At The Capitol and Around The District

What The Revenue Forecast Means for Oregon

Historic Budgets for State School Fund 

We now have the resources to fully fund our schools. That means Salem-Keizer School District will get what they need for students in South Salem. However, this is the third time in the past few years that extreme Republicans in the Senate are refusing to sit down with Democrats to discuss ways to move forward. This hurts our democracy, hurts our state, and risks the progress we have made. Their refusal to come to work severely limits our ability to make an unprecedented investment in our children and our future.

I support fully funding our schools and will keep advocating every day for our community in South Salem and communities across Oregon. Here is an article that highlights the Historic Budgets for the State School Fund: Democratic lawmakers agree on historic school funding but bill stalled by Senate Republican walkout – Oregon Capital Chronicle. 

With 4 Weeks Left, Policy Committees Have Finished

Policy Committees have come to an end and adjourned for the session. There were three policy committees that I had the pleasure of serving on this legislative session: Judiciary; Early Childhood and Human Services; and Climate, Energy, and Environment. In the Judiciary committee we reviewed a total of 282 bills. In the Early Childhood and Human Services committee we worked on 91 bills. In the Climate, Energy, and Environment committee we dealt with 92 bills.

• As one of three attorneys serving on the Judiciary Committee and as its Vice Chair, I was very busy. Legislation from this committee I was particularly excited about were: HB 2005 - the Gun Violence Prevention Package, HB 2405 - legislation ensuring the safe and just transportation of defendants back to the county where charges were initiated rather than on the streets of Marion County where they don’t live, and SB 895 - improving safety for cyclists sharing the road with cars.
• Early Childhood and Human Services gave me an opportunity to help people and address the root causes of so many of the crises that we face such as homelessness. Legislation I’d highlight from the Early Childhood and Human Services committee include: HB 3235 - the child tax credit to assist with childcare, HB 2872 - which is legislation that expands the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Oregon Program in Salem to give young kids access to books, and HB 2957 - a program to assist DACA Dreamers in continuing to contribute to Oregon’s well being. 
• Then in the Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee, I continued the work I began on Salem City Council when I introduced and passed Salem’s Climate Action Plan. A few key bills from this session include: HB 2571 - a program to provide rebates for qualifying individuals for E-Bikes, and SB 543/545 - two bills that eliminate waste by prohibiting food vendors from using polystyrene foam containers in sales of prepared food, and allows for consumers to take consumer-owned containers to restaurants and use them to take home leftovers.

I’m proud of the work we have done on each committee this session.

Interview on KMUZ Radio

I spoke about my latest work on air this last week when I went on KMUZ’s Willamette Wake Up. One thing that I talked about was the Salem Streetcar System, and where this bill is in the legislative process. This streetcar system will help reduce dependency on the single occupancy vehicle, add to the economic growth happening in Salem, and strengthen the cross-river connection between Salem neighborhoods and businesses. Another piece of legislation that I highlighted in this segment was controlling speed limits and how it will have a positive impact on our Public Safety. Tune in to listen to my segment here: Willamette Wake Up – KMUZ Community Radio. 

Cycling and Street Safety 

This last week, a bill I sponsored, passed, and now heads to the Governor’s Desk for her signature. SB 895 is needed to clarify that drivers can cross the double yellow line at a speed at least five miles per hour below the posted speed limit when passing cycles or other slow moving vehicles. Confusion has led to life-threatening accidents and risks the lives of all kinds of drivers, including cars, trucks, tractors, bicycles.

SB 895 creates more safety on our roads and educates our drivers. As an active bicyclist, I see firsthand how this confusion leads to public safety issues and how it can put lives in jeopardy.  Public safety is a top priority for me and will continue to be, as I know it is for many of my constituents and community. 

I dedicated this bill to my friend, Dr. Jane Higdon, who passed away on May 31st, 2006 when she was hit by a logging truck driver while cycling. The driver thought they were obeying the “no passing zone” designation on the road and in so doing ended Dr. Higdon’s life. Let’s make sure this never happens again.

SEIU at the Capitol - Service Employees International Union advocated at the Capitol for the Home Care Day of Action Rally advocating for fair wages. The revenue forecast indicated a stable workforce, investing in our workforce would make it even stronger. I was pleased to meet with these union visitors.

Oregon Worker Relief - I met with members of the Oregon Worker Relief coalition. This group focuses on how Oregon can overcome barriers to accessing social services for our immigrant and refugee community. I appreciated hearing the different perspectives from members. I believe immigrants have always been the backbone of our country and I will continue to work to strengthen policy to help our immigrants. 

OSU Students and Oregon Resource Justice Center - I met with OSU students and spoke with students in Oregon State University’s criminal justice classes. The goal of their day at the Capitol was to be exposed to the democratic system and learn of the legislative process. I was happy to talk with them in how the system and process.

Safe Routes to School - I joined Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to School program and I walked alongside kids on their way to school during their last week in class. This program is about educating kids and families on safe routes to school. It is so important to know what routes are safest for biking or walking. Jessica and I live down the street from several schools and we see students and families walking every day. Let’s keep those students safe from harm and remember to share our streets so all kids get home safely.