Community Urged to Support Oregon House Bill 2972 Ahead of Critical Legislative Hearing on February 24
Salem, Oregon – Oregon Workforce Partnership is calling on the public to join the growing coalition in support of House Bill 2972 (HB 2972), a transformative piece of legislation aimed at improving workforce services for individuals transitioning out of incarceration. The bill, which has garnered bipartisan support, is chiefly co-sponsored by Senator Lew Frederick, Representative Kevin Mannix, and Representative David Gomberg, with additional co-sponsorship from Senator Chris Gorsek, Senator James Manning, and Representative Christine Drazan.
With a critical hearing scheduled for February 24, 2025, advocates are working to amplify their efforts and demonstrate widespread community support. Join Worksystems in lending your support — your voice matters! Here’s how you can help:
1. Share These Video and Materials:
- Watch and share the Reentry Video to spread awareness about the importance of HB 2972.
- Read and share OPB’s article; State initiative helps Oregon inmates forge new career pathways
- Download and distribute the Talking Points to educate others about the bill’s impact.
- Show Organizational Support:
Organizations are encouraged to add their logos by filling out this form to the growing list of supporters. Your endorsement will be included in our collateral to demonstrate the broad coalition behind this effort.
- Spread the Word:
Share our materials on social media, email, and within your networks. Use the hashtag #SupportHB2972 to join the conversation.
- Stay Informed:
Visit OWP’s advocacy page for more information about the bill, its sponsors, and how you can get involved.
Why HB 2972 Matters:
HB 2972 seeks to prepare returning citizens for meaningful employment ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to our communities and tax base. By supporting this bill, we can create safer, stronger communities for all.
Join Us in Making a Difference:
“We are at a pivotal moment to create meaningful change,” said Heather Ficht, Executive Director of East Cascades Works. “With the hearing on February 24 fast approaching, we need everyone’s help to ensure this bill moves forward. Together, we can make a lasting impact.”
The taxpayer benefit in Oregon for everyone who doesn’t come back into the prison system is not quantifiable, it is the cost savings of housing these individuals and providing for them in a prison environment…but also it is a workforce that supports communities… (Paraphrased from Amy Bertrand, Department of Corrections).
For more information or to add your organization’s logo to our list of supporters, please contact Georgia Conrad, [email protected] or Heather Ficht, [email protected].
Let’s make sure HB 2972 gets the attention and support it deserves. Share, advocate, and amplify today!