Hello Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful Spring weather.  It continues to be an honor to serve the people of East Multnomah County in the State Senate.  The 2015 Oregon Legislature is in full swing and I have been busy in Salem meeting with constituents, attending informational committee hearings, and working to ensure that your concerns are addressed at the Capitol.

My priorities this session have been to improve our health care system, invest in job creation, and work to protect Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens. 

Upcoming Events

Community Coffee Hour

Please join me and Representative Carla Piluso for a Community Coffee Hour on May 16, 2015 at 10 am!

We will be meeting at M & M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Avenue in Gresham.

Light refreshments will be provided and M & M has a wonderful breakfast menu.

Please join us with your questions and ideas.

Mt. Hood Community College Graduation

Saturday June 13th from 10 am until noon I will help hand out diplomas at Earl Klapstein stadium on the MHCC campus.

Meet my Staff

Allow me to introduce my amazing staff for the 78th Legislative Session

Matt Anderson on the left and Anthony Gaskill on the right.

Our Work This Session

Healthcare

I am thrilled to serve as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Care.  As a registered nurse I understand the importance of enacting legislation intended to improve the health and wellbeing of all members of our state. This session I have worked on several bills aimed at improving the health of Oregonians.

Smoking is one of the unhealthiest things a person can do.  It has been linked to forms of cancer, heart decease, and birth defects. I believe that it is so important to do whatever it takes to keep nicotine and smoking products out of the hands of children.  To help reach that goal I have sponsored Senate Bill 415 which would prohibit the distribution and sale of flavored tobacco products within the state of Oregon.  I have also supported House Bill 2546 which would prohibit the sale of inhaled delivery systems (vape-pens and e-cigarettes) to minors and provide further regulation of inhalant delivery systems. 

I have also co-sponsored Senate Bill 787 which establishes the Task Force on Mental Health Care and Treatment to develop detailed changes and improvements to Oregon’s statewide system of mental health care and treatment.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is far too prevalent in our state and we have lost too many Oregonians to this epidemic. Domestic Violence cuts across all races, genders, sexual orientations and socioeconomic classes and is not just an Oregon problem that absolutely must be addressed, but a worldwide one as well.

So, this session I have sponsored and supported a number of bills that will make steps towards eliminating barriers faced by survivors of domestic violence and punish their abusers more appropriately, including enhanced domestic violence laws and laws that would allow the use of paid sick leave for domestic violence situations.

Honoring Oregon’s Veterans  

Oregon’s military veterans deserve to be recognized and remembered for their service and sacrifices made for our country.  Senate Bill 408 appropriates moneys to the Oregon Military Department to be used for the creation of exhibits at the Oregon Military Museum.  These exhibits will be used to honor Oregon’s veterans and their families and educate the public on the many ways Oregon veterans have served our country.

We want to hear from you.

As always, it’s important that I hear from you about your priorities. Your opinions are invaluable when it’s time for me to make decisions in the legislative process.

Warmest Regards,

Laurie Monnes Anderson
State Senator, District 25

email: Sen.LaurieMonnesAnderson@state.or.us
phone: 503-986-1725
address: 900 Court St NE, S-413, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/monnesanderson

2015 Legislative Priorities Survey

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond to our survey. 

To date we have received over 400 responses to our survey!

According to your answers and comments, our community’s top priorities are investing in K-12 school funding and prioritizing early childhood education, protecting Oregon’s clean air, water and land for future generations and expanding access to health care, especially mental health services.

“Do whatever it takes to improve the quality of our educational system…our children are our future!”

Education continues to be a top priority.  It is obvious that, according to our community, education is more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic. It is one of the most important investments we can make in our future, and is critical to reducing poverty and inequality.   And while some may regard the arts and physical education as a luxury, in our schools creative and physical activities are considered some of the building blocks of child development and should be supported and well-funded.

“Protect Oregon’s wildlife, air and water for our children and grandchildren.”

Protection of Oregon’s diverse natural resources and ecosystems was also listed as a high priority for many of our neighbors.  Whether it’s exploring our rocky coast, hiking on Mount Hood, or enjoying an amazing place closer to home, you’ve made it clear that Oregon’s natural wonders enrich our lives in so many ways. Yet the places we love and share are too often threatened or misused and more effort is needed to protect our natural wonders for future generations.

“I work in the health and disability field and see the urgency and great need for mental health services… there is such a need for so many more services!”

As a registered nurse I understand the importance of healthcare to our society.  The health and well-being of all Oregonians is, and always has been one of my priorities, and clearly it is one of yours as well.  Access to quality health-care is important to ensure a healthy body, a healthy workplace, a healthy community and a healthy nation.  In addition to improving access to and affordability of healthcare, many of you also expressed interest in improving the quality of Oregon’s mental health services for all members of the community. 

During the remainder of the 2015 Legislative Session and throughout my time as Senator I will use your opinions and comments to help guide my bill writing and decision making.  I will continue to work with my fellow state legislators to help Oregon families and businesses thrive.  My focus will continue to be on protecting and improving services that serve our most vulnerable, getting more money into our classrooms, promoting job creation, making college more affordable and accessible, and keeping the communities of East County healthy and safe.  

If you have any questions or comments about the survey or the legislature or if I can be of assistance in some way, please feel free to call, send an e-mail, or write a letter.

I am honored to serve as your State Senator and always welcome your comments.