The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session has ended, leaving a mixed narrative for children and families across the state. While Our Children Oregon and our coalition partners secured critical wins such as protecting migrant families from housing discrimination and expanding access to doula care, legislators failed to address many urgent issues with available funds amid broader federal instability.
We sat down with our Policy and Advocacy Manager, Grace Fortson, to reflect on the hits and misses of the Oregon Legislative Session, the power of community advocacy, and what comes next in the shared fight for Oregon’s children and youth.
The Hardest Moments of the Session
Q: What were the most surprising or disappointing moments of the session?
Grace Fortson (GF): “Lack of funding/passage for EITC, ERDC, home-based visiting, relief nurseries.”
These programs (including Earned Income Tax Credit, Employment Related Day Care) are essential for Oregon’s most vulnerable families, providing childcare support, early intervention, and crisis prevention. Their underfunding will have real, lasting negative consequences for Oregon’s families and youth.
How Politics and Budgets Shaped the Session
Q: What were the most surprising or disappointing moments of the session?
GF: “The political uncertainty of this moment limited the advocacy outcomes in this session. The instability of federal budgets means that state budgets are equally in question. There are many programs in Oregon that are made possible by the federal government matching state dollars. With these promised funds being called into question, legislators were reluctant to make necessary investments in our communities.”
This led to devastating cuts, including to Emergency Rent Assistance and early learning programs, choices that deepen inequities for Oregon’s kids.
A Story of Courage and Advocacy
Q: What’s one story of advocacy that inspired you this session?
GF: “I have been so glad to see so many advocates going to Salem for the first time! I was really inspired by an advocate who shared her experiences of direct service with houseless neighbors. Despite her nerves about public speaking, she made the effort to use her voice to advocate for funding for homelessness prevention and houseless services. To see folks willing to be uncomfortable to support their neighbors is exactly what advocacy is all about.”
This kind of bravery—speaking truth to power, even when it’s hard—is what drives meaningful change and awareness.
The Biggest Wins for Oregon’s Kids
Q: What were the biggest victories for Oregon kids this session, and how will they directly impact families?
GF: “The biggest victories for Oregon’s kids this session were SB 692 and SB 599. SB 692 increases access to doulas in Oregon. Doulas are shown to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Doulas are especially important for birthing people of the global majority as we navigate western healthcare. We look forward to seeing how this impacts Oregon’s most vulnerable families in the future. SB 599 ensures that folks are legally protected from housing discrimination based on immigration status in Oregon! Unstable housing and experiencing houselessness are adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that impact physical and mental health outcomes further down the line. This important legislation will protect migrant families now and in years to come by addressing discrimination in the housing sphere.”
These wins didn’t come easily, they were the result of relentless advocacy from our partners and invested, vocal community members.
What’s Next? Keeping the Fight Alive
Q: What’s next? How can our community help advance unfinished priorities?
GF: “Keep showing up! Connect with your legislators during the interim, during the short session, and during the next long session about issues that matter to you! As advocates, we are called to share our stories, hard truths, and inconvenient facts. I have seen some amazing advocacy this session, even though we didn’t pass every bill we wanted to. I know that with persistence, we can achieve better outcomes for all of Oregon’s children.”
The fight doesn’t end when the session does. Along with our partners and community, we’ll keep pushing for the policies Oregon’s kids deserve, and we need every concerned, caring voice in this movement.
Final Thoughts
This session was tough, but the resilience of our coalition gives us hope. Thank you to every advocate, partner, and lawmaker who stood up for Oregon’s children and families this year.
The work continues. Together, we’ll keep fighting for an Oregon where every child can thrive.
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