Why I spent the weekend in Newport
Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 04/17/2023 06:18 PM PDT
Hello Friends,
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. Here is my weekly update from Salem:
Join me this weekend for a town hall!
Senator Woods, Representative Neron, and I will be hosting a town hall THIS SATURDAY April 22nd from 11:00am-12:00pm at the Oregon Institute of Technology located at 27500 SW Parkway Ave, Wilsonville. We will be taking your questions and speaking about how this legislative session is shaping up. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there!
Ways and Means Roadshow: Newport Edition
Over the weekend I attended another Ways and Means Roadshow listening session in Newport for folks to share their budget priorities. We heard from dozens of people on issues ranging from my Dolly Parton Imagination Library bill (hooray!) to education funding to relief nurseries to local infrastructure needs (the coast has more than its fair share).
The next day, I participated in a tour of Yaquina Bay on a fishing boat with several colleagues and folks from the local commercial fishing industry and Midwater Trawlers Cooperative. I learned about the challenges and needs of the industry and I heard firsthand the sacrifices fishermen make to do the work they do. They told us that it meant a lot to them to have legislators from literally all over Oregon come visit and listen to them. It was an incredibly valuable experience for me as a legislator. A huge thanks to Rep. David Gomberg (who represents much of the Oregon coast) and his wife Susan for being such gracious hosts and guides.
Representative David Gomberg and I on a coast tour for the Newport Ways and Means Roadshow
Making a Deal
Last week you may have heard about high tensions or delay tactics happening in the legislature, with floor sessions running into the evening. The situation was a bit complicated, but I think it was also a bit overblown. Basically, there are a few bills coming up for a vote that divide the two parties starkly, including one about access to abortion and gender affirming care, and one about gun safety. These are just *two bills* out of the thousands that were introduced—but they are deeply important (as I've discussed in this newsletter, I support both of them).
The reality is nearly all legislators remained friendly and engaged (though perhaps sometimes a bit tired!). I actually spent about 45 minutes on the floor (during a bill reading) chatting with two Republican colleagues (one from eastern Oregon and one from southern Oregon)—we talked about the differences in water needs across the state, key transportation projects in our districts, housing, and public education.
Ultimately, a deal was struck: the bills in question will be scheduled on the floor in early May, and the delay tactics for most bills will end. And, I hope, we will all keep working together. Most people are surprised when they find out that the vast majority of bills that we vote on are bipartisan, but it's true!
The Hope and Recovery Bill
In November 2020, 58% of Oregonians voted in favor of Measure 110. To me, the message sent by voters was that addiction needs to be treated, not criminalized. But the early implementation of Measure 110 fell short of what the voters expected and envisioned. It took too long for dollars to get out the door. I think it is important that we acknowledge that. That’s part of the reason why we passed HB 2513, which will meaningfully improve oversight, transparency, and accountability of the program. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support, 49-3.
Woodspring Apartments Update
Good news: On Friday the 14th, the Washington County Housing Authority Board took another step in the direction of finalizing the purchase today by voting unanimously to waive the contingencies for the purchase. The acquisition closing is projected to happen between mid-June and mid-July, but as things stand timelines are still flexible. If you would like more information about this decision, you can find the staff report here.
I testified this morning in the Senate Housing and Development Committee on House Bill 3042, the bill inspired by Woodspring. You can watch my testimony here.
Speaking on the House Floor on behalf of Woodspring tenants
Tigard Universal Plaza Grand Opening
Last Saturday was the grand opening of the Tigard Universal Plaza. With porch swings, Tigard’s first splash pad, public restrooms, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure, I am so excited that our community will have another incredible gathering place. One of my favorite parts of the plaza is the “Launch Pod”, two food carts purchased by the city of Tigard to host new local businesses.
Universal Plaza wouldn't have been possible without the support of the community when voters passed the tax increment financing initiative in 2017 and 2021. This project will go a long way toward increasing the livability of our community and spurring economic development downtown.
A photo of the Universal Plaza Opening Ceremony
Mark your calendars for next month’s town hall
On Saturday May 6th, I will be co-hosting a town hall on housing with Senator Woods, Representative Neron, and the chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, Rep. Maxine Dexter. Representative Dexter will share some of the key legislation that has advanced this session, and what is still on the table. I am so excited to host this conversation in Tigard–please join us to share your questions and ideas for addressing Oregon’s housing and homelessness crisis.
Thanks for reading,
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