Last Wednesday, we received the tragic news that Senator Jackie Winters, a groundbreaking member of the Oregon Senate had passed away following her battle with lung cancer. 

Senator Winters was the first African-American Republican elected to the State Legislature. She was the first African-American Caucus Leader, and one of the State's longest-serving female legislators ever. Serving with her for over half of her historic 20 years in the legislature has been a tremendous honor.

She was a champion for her district and those felt left behind or forgotten by their government. Her leadership, courage and personality will be dearly missed in the Capitol building. My thoughts and prayers are with the Winters family, her friends, and the thousands of Oregonians mourning her loss.

Memorial Day is a day that serves as a remembrance to those whom have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedom. Some families must live Memorial Day everyday as they are left with only the memories of their loved ones, and it is right that we honor and support these families and these fallen heroes whom have laid down their life that our tomorrow might be better.

There was a quiet dignity across the Nation as flags flapped in the wind over the graves of our greatest heroes. They serve as a solemn reminder that we have a responsibility to lead lives worthy of the cost that was paid for our freedom. I can think of no better way to honor their memory than to spend our time with our families and friends, cherishing the lives of those lost, and standing vigilant to protect the freedom that so many have given their lives for.

Senate Bill 726, The Workplace Fairness Act, has been a top priority of mine this session. Over a year ago I called for action to end the culture in private and public employment that enables the harassment and mistreatment of women and that we must take serious action to change that culture.

The passage of the Workplace Fairness Act marks an important beginning step in achieving that goal. This legislation will help ensure victims of harassment know their rights and reporting processes and provides consequences for people who commit harassment or cover it up in the workplace. 

We know that this issue is too complicated to solve with just one bill. We still have a lot of work to do to make sure all are treated with respect and dignity in the workplace, but the passage of this legislation shows that we are taking this seriously here in Oregon and will continue to make progress to end harassment and discrimination in the workplace. 

On Friday, I had the privilege to attend the memorial for Robert Maxwell, the 98 year old was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient and a WWII veteran. Maxwell’s lived a life of quiet dignity; a living example of respect, service, and love for his fellow man. The service reflected his deep faith in God and Jesus as well as his devotion to his country. Whenever his heroic actions were marveled at, he would simply respond with, “Well I was just doing my duty.”

Bob was award the Medal of Honor along with two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, and several other awards. He wore the medal though not as a personal glory, but a tribute to the other heroes that did not return from the war. Upon returning from the war, he was an auto-mechanic and eventually an instructor for mechanics at Bend High School, Central Oregon Community College, and Lane Community College. A tireless advocate for veterans and education, Bob was often found either working for those whom he had served with or supporting a scholarship he created to his Alma-mater, Boise Bible College.

Our nation, state, and local community is better thanks to the selflessness of Robert Maxwell. If we are to be worthy of the gift that was Bob’s life and heroics, we must strive to be as selfless to our community as him.

For those who wish, the family suggests they honor Bob with a memorial contribution to Boise Bible College, Medal of Honor Scholarship 8695 W Marigold St, Boise, ID 83714.

Thank you to "Protect Our Winters" for coming by last week on your advocacy day! This group was made up of professional climbers, snowboarders, skiers, and other outdoor athletes from Central Oregon who came to the Capitol to share how environmental policies affect their sports, field of work and lives overall.

This group brought unique insight, experiences, and knowledge to their visit and I appreciate the chance to listen to them. We all share the goal of protecting Central Oregon's natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.