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Friends and neighbors,
Amid positive news from the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis on the May Revenue Forecast, budding bipartisanship on the House side, and emerging historic legislation, the Senate Republican walkouts have hindered any and all progress. The walkouts have been ongoing since May 3rd, inhibiting almost a month’s worth of work. Every day that the Senate is unable to operate due to walkouts, is a day that the state of Oregon is missing out on critical funding and legislation that would improve the health, safety, and well-being of every Oregonian.
The Senate Republicans began walking out as a means to block House Bill 2002, the Reproductive Rights and Gender-Affirming Care Act which would ensure Oregonians have the same fundamental rights and freedoms we had under Roe v Wade. However, by obstructing abortion rights they are impeding all critical investments, like record K-12 education funding for our schools. By obstructing abortion rights they are obstructing the values a majority of Oregon voters elected to uphold, they are obstructing Democracy.
No matter what happens, I’m committed to showing up every day to do the work you sent me here to do. But I need your help. The time to act is now. Help us protect democracy and your fundamental rights. Let Senate Republicans know it’s time to get back to work. Click here for their contact information.
Record, Unprecedented Funding for Stronger Schools
It was recently announced that the legislature will invest a historic $10.2 billion dollars to the K-12 State School Fund, which is the main source of funding for Oregon public schools. After decades of disinvestment from our schools, this funding is critical to restoring Oregon to the education powerhouse it used to be. This will make our schools stronger, give students a high-quality education and improve learning outcomes–including graduation rates.
Further, by supporting the Early Literary Success Initiative Budget, schools would receive an additional $140 million to focus on elementary students’ literacy skills. Reading is a foundational skill and third grade is a key turning point in students’ education, as children go from learning to read to reading to learn. But right now less than 40% of Oregon third-graders in 2021-22 met the state standards when tested in English Language Arts.
That’s why I’m proud to support this piece of legislation which funds initiatives that champion third grade literacy programs for schools. Research shows this will help us improve student outcomes and graduation rates.
Key Legislation Being Blocked by Senate Republicans
The people of Oregon don’t need this right now. We have big, urgent problems to address, and our legislature should be working as hard as our constituents do every day. From education to housing and homelessness, the opioid/fentanyl crisis, behavioral health and more, Senate Republicans are walking out on critical, lifesaving legislation that Oregonians desperately need. Legislation that I am working on will be blocked as well, including but not limited to:
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HB 2918 and HB 2925
- Fixes issues with HB 4052 from the 2022 legislative session which directed the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Advocacy Commission Office to set up mobile health units and look at solutions to address racism as a public health crisis. HB 2925 continues funds and the work of the state agencies and affinity groups. This will allow for work to continue until the final report is due in June 2026. HB 2918 adds additional funds to the mobile health unit pilot program to help implementation.
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Healing Hurt People :
- This legislation would help fund Healing Hurt People, an organization that responds to victims of intentional trauma such as gunshots or stab wounds. By investing in victims’ healing when they need it most, we can reduce future crime, trauma, arrests, and emergency room visits while increasing community safety across Oregon.
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HB 2927:
- Establishes Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease.
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SB 1089:
- Establishes Universal Health Plan Governance Board and directs board to create comprehensive plan for implementing Universal Health Plan beginning in 2027. I believe that our state must be a national leader when it comes to ensuring that all Oregonians have healthcare. I would be a shame if this bill was killed by the Republican walkout.
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HB 2697:
- Requires hospitals to establish technical staff and service staff staffing committee to develop staffing plans, in addition to nurse staffing committees.
- HB 3313
- Requires Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office, Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Commission on Black Affairs, Commission for Women, and Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs to each employ at least one paid intern each.
- HB 2921
- Requires hospitals to file certain reports showing demographics of hospitals' workforces with Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries for posting to Bureau of Labor and Industries' website.
- Currently on the Second Reading List for the Senate. This means that as soon as Senate Republicans return, this bill will be passed and made into law.
- HB 2922
- Increases bond amounts that persons licensed by Construction Contractors Board must maintain. This would increase the base amount by $5,000. This legislation was brought to me by a constituent.
- Also waiting for Senate Republicans to return to pass this bill.
I know this news is bleak but I remain committed to the work that my constituents sent me to Salem to do. I will continue to advocate for workers, for better access to health care, for funding our educational system and helping families across Oregon.
 Travis Nelson
State Representative
House District 44
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1444
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-275, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/nelson
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