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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you had a fantastic week. Here's what we've been up to in Salem lately:
 Photo courtesy of the Oregon Secretary of State
I am happy to report that several bills I am chief sponsoring passed out of committee and are moving forward in the legislative process.
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HB2802 -- establishes pilot work-study programs at Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University where students receive 20% off their tuition if they work for a small, non-profit in their community.
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Current Location: passed out of committee on March 09 and was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
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HB2804-- requires the Oregon Department of Human Services to conduct annual assessments of workforce capacity to address excessive caseloads and worker burnout.
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Current Location: passed out of committee on March 20 and is headed to the House floor.
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HB2805-- strengthens and updates our open meetings laws while requiring training for most elected officials.
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Current Location: passed out of committee unanimously on March 14 and was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
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HB2806A-- allows public bodies to discuss cybersecurity and safety protocols in private “executive sessions.”
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Current Location: passed unanimously on the House floor on March 23 and is now headed to the Senate.
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HB3242-- allows consumers and small businesses to enforce their rights under the Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act.
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Current Location: passed out of committee on March 22 and is headed to the House floor.
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HB3243-- subjects the insurance claims process to the same requirements as other business transactions under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act.
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Current Location: passed out of committee on March 22 and is headed to the House floor.
This week, I joined Rep. Janelle Bynum to testify in front of the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business in support of a bill we are chief sponsoring - HB3431. This bill would provide an ongoing revenue stream to fund the Economic Equity Investment Program. The program is designed to help people in economically disadvantaged communities buy a home, start a business, or grow an existing business, with an overall goal of helping them break the cycle of poverty and create intergenerational wealth.
I had the privilege of spending time with constituents from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)! I am so grateful to them and their colleagues for the critical work they do helping others in our community. To address the ongoing shortage of social workers and other support staff, I am chief sponsoring HB2804. This bill is critical in helping the Oregon Department of Human Services recruit and retain the workforce needed to provide high-quality services to Oregonians.
On Thursday, the Portland Bureau of Transportation released the following statement:
"The National Weather Service has advised the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to expect the potential for brief snow or hailstorms that could create intermittent periods of hazardous traveling conditions across the city, at all elevations.
Periods of brief, localized accumulating snow or hail of up to 1 inch or more could potentially impact travel during the Friday morning and evening rush hour periods, as well as travel on Saturday morning. If hail or snow do accumulate, forecasters say they would likely melt away promptly, thanks to warming temperatures.
People driving, walking or biking are advised to be prepared to respond to the weather conditions you see on your trip. If you see snow, hail or icy precipitation, slow down. Use extra caution. Be prepared to slow down or pull over to park your vehicle and wait for conditions to improve. Dress warmly.
Areas at 500 feet or higher above sea level may have more snow on both days."
You can find additional resources for winter weather information HERE.
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
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