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Dear Friends,
The session is MARCHing along. Thank you to all who responded to my February newsletter, both for the kind words and for the thoughtful comments. I appreciate you taking the time to share with me the issues that are most important to you. Speaking of important issues, I would like to share an update on the 2023 Legislative session, as well as a review of two bills I was proud to carry to the Senate floor.
Semiconductors – SB 4
With the passage of federal legislation supporting domestic computer chip production and related technology, SB 4 plans to expand Oregon’s computer chip manufacturing and compete for CHIPS Act investment moneys. It has had several hearings, with a lot of public testimony. Proponents say that this once-in-a-generation federal incentive can create good-paying, long-term jobs, keep Oregon’s economy competitive, and protect America’s chip supply chain. Opponents point out that expansion threatens water resources and prime farmland. Smaller businesses worry that they will be left out and rural communities are concerned they won’t get their fair share. There are still issues to be worked out, but legislators are adamant about their requests for strong reporting and oversight requirements for the grants and forgivable loans to protect hard-earned tax dollars and ensure Oregonians get their money’s worth. There is a proposed work session on March 15th, we encourage you to tune in: SB4 2023 Regular Session - Oregon Legislative Information System (oregonlegislature.gov).
Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness Crisis
Most Oregonians can agree that affordable housing and homelessness relief are some of our most urgent priorities. Many of us experience the impacts of this regularly in our community. The legislature is responding with a strong bipartisan commitment to address this problem. While there are several bills dealing with these issues, HB 2001 is the primary workhorse. Together with HB 5019, an estimated $200 million will fully fund the Governor’s Homelessness State of Emergency. Specifically, these bills provide additional funding to address homelessness in 25 rural counties, ramp up affordable housing production and incentives, and make building affordable housing a top priority for the state through structural changes and partnerships with local governments. Both HB 2001 and HB 5019 have moved through committees and will soon be coming to the floor for a vote.
International Women's Day
For International Women’s Day, I had the honor of joining Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Commission for Women (OFCW) to declare March as Women’s History Month. OCFW empowers and supports women and girls in rural and urban areas to promote equity, develop leaders, and recognize women’s achievements in Oregon.
Help for Trafficked Youth, SB 745
On the first day of session, I introduced SB 745 to help close a gap that exists in our ability to identify youth victims of sex trafficking. While we currently screen youth in our child welfare system, we do not routinely screen youth in juvenile justice to identify victims of sex trafficking. It is not uncommon that these young people are forced into situations where committing criminal offences is a means of survival. SB 745 recognizes this complexity and will require juvenile departments to screen youth and connect them with services if they are determined to be victims of sex trafficking. SB 745 will ensure that adequate training is provided to recognize the signs of sex trafficking and will allow us to collect more accurate data to provide services and combat trafficking. The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be coming before the full Senate soon for a floor vote.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, SB 592
Preventable injuries, illnesses and deaths continue to occur in workplaces across Oregon. As Chair of the Senate Labor and Business Committee, I introduced SB 592, making changes to Oregon OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This requires more comprehensive inspections when a fatality occurs that is the result of a violation and after repeated violations. It will also increase Oregon OSHA penalties to align with Federal US Department of Labor standards; and it requires regular reporting to both the House and Senate Labor and Business Committees. As I said in recent KATU article, "We need to do everything we can to keep people safe. Our workforce is Oregon’s most valuable asset. This bill protects our people and our economy.” SB 592 has passed the Senate chamber and has been referred to the House.
Cleveland High School Visit
The Cleveland High School Constitution Team visited the Senate Chamber in February. I was so proud that they finished 4th at the We the People State Competition and would not be surprised to see some of these students back in the Capitol as elected officials one day!
Your views are always important to me. Please contact me with your comments. By email: sen.kathleentaylor@oregonlegislsture.gov By phone: 503-986-1721. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
 Senator Kathleen Taylor District 21
email: Sen.KathleenTaylor@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1721
address: 900 Court St NE, S-423, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/taylor
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