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Dear Friends,
As we transition into spring and move deeper into the legislative session, I am proud to have participated in passing several landmark pieces of legislation through the Oregon House of Representatives. There are three in particular that I want to highlight:
Equal Pay for Equal Work
Every Oregonian deserves to be protected in the workplace, which is why I co-sponsored HB 2005 and supported it on the House floor. Pay for women has failed to keep pace with their male counterparts, and this bill is Oregon's opportunity to move closer to ensuring equal pay for equal work.
Ethics and Transparency
Oregonians deserve to know who is being paid to influence public policy. Passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support, HB 2577 would require lobbyists to disclose which bills they've lobbied on and how much money they've received to do so. Check out The Oregonian's coverage here.
Housing Stability for Working Families
Oregon is in a housing crisis. Families and working Oregonians being priced-out of their homes and apartments cannot afford to wait years while new construction comes online. That is why I was proud to vote yes on HB 2004. Click here to watch my full remarks on the House floor.
I had some concerns with the original version of the bill, which is why I collaborated with my colleagues on the House Committee on Human Services and Housing to make it better. I do not believe that we must accept the displacement of families as a symptom of the housing market; we can - and must - do better.
It is truly an honor to serve as your voice in Salem. Please get in touch with me to share your views and concerns about any topics that are important to you, or if my office can ever be of assistance to you and your family.
Best,
 Mark Meek
State Representative - Oregon House District 40
On March 21st, I held a town hall in Oregon City to answer questions and listen to your concerns about housing.
I heard so many powerful stories from neighbors who have been recently hit with massive rent increases or been evicted without cause. In fact, these are now among the biggest reasons for new arrivals of families at homeless shelters across Clackamas County.
I want to thank Martha McLennan with Northwest Housing Alternatives and Emily Reiman with the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation for joining me. Their insights and extensive knowledge added a lot to the conversation.
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Last week I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Clackamas Community College's new Industrial Technical Center. Once completed, the center will host a Renewable Energy Technology Lab and a Flex Lab filled with robotics, among other facilities.
Expanding career and technical education is so important for creating new opportunities for living-wage jobs in our community. Very impressed by all the hard work by CCC and community partners in making this project a reality.
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A big thank you to Grant Starr, Gladstone resident and junior at La Salle Catholic College Preparatory, for helping us out as an Honorary Page! More than just a great experience, Honorary House Pages play an essential role in the legislative process.
Know a student between the ages of 12-17 who may be interested? Click here to learn more and access the application.
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Clackamas County Educators Legislative Forum
Saturday, April 15th
10:00 AM
Clackamas Education Service District - New Era/Springwater Conference Room
3455 SE 97th Ave, Clackamas
Senior & Social Services Town Hall
Monday, April 17th
6:30 PM
Gilman Park Assisted Living
2205 Gilman Ave, Oregon City
Coffee and Conversation
Saturday, April 22nd
9:00 AM
First City Central Market Place & Bistro
1757 Washington Street, Oregon City
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1440
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-285, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.MarkMeek@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/meek
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