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It has been another busy and productive month in the Capitol. More bills are being moved out of Committee onto the house floor with subsequent referral to the Senate. The measure introduction deadline was February 21st for this session. Prior to the deadline there had been 2,347 measures introduced already — including all bills and resolutions. I am relieved to have my measures officially submitted so that I can move forward with the next step in the process. My hope is to be able to provide testimony in the coming weeks as my bills go through committee. Stay tuned for future newsletters for updates on the progress!
Right now, I am working alongside local leaders to secure funding for projects related to infrastructure, housing, and improved access to child care and mental health care services. As a small business owner, I am also working actively on any opportunity for economic development in our communities. It has been exciting to see all of the proposals that will undoubtedly improve our district as a whole.
 Oregon Library Association Day
Last Wednesday, February 15th, was Oregon Library Association lobby day at the Capitol. I had the pleasure of walking over to the Oregon State Library and selecting a book to donate to a local library. I chose to donate “This Little Kitty” by Karen Obuhanych to Willamina Elementary School. I hope that they enjoy!
 HB 2654A: The drug crisis continues to impact us locally in House District 24. According to a new analysis from Families Against Fentanyl, a non-profit spreading awareness about the deadly drug, children younger than 14 are dying of fentanyl poisoning at a faster rate than any other age group. I have now spoken about this issue on the house floor twice. Once, to highlight the events that transpired in Willamina High School, and most recently to discuss the seven overdoses that resulted in a woman losing her life in McMinnville.
Last week, I co-sponsored HB 2654A which adopts important new tools to address the fentanyl crisis in Oregon. I am grateful to my legislative colleagues who helped to swiftly pass this bill on February 14th. This is the first step of many that I will be taking to participate in the fight against drug addiction. I am grateful for the police, firefighting, and hospital personnel who have done their best to manage these incidents. I am also encouraged by the work that is being done by the team from Provoking Hope, a recovery support service located in McMinnville.
HB 2553: As an adoptee myself, any legislation related to adoption is near and dear to my heart. I am incredibly grateful to be able to co-sponsor a bill such as this in order to improve the adoption process. HB 2553 would require the Oregon Health Authority to establish a grant program that would provide financial assistance to prospective families. I am very hopeful that this bill will be passed and provide adoptive families with the resources they need.
 Yamhill-Carlton FFA
Since February 18-25th is National FFA week, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the successes of FFA programs in House District 24. The Yamhill-Carlton Chapter (pictured below) has had a strong start to 2023. At the district competition in January, member Meredith Davison tied for first on the Knowledge test with the team placing 2nd as a whole and Chapter President Briley Ingram placed 1st in Advanced Public Speaking. They will be competing in the Parliamentary Procedures and Conduct of Chapter competition at sectionals this Friday, February 24th. Good luck!
 60th Wedding Anniversary
On February 14th, I was accompanied by my parents Lillian and Fred at the Capitol to commemorate their 60th wedding anniversary. Following my courtesy on the floor (click here to listen), they received a standing ovation from the members and were showered with love and admiration. I am so grateful for the example that they have set and all the support they have given me over the years.
 McMinnville Grizzlies' State Champs
The McMinnville Grizzlies’ cheerleading team swept the 6A competition last week and brought home the co-ed division championship. They were one of five repeat state championship teams this year, such an exciting accomplishment. Congratulations to the athletes, coaches, and parents!
Get connected: Over the last several weeks I have enjoyed getting to tour local businesses and meet with constituents over coffee. Reach out to my team via the contact info below if you are interested in getting connected!
Celebrations: As an Enneagram 7, celebrating is one of my favorite things to do. I would love to highlight your accomplishments, anniversaries, birthdays and any other celebration by giving you a “shout out” on the house floor or sharing the good news in my newsletter. Get in touch with my team via email or phone to let us know about your celebration!
Testify: A great way to participate in the legislative process is by signing up to testify before a committee, and letting legislators know how a particular bill impacts you. In addition to testifying both in person and remotely, you can also submit written testimony here. More details on how to testify are available at this link.
Every week, I have been amazed by all of the incredible and passionate people that I am surrounded by. I enjoy getting to hear community members from around the state give testimony and provide important context and compelling personal experiences related to every bill. I continue to enjoy getting to see familiar faces around the Capitol as well as getting to make new friends. Please know that my office is always open to each and every one of you.
All my best,
 Representative Lucetta Elmer
House District 24
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/elmer
Follow me on social media for regular updates and alerts about future events: Facebook, Instagram, and legislative website.
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