I want you to call each and every state Senator and ask for their commitment to vote AGAINST ANY BILL that would eliminate no-cause notices!  Let’s stop this bill!!

Our efforts are helping!  Many of you responded to our last Call to Action by contacting your legislators.  We need that kind of passion to continue in order to stop this bill in its tracks in the Senate!  I need everyone who has responded in the past to do so again.  If you’ve already contacted your Senator, Great!  You need to do it again!  If you’ve sat on the sidelines until now, it’s now or never!  (See below for Senators’ contact information and helpful hints.) 

The Senate Committee on Human Services’ scheduled Work Session on May 31^st will culminate in a committee vote on HB 2004-A – potentially passing the bill to the Senate floor for a final vote.  The Senate is all that stands in the way of this bill passing and being signed by Governor Brown.

Here’s what the bill does:

• Virtually eliminates the use of No-Cause notices
• Requires that landlords renew leases with substantially the same terms or face a monetary penalty
• Requires landlords to pay relocation expenses for tenants

Take action today:

• Call each and every state Senator and ask for their commitment to vote AGAINST ANY BILL that would eliminate no-cause notices

• Make your voice heard by writing a short statement in opposition to HB 2004-A. Here is the link: shs.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov

When contacting your Senator ~

Know Your Audience:

• Committee members are “citizen legislators,” and they want to hear your comments
• Be respectful of committee members
• Do not scold or insult members, or accuse members of causing your issue.  This may alienate members from your cause

Know the Issue:

• Draw from your own knowledge and experience
• Support personal opinions with as many facts as possible
• Be knowledgeable of the “other side of the story”

Presenting Your Written Testimony:

• Address members formally (e.g., Senator Jones, Representative Brown)
• State your name, city or county, and any other affiliation for the record
• Clearly state whether you support or oppose the bill and briefly explain your reasons
• When finished, thank the members and offer to answer any questions

A Sample Letter to Your Senator:

Dear Senator _______________,

I oppose House Bill 2004-A.

Put a personal story here that reflects how and why you would like to retain the ability to use a no-cause notice.  (For example:  Tenants’ fear of retaliation if they complain about a neighbor, leering or disturbing behavior by others, landlords having higher screening standards because of us not being able to end the agreement if things go sideways)

Please represent me and your constituents at the state capitol by opposing HB 2004-A and ANY bill that would eliminate no-cause notices.

Respectfully, your constituent,

(Your Name)

(Your Address)

(City, State, Zip)

(Your Email)