in collaboration with local CBOs, is advocating and mobilizing support for House Bill 4159. This groundbreaking policy proposal is set to undergo its first public hearing in the House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services at the Capitol building on Monday, February 5th, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. The HB 4159 presentation, slated as the first in the hearing, will provide an overview of the bill and testimony to the bill's importance for our community, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
For those unable to attend in person, virtual participation is available. Policy supporters are warmly invited to join us in championing this effort and making a lasting impact on our community.
Image of Oregon’s capitol state building.
Join the Portland Refugee Support Group (PRSG) and local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) at the Capitol in Salem on Monday, February 5th, for the first public hearing of our groundbreaking policy proposal aimed at addressing critical community needs.
What does the proposed policy entail?
The policy proposal, also called the Newcomer Humanitarian Investment bill, pilots a program to more consistently offer a range of essential services and resource navigation to our newly arrived community members. These services will include temporary sheltering for new arrivals, nutrition support, healthcare access and enrollment, education access, and employment assistance, and connection to legal services, with a focus on long-term support for these families. These services will be offered through existing avenues when possible, to concentrate support to where it is most needed, and will be coordinated through CBOs. When crafting this policy proposal we included explicit financial oversight, as well as behavioral supervision by an advisory body, underscoring the program's commitment to our community members.
Is the House Bill 4159 public?
The bill will be made public on Friday, February 2nd, and can be accessed HERE under Bills: HB 4159.
Image of members of CBOs coalition.
Portland Refugee Support Group played a central role in crafting the policy proposal as part of a coalition formed in September 2023.
Share Your Support
Supporters are encouraged to contact their representatives and express backing for House Bill 4159. Together, we can create meaningful impact on our community and champion essential services and long-term support.
For media inquiries, please contact: info@pdxrsg.org
