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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I’ve spent the last year hearing from many of you in East County about your concerns and priorities. Today we began the Oregon Legislature’s 2014 legislative session, and we have much to accomplish in the four weeks or so that we’ll spend here in Salem.
With the start of committee hearings and other work for the people of Oregon, I will focus on the issues that matter most to us: access to high-quality education, creating jobs and encouraging innovation, and making government work better for Oregonians.
I’ll keep you updated as policies advance throughout the session, starting here with a preview of the two bills I proudly introduced.
Adding Career Technical Education to Oregon’s Educational Goals (HB 4058). In 2011, we affirmed an ambitious goal for the State, known as the “40-40-20” goal, which states that by 2025, 20% of all adult Oregonians will hold a high school diploma or equivalent, 40% of them will have an associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate, and 40% will hold a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree. I think apprenticeship programs should be specifically included in our 40-40-20 goals, so I introduced HB 4058 to do just that. In our district, we have three apprenticeship training facilities that prepare workers for well-paying jobs as electricians, carpenters, and sheet metal workers (all industries are growing at the moment). I am excited about this bill because it will fit perfectly into my top priorities: strengthening our education system and creating jobs. Today, the bill passed out of the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development unanimously and will be heading to the House floor soon.
Honoring Reserve Sergeant Scott Collins and Reserve Deputy Mark Whitehead (HCR 202). I was honored when Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton asked me to carry this bill as a way for our state to recognize two extraordinary law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty while responding to a call on I-84. These officers and their families have my deepest respect, and I’m proud that the legislature will support their memory with this resolution. Today, the bill passed out of the House Committee on Rules unanimously and will be heading to the House floor soon.
Now that the session is underway, I want to stress my commitment to working across the aisle and with the Senate and Governor to find solutions to the problems you care most about. The challenges we face are not simple ones, but together I know we can get Oregonians back to work by accelerating job growth across Oregon, protecting our investments in our education system, and making our state government more efficient for everyone.
On February 26th, please join me and Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson for a town hall at the Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham, OR 97030) where will discuss the February session and take your questions! Stay tuned, as I am finalizing the details on our next constituent coffee! Do you have a favorite coffee shop that I should visit? Let me know!
I’m always eager to hear from you about your ideas and suggestions, so, I’ll turn it to you: What are your priorities for Oregon in 2014? What should the Oregon Legislature be thinking about to help Oregonians in the coming year? It’s incredibly important to me that we hear from you about your priorities and concerns for District 49 and for Oregon. Please keep in touch with my office by following my Facebook page, by emailing us at rep.chrisgorsek@state.or.us, or calling us at the State Capitol, at (503) 986-1449.
Best wishes,
Chris
Chris Gorsek
State Representative, District 49 (East Multnomah County)
P.S. If you are ever near the State Capitol, my door is always open, come visit me! I love meeting the great people I represent and discussing what you are passionate about!
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900 Court St. NE, H-485 Salem Oregon 97301