Successes
OCCV 2007 Legislative Victories
OCCV made a successful debut in Oregon’s 2007 Legislative Session. Over 300 members participated by meeting with & writing to their legislators, writing letters to the editor, phone banking, and testifying in support of critical, moral issues. Many members took action for the first time.
Care for the Poor HB 2871: OCCV Members helped in ensuring the success of House Bill 2871, a bill which regulated payday lending institutions by imposing a 36% cap. Prior to this legislation, many institutions were charging upwards of 500% interest, spiraling many of Oregon’s poorest even further into debt.
Care for Creation 737: Over 80 community members participated in theological discussions on creation care and effectively lobbied their legislators to support good stewardship. SB 737 guarantees funding for the Department of Environmental Quality, allowing for critical research on practices like toxic mixing zones.
Care for the Sick SB 27: OCCV members signed letters of endorsement, met with and called their legislators on this important bill. While SB 27 did not pass, another similar bill, SB 329, was passed successfully. Oregonians will see health care reform in the next two years, in large part due to active voices within the faith community.
Ballot Measures 49 & 50
OCCV formally endorsed Measure 49 (land-use reform) and signed onto a statement in its support in the Special Election Voter’s Pamphlet.
OCCV formally endorsed Measure 50 (Healthy Kids Initiative) and sponsored a statement in its support in the Voter’s Pamphlet.
OCCV encouraged its members to support Measure 49 & 50 at its 2nd Annual Conference and through email alerts, phone calls and meetings with OCCV members and partner organizations. OCCV also participated in a People of Faith Press Conference and Canvass Day in support of Measure 50.
Building the Network
OCCV has built a network of over 500 active participants and 800 e-members (recipients of our e-newsletters). OCCV engages and activates its members through local leadership networks which are currently based in Multnomah,