Oregon Governor Calls for Improved Services for Drug Addiction and Sharpened Focus on Climate Resilience

Providing homes for the homeless, frustration with mental health and addiction treatment problems, and the urgent need to focus on climate resilience following the devastating 2024 wildfires came under the spotlight of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s State of the State Address yesterday (Monday).

Kotek, who on her first day in office declared a state of emergency on homelessness, told the House and Senate that despite spending millions, it was not enough to stop homeless numbers from increasing.

Homelessness Increased by 13% Compared to 2023

There are now 22,875 people living on the streets of Oregon, representing an increase of 13% compared to 2023, according to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

On a more positive note, the Governor said 3,330 families were relocated into permanent homes, and 4,800 beds were added to shelters by the end of June. State aid to a further 24,000 needy families would ensure that they did not become homeless.

Like homelessness, Kotek said she was impatient with the pace of progress in the fields of mental health and drug addiction.

Kotek requested $90 million for 363 additional beds to treat drug-related problems, with a further $50 million for staff and recruitment programs in her budget proposal to lawmakers late last year.

Governor Calls for Coordinated Services Between Homeless Shelters and Mental Health Providers

The Governor says coordinating services between shelters and mental health providers will help reduce overcrowding at the Oregon State Hospital, where most patients are undergoing treatment to handle their defense in upcoming criminal trials, leaving people needing long-term psychiatric treatment nowhere to turn.

A Very, Very Bad Smoky Day Fund

Turning to the devastating 2024 wildfire season, the Governor says $150 million -money earmarked for Oregon’s Rainy-Day Fund – should instead be channeled into what she described as a ‘Very, Very Bad Smoky Day’ fund.

Urging lawmakers to focus on climate resilience, Kotek reminded that the 2024 wildfires devoured over 1.9 million acres and cost $350 million.

Discussing education, the Governor revealed a plan that will change how the state calculates base funding for schools and called for increased accountability in school districts and the Department of Education. Kotek said school districts would receive help and attention to improve student performance.

Kotek told lawmakers that Oregon faced enormous problems but that with resilience these could be overcome. Choices made by today’s leaders would have a ripple effect in years to come and, with good decisions, Oregon would prosper and build community resilience said the Governor, whose address was met with a standing ovation.