Policy Overview
Homelessness
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There has been quite a lot of talk over the decades on how to fix the homeless problem. When it comes to it, what most of these people are talking about is how to make the problem disappear. Meaning that they don't want to actually solve the issue, they're just looking to make it go somewhere else so they don't have to look at it.
I've yet to have anyone explain to me by how sending the homeless elsewhere that some how magically ends the homeless problem.
NEWS FLASH! Out of sight, out of mind doesn't fix the problem. Homelessness is such an issue in Oregon in fact, that a former mayor of Bend, Oregon passed away while homeless.
There are people in Oregon, as well as in other parts of the United States of America, who are still homeless due to Covid. Who are still homeless due to the 2008 housing crisis. Yes! Even now in the 2020s.
People who have full-time jobs but are unable to rent. It could be because they don't earn three times the amount of rent. Or they are disabled and are unable to locate any place which is able to let them use a housing voucher. Which can take years to receive.
Then when a person receives one, there is only a limited time to locate a place where you are able to use it. Can't find a place? Then you're told, "To bad, so sad!"
UNACCEPTABLE!
What I've recommended before, and still recommend in my campaign for governor of Oregon, is creating a statewide housing authority.
Many people are homeless because they're unable to find a place to rent. Or are unable to find a place that will rent to them. Because they're disabled. Are a veteran. Don't speak English.
At the same time they are places renting places out that are telling us that they can't find anyone to rent. Some rental companies need to check their privilege and rent to people who are more likely than not to fit the neighborhood background.
But there are people who have jobs, who are unable to find a place to rent. Even if they can afford to.
A statewide housing authority will create the ability for low income people who are looking for a place to rent to rent from those will have rentals available. It will also make it easier for people to relocate from one part of Oregon to another if they need or want to.
Do you agree with me?
That ending homelessness means something other than just running people out just because that's simple. My plan listed above can be put into effect today. Not some decades long plan.
Healthcare
An issue which impacts everyone.
Healthcare access is something important to may at different times in their lives for different reasons. When a person is younger they might not even think about it.
One of the most pressing issues we face is ensuring that access to healthcare is easy and available for all. In many regions, long trips to hospitals and clinics are a common reality, particularly for those living in rural areas. We must address these challenges head-on to improve the overall health of our communities.
Long distances to healthcare facilities can deter individuals from seeking necessary medical attention, leading to preventable illnesses and complications.
Investing in telehealth services and mobile clinics is vital to overcoming geographical barriers that affect access to healthcare. By implementing these solutions, we can ensure that all individuals, regardless of where they live, have access to quality healthcare without the burden of long and exhausting trips.
Ultimately, our commitment to making healthcare easy to access is essential for the well-being of our constituents. As we prepare to make critical decisions about our state’s future, let’s remember that every resident deserves the right to convenient and timely healthcare, regardless of their location.
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