|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you for your continued support and advocacy during this unorthodox session. It has been a pleasure to meet with students, community organizations, local leaders and advocates who came from my district and all across Oregon to visit me. I came to work every day committed to tackle the challenges we face and eager to talk about the issues in our communities and across the state.
Sadly, the Oregon legislative session ended on Thursday, March 5, following an 11-day walkout of House and Senate Republicans, and the refusal of House Republicans to respond to a legislative subpoena. I am deeply disappointed that important legislation benefiting our schools, houseless individuals, foster youth and other critical bills were held hostage, and your calls for action and transformative change went unanswered. In response, the Joint Emergency Board convened yesterday to allocate funding for critical needs across Oregon. While this session is a tragedy for our democracy and for the people who elected us to serve, I will continue to work hard to ensure that this never happens again and that we can build a better future for every Oregonian.
House Speaker Tina Kotek wrapped up the session with powerful words - I hope you will watch what she had to say.
CONSTITUENT UPDATE
I will be hosting a Joint Post Session Town Hall with Rep. Keny-Guyer and Senator Dembrow. Hope to see you there.
When: This Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Where: Regent Center – 3185 NE Regents Dr. Portland, OR 97212
Who: Constituents, advocates, and members of the public
What: Post-2020 session briefing, discussion of future goals and Q&A
Refreshments and activities for kids will be available, so please bring your family
2020 Short Session Bills
While there were only three bills that passed this session,there were many bills that did not get the opportunity to get voted on. Here are the three bills that passed and a few of the many bills killed by the Republican walkout.
Bills That Passed
HB 4140
This bill creates protections for students returning to school following a concussion or other brain injury and who require academic accommodations.
HB 4061
HB 4061 increases the surcharge for cultural vehicle registration plates from $30 to $50 a pair to raise additional funds for the Oregon Cultural Trust, which supports arts and culture programming throughout the state.
HB 4106
This revises the boundaries of North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District and Happy Valley in order to improve parks and recreation services for all of their respective residents.
Bills That Died
HB 4005
This bill would have helped keep guns out the hands of those who might do harm to themselves or others by requiring an owner or possessor of a firearm to secure their firearm with a trigger or cable lock in a locked container, or gun room except in specified circumstances.
HB 4003
This bill would have implemented recommendations from the Racial Disparities in Home Ownership Task Force, including recommendations for down payment assistance, homeownership IDA match, expanded capacity at OHCS, as well as education to those in the housing industry about the barriers to housing for people of color and how to overcome them.
HB 4054
This bill would have helped Oregon develop a long-term, sustainable plan for wildfire prevention and response.
HB 4073
This would limit out-of pocket costs for individuals who are prescribed insulin to treat diabetes.
HB 4039
This bill would strengthen the existing service system and assess future needs for unaccompanied homeless youth.
Coronavirus Information
The Oregon Health Authority is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, called COVID-19. Governor Brown has convened a coronavirus response team that will meet regularly to ensure that we have a coordinated response. Watch the most recent press conference concerning the COVID-19 coordinated response here.
Here are some important reminders; Dean Sidelinger, State Health Officer and State Epidemiologist, advised the public to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds often, especially after coughing or sneezing, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, cleaning surfaces often, and staying home if you are feeling sick. For more up-to-date information, please visit OHA's website.
We have seen a growing tide of xenophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment and racism in reaction to the virus, and it’s important to stay focused on the factual public health information that will really make a difference.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
We will be hosting a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Family Night on April 29th from 5:30-8:00pm at Parkrose HS. Join us to learn more about these schools and stay tuned for more details.
The Native American Youth and Family Center will be hosting their 14th Annual Housing to Homeownership Fair March 14th at the NAYA Family Center.
Rose City Park & Hollywood NHA Annual Spring Clean-Up Event, Saturday, May 30, from 9am-3pm. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church
Thank you for staying engaged in your state government. Always feel free to reach out to my office with issues you or your community are facing or to share your opinions on legislation. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any issues, questions, comments or concerns.
Sincerely,
 Representative Barbara Smith Warner
House District 45
email: Rep.BarbaraSmithWarner@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1445
address: 900 Court St NE, H-295, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithwarner
| 
