On Thursday, 1,500 of us joined in solidarity in Salem to deliver a powerful message to state lawmakers: Fund Oregon Now!

Union members from SEIU 503, Oregon AFSCME Council 75, and the Oregon Education Association—alongside community groups from across the state—rallied and marched on the Capitol to call on the legislature to prioritize investments that keep Oregonians housed, healthy, fed, and safe.

Oregon has strong reserves to help manage future budget challenges, and we need legislators to focus on what our communities need right now: funding essential services. We are calling for the state to fully fund services, such as:

• Public education that gives every child a future
• Affordable childcare and funding for care providers that keep our communities strong
• Better pay and support for public employees who keep Oregon running
• Housing affordability for workers across the state, especially in areas where the cost of living is rising
• Healthcare for all Oregonians, not just those who can afford it

Our message is clear: Oregon must invest in its people. We can’t afford to make cuts to critical programs while public workers and care providers struggle to pay for housing and keep up with basic expenses.

Thursday was a big moment, however, it is only the beginning. When we stand united, we the people have more power than the people in power.

We won’t back down. We will keep the pressure on lawmakers to Fund Oregon Now!

If you have photos of the event you’d like to share, email them to us here!