Members of the Warm Springs tribes and other central Oregon residents passionately voiced their needs and concerns to lawmakers during a recent budget hearing held in Warm Springs. The historic hearing, the first on tribal land in at least 16 years, saw overwhelming support and applause, especially for Louie Pitt Jr., who thanked lawmakers for their work on laws to investigate the deaths and disappearances of Indigenous people.
Issues such as clean drinking water, affordable housing, rangeland protection, safety-related road upgrades, and funding for education and cultural organizations were among the top priorities mentioned by speakers. With limited state resources in a $38 billion budget framework, lawmakers face the challenge of fulfilling every request, as they strive to invest wisely and address pressing needs in the community.
The meeting highlighted the importance of engaging with Indigenous communities and acknowledging their history and impact on the region. As Oregon continues to face challenges such as wildfires, climate change, and healthcare funding cuts, residents and leaders urged lawmakers to prioritize long-term solutions and investments for a sustainable future.
The Warm Springs hearing was part of a series of budget hearings held throughout the state, emphasizing the significance of community input and collaboration in shaping Oregon’s budget and policies. The Oregon Capital Chronicle, a nonprofit news organization focused on state government, politics, and policy, documented the event to inform the public and promote transparency in governance.
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