It's official! Oregon will be gaining a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives according to data from the US Census Bureau that was released on Monday. While we don't know for certain the details exactly which parts of the state people have moved to and how we will draw this congressional seat and other legislative seats, it is clear that Oregon is growing rapidly. We see it in the rising costs to housing and the increased demand on our infrastructure. I will do everything in my power as the Vice-Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee to ensure that the new legislative map for Oregon is drawn in a way that is fair to all Oregonians and ensures that all voices are heard. One person, one vote.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Oregon State University's new Interim-President, Becky Johnson. Johnson has served as vice president of OSU-Cascades since 2009. I have enjoyed working with her to better the school in our backyard of Central Oregon. She joined OSU in 1984 as an assistant professor in the College of Forestry, before ascending into college and university academic and administrative leadership positions. She is the first woman to be president of the university. I'm confident in her leadership, and I'm looking forward to working with her in the future. Go Beavs!

Maggie Williams recently broke the record for the 800 meter run at Summit High School, an impressive accomplishment given the school's decorated history in the sport, it should have been a moment of celebration and triumph. Instead, Maggie is recovering from passing out just before the finish line and fell. Despite this, she still managed to break the record.

After a productive conversation with Governor Brown, Dr. Pat Allen at OHA, and the Governor's staff, I am happy to say that this policy has been adjusted to better protect Maggie and her fellow athletes. The Oregon Health Authority will no longer require students to wear masks while participating in outdoor non-contact sports. You can read the details of that story here. I am grateful for this change, as it will protect our student athletes and signifies a slow but steady step into life returning to normal. Congratulations to you Maggie, and I wish you the best in your next record setting race.

A project that many in Redmond, including myself, have been working towards has taken an important step forward. The Skyline Village housing project will add 485 residential units that are desperately needed. The Redmond City Council took action to approve some of the permits necessary to begin working on the construction of these residencies. This project is possible in part thanks to a bill sponsored by Rep. Jack Zika and myself in 2019,Oregon House Bill 2336. The goal is to have construction on these units begin in the early summer of 2022. This will provide a significant influx of affordable homes for working families that are desperately needed in Central Oregon.