The Joint Committee on Ways and Means of the Oregon State Legislature convened on April 25, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary issues and community needs across the state. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders advocating for funding and support for essential programs.

The session began with a passionate appeal from a parent advocating for Senate Bill 538, which aims to ensure that children with special care needs receive the professional support they deserve. The speaker emphasized the moral obligation to provide high-quality care for vulnerable children, urging the committee to pass the bill.

Following this, Susie Garcia, a regional coordinator for Rogue Climate, addressed the committee regarding climate initiatives. She highlighted the importance of continued investment in Oregon's climate programs, which have made significant strides in providing cleaner energy and preparing communities for extreme weather. Garcia called for funding allocations, including $30 million for rental home heat pumps and $15 million for community heat pump deployment programs, stressing that failure to act would disproportionately affect frontline communities.

Aaron Hartman, representing the Oregon Association of Community Corrections Directors, spoke in support of the Oregon Department of Corrections' budget request in House Bill 5004. He underscored the necessity of baseline funding to maintain community supervision services, warning that inadequate funding could lead to reductions in critical positions within community corrections.

Cecilia Muchasategui, a retired superintendent and board member of Oregon Tech, presented the economic impact of the institution, which supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to state and local taxes. She advocated for funding to establish an osteopathic college of medicine, which would address the shortage of primary care physicians in rural areas and improve healthcare access.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support for various community and educational initiatives, emphasizing the interconnectedness of funding, community resilience, and the overall well-being of Oregonians. The committee's discussions highlighted the urgent need for legislative action to address these pressing issues.