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2019 means the beginning of a new legislative session, and I am eager to get to work on the many priorities that Oregon House Democrats ran on and won. And as the House chair of the Joint Committee on Student Success, I am particularly focused on our commitment to finally establish new dedicated revenue for our public education system. It’s going to be an exciting session, and I want to make sure you’re kept up to speed.
Join myself, Senator Michael Dembrow and Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer at our pre-session town hall!
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Russellville Grange, 12105 NE Prescott St, Portland, OR 97220
MONDAY JANUARY 7th, 6:30 - 8PM
Come for an open Q&A with your elected representatives in the state legislature on education, environment, healthcare, gun violence prevention, and whatever is on your mind! More information on Facebook.
Refreshments provided, families with kids welcome
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I have served as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Student Success since the beginning of 2018, and will continue that role in the 2019 session. Our bipartisan committee of 14 House and Senate members has spent a year travelling the state to listen and learn about the successes and challenges of our state education system, visiting schools in 29 communities, including Parkrose Middle School and Madison High School here in district 45. This video sums up the experience pretty well. The final report on the findings and takeaways from our statewide tour will be released shortly, and we are planning to put together a major policy package that will combine dedicated revenue, outcome-based funding, and accountability.
I will continue to be a member of both the House Revenue and House Rules committees, as well as serving as the Majority Whip for the House Democrats. I’m eager for another productive session where we pass meaningful progressive policy that will make a difference for every Oregonian.
I am largely focusing on the huge task of stabilizing and improving our education system this session, and am working with a wide array of partners, advocates, and stakeholders. Feel free to ask me questions on this topic at rep.barbarasmithwarner@oregonlegislature.gov.
However, I do have several bills that I am chief sponsoring that I would like to share with you.
HB 2505, The Cindy Yuille and Steve Forsythe Act
In 2014, 2 Oregonians were murdered in Clackamas Town Center by a shooter using a stolen gun that was left unsecured. Gun violence is a public health crisis, so this bill uses a public health approach to address it. Just like seatbelts, we can change patterns of behavior to create a safer Oregon, especially for our kids. That’s why I’m proud to be a Chief co-sponsor of a bill that requires safe storage of guns while they are not in use. For more information, please reach out to my office or read this article in the Portland Mercury.
SB 052, Youth Suicide Prevention
Too many families in my district, and across the state, have lost kids, students and friends to suicide, and it is an even greater risk for young LGBTQ Oregonians. That’s why I’m working with Basic Rights Oregon to Chief Sponsor a bill that will require school districts to adopt suicide prevention plans for students.
Clean Energy Jobs
As climate disruption increases, we must do everything possible to stem the tide here in Oregon, and I am eager to help pass the Clean Energy Jobs bill in 2019. I am signing on to be a sponsor of the bill, and I will do all I can to pass it this year.
To get more engaged or stay informed, subscribe here to get updates from the Joint Committee on Student Success or other committees or legislators important to you. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
From paid family leave to affordable housing and oil trains, there’s so much work to accomplish this year. Stay engaged, stay in touch, and hope to see you at the Town Hall!
Best,
 Representative Barbara Smith Warner
House District 45
email: Rep.BarbaraSmithWarner@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1445
address: 900 Court St NE, H-286, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithwarner
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