Oregon Domestic & Sexual Violence Services Fund is Spared from Funding Cuts

Legislators answered the cries of countless survivors of domestic and sexual violence, service providers, PSJ members and staff, and concerned Oregonians by keeping the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund (ODSVS) in tact in the 09-11 budget.  The legislature even added a slight increase, bringing ODSVS to $4.8 million for the 09-11 biennium!

ODSVS was protected largely because of the steadfast commitment of Rep. Chip Shields, Co-chair of the  Public Safety Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee.  Other legislators who advocated strongly to protect funding for domestic and sexual violence survivor services were Rep. Peter Buckley, Rep. Tina Kotek, Sen. Alan Bates, Sen. Margaret Carter, and Sen. Joanne Verger.  We are grateful for their incredible commitment to help survivors of domestic and sexual violence rebuild their lives.

There is still much work to be done.  Even with the slight increase, funding levels are about half what is needed to provide even the most basic services to people in need.  But the strong commitment legislators showed during this economic crisis is a testament to the life-changing services offered by service providers throughout Oregon.