Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signs bills aimed at state's housing, homelessness crisis

Gov. Tina Kotek signed two bills into law Wednesday afternoon aimed at addressing the state's ongoing housing and homelessness crisis.

The $200 million affordable housing and emergency homelessness response package represents a "down payment" on the session's efforts to address the ongoing crisis and a shared sense of urgency across party lines, the governor said at the billing signing ceremony for House bills 2001 and 5019.

Kotek said the day was a "significant moment" that honored the commitment she made on her first full day as Oregon governor, when she signed three emergency declarations related to the housing and homelessness crisis.

“I want to say firmly, this is just the beginning,” Kotek said. “My recommended budget expands on the investments in this early session package – and I will continue to urge legislative action to deliver the ongoing support our communities need to make real progress.”

Read more:Kotek signs executive orders aimed at homelessness, declares state of emergency

House Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, thanked lawmakers for coming together across both chambers to pass the package within the first 60 days of the legislative session.

"Today demonstrates that we can deliver on some of the biggest and most important issues facing Oregonians," Rayfield said.

Other speakers at the bill signing ceremony included Sybil Hebb with the Oregon Law Center and Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC, a Portland based nonprofit that provides affordable housing support.

Kotek read prepared remarks from Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo.