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I would love to hear if any of the proposals would help address the issue of those who are "under-employed" right now. My husband is a Union carpenter, and while he has been completely layed off twice in the past 12  months (during which time his unemployment check was a lifesaver), currently he's working for a contractor who is only able to partially employ him, as small projects come along. Example: 2 weeks ago he only had one day of work, so we recieved a partial unemployment check. Last week he worked 2 days (16hrs), and so we will not be getting our unemployment check.

I have hunch that many workers, especially hourly workers and those in construction or other labor industries, are facing this same struggle.

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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Thank you, Think Out Loud, for focusing on the topic of what and how we feed our children.

I'm glad that while we are talking about the quality and source of the food kids are recieving while at school, people are also raising the issue of price and access. In addition to supporting HB 2800 (the bill you are discussing today about local foods) the Oregon Hunger Task Force is also supporting SB 695, which would make school breakfast free for more low-income students by elimiting the co-pay.

Just as patients shouldn't have to choose between quality and access when seeking medical care, our hope is that ALL students would have the ability to eat, and eat well, while at school.

This happens to be an important time for us to all be talking about this topic, not just in Oregon, but nationwide. This year, all of the federal Child Nutrition programs (School meals, summer and afterschool feeding programs, childcare and WIC) will be Reauthorized, meaning changes can be made to address both the issue of what children are eating and how many low-income and "food insecure" kids are being feed.

If you are interested in some of the proposals for Reauthorization, and how to make your voice heard, I invite you to learn more at www.oregonhunger.org

Annie Kirschner

Oregon Hunger Task Force

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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In the Governor's budget he proposed several cuts to human services. What is the Legislature going to do ensure that people who have lost their jobs and homes are going to get the help they need to get back on their feet? Why would we consider cutting the safety-net when people need it the most?

posted 4 years, 4 months ago
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