This week marked my first Legislative Days: an opportunity to hear updates of the legislation passed in our committees, discuss upcoming legislation, and hear presentations of issues we need to have on our radar. We are unfortunately still “virtual” as the hearing rooms (and our offices) are still under construction for seismic improvements, but it was nice to catch up with everyone about what has been happening since Session ended in June!
I was particularly happy that so much time was dedicated in the House Committee on Agriculture and Land Use to hear farmers’ stories of the wide array of disasters we’ve seen across the state in the past year-plus. I’m hopeful the Legislature will take steps to try and relieve some of this burden—and hopefully not add to the burden for once!
My first Legislative Days was supposed to happen in September, but… There was this issue of “Redistricting” you may have heard about??? Goodness! There are still active lawsuits that need to be settled before we know for-sure what the next decade’s district boundaries will be, but I will say this: the debacle of that Special Session sure offered abundant proof why voters should choose their politicians, not the other way around!
When things are finalized, I’ll be sure and give you an update of what our district (or should I say districts…) will look like as we go into the 2022 election season, but I think no matter the outcome of the court decision, some big changes are in store for what has been House District 17 for the past decade.
In the meantime, my office is busy getting ready for next year’s short session, continuing to work on constituent issues, and enjoying getting out and about in our wonderful communities! Hopefully we’ll see you along the way—be sure and say hi!
Our "We survived session!" celebration this summer! Because nothing says "session is over" quite like jumping out of a perfectly good airplane!
To continue supporting survivors of the September 2020 wildfires, the Oregon Department of Human Services has been tasked with developing a Wildfire Survivor Outreach Plan. To support success for all concerned, the campaign is beginning with a "soft launch" in counties with the best disaster case manager to survivor ratios (Douglas, Lincoln and Marion counties). The campaign will expand to the other counties impacted by the 2020 wildfires as disaster case managers being hired under the FEMA grant are able to meet the need.
This is a call-to-action campaign. It urges survivors to call the Oregon Department of Human Services' wildfire survivor toll-free number at 1-833-669-0554 for support and to access resources at https://wildfire.oregon.gov. Those eligible for wildfire survivor support will be referred and assigned to a disaster case manager, who will help them navigate recovery.
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services is asking for the public’s help before its third annual public hearing on prescription drug prices.
The department set up a brief survey – http://dcbspage.org/RxStories – for consumers to ask questions and share their stories about rising prescription drug prices. Drug prices play a major role in health care decisions of Oregonians and the cost of prescription drugs have steadily increased in the past 10 years. The department wants to know what questions you have about the increase in prescription drugs and how has it affected you and your family.
The hearing is scheduled for 1pm - 3pm Wednesday, December 8th. More information and details on how to participate in the hearing can be found HERE.
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The Department of Transportation has partnered with Oregon law enforcement agencies to exercise discretion in their enforcement of driver licenses, vehicle registrations and trip permits that expire during the COVID-19 emergency. This grace period ends December 31, 2021. Don't wait until the last minute to schedule your appointment at your local DMV!
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We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with their love ones. Let us all take the opportunity to pause, and give thanks for our many blessings.
To view previous newsletters, please visit my website.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1417 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-378, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/cate
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