Update: January 31, 2011

Oregon's Cash Assistance Program Helps Far Fewer Needy Families Than 15 Years Ago

On the eve of Governor John Kitzhaber's release of a budget proposal that may call for deep cuts to the state's largest cash assistance and job training program for destitute families with children, a national think tank reports that as a result of welfare reform 15 years ago, Oregon is helping far fewer poor families than it once did.

A new analysis finds that in the years just prior to the 1996 welfare reform legislation, the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program helped 60 families for every 100 Oregon families in poverty. By 2008-2009, the program -- now named Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) -- helped only 35 out of every 100 poor families, even when factoring in a significant caseload increase following the recession.

Read the news release Oregon's Cash Assistance Program Helps Far Fewer Needy Families than 15 Years Ago. Click here for a PDF copy.

See Video of Chuck Sheketoff's Presentation on Oregon's Fiscal Situation

On January 26, OCPP executive director Chuck Sheketoff appeared at the DemoForum of Marion County to talk about Oregon's budget outlook and how to address the revenue shortfall.

Click here to see a video of the presentation.

In Case You Missed It: OCPP on OPB's Story on Measures 66 and 67

On Friday, Oregon Public Broadcasting aired a news story on the performance of Measures 66 and 67 one year after their enactment at the ballot box. Among those quoted in the story was OCPP executive director Chuck Sheketoff, who said, "The measures have done what they were supposed to do which is bring in hundreds of millions of dollars."

Listen to the story or read the transcript here.

Join Us on Have a Heart Day

Oregon Thrives is having their lobby day on Monday, February 14, 2011 in Salem at our State Capitol. Have a Heart Day (flyer) is an opportunity for you talk to legislators about how to help all Oregonians thrive.

Oregon Thrives' agenda includes what Oregonians need to help create access opportunity: housing and homelessness, financial assets and income, food access and security, business and jobs and community accountability.

Oregon Thrives is a coalition of organizations and agencies working to create healthy and prosperous communities where everyone has access to jobs, education, nutritious food, stable homes and services that protect and promote health and wellness.

Lobby Day is Monday, February 14, 2011.

8:00 a.m.: Coffee & Registration

8:30 a.m.: Legislative Briefing & Our Message

9:00 a.m.: Visits begin

Lunch will be provided.

RSVP to Alison at amcintosh@neighborhoodpartnerships.org or 503.226.3001 x107. If you need a ride to Salem, please let Alison know. Oregon Thrives is working with partners statewide to get everyone to Salem.