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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you've been staying safe and warm in spite of the severe winter weather. Here's what took place in Salem this week.
 Photo from Tuesday's House Committee on Higher Education meeting
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House Committee on Higher Education: We heard from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) about financial aid programs for students – including Oregon Promise and the Oregon Opportunity Grant. Unfortunately, these programs have not kept pace with the rising cost of attendance. We have more work to do in order to make college accessible and affordable for all Oregonians. In addition, HB 3139, a bill that would establish a program within the HECC to support investments in workforce development for the maritime sector.
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House Committee on Business and Labor: The committee reviewed several bills - including one that would establish a pilot program for firefighter apprenticeships (HB 2294). We also heard testimony on two insurance-related bills. HB 2982 would make it easier for wildfire victims to obtain compensation for the loss of their belongings. HB 2920 would prohibit insurance companies from considering things like credit score, education level, and marital status when determining monthly premiums.
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Joint Committee on Semiconductors: We discussed SB 4 which would (1) direct the Oregon Business Development Department to develop a $200 million grant and loan program to support semiconductor businesses applying for federal CHIPS Act dollars, (2) provide for the University Innovation Research Fund, and (3) allow Governor Kotek to designate certain lands to be brought within urban growth boundaries to support the semiconductor industry. We received testimony on the bill from Oregonians throughout the state as well as the Oregon Business Council, the Port of Portland, and Save Helvetia.
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Joint Commitee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development: We reviewed a multi-day presentation from several divisions of the Oregon Employment Department.
Stay up to date on cold weather resources and alerts for our county using the information below.
 Photo courtesy of Craft Brewery Collectibles Chapter
As you might've seen in previous newsletters this session, we’re shining a spotlight on small businesses within HD 30. This week, we’ve chosen Deep Space Brewing, located at 6482 NE Jacobson St, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Deep Space Brewing is a member of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and has been producing small-batch beers since 2017. Many menu items incorporate grains used in the brewing process, called spent grains, as well as other ingredients that are used in Deep Space Beers. Ownership of the brewery recently passed to two former employees, making it one of the only woman- and BIPOC-owned breweries in the region.
Visit them from 11 am-10 pm Wednesday & Thursday, 11 am-11 pm Friday & Saturday, or 11 am-9 pm on Sunday for a bite to eat and a selection from their 32-item tap list. Catch Happy Hour from 2:30-5:30 pm daily!
March's Constituent Coffee will be held on Saturday, March 11th from 9-10:30am at the Insomnia Coffee at Tanasbourne (9355 NE Windsor Street Hillsboro, OR 97006). A reminder email will be sent out closer to the date. Mark your calendars now and come ready with any questions/concerns!
 Photo courtesy of ProLink+
Oregon Housing and Community Services will reopen the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program on March 8, 2023. The program offers federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief intended to support homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardships due to the pandemic. It provides funding for past-due mortgages and other housing expenses, as well as ongoing payment assistance, to a limited number of homeowners with low to moderate incomes.
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!
Take care!
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