|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s been a busy week down here in Salem. I’ve included some updates below.
-
House Committee on Higher Education: On Thursday, the committee passed HB2802 - my bill to establish a pilot non-profit work-study program at Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University. This bill would provide discounted tuition for students that work at small, non-profits in their community. It’s a great way to help offset rising tuition, give students job skills in their chosen field of study, and help small non-profits that are experiencing a workforce shortage. It is a bi-partisan bill that would help the urban and rural parts of our state. Now the bill will work its way through the Ways and Means process.
-
House Committee on Business and Labor: This week, we heard testimony on HB2008, a bill to protect consumers from predatory debt collection practices and help people escape the cycle of debt. We also held a hearing on HB2057, which is designed to combat the prevalence of wage theft in the construction industry.
-
Joint Committee on Semiconductors: We continued to review SB4 related to the semiconductor industry in Oregon. This week, we heard testimony related to the need for childcare options as microchip manufacturing grows. We also received testimony from residents who expressed their concerns about land use in our state.
In the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development, we took action on HB2001A. The Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness Response Package is a multi-faceted approach to address the affordable housing and homelessness crisis. It consists of approximately $150 million of investments in:
-
Rental assistance and eviction prevention;
-
Increasing shelter capacity, sanitation services, and rapid rehousing initiatives;
-
Improved coordination of homelessness response efforts; and
-
Construction of affordable housing units.
This week, I had the privilege of meeting with constituents visiting on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. We discussed the current housing package in the legislature, including SB5511 and SB936. A huge thank you to them and all the wonderful volunteers who work with Habitat for Humanity.
Just a friendly reminder that Sunday, March 12th, is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time! Don't forget to set those clocks forward an hour.
Photo courtesy of City of Hillsboro
March recognizes and celebrates Women's History Month. Growing up the child of a single mother, I witnessed the value of having a strong, resilient female figure as a mentor and inspiration in one’s life.
The City of Hillsboro's website serves as a wonderful resource for learning more about the origins of this commemorative observance and offers opportunities to join in highlighting the essential role of women in our country’s history with local events, reading recommendations, and more.
Here’s to the women across the world that continue to have incredible impacts on the communities around them!
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 Napad General Contractor LLC, located at 7325 NE Imbrie Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Napad General Contractor LLC is a remodeling company owned by Natacha Dorsaint. Natacha created the company’s slogan, “New Generation in Business,” with her children in mind. In fact, her daughters helped with the company logo design. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to quote Natacha's advice to women of all ages who are aspiring to go into the contracting industry:
“Go for it! And don’t be afraid to use a pink logo while you’re doing it.”
As a reminder, I will be holding my monthly constituent coffee for March at the Insomnia Coffee at Tanasbourne on Saturday 3/11 from 9:00am - 10:30am. The address is 9355 NE Windsor St, Hillsboro, OR 97006.
I look forward to discussing the issues that are of importance to you and your families.
I hope you will stop by, say hello, and join me for a 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!
Take care!
 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
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RepresentativeSosa
| 
