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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you had a great week. I can't believe we're just days away from February. This first month of 2023 really flew by! For those who celebrate, Happy Lunar New Year!
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House Committee on Higher Education: we received important information pertaining to state audits on community colleges as well as the food insecurities faced by many of our students. We also discussed the fact that too many Oregonians do not complete their studies and earn a degree. In addition, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission announced that it has awarded $10 million in grants supporting 42 projects that prioritize underserved and marginalized communities in its first round of Future Ready Oregon Workforce Ready Grants disbursements.
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House Committee on Business and Labor: we heard testimony related to the agricultural, cannabis, landscaping, and pawn broking sectors. We also reviewed a bill that would give public sector workers the same rights as those in the private sector regarding the use of electronic signatures for unionizing.
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Joint Committee on Semiconductors: we were briefed on recommendations for talent and workforce development in the semiconductor industry. A huge shoutout to our witnesses from Hillsboro who came to the Capitol to testify about the career-exploration work that is being done with our K-12 students at the Hillsboro School District with the support of the Hillsboro Schools Foundation. The placement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) kits in all of our elementary school classrooms along with career exploration labs in our middle schools is an excellent example of a partnership between the public, private, and non-profit sectors to prepare our kids for the future. I hope it’s something we can replicate throughout Oregon. In a subsequent hearing, our committee heard a lively discussion about tax incentives, how they are used in Oregon, and how we compare with other states..
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Joint Commitee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development: we received updates regarding the Paid Leave Oregon program and a report from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC).
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Photo Courtesy of Capital Press
During tragedies like the recent Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay mass shootings, it’s important we all receive the support we need. This is especially true for victims and survivors of gun violence, as well as reporters who have to cover these issues. Here are resources available to Oregonians:
- 24-hour crisis line: Call or text 988. This is a three-digit dialing code that routes crisis calls and texts to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), including Lines for Life.
- Crisis Providers by County: For services and supports related to behavioral health, mental health, substance use and problem gambling, contact your Community Mental Health Program (CMHP). This page lists them by county.
- Youthline: Call: 877-968-8491 anytime or text teen2teen to 839863 between 4 and 10 p.m. Online chat available at OregonYouthline.org.
- Culturally Specific Resources: Here you can find racially and culturally specific support.
With heavy hearts we mourn the lives of 18 individuals taken from us by gun violence.
The Oregon House Democrats put together a phenomenal guide for participation in the 2023 legislative session. To get informed about how to make your voice heard, visit the resources linked to the QR code below or visit bit.ly/LegislativeGuide.
This session, we're focusing on shining a spotlight on small businesses within HD 30 that we feel deserve our support. For this week, we're focusing our attention on Insomnia Coffee, with two locations in-district located at 5389 E Main Street Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 and 9355 NE Windsor Street Hillsboro, OR 97006. Insomnia Coffee holds an extra special place in our hearts, as it has served as an optimal location for many of Team Sosa's monthly Constituent Coffees.
Stop by from 6 am-6 pm Monday thru Saturday or 8 am-5 pm on Sunday for a delicious cup of coffee.
Don't forget to contact my office with any questions or feedback. You can do so via email at Rep.NathanSosa@Oregonlegislature.gov or by phone at (503) 986-1430. Feel free to also stop by in-person at office H-280. I look forward to hearing from you!
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sosa
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