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Hello Friends,
You may be wondering, so how was your first legislative session? I'm here to tell you that it was intense, challenging, and quickly over. Here are some answers to a few other questions I've recently reflected on:
Was I disappointed? Let down is more descriptive.
Did either of my bills pass? No. HJR 204 commemorated the 100th anniversary of granting the right to women to vote passed the House unanimously and was in the Senate upon adjournment. HB 4138, a CAT tax fix for pharmacies was still in the Rules committee upon adjournment.
Statewide we are celebrating the Centennial of the Woman Suffrage movement. In my comments supporting the bill I noted the importance of the right to vote for ALL Americans. That morning on the House floor along with all the other members present we voted in support of this House Joint Resolution. What has struck me since is the denial of the right for Oregonians to vote on a massive piece of tax legislation that would transform our economy and put those already struggling families and individuals at an even greater risk of not making ends meet. This right was denied by some of the same members that supported the celebration for women to have the right to vote.
How am I going to move forward? With respect, dignity, and integrity - rising above the noise and focusing on the needs of our community. I have stated from the onset of this job that I will listen to you and I will press forward on the issues that matter to HD19. CAT tax clarity and fixes, community corrections, CourtCare, a fix to SB 24 (2019) the aid and assist issue, renewable energy credits, Salem and Turner’s drinking water, and funding to reduce hardships that lead to homelessness and chronic homelessness.
In the next 10 days or so you should expect to receive an electronic survey from my office. I hope you will take the time to complete it and submit your answers. Additionally, I will be hosting a legislative listening session – Your District Your Voice – on Wednesday evening April 8th, from 5:30-6:30 PM at the Elks Lodge on 2336 Turner Rd SE, Salem. All are welcome to attend and participate. I remain steadfast to representing HD19 in the transparent and accessible manner that benefits all constituents.
Late last week I shared in a press release that while we advocated for a letting the people vote on the cap and trade legislation we were ready to return to the Capitol to complete the votes necessary to pass fixes to previous legislation and budget items. Much more in keeping with the original intent of short session. This will need to wait for another day.
Earlier this week the e-board met and conducted business, the full list of allocations can be found at: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/kotek/Pages/news.aspx.
One item, $5 million to the Department of Environmental Quality will be used for rule-making and other actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state. This sets the stage to implement an impending executive order from Gov. Kate Brown. Normally an emergency is declared and then it is funded. However, that is not the case with this allocation. This time it is funded on Monday, then defined on Tuesday per the Governor’s Executive Order. In signing the executive order regarding greenhouse gas emissions – she continues to deny the voters the right to vote on this issue.
The latest information regarding COVID-19 is OHA issuing new guidance directing long-term care facilities to limit exposure of residents to COVID-19
In consultation with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) is using the authority of Governor Brown’s emergency order to issue a policy to limit exposure to COVID-19 at long-term care facilities. DHS is taking this action to protect older adults, Oregonians who are at greater risk of the most severe outcomes of this disease.
Click here for the latest on COVID-19.
Thank you for engaging with your state government. Please know my door is always open and my staff, Pam McClain, Lena Prine, and I welcome your participation.
Yours truly,
 Representative Raquel Moore-Green
House District 19
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1419
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-385, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.RaquelMooreGreen@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/moore-green
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