My priority bill this Session, HB 4109, had a hearing in the House Health Care Committee last Friday.  The bill makes adjustments to the Northwest Regional Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program Advisory Board’s membership, meeting, and reporting requirements and sets new sideboards outlining when the Advisory Board must consider the addition of new diseases to the screening program.  It is a bill that will improve the functionality of the Advisory Board and ensure that newborn testing in Oregon keeps up with scientific advancements.  I was proud to give testimony on the bill in Committee and was joined in the hearing by parents/advocates Nikki and Joe Monaco and national newborn screening advocate Anna Grantham.  You can watch the hearing by clicking on the image above or here.  The House Health Care Committee will vote on the bill this Friday, and I am working hard to ensure it passes so that I can advocate for it on the House Floor and in the Senate. 

As a Co-Chair of the Interstate 5 Bridge Committee, I have also been very busy meeting with Oregon and Washington colleagues and advocates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.  Both the Oregon and Washington state legislatures are working hard to ensure that we have a replacement process focused on the three "Es" of equity, environment and economic interests. I had the pleasure of working with Washingon State Senator Annette Cleveland recently on a video that highlights the importance of the Bridge in connecting our two states.  Watch the video by clicking on the image above or by going here.

Tutorial video & information about finding bills, agendas, and votes on bills

Tutorial video & information about submitting written testimony

Tutorial videos on registering to testify and how to join a committee meeting in Microsoft Teams

Cómo Testificar for information in Spanish on how to testify

Information on requesting language services

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I sign up to testify, and what is the deadline? Each committee agenda has a unique link to sign up to testify before the committee. Registration closes 1 hour before the scheduled start time of the meeting.

• What if I don’t have a computer or am not comfortable signing up to testify online? For individuals who would like support signing up to testify, LPRO has a phone line to register or for questions about signing up to testify: 833-588-4500. That’s a great number to call with questions or technical issues as well.

• What if I don’t have a computer to testify on a bill? For individuals who wish to testify at the Capitol building, staff are standing by at the public testimony station in Room 167. We can help individuals testify, sign up to testify for a future meeting, submit written testimony, or answer other questions they may have.

• How do I submit written testimony on a bill? For individuals who want to submit written testimony, each meeting agenda includes a link to the public testimony portal on OLIS. Written testimony can be as simple as “I support” or “I oppose” typed into a text box, or it can be a formal uploaded statement. The portal is open and accepts written testimony as soon as a bill is posted on an agenda for a public hearing, and testimony may be submitted up to 24 hours after the scheduled start time of the meeting. After the portal is closed, LPRO no longer accepts written testimony to post on OLIS with the meeting. However, individuals may still contact legislators directly with their input.

• What if I want to hand write my testimony or mail it via postal service? For individuals who wish to submit written testimony via postal service, they may mail it to LPRO at 900 Court Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 – clearly indicating the committee and the measure number, so that we will know where to post it. LPRO will upload testimony postmarked by the deadline of 24 hours after the start time of the committee meeting with the public hearing.

• What if I have technical difficulties submitting my written testimony via the online portal? If folks have technical difficulties with the public testimony portal on OLIS, they may contact Information Services at testimony.techissues@oregonlegislature.gov for assistance. This email address is for support with technical issues only.

House Bill 4014 

I spoke on the House Floor today in support of HB 4014, a bill that may seem like a simple change in dates, but actually puts emphasis on the importance of understanding the affordable housing crises that we are facing.

System development charges (SDCs) are fees imposed by local governments on new developments to help cover the infrastructure needed to support the development.  In 2021, the Legislative Assembly passed HB 3040, which required Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to conduct a comprehensive study on SDCs. Under the measure, OHCS is required to provide a final report on the study to the Legislative Assembly by June 1, 2022. House Bill 4014 changes the deadline for submission of the final SDC study report to December 15, 2022, giving OHCS more time to carefully complete this very important report.  To hear my speech, please click on the image above or here to be taken to the video. 

Community Safety Bills this Session 

One of my top priorities is protecting our community safety and ensuring that everyone is safe in their neighborhoods. Our communities need law enforcement to be able to focus on preventing and solving serious crimes and supporting the needs of survivors and victims. We should reduce traffic stops for infractions like broken tail lights that aren’t dangerous, so police can focus on stopping real crime and supporting the needs of survivors and victims. 

In order to build trust between communities and law enforcement, community members must be able to personally connect with those who serve them. 

It will also be important to address the rise in hate crimes, and give law enforcement the tools they need to investigate these cases. Lastly, small businesses need a path to recovery as soon as possible, that includes when they are victims of crimes. Broken windows lead to closed businesses.

Right now, legislators are discussing several bills that will improve our response to crime and ensure that everyone feels safe in their community. Take a look: 

• HB 4045: Supports effective programs to break the cycle of chronic community violence
• SB 1510: Reduce traffic stops for infractions like broken tail lights that aren’t dangerous, so police can focus more on preventing and solving serious crimes. 
• HB 4074/HB 4016: Testing/enforcement of illegal cannabis grows; and adds resources to help human trafficking victims
• HB 4075, which will make it more likely that crime victims, including burglarized small businesses, receive restitution for the harm they have experienced.  
• HB 4102: Oregon State Police coordination with tribes to investigate Missing and Murdered Indigenous People cases
• HB 4110: Establishes a task force that will help create clear procedures for crime victims to receive access to law enforcement records about their case

Oregon Department of Education Updates on K-12 Mask Rules:

The Oregon Health Authority will lift the mask rule (333-019-1015) in schools on March 31.  This date is established to provide certainty and planning time for schools. The March 31 date to lift the school mask rule occurs after the majority of schools complete spring break.

As of March 31, the decision to require universal masking in school settings will rest with decision makers in school districts, charter schools, private schools, and local public health authorities. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), OHA and ODE continue to strongly advise the use of face coverings in schools in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the impact of quarantine through the school year.

Masks are required on public transportation, which includes school buses until lifted by the federal government and cannot be waived by state or local authorities.

OHA and ODE continue to work together to update school guidance so schools can continue to operate safely after mask rules are lifted.

Announcement from Superintendent Parker -- February 7, 2022:

Dear FGSD Families and Staff,

Today, Governor Brown announced that as of March 31, the decision about whether to require universal indoor masking in schools is moving from the Oregon Department of Education to local districts. We received this new information this afternoon and are beginning to review our protocols. We will also be consulting with the Washington County Public Health Department and our district labor partners.

As we work to understand these implications, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our students and staff, so we can maintain face-to-face instruction. As the masking policies change, there will be a variety of implications to district quarantine, isolation, contact tracing and other health protocols. As the district reviews these implications and changes, we will communicate our new course of action as it is finalized. 

As always, thank you for your partnership in supporting the safety and success of our students as we have prioritized keeping our students safely in their classrooms. 

Respectfully,

Dave Parker

Superintendent

En español.

Hillsboro School District unveils new Pathways Center:

The new Pathways Center is located in Hillsboro on 440 SE Oak Street!

The funding for the $4.7 million project came largely from the 2017 Hillsboro schools bond. Other money came through state dollars passed as part of Measure 98, which funds career and college readiness programs throughout the state.

"The Pathways Center is about the future," said Hillsboro school board member Yadira Martinez, who helped champion the project. "Academic and career training services are being concentrated in this downtown, accessible space. This will be a valuable resource for many students for generations to come."

You can read more about the new Center in the Hillsboro News Times article, authored by Troy Shinn, linked here.

Free Dental Care for Kids (5-18 yrs old):

Pacific University, with the support of Washington County Dental Society, is hosting an event on Saturday February 19. The goal is to provide preventative, palliative and restorative dental care for children. 

• Saturday, Feb. 19 (8 am to 3 pm)
• Pacific University Dental Hygiene Clinic, 2nd floor Creighton Hall (222 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro)
• The Health Professions Campus is located directly on the MAX light rail line at the Tuality Hospital/SE 8th Ave. stop.
• To make an appointment please contact call 503-352-7373
• A parent or guardian must remain on site while their child receives dental services.
• No insurance or proof of identification required for this event

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 1,042, which is 13 fewer than yesterday. There are 168 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 22 fewer than yesterday.

There are 57 available adult ICU beds out of 633 total (9% availability) and 233 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,286 (5% availability).

Note: Please do not visit an emergency department for COVID-19 testing, unless you require emergency care for your symptoms.

Emergency departments in Oregon are under significant strain. You can find a test here. If you have a medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, contact your provider. An urgent care center may also help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Quarterly Revenue Forecast Released on February 9th:

The Oregon Economic Forecast provides information to planners and policy makers in state agencies and private organizations for use in their decision making processes. The Oregon Revenue Forecast opens the revenue forecasting process to public review. It is the basis for much of the budgeting in state government. The forecast reports are issued four times a year: March, June, September, and December.

You can read the Executive Summary and the full report on the Oregon Economic Analysis website, linked here.

Governor Kate Brown Statement on February Revenue Forecast:

“Our latest state revenue projections present an opportunity to make investments that spur a strong economic recovery and support working families, especially those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic, wildfires, and the unprecedented challenges Oregonians have faced in the last two years.

“This is a pivotal moment for Oregon. We have a windfall of one-time resources this year, and we have the opportunity to make big investments—and to do the big and bold work to help our working families and businesses thrive. We cannot miss this moment.

“While I am pleased to see growth in wages for Oregonians, there is more work we need to do to grow, develop, and support our workforce. Now is the time to make critical investments in housing, child care, workers, and businesses to help jumpstart growth and keep our economy moving.

“And as we work to help Oregon families succeed, with these additional resources at the midpoint of session, we also have an opportunity to ensure that every Oregonian feels safe in their community. I will continue to work with legislators to address community safety, and I encourage members of both parties to bring forward their ideas for evidence-based community violence prevention and intervention. When we invest in and create opportunities for Oregonians and their families, we create safer, healthier communities.”

Forest Grove is searching for a new police chief:

I would like to thank Chief Henry Reimann for his work as the interim police chief, and I have enjoyed working with him for the past 2 years. Read more from the Forest Grove News Times below:

Henry Reimann has served as Forest Grove's police chief since January 2020. Reimann, who worked for decades for the Hillsboro Police Department, was originally brought on as interim chief following the resignation of Janie Schutz as chief.

"The city initiated a recruitment process in 2020 and decided to retain Chief Reimann to provide leadership and stability during a time of change nationally and locally," city spokesperson Elizabeth Stover said in a statement.

Reimann's contract will be extended through the end of 2022, the statement added. Responsibility for hiring a police chief falls to City Manager Jesse VanderZanden and will not require approval from the city council.

You can read more about the hiring process in the Forest Grove News Times article, authored by Dillon Mullan, linked here.

Oregon Housing and Community Services has started accepting new applications again for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

This will be a limited reopening for three to five weeks, depending on the availability of funds. Households with the most need will have priority in accessing resources, not a first-come, first-served basis. 

New applications will be processed after applications received before December 1st. Tenants who apply on or after January 26th may receive safe harbor protections that prevent landlords from evicting tenants until their application is processed. However, those tenants should expect a delay prior to processing and payment.

More information is linked here.