In May, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Special District Grant Accessibility Act (H.R. 7525). This landmark legislation aims to codify the first-ever definition of “special district” in federal law, ensuring that special districts are eligible for all appropriate forms of federal financial assistance.

Now, the companion bill, S.B. 4673, was officially introduced in the Senate, and it’s time to take action. If passed, it will head to the President’s desk to be signed establishing a formal definition of “special district” in federal law, as well as requiring the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to federal agencies requiring special districts to be recognized as local governments for the purpose of federal financial assistance determinations. 
 

How You Can Help

Add Your Support to the SDAO Letter

SDAO is submitting a letter to Senate leaders, and we invite you to add your district name by filling out this form. 

Contact Oregon’s Senators

Please reach out to Senators Merkley and Wyden to ask them to support S.B. 4673 to prioritize its passage.   

Download Resources

Access a template letter as well as a one-page handout that you are encouraged to use for talking points below:

• Template Letter (Microsoft Word)
• Talking Points (Microsoft Word)

This issue affects all special districts nationwide, and your advocacy matters. We greatly appreciate your help with making sure our senators understand the importance of this bill. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at memberservices@sdao.com. 

Join the Letter!