Friends,
I ride my bike to the Capitol Building every day to work for you. The sun is shining a little later in the evening, the daffodils are blooming, and the cherry blossoms on the Capitol Mall will soon come out. That means the scenery I get while on my bike ride to and from the Building will change but there’s one thing that never will: I am excited to serve you.
As the Legislative session goes on, my determination to influence positive change grows and we are getting things done. I’m working across the aisle on things that matter for all Oregonians like housing, safety, and addressing the climate crisis.
Here are highlights and updates on what is going on in the Capitol and what I am working on as your representative.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness
Small businesses in Salem are concerned with the presence of tents by their properties. I visited sites to better understand their concerns and now I’m taking action.
The Oregon legislature recognizes the housing crisis that exists here.
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Together with my Republican and Democratic colleagues, we just passed two House Bills (HB 2001 and HB 5019) that together make up the Affordable Housing & Emergency Homelessness Response Package. This is a victory for all Oregonians.
This package helps shelter Oregonians living on the street, prevents an increase in homelessness, and increases affordable housing production across Oregon. On Salem City Council, I made addressing Affordable Housing and Homelessness a top priority. I’m now continuing that work in the Legislature.
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Tax Resources
Tuesday April 18, 2023 is the deadline to submit tax returns for 2022 as well as to pay taxes owed. Here are a couple of resources that may be of use to you:
- Check the status of your refund by using the Where’s My Refund Tool on the Oregon Department of Revenue website.
- If you earn less than $74,000, you are eligible to use the IRS’s Free File Program (Useful to access guided tax preparation or to access fillable forms). Access that site by going online to use the IRS Free File Tool.
Legislative Update
I’m focusing on legislation that helps people living and working in South Salem thrive. Here are bills I think make a difference:
Addressing the climate crisis
Recently I carried HB 2531 to the House Floor because I believe that it is a step towards having a healthier environment. The bill will ultimately prohibit sale of compact fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps contain Mercury, and it is a toxin that has the potential to escape into our atmosphere or our waterways. There are lamps that are more energy efficient and non-threatening options, such as LEDs.
I’m working in the legislature to move towards a sustainable future. What my remarks on this legislation by clicking the photo above.
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A bill about local control and safety:
I’m a Chief Sponsor of HB 3188, a bipartisan bill that expands Marion County’s authority to designate speeds on highways within its jurisdiction under certain circumstances. The current process of getting a speed limit changed is time-consuming and this makes it easier. I chose to chief sponsor this bill because we need to make appropriate changes to speed limits in Marion County to keep our communities safe. I made speed limit changes on the City Council and this bill continues my work and dedication to making our community safe.
The legislation will have a public hearing later this month. Register to testify on the OLIS website.
Bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Salem
We have a literacy problem for young Oregonians. I’m a Chief Sponsor and I testified in favor of HB 2872, a bill that expands a library program in part of our region that is not currently enrolled. The program sends one book to the home of a young Oregonian every month.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library program already exists and has proven what we all know: starting to read early is crucial to future success. This literacy program also provides Spanish language literature, which means a great deal to the families in Salem.
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Supporting anyone who wants to live here
On the Salem City Council, I made Salem a place where DACA dreamers are safe and supported. Recently in the Early Childhood and Human Services Committee where I serve, we held a hearing about HB 3176, a bill directing the Department of Human Services to consult with Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement to establish the Welcome and Reception Program. This provides immigrants and refugees both short-term and long-term support.
The bill has my full support as a Chief Sponsor. I believe immigrants and refugees make America great and they are a big part of all the hard work that gets done in our country. I will do all that I can to secure more help from the state in order to guarantee support services for immigrants and refugees.
Community Events:
My door is always open for conversations with constituents. I also come out to meet you where you are.
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Town Hall hosted by the Marion County Dems
Last week I attended a town hall that the Marion County Democrats hosted. Always great to connect with people who live in our region. Thank you to the Marion County Democrats for hosting this town hall!
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Faye Wright Neighborhood Association
Recently, I attended a meeting with the Faye Wright Neighborhood Association and discussed how to continue to make neighborhoods a great place to live, work, play, and grow as a community. Our neighborhoods in Salem are strong and I enjoyed building a relationship with the Faye Wright Neighborhood Association recently.
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Tea with Tom
Yesterday, I hosted Tea With Tom at the Salem Public Library. I got to connect with neighbors, community members, and constituents and listened to their stories, concerns, questions, and comments.
Meeting new people and having lively discussions (While enjoying my favorite tea!) is one of my many favorite aspects of being your State Representative. Again, thank you to everyone who stopped by and connected with me. I genuinely enjoyed getting to know everyone. The next Tea with Tom will be on April 1st, at the Scottish Rite, stay tuned for more details!
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PCUN
Our nation is great because of the diverse communities that make up our United States. Oregon has many immigrants who thrive here. On Saturday, I spent time with PCUN, an organization seeking to empower farmworkers and working Latinx families in Oregon by building community, increasing Latinx representation in elections, and policy advocacy on both the national and state levels.
Just as I did on Council, I will work every day to make sure that everyone in the region I represent has a voice.
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What’s to come
We’ve started holding Floor Sessions every day of the week except for Fridays. That means floor votes happen more often because we’re getting Oregon moving. Connect with my office regarding anything about what I am working on, or any questions, concerns, or comments.
My door is always open and while there may be times when we might not agree completely on everything, I promise to be open and communicative with you on where I stand on the issues that will come before me as a legislator.
Yours truly,
Tom
Representative Tom Andersen House District 19
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1419 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-479, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Rep.TomAndersen@oregonlegislature.gov Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/andersen
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