The majority had the opportunity to pass budgets and multiple bi-partisan bills at the end of session, and they opted not to. The leaders in the majority have made it clear that they want to return for a special session to take up selective policy issues and budgets. I attended every day of floor sessions through March. I worked to secure funding for OSU-Cascades Student Success Center, new judges for the county to increase access for justice. These were items allocated into our budget that were going to pass and bring real benefits to our community. I am confident that we can ultimately find a remedy and get these resources to Central Oregon. There will very likely be a special session called in the near future, and I will do everything in my power to bring them to the people of Central Oregon.

Given the sudden and rapid spreading of COVID-19, more commonly known as coronavirus, the Oregon Health Authority along with professors from the Oregon Health and Science University briefed the Senate Health Care Committee on our state’s preparedness for handling this virus. High contagion levels impact our most vulnerable community members such as the homeless or elderly, and in these communities the disease can be deadly. We need to be ready to take steps to protect these groups and the public health at large. One of the simplest and most efficient way to reduce the spread of coronavirus is to wash your hands with soap, the soap and friction of washing your hands breaks apart the virus’ skin and kills it. Cover your mouth with you sneeze or cough and wash your hands often and stay home if you can. Please do your part to help keep Oregon healthy.

I met with members of Right to Repair, a group who advocates for the rights for people to be able to repair technological equipment like phones, laptops, and more. Balancing trade secrets with people’s rights to care for and maintain their own property is an important issue. Thank you for your advocacy and keep up the good work.