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Dear Friends,
As the holidays arrives once again, I want to take a moment to say thank you for all of your support and I hope you have had a wonderful fall season. The last few months I have certainly stayed busy. We held our Annual Domestic Violence Vigil and I spoke at the Women in Prison Conference. I have also had many wonderful opportunities to participate in activities here in Gresham, such as our Safe Trick or Treat celebration and Principal for the Day at North Gresham Elementary School.
As we head into the holiday season I am excited to update you on a few of the highlights from the past few months and my plans leading up to the 2018 short legislative session in February.
Gresham Domestic Violence Vigil
 On October 17th, I partnered with the Family Violence Coordinating Council, Senator Monnes Anderson, and the City of Gresham to host the Annual Candlelight Domestic Violence Vigil in Gresham.
The event was a great success! The night was beautiful and so was the vigil. The event was well attended and the speakers were passionate and inspiring.
Thank you to all the community leaders, advocates and supporters who came out to honor the victims and survivors of domestic violence in our community. I know that together we will continue to fight the good fight to eliminate domestic violence.
Click the link below if you would like to learn more about the vigil and domestic violence in our community.
http://pamplinmedia.com/go/42-news/376091-261337-domestic-violence-vigil-honors-victims-of-2014-tragedy-
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Women in Prison Conference
 On October 22nd, I spoke at the Women in Prison Conference hosted by the Oregon Justice Resource Center. The annual conference presented pressing issues for justice-involved women in Oregon.This year's conference focused on the connection between domestic violence and women's involvement in the judicial system.
I have spent most of my life engaged in the judicial system and care deeply about eliminating domestic violence in our community. I was glad to be a part of such an important conversation. I look forward to continuing the discussion in the future as we work together to create a more culturally and gender responsive criminal justice system.
Gresham Halloween Celebration
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Every year I participate in the annual Safe Trick or Treat Celebration in Downtown Gresham. We close off Main Street and hold a huge party with lots of candy, music and dancing.
This year's event was a smashing success! The weather was great and so were the costumes! We had close to 3,000 children attend this year festivities. It was wonderful to see all the children and parents in their costumes.
I am very grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community and I look forward to celebrating with everyone again next year!
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Principal for the Day
 On November 2nd, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in Principal for a Day at North Gresham Elementary School.
Tyson Bell, a Gresham Barlow Education Foundation Board Member, and I had a great time visiting the kindergarten, 1st, 4th and 5th grade classes. We met many great students and teachers.
The highlight of the day for me was recess, where I played four-square with the kids! It took me back to the good old days.
I want to say a special thank you to Dr. Tracy Kringer, the principal of North Gresham Elementary School, for hosting us and also thank you to all the students, teachers and staff at North Gresham for a terrific day!
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Veteran's Day
This Veteran's Day, Senator Monnes Anderson and I participated in the Veterans Day Recognition at our Hero's Memorial in Gresham to honor all who have served and sacrificed for our country. We were joined by Grace Stratton, a field representative to U.S. Senator Wyden. It was a great event and am glad to have had the opportunity to give my thanks to our local Vaterans.
This year, the Oregon Legislature passed historic funding to
support our veterans. We must continue to make meaningful steps forward in
supporting the tangible needs of the men and women who have served and
sacrificed on our behalf.
November Legislative Days
 Last week, I was in Salem for November Legislative Days. While there I revisited my committee assignments. During the 2018 legislative session I will sit on four committees: Early Childhood and Family Supports, Human Services and Housing, Joint Ways and Means on Public Safety and the Business and Labor Committee.
Each of these committees plays a crucial part in moving forward progressive legislation, that will better the lives of people in Gresham and throughout Oregon. I am grateful to serve on these committees and I look forward to the work that lies ahead in the 2018 legislative session.
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Seminar Land Use Conference
On December 7th, I will be presenting at the Oregon Land Use Law conference in downtown Portland. I will give a brief legislative update on affordable housing. Increasing access to affordable housing has been a priory of mine throughout my legislative career and continues to be. While House Bill 2004 did not pass last session, I am committed to supporting legislation that creates greater access to stable, affordable housing for all Oregonians.
The Oregon Land Use Law Conference has become known as one of the region’s best land use seminars. This year, they have gathered a variety of housing professionals in the Oregon land use system to share their thoughts and wisdom regarding the most relevant land use topics. Among the topics discussed will be: affordable housing, historic preservation and land use law issues in Oregon. I was glad to be invited to speak at the Oregon Land Use Law conference and look forward being a part of this important conversation.
Preparing for the 2018 Legislative Session
I have been working diligently in preparation for the 2018 legislative session. I have been working on bill concepts for the upcoming session. I currently have two bills in the works.
The first bill is related to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This bill will require any extra funds that were dedicated to TANF stay in the TANF program. I am hopeful that these funds will help families in need that meet the eligibility requirements for the TANF program.
The second bill I am championing will allow the Department of Corrections to share data regarding youth specifically for research purposes. This data is essential to improving our current system and bettering outcomes for justice involved youth.
I believe that both of these bill are important as they improve the lives of the people in our community and throughout Oregon. I look forward to moving these bills forward through the 2018 legislative session.
Give Guide
As you begin your holiday shopping please consider giving the gift that gives to others. This year's Willamette Week’s Give!Guide highlights a variety of local non-profit that are doing amazing work. Even a few local non-profits that work right here in Gresham.
In thirteen years, Give!Guide has raised over $20 million for hundreds of local nonprofits. Last year, Willamette Week readers gave nearly $4.25 million to 141 Portland organizations and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Please consider making a donation to one of the many wonderful non-profit organizations that do so much to help those in our communities thrive!
https://giveguide.org/
As always, I am grateful for the great opportunities that have come my way and thank you for your continued support. Have a blessed holiday and please be mindful of those less fortunate.
Warm Regards,
 Representative Carla C. Piluso
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