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Dear friends,
So far, so good. After six weeks of choking smoke last summer, this year has produced a reprieve of lovely weather, interrupted for several days by the Milepost 97 fire in July. As we head into the final weeks of summer, here's hoping for continued fresh air so that we can enjoy the bounty and beauty of our region.
This fall, the Governor’s Council on Wildfire Response will issue recommendations regarding Oregon's current model for wildfire prevention, preparedness and response. The Council’s analysis will identify strategies that will protect and sustain our communities given our increasing wildfire risks. As a member of the Council, I am advocating for significant funding for the re-establishment of forest resilience. We can and will continue to suppress fire, but it makes a lot more sense to invest in prevention efforts, particularly in our forest interface, that will help keep us safe.
I’ll be sharing the Council’s findings in future newsletters, along with updates on the short legislative session that will begin in February. Our work next year will include a focus on a few issues that were stalled in the 2019 session, including climate legislation and broadband funding.
Come on out to the Campaign Finance Reform Forum on Sept 4 in Medford and stop by Jville Market on Sept 8 to say "Hello" -- details about these events are below. I'm also sharing resources for immigrants and other community members to help make sure all of our neighbors are welcome and safe here in Southern Oregon.
Best,
State Representative
Oregon House District 5 - Southern Jackson County
Speaking with members of the Rotary Club of Ashland, 07-18-19
Since the legislative session ended on June 30, I have enjoyed several opportunities to meet with community organizations and businesses to share updates and outcomes and to hear from locals about their concerns. Two open house events for the general public were held, one at Talent Maker City in Talent, and another at Valley View Winery near Ruch. It was a pleasure to meet constituents at locations that contribute so much to our communities' vitality. It was also an honor to give presentations at Rotary Club of Ashland, Rotary Club of Ashland Lithia Springs, Rotary Club of Jacksonville-Applegate, Medford Rogue Rotary and Ashland Kiwanis Club, where I was especially impressed to learn about all the superb activities that these service clubs are doing to benefit people in Southern Oregon and around the world.
In the 2019 legislative session, the legislature secured big wins for campaign finance reform by increasing transparency and access for voters. While these wins were significant, Oregon remains one of five states without campaign contribution limits.
I believe we must get big-monied interest out of politics, which is why I’m thrilled to tell you that my colleague Rep. Dan Rayfield (Corvallis) will be travelling to Southern Oregon to join Sen. Jeff Golden and hear how Oregonians want our campaign finance system to work. Rep.Rayfield has been a leader on campaign finance reform legislation since 2015, and Sen. Golden has also been a strong advocate for campaign finance reform, serving as Chair of the Senate Campaign Finance Committee in 2019.
The forum will kick-off with comments from election policy experts regarding the historical and political dynamics of campaign finance reform in Oregon, followed by a panel discussion and overview of recently-passed campaign finance reform legislation. It will conclude with a community discussion on campaign finance limit goals and proposals.
I hope to see you for what’s sure to be a fascinating and valuable discussion of campaign finance reform in Oregon!
When: Wednesday, September 4, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: Medford Library, 205 S Central Ave, Medford
Facebook Event Link
We live in uncertain times. For many in our community, that uncertainty has led to a real fear for themselves, their families, friends, and the lives they have worked hard to build. It’s incumbent on us as neighbors and community members to stand with our fellow Oregonians. Knowing your rights and the rights of your neighbors is more important than ever. No matter what your immigration status is, everyone deserves to feel safe and empowered in their communities.
Below is a list of resources from the Oregon Immigration Resource, a project of Causa.
For Individuals
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Know Your Rights: A Guide to Your Rights When Interacting with Law Enforcement
- Video series: We Have Rights: What to Do when Interacting with ICE – English, Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, Hatian Creole, Russian
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Everyone Has Certain Basic Rights, No Matter Who is President – Info sheet in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Korean
- “Sepa sus Derechos” Oregon-specific Know Your Rights video in Spanish
- Know Your Rights videos for speakers of Maya Mam and Maya Ixil
- Know Your Rights Cards in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hmong, Arabic, & Korean
- Know Your Rights Cards In Arabic, Farsi, Somali, & Spanish
- Eye-catching Know Your Rights flyers in English, Spanish, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer, Hindi, and Hatian Creole
- Know Your Rights resources from the ACLU
- Know Your Rights handouts in English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic, Haitian Creole, and Punjabi
For Workers:
For Educators:
For Employers:
For Health Care Providers:
Find more resources for individuals, social service providers, and educators at: www.informedimmigrant.com
Rep Marsh's new sandwich board for events. It's handcrafted by Talent Maker City!
Have you been to Jville Market? What a terrific place to meet with neighbors, to support local foods and artisans, and to hear live music on a summer's weekend morning. On Sunday, September 8, I'll be at the market to talk with community members. Stop by and say "Hello"! I'll be standing by this fabulous sign handcrafted by the makers at Talent Maker City.
When: Sunday, Sept 8, 9:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. (Music at 11:30)
Where: 206 N. 5th Street, Jacksonville
Facebook Page Link
Southern Oregon Pride Parade. Photo credit: Ashland Chamber of Commerce
It’s been 50 years since the Stonewall riots, and Southern Oregon Pride will Honor the History and Forge the Future in 2019. This year’s Grand Marshal is Nataki Garrett, the new Artistic Director of Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I look forward to walking in the parade and joining the crowd in Lithia Park for food, music and a vibrant celebration of love. Meet in front of the Ashland Library.
When: Saturday, October 12, Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Ashland Library, 410 Siskiyou Blvd, and down Main Street, Ashland
Facebook Event Link
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1405
District Phone: 541-282-4516
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-375, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.PamMarsh@oregonlegislature.gov
Website & E-subscribe: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/marsh
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