Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and host Malachi Young, who was named the Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Bend. He is a freshman at Bend High School. He is definitely a bright and motivated young man who knows the importance of community involvement and service. He gets to compete for the State Youth of the Year and potentially the National Youth of the Year. I know he will do great. 

My job gives me the chance to meet great folks doing important work from all parts of Senate District 27. Last week, I met with Redmond High School’s Superintendent Mike McIntosh and Public Information Officer Rainier Butler. We spoke about the need for $8.4 Billion for education and I support that level of funding. 

Young people from the Oregon Youth Challenge were in Salem last week to be pages for the Senate. They also stopped by my office to visit. I spoke with the students about the importance of perseverance and hard work. I support the Oregon Youth Challenge program and all its good work.