Oregon lawmakers join forces on utility assistance

Sustainable Business Oregon:

Oregon lawmakers on both sides of the aisle this week praised each other for backing a measure that provides utility payment help for lower-income residents.

House Bill 2004 passed by a 51-8 vote Monday. The measure authorizes the state’s Public Utility Commission to continue to collect money from ratepayers to provide energy assistance to low-income Oregonians.

House Speaker Tina Kotek, a Portland Democrat, and House Republican Leader Rep. Mike McLane of Powell Butte trumpeted the measure as a move that will help less-monied residents throughout Oregon.

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