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Welcome to Commissioner Amanda Fritz's site!
Dear Neighbor,
The Mayor's Proposed Budget is another important step in the development of the 2013-14 Fiscal Year revenue and spending plan, but not the last. Three Commissioners can change any line item in the budget. Your input is welcome. Please participate in the next set of Community Budget Forum events:
Saturday, May 18th, 3:00-5:00pm
There are also two remaining Multnomah County Budget hearings. In past years, the City has helped out with funding County services such as treatment for survivors of human trafficking, and County SUN schools and programs for seniors. This year, $9 million in property taxes that formerly was allocated by the City is now under the County’s budget due to passage of the Library District. It seems reasonable to ask the County to pick up more of the funding for health and human services, such as funding the District Attorney position dedicated to prosecuting perpetrators of sex trafficking. The County’s Budget hearings are:
Wednesday, May 22 at the East County Building, 600 NE 8th Street, Gresham; and
Wednesday, May 29 at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, 10301 NE Glisan St, Portland (near the Halsey exit of I-84).
While personal message to each member of the Council and County Board are important, face-to-face testimony can be even more persuasive. If you can, arrive early to sign up, and talk for just a minute or two about why these programs and funding priorities matter. I appreciate your partnership in advocacy.
Emails, letters, and phone calls are also welcome and considered.
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Please call 823-4000 or email cityinfo@portlandoregon.gov if you need urgent attention, or call my front desk at 823-3008.
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On March 13, the Portland City Council passed an historic ordinance supporting human rights in the United States of America, and the health of businesses and employees here in Portland. Although an estimated 60% of Portland's workers are already covered by earning paid sick leave so they can stay home when they are ill, up to 40% of employees in Portland don't receive even a single day of paid sick leave. It is a public health concern when people who are sick with the flu have to choose between staying home to recover, and being able to pay their bills. Many choose to work sick so they can continue to provide for their families.
The State Legislature is currently considering whether to set statewide standards for Paid Sick Leave, via HB 3390 and SB 801. After we know if those bills become law, Portland will consider whether to move forward with implementing local regulations. If we do, a public process to set Administrative Rules will begin early summer and conclude by August 31. Portland's regulations will go into effect January 1, 2014 unless altered by statewide rules.
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If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or having another kind of mental health crisis, call 503-97-23456 instead of 9-1-1, to talk with mental health professionals and trained volunteers at Lines for Life, a community non-profit. Last year, they took 19,000 crisis calls, and resolved 99% of them by the phone conversation. If you need mental health help, call 503-97-23456.
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** See here for information about the Garbage and Recycling services and rates.
Please check it out. There are many options to fit different needs, such as monthly or on-call garbage pick-up, or just recycling, so you can pay for only the services you use.
A link to the website where you can see your own recycling/garbage/yard waste collection schedule and sign up for a reminder email each week: http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=54938&.
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Let us embrace the call to action of our President, Barack Obama. In his second Inauguration Speech on the holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., President Obama said,
"You and I, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time - not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals. Let each of us now embrace, with solemn duty and awesome joy, what is our lasting birthright. With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom."
Thank you for engaging in making decisions with your Council.
Our Office Mission:
As public servants and advocates, we provide effective leadership by using resources wisely, promoting cityzen* engagement, listening to and analyzing input, and sharing information and access.
* "cityzen" denotes a person who lives, works, pays, plays, or prays in Portland, regardless of whether they are a Citizen of the United States of America eligible to vote in Portland.
My role:
As an elected official, the Commissioner makes decisions based on facts and broad public input, seeking the long term public good for the whole city, with shared benefits and responsibilities for all Portlanders present and future.
***************************************** Sign up now for health care coverage for kids! See here on my blog. ****************************************
Helpful phone numbers:
City/County Information - 503-823-4000 Call this number to find the answer on any local issue
Multnomah County Crisis Line, for people experiencing mental illnesses - 503-988-4888
Statewide Information - 1-800-SAFENET (723-3638) Call this number for State of Oregon services
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Photo by Robert Wilson
The 2009 Pride Parade was especially fun for me, as my three children Luke, Ali, and Maxwell carried the banner for our group. Many thanks to everyone who cheered and clapped for us.
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Where's Amanda? See here for summaries of last week/next week's calendars
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My team's goal for this web site is that it will be one of your favorite places for finding out information quickly, and for giving feedback on projects and issues you care about. For instance, check Coming Down The Pike for frequent updates informing you of upcoming meetings and events we believe you may find interesting.
I believe the people of Portland, when given accurate, inclusive information that isn't full of acronyms and insider-speak, make good choices about what's worth spending time and money on, and what isn't. As a community organizer, I experienced problems with finding that accurate, clear data. It shouldn't be so hard for citizens to find out what is going on in City government. I promised during my campaign for City Commissioner to work to make it easier, and this site is part of the process of honoring that commitment.
Click here for tips on how to use my site to stay connected with what's happening at City Hall, in my bureaus, and in Portland's neighborhoods. |
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