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To contact me, please click here: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

I hope this message finds you well and you are enjoying the sunshine we have had this week! 

We have just wrapped the ninth week of our 2025 legislative session and things have been moving very quickly. We have had a number of public hearings, meetings with constituents and advocates, and so much more. 

We’re quickly approaching our next major deadline of session - the first chamber deadline. By next Wednesday, April 9th, policy bills must pass their first chamber in order to be still in play. With that, we are all busy working out bills, amendments, and next steps. It truly is one of the busiest times of the session with so much being worked out behind the scenes.

Legislative Priorities

Ending the Sale of Flavored Tobacco, SB 702

Rep Pham testified alongside Senators Reynolds and Sollman in support of ending the sale of flavored tobacco.

We know that flavored tobacco is addictive. Recently, these products have taken on the form of video games making them even more appealing to children. Unfortunately, these marketing tactics are effective, disproportionately targeting marginalized communities that fall victim to predatory advertising practices. 

In Oregon, the data shows that more than half of youth and young adults who use tobacco are using flavored tobacco or vaping products. These products are having a severe negative impact on our children and youth. Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon, and if we don’t act now, 68,000 of Oregon kids under 18 today will die prematurely from smoking later in life. It is crucial that we pass SB 702 to grant the state the authority to regulate and end the sale of flavored and synthetic nicotine products.

Read more about the bill and watch our interview on KOIN here.

In other news, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court recently rules that FDA followed the law in denying marketing applications for certain flavored e-cigarette products. The Court ruled that the FDA acted appropriately in denying marketing applications for flavored vape products that are blatantly youth-friendly. Read more here. 

School Based Health Centers- HB 2729

Students gather with Senator Campos and Representative Pham in support of School Based Health Centers

As a pediatric dentist and as someone who has dedicated much of my life and career to improving public and community health, School Based Health Centers are a critical community tool which support our youth, their health, and well being. 

Many of our children and families need wraparound behavioral health care which address the needs of the whole child, especially as so many of our youth are seeking access to mental health services. These School-Based Health Centers will enable us to help our students develop healthy minds and bodies so they can grow and thrive to their highest potential. 

House Bill 2729 allocates $7 million to invest in youth mental, behavioral health and substance use disorder funding across Oreogn’s school based health centers. The bill passed the House Education Committee last month and is now in the Joint Ways and Means. 

Read our full press release on this bill here. 

Cambodian Genocide Resolution, HCR 17 

Advocates join together after the passage of HCR 17

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge seizing control of Cambodia and starting the Cambodian Genocide. Rep Tran, Rep Watanabe, and I led a resolution that recognizes the loss and continued resilience of the Cambodian community. 

I shared this quote in my testimony from Reverend Preah Maha Ghosananda, a Cambodian Buddhist Monk, a killing fields survivor, and a Nobel Peace Prize Nominee. “The suffering of Cambodia has been deep. From this suffering comes great compassion. Our journey for justice continues and begins today and every day.” 

While the physical conflict might have ended, the Cambodian Genocide is still a living conflict for the survivors living in Oregon today. We honor and remember their continued resilience, strength and service to our shared history, state and country. 

HCR 17 passed unanimously from the House Floor last week. You can read more about the passage of the bill in this press release.

Here’s a quick update on additional legislative priorities that have passed from committee: 

Workforce: 

✅Rural Anesthesiologist Tax Credit, HB 2591 - Allows physicians who practice anesthesiology and certified nurse anesthetists to receive the rural health care provider tax credit. 

✅Oregon Wellness Program, SB 531 - Allocates $1.6 million to the Oregon Wellness program that supports our healthcare workforce with mental health resources. 

✅Supporting Volunteer Firefighters, HB 3150 - Establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters 

Consumer Protection: 

✅Dental Labs, HB 2594 - Requires dental labs to register with the Health Licensing Office to ensure consumer safeguards that include transparency, accountability, and greater standards of care.  

✅Worker Fraud Protection Act, HB 3789 - makes it unlawful to falsely impersonate a union representative. This protects workers and their right to unionize and bargain. 

Public Health and Healthcare:

✅Rare Disease Advisory Council: HB 2457 - Establishes the Rare Disease Advisory Council and allows for patients, experts, and healthcare providers to come to consider opportunities and gaps in care for patients with rare disease. 

✅Congenital Cytomegalovirus Prevention:HB 2685 - Ensures educational awareness and expanded screening for families who may have or be at risk for contracting cCMV. 

✅Every Body Move, SB 699 - Expands health insurance coverage of prosthetic and orthotic devices so everyone has access to affordable devices and improve their quality of life. 

✅Hannah’s Law, HB 2948 - Requires that only registered nurse may supervise a nurse in a school setting. 

Good Governance and Accountability:

✅Health Insurance Mandate Advisory Committee (HIMRAC) - Establishes an non-partisan advisory committee that analyzes proposed insurance mandates with information about cost to providers, consumers, and potential healthcare outcomes. You can read coverage from the Lund Report here.  

Growth and Development:

✅First-Time Home Buyers Bill - Makes it safer for financial institutions like credit unions and banks to offer loans with no requirement for a down-payment. Here’s a link to the press release. 

Education & Youth Well-Being:

✅School Meals for All, HB 3435 - Ensures that all students in Oregon have access to school meals, regardless of family income or zip code. 

Community Projects:

✅Washington County Courthouse Replacement, HB 3180 - Appropriates $1.2 million to support the comprehensive planning project to ensure public safety, adequate and timely justice for Washington County residents. 

Budget Framework

A couple of weeks ago, the Joint Ways and Means Co-Chairs released their Budget Framework and it is clear that in a year of uncertainty, legislators will have to make some hard decisions. This session, the Legislature will look to protect core services, get the most of every dollar, mitigate uncertainty, and prioritize investments in key areas. 

It’s important to note that about 32% of Oregon’s budget comes from federal spending. If the Republican majority in Congress were to pass proposals that reduce federal funding by 30%, the state would receive about $10.7 billion less in federal human services and education funding alone. 

While we are early anticipating May when we receive our final revenue forecast about how much we can spend, it will be essential that we spend dollars that can go the furthest. As a legislator who sits on the Joint Ways and Means Human Services Committee, I am looking to make sure our taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. It’s important to me that we understand what our outcomes are and find opportunities we can improve. 

Ways and Means Roadshow

Members of the Ways and Means Committee are hosting a roadshow tour for community input on the state budget this session. You can register to testify online or attend in person at any of the events below:  

• Warm Springs | Friday, April 4 (5–7 p.m.)
  • Old Warm Springs Elementary School, 1112 Wasco Street, Warm Springs, OR 97761
• La Grande | Friday, April 11 (5–7 p.m.)
  • Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building #3391 University Boulevard, La Grande, OR 97850
• Salem (Statewide Virtual Testimony Prioritized) | Wednesday, April 16 (5–7 p.m.)
  • Oregon State Capitol Building, Hearing Room F900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
• Klamath Falls | Friday, April 25 (5–7 p.m.)
  • Klamath Community College, Building 4 Commons7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603

Register to testify here 

Spring is Here! The Cherry Blossoms Are Popping

Rep Pham enjoying the cherry blossoms on the Capitol Mall

The cherry blossoms were in full bloom this month in Salem. We were grateful to get out and see the beautiful Akebono cherry trees which line Capitol Mall Park. The cherry trees at the Oregon State Capitol were a gift from Japan for the dedication of the Japanese American Historical Plaza in 1990. They are a symbol of the state’s cherry industry and Japanese culture, inspiring the annual Cherry Blossom Day celebration each March. 

Our office took a moment to step outside during lunch this week and made this reel with some of our friends in the House. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates on our work in Salem! 

In The District

Representatives Pham and Neron during the joining Constituent Coffee Event

Last Friday, we had a fantastic joint Constituent Coffee with Representative Neron (HD 26) at the Springs at Sherwood. We had over 60 constituents in attendance and we enjoyed getting to know them and answering questions about current legislation. Popular topics revolved around education, healthcare, and food security.  

Upcoming District Events

The Veterans Coffee Connection meets April 10th and 26th from 9-10 a.m. at Hillsboro Elks Lodge 1862. This is an opportunity to gather with other veterans to connect in community. This twice monthly event gives guests a venue to share stories, make friends, and learn more about your community. You do not need to be an Elk member to attend, and all branches and eras are welcome.

District Resources

Tax Day Is Almost Here!

The April 15th tax filing date is fast approaching. If you have not yet filed your taxes for 2024, the Washington County Cooperative Library Services has resources available to help you on their website including tax preparation and filing for both State and Federal returns. You can access those resources here.  If you have filed your return and are still waiting on a tax refund, you can check the status of your return online here: Where’s my refund - DOR 

Unclaimed Property For Oregonians 

Oregon State Treasury conducts “Checks Without Claims” to proactively verify some owners of unclaimed assets and facilitate payments directly to them. Checks distributed will vary in amount between $50 and $10,000. 

Searching for unclaimed funds is free and easy. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit Treasury’s unclaimed property website at unclaimed.oregon.gov. Questions about unclaimed funds or “Checks without Claims” can be directed to Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program via email claims@ost.state.or.us or phone at 503-378-4000. 

Unpaid toll balance scam ODOT 

Scammers posing as DMV and ODOT are texting cell phones about unpaid toll fees that essentially claim you have a past due toll balance that must be paid immediately to avoid DMV fines or having your license suspended. These are fake messages and phishing scams trying to get payment information. 

These text messages are not legitimate and are targeted phishing scams. To protect your information: 

• Don't click links. If you receive a text about unpaid tolls, do not click on any links or provide any information. 
• Verify with ODOT directly. Contact ODOT through their official website or phone number to confirm if you owe any tolls. 
• Report the scam. Contact the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or file a complaint online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commission. 
• Be cautious of suspicious texts. Be wary of any text message that demands immediate action or asks for personal information or payment. 
• Delete the text: Once you've reported the scam, delete the text message and block the number to prevent further potential harm.

While we are in a busy time in session, my office is always available to you. I have an open door policy and prioritize meetings and conversations with constituents as you guide the work that I do here in Salem. Please stay connected and reach out at any time.

Cheers,

Representative Hai Pham
House District 36

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1436
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-282, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/phamh