Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week we celebrate Oregon's 163rd birthday. Every day I look up at the mural on the Senate Floor, I am reminded what a privilege it is to serve in the Senate and represent everyone of my constituents. I am reminded of the beautiful and varied landscapes and communities across our state. And I am reminded of the bright future ahead of us as we emerge from the difficulties of the pandemic and the challenges of the economic recovery.
Happy birthday Oregon!
 We’re well on our way with the 2022 Legislative Session. I’m focused on working with my Senate Democratic colleagues to make improvements in targeted areas to support folks in every community across the state. We’re committee to fighting for good paying jobs, addressing the lack of resources for our houseless community members, driving down the cost of living, supporting kids and teachers on their path to in-person learning and investing in public safety resources. Oregon has been confronted by an uneven recovery from this unprecedented pandemic – and the Oregon Senate Democrats are committed to ensuring that every Oregonian is sharing the benefits of our recovery.
Monday wrapped up the first chamber deadline. Almost every bill that is going to move forward must have completed its committee work session in either the Senate or the House by the end of the day Monday.
My priority bill for this session, SB 1569 A (voluntary race/ethnicity data collection on personal income tax returns) is currently in the Joint Ways & Means Committee for budget consideration.
Additionally, most of the bills that I either chief-sponsored or sponsored have survived the first chamber deadline and are moving forward in the legislative process - including House Bill 4099 - which you can learn more about in the next section of this newsletter. I look forward to sharing more about the other bills later in the legislative session.
One of the bills I was most excited to sponsor this legislative session is House Bill 4099, developed by Representative Andrea Valderrama's office. The legislation creates a state-level, youth majority-led, Racial Equity and Justice Youth Collaborative at the Oregon Department of Education.
It is so important that we support diverse youth leaders from across Oregon in the policy-making process – particularly youth who have been historically and are currently underserved. Meaningful involvement in the creation and implementation of policies and practices impacting their lives will lead to stronger and more equitable schools. I saw just how powerful youth participation can be during my service on the Lake Oswego School Board when we added student representation to the board.
Three local youth - including Ji Reichle and Raymond Arias from Senate District 19 - recently submitted an opinion piece in the Portland Tribune in support of the bill. I applaud their advocacy and active participation in this year's legislative session.
Booster doses are doing their job
Vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Oregonians are encouraged to get vaccinated and, if eligible, to get a booster shot.
 Mask Requirements
Oregon's indoor mask requirement is slated to be lifted no later than March 31, 2022. Oregon’s current hospitalization rates remain high at more than 1,000 per day. However, case counts are dropping and Oregon's leading scientists predict that by late March, approximately 400 or fewer people in Oregon will be hospitalized with COVID-19. This data led to the decision to lift the indoor mask requirement on or before March 31. Mask requirements for schools will remain in place until March 31 to give children time to get fully vaccinated before masks are no longer required in schools. The mask requirement for health care workers will not be lifted on March 31.
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.
Sincerely,
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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