|
Friends,
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s in South Salem and all of Oregon. My Mom is no longer with us but I know she is with me in spirit and in the life lessons I learned from her. Our dinner table conversations were about how we are going to make the world a better place. Because of her impact on me, I am still doing that today.
This is the last week for committee work sessions to take place which means longer days on the House Floor to pass legislation that we’ve been working on. Did you know that more than 80 percent of the bills we’ve passed already have votes from both Democrats and Republicans? We may disagree on some issues but when it comes to moving Oregon forward, we can all agree.
Oregonians were clear and direct in the last election when measure 113 passed with 68% of the vote: Oregonians expect their elected officials to come to work. If any Oregon legislator has 10 or more unexcused absences, they will not be able to run for office again. The House is having productive floor sessions, passing bills, and continuing our work for Oregon. We continue to stay on track to address issues to move Oregon forward.
Salem Streetcar Feasibility Study Clears Another Hurdle
This last Thursday evening the Salem Streetcar feasibility study (HB 3224) was passed out of the Joint Committee on Transportation with more bipartisan support. It now heads to Ways and Means where members discuss what to fund. The modern electric streetcar is a unique mode of transit that complements more conventional modes such as commuter rail, light rail, or bus rapid transit. The Feasibility Study is the right initial step to determine if streetcar transit is a viable and practical urban circulator for downtown Salem, West Salem, and the adjoining neighborhoods.
Since introducing this legislation, I’ve met with the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Willamette University, Main Street Association, and Travel Salem. If the feasibility study is funded, they will participate. I’m committed to improving multimodal transit and enhancing our community and I’m going to pass this legislation to get a feasibility study going.
|
Expanding Voting, Strengthening Democracy
I believe that protecting voting rights is crucial, and expanding automatic voter registration to make it easier to vote is a part of this. HB 2107 expands Oregon’s Automatic Voter Registration system and increases the ability for the people of Oregon to make their voices heard. I strongly believe that this is a piece of legislation that will strengthen our democracy.
|
Marion County Public Safety
Public safety is and will continue to be one of my top priorities. During my time as a city councilor and now as a State Representative, I constantly hear concerns from community members and constituents about public safety. That’s why I signed on to HB 3188 as a chief sponsor. HB 3188 will give Marion County the ability to be able to control speed limits within its jurisdiction. I strongly believe that this bill will make the roads of Marion County safer and address the concerns of community members.
The bill passed in the House and now goes to the Senate. I’m working to get it passed there so it can move to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
|
Trust Oregonians Place In Our Elected Officials
As a lawyer, I firmly believe that laws must be followed, and that even the appearance of impropriety needs to be investigated. As elected leaders, we know that our work depends solely on our ability to hold the trust of the people we serve and represent. I think that Oregon’s former Secretary of State, Shemia Fagan made the right decision in resigning. There should be a trusting relationship between the people of Oregon and the government so that we can continue to move Oregon forward.
Preparing Oregonians as the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends
During the COVID-19 PHE, many programs exercised more flexibility, and more people qualified for benefits. After 3 years of COVID-19 being a PHE, WHO has declared that it will come to an end on May 11, 2023. Some things will stay the same, such as free access to COVID-19 vaccines, but as of May 11, workers in health care settings will no longer be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. As of Saturday, June 17th, teachers, school staff and volunteers in Oregon’s private and public school settings will no longer be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
With this public health emergency coming to an end, benefits that were given during this time will also come to end. Please make sure to update your accounts with ODHS, to prevent any lapse in benefits, and please do let us know if you need help connecting to resources. Here’s a link to ODHS to get you started.
Around South Salem
The town hall this past weekend was great and well attended. The people of South Salem are engaged. Attendees asked about what the legislature is doing to address the housing crisis, they shared their thoughts on the climate crisis, and expressed excitement about the Salem Streetcar Feasibility Study. Thanks to all those who came out.
Our next town hall will be on June 17 with Senator Deb Patterson in Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library.
Constituent resources on our web page - My legislative website has been updated and a new section has been added: Constituent resources! Make sure to check it out and explore all the different resources and services available to you!
|
Updates From My Office
We’ve had success in the legislature this session and we’re moving Oregon forward. Here is legislation I’m proud to have passed and more that I’m working to pass before the session ends:
 Follow Me On Social Media
Follow my social media accounts to receive updates such as what I’m working on, what’s going on in the capitol, events, etc.
Let's Get Oregon Moving Together
My family dinner table conversations were about making the world a better place. That's what I'm trying to do in the legislature. That works best when people who live in Oregon engage in the legislative process and I’m welcoming anyone in South Salem to share their legislative concept with me. Visit my website and click the “Share Your Perspective” tab on the left side to fill out the legislative concept form.
It was a beautiful weekend - the first of many, I hope - so I went on a bicycle ride and recharged before starting today which is certain to be another busy week working for you in the State Legislature.
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
| 
