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Over the past two weeks, you've likely seen a few news articles or stories on TV about the legislature and redistricting – the decennial process in which states draw new electoral lines in response to population growth to ensure fair representation.
For just the third time since 1911, the Legislature successfully passed state legislative and congressional maps. The Senate and House committees accomplished a tremendous task in the face of incredible and overlapping challenges. The maps are fair, representative, meet the highest of legal standards and incorporate feedback we heard from Oregonians across the state. The maps followed the Census data to protect the constitutional requirement of one person, one vote. I was thrilled to vote yes on Senate Bills 881 and 882, and am grateful to my colleagues on the committees that worked to produce these maps. Thank you for your dedicated service on this difficult task.
For an excellent summary of the entire redistricting process, I encourage you to read Representative Andrea Salinas's newsletter, as well as Represenative Salinas and Senator Taylor's opinion piece in the Oregonian.
  The new map of Senate District 19.
 The current map of Senate District 19.
House Bill 2526 was passed by the legislature earlier this year and designates the second Monday of October of each year as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Oregon. I was proud to be a chief sponsor of this bill and to help make our state the 11th state in the country to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This day honors the native peoples, languages and cultures that contribute incredible richness and vitality to the tapestry of the place we now call Oregon.
Local businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. That's why I was so excited to see that West Linn was planning to welcome a new sushi restaurant to the district. Thank you Shatrine Krake, Executive Director of West Linn Chamber of Commerce and Momiji Sushi Restaurant - West Linn for inviting me and my wife Laurie to join you at this exciting ribbon cutting and grand opening. I look forward to my next visit and to watching your success in the years to come.
  
Thank you to Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran and SWTrails Portland for organizing a wonderful walk two weekends ago. I’m excited to see so much progress to create a safer walking experience in my senate district. In the last legislative session, Representative Andrea Salinas and I allocated $900,000 to help finish a trail from Lake Oswego to Hillsdale. I’m looking forward to hiking it once it’s completed in the next few years.
If you're curious about the network of trails that SW Trails has already built, check out their website for a map and list of some great walks close to home.
 Masked up and ready for a beautiful morning walk.
 I was pleased to share my efforts to support SW Trails and safer, healthier communities in the Oregon Legislature.
 SW Trails super volunteer Don Baack explaining the origin of a trail segment near the Multnomah Arts Center.
A week from this Saturday, The Tualatin Rotary Club Presents: The Regatta 5k Run/Walk - October 16
The course is flat, fast, and friendly for runners, walkers, strollers, and four-legged friends. All net proceeds will support Tualatin Rotary’s first-generation college scholarships at Tualatin High School and opportunities for school-aged children in our community.
This event was founded in memory of Marine Corporal Matthew Lembke, a 2005 graduate of Tualatin High School who lost his life while serving in Afghanistan. His sacrifice and service have inspired The Tualatin Rotary Club to support youth and their future potential.
Learn More or Register Today!
Questions? Contact Linda Moholt at lindamoholt@gmail.com
September was Suicide Prevention month. This is an issue that I care deeply about and have championed during my time in the legislature. During the 2019 legislative session, I co-sponsored Adi's Act, which requires school districts across Oregon to engage in suicide prevention planning. And in the 2021 legislative session, I co-sponsored Carson's Act, which creates notification requirements for school districts when there are reports of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyberbullying. If you're interested in learning more, my speech on the senate floor about the bill is available here, or you can click the photo below.
Preventing suicide is something we can do all year round and the work extends beyond our schools. It is difficult to talk about suicide, but willingness to talk is an important step in stopping preventable deaths. Know the warning signs of suicide and the steps you can take to help someone who is struggling. Thank you to the Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority for compiling the resources below in an excellent newsletter:
Ask. Asking the question, “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you are open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Listening to their responses and reasons for being emotional pain is important to make sure they feel heard.
Keep them safe. This is really about showing support for someone during the times when they have thoughts of suicide.
Be there. This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk.
Help them connect. Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with supports (see below) can help them establish a safety net for those moment they find themselves in a crisis.
Follow up. After your initial contact with the person and you’ve connected them with the immediate supports they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they are doing. Leave a message, send a text or give them a call.
If you’re struggling, there are crisis lines ready to help:
Oregon County Mental Health Crisis Phone Lines: Find a list by county here.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). En español: 1-888-628-9454. Deaf & hard of hearing access: Chat: 1-800-799-4889.
YouthLine (For teen-to-teen support). Call 977-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863 (peer support available 4-10pm PST)
The Veteran Crisis Line (Call 1-800-273-8255 and then press “1” or text 838255) and the Military Helpline (Call 1-888-457-4838 anytime; text MIL1 to 839863 Monday – Friday from 2-6pm PST).
Many Oregonians have questions about third doses of the mRNA vaccines and booster doses of Pfizer. Please visit OHA’s Boosters and Third Doses webpage for up-to-date information on what’s available to you and what you can expect.
You can also learn more in DHS and OHA's recent newsletter about booster shots.
With the recent departure of two of my children for their first year of college, the remaining family in the house decided to welcome a new furry friend. Meet Beatle!
 Its been a great joy to have a puppy again. Their wonder in the world is a welcome reminder to be grateful for the small joys of life - fall foliage, crisp mornings, and a nice walk around the neighborhood. Beatle and the rest of our family wish you a great start to the season.
As always, please let me know if you need any assistance. My office and I will work to connect you with resources and get your questions answered as quickly as possible.
 Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner
Senate District 19
email: Sen.RobWagner@OregonLegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1719
address: 900 Court St NE, S-223, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wagner
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