Chair Prozanski, Vice-Chair Thatcher, and Members of the Committee,

My name is Tyler Mac Innis, Policy Analyst for the Oregon Center for Public Policy, and I respectfully submit this testimony in support of SB 599 on behalf of the Center. The Oregon Center for Public Policy is a nonpartisan think tank that uses research and analysis to improve the economic outcomes for all Oregonians, especially for those struggling to make ends meet.

Access to stable housing is essential to the wellbeing of Oregonians. Research shows that housing instability can negatively impact the physical and mental health of families.[i] For children, prolonged housing instability can have lasting, “adverse effects on young children’s health, development, and future school performance.”[ii] SB 599 would strengthen equal access to stable housing in Oregon by prohibiting housing discrimination based on immigration status.

The bill is modeled after a provision in local ordinance in the City of Portland that has been in effect for years. It would extend that protection statewide, ensuring consistency of protections across all communities. Four other states have similar statewide protections (NY, WA, CA, IL).

If Oregon is to be a state where all of us can thrive, we must ensure all Oregonians have access to stable housing, regardless of their immigration status. We urge your support of this bill.

Sincerely,

Tyler Mac Innis

[i] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Housing Instability. See also, Fallon, Katherine, How Does Housing Stability Affect Mental Health?, Urban Institute, April 26, 2023.

[ii] Acosta, Sonya, Stable Housing Is Foundational to Children’s Well-Being, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, February 15, 2022.