Legislative record proves Knute Buehler’s housing hypocrisy

Legislative record proves Knute Buehler’s housing hypocrisy  

PORTLAND — In his latest television ad, titled “Tough Love,” Republican gubernatorial hopeful Knute Buehler pledge to “solve” homelessness. The ad exemplifies Buehler’s ongoing attempts to reinvent himself despite a legislative record that clearly demonstrates otherwise.

“Voters need to know the truth. Buehler had plenty of chances over the last four years to show working people struggling to pay their rent real solutions and he failed,” said Jeanne Atkins, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon.

A brief survey of Buehler’s record on housing includes:

• In 2017, Buehler voted against renter protections and ending no-cause evictions. [Oregon House floor vote on HB 2004, 4/4/17]
• In 2015 and 2016 he voted against inclusionary zoning for affordable housing. [Oregon House floor vote on HB 2564, 4/14/15][Oregon House floor vote on SB 1533, 3/3/16]
• Earlier this month, Buehler announced his opposition to the Metro housing bond proposal on the November ballot to build at least 2,400 affordable housing units. [Willamette Week, 8/14/18]
• In 2015, Buehler opposed offering state land for affordable housing. The bill gave developers of affordable housing the right of first refusal to buy state-owned property and was signed into law by Governor Brown. [Oregon House floor vote on HB 3524, 6/17/15]
• In July 2015, Buehler was missing for votes on housing bonds and a program to fast track low income housing for Oregon families.  [Oregon State Legislature HB 5005 and HB 2198, 7/6/15]
• On June 30, 2017, Buehler voted against funding the Housing and Community Services Department. This budget included funds for rental assistance to extremely low income persons with disabilities, the Elderly Rental Assistance Program, and money for Emergency Housing, State Homeless Assistance, Low Income Rental Housing Fund, and the Housing Choice Landlord Guarantee programs. [Oregon State Legislature, 6/30/17].

“Not only has Buehler consistently voted against measures to address our affordable housing crisis, his plan pales in comparison to the work already done by Governor Kate Brown,” said Atkins. “Governor Kate Brown has pushed for $300 million in new resources and 11,000 new affordable homes are being built across Oregon. Tens of thousands of Oregonians have a roof over their head because of this work.”

Governor Brown’s ongoing plans include investing an additional $300 million to increase emergency rental assistance, ensure domestic violence survivors and their children have a safe place to sleep, and build and preserve more than 4,000 affordable homes for children and families.

Additionally, Governor Brown plans to increase funding by $20 million for permanent supportive housing to help the chronically homeless get off the streets and increase access to addictions and mental health treatment and other critical medical care. Governor Brown will continue to focus on the unique housing needs of those in rural Oregon with an additional $30 million and will work with Legislative leaders to end no-cause evictions.

“These are real commitments built on the work the Governor has done over the past three years — not empty campaign promises,” said Atkins. “Once again, Knute Buehler’s actions speak louder that his TV ads. He has not demonstrated support or solutions for the housing crisis while a Legislator. Voters should seriously doubt that his positions will change so dramatically if he is elected Governor.”

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