(Salem) - Oregon homebuyers and renters will derive many millions of dollars from the housing bill signed today by the president, according to Victor Merced, director, Oregon Housing and Community Services.

This rescue for the deeply troubled housing-finance industry, the Housing and Economic recovery Act of 2008, is aimed at restoring public trust in the housing market. It does so by bolstering the financial standing of loan insurers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and by addressing severe challenges faced by the public confronted with escalating mortgage payments and falling home values.

The state of Oregon is proud to present its first annual career fair to be held in September. The event will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn of the Capitol Mall in Salem, Oregon. The purpose of this event is to invite job seekers to consider what employment opportunities state agencies have to offer, and to encourage existing state workers to explore new job possibilities within state government. Agency representatives will describe to jobseekers the advantages of working in state government, and the satisfaction of following a career in public service.

The 2008 Governor's Commuter Challenge is a pilot program for the 8,500 state employees who work in the Capitol Mall area. The Governor's goal for this Challenge is to reduce carbon by 500,000 pounds. Responding to rising gas prices and global warming, the Challenge encourages carpooling, biking, walking, vanpooling and using public transit for summer commuting.

Oregon will celebrate its 150th birthday in 2009. Planning for this big event has already begun. Check out the Oregon 150 Web site. You can share your thoughts and ideas with the planning team, sign up to receive e-mail updates, and learn how you can get involved.

Oregon Housing and Community Services developed the Analysis of Income and Expense System (AIES) to increase awareness, improve performance, and maximize availability of low-income housing throughout the state.