|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Due to the proximity of the deadline to pass bills and the ongoing walkout spearheaded by the Senate Republicans, my colleagues and I gathered last week to publicly urge the Senators to return to work and to stop holding the state hostage. In November of 2022, Oregonians voted to prevent walkouts by overwhelmingly passing Measure 113, which passed in 34 of Oregon’s 36 counties and which works to bar state legislators from running for reelection if they have ten or more unexcused absences. After six weeks of walkouts, all Republican Senators participating in the walkout are well past ten unexcused absences.
By refusing to cooperate, the Senators are not only actively sabotaging the state but also turning their backs on the will of the people they represent. To bring awareness to the issue, I rallied with a group of legislators and advocates on the Capitol Steps last Tuesday, where we voiced the harms of the walkout and emphasized the policies and budgets at risk. You can read Willamette Weekly’s coverage here.
At the press conference, I had the opportunity to highlight policies specifically pertaining to healthcare or behavioral, reproductive, and sexual health. I mentioned House Bill 2002 –– the Reproductive Health and Access to Care Act and the Bridge Program, which would fund healthcare coverage for 300,000 Oregonians who are at risk of losing Medicaid. Additionally, House Bills 2283, 2885, and 2887 all relate to increasing access to Naloxone, which is the medicine used to reverse opioid overdoses. From unaffordable healthcare to addiction and homelessness, these policies targeted toward the health and safety of Oregonians are more critical than ever. This article from the Associated Press outlines many of the policies that are on the line if the Senators do not return.
During this session, we dedicated our efforts to various bills that enjoyed support from both sides of the aisle and both chambers of the legislature. These bills encompassed crucial areas such as housing, education, and economic development policies. I’m disappointed in the Senate Republicans' choice to abandon essential legislation, including the Rural Infrastructure and Economic Development Budget worth $67 million, the Drought and Water Security Budget worth $110 million, and numerous other bipartisan bills that would have greatly benefited the people of Oregon and our economy.
Over 400 bills, including the state budget, my bills, and funding for North and Northeast Portland, have all been put on the line due to the disappointing behavior of the Senators. By obstructing the passage of the state budget, vital public services, infrastructure projects, and community programs are at risk of being stalled or severely delayed. This disruption will impede progress, hinder economic growth, and limit opportunities for the people of Oregon. When elected representatives choose to abstain from their duties, they undermine the democratic foundations that uphold the well-being of the community and its citizens.
Given the multitude of bills that have the potential to secure billions of federal dollars for our state and the potential to save lives, we strongly implore our Republican colleagues to promptly resume their legislative responsibilities. Otherwise, their insistence on a shutdown could have severe and devastating impacts on the well-being of Oregonians. Therefore, it is crucial that they swiftly return to work to ensure the welfare and prosperity of our state and its residents.
Some Positive News
Despite being in the 6th week of the Senate Republican walkout (the longest legislative walkout in history), I have enjoyed the great honor of having bills signed into law by Governor Kotek. In the coming weeks and months, Oregonians can look forward to the following laws being implemented for the sake of their health, safety, and well-being.
SB 615: Addresses the dangers and growing prevalence of speed racing in Oregon. Modifies provisions of offense to include person aiding or helping facilitate a reckless driving or speed racing event in penalties. Adds reckless driving to offenses for which property used or intended to be used to commit prohibited conduct may be subject to criminal forfeiture. Adds and modifies additional provisions around reckless driving.
SB 629: Modifies membership of Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board to include board members with a wider range of experiences and backgrounds regarding mental health. The current membership of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board does not include any positions with experience or background regarding diagnosis and treatment of mental health. SB 629 would modify the membership of the board to include members with a wider range of expertise regarding mental health.
SB 851: Requires the Bureau of Labor and Industries to study matters relating to psychological abuse occurring in workplaces in Oregon.
Bullying, harassment, and psychological abuse occur far too often in the workplace. As a union rep, I know the importance of a safe work environment, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. SB 851 would require the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries to study the occurrence of psychological abuse and bullying in Oregon workplaces.
SB 907: Provides employees with the right to refuse to perform a task assigned by an employer under certain circumstances, including dangerous conditions.
Over the last three years, we have seen a dramatic increase in unsafe working conditions, including healthcare settings with a lack of PPE (personal protective equipment), laborers employed in outdoor settings during extreme heat and cold, and fire and rescue services responding to devastating, out-of-control wildfires. It is the duty of the employer to ensure a work environment that is as safe as possible for their employees. SB 907 makes it an unlawful employment practice for any person to bar or discharge from employment or discriminate against employee or prospective employee because they have refused to expose themselves to serious injury or death from hazardous condition at place of employment, with no reasonable alternatives and in good faith.
Give Feedback on Tolling
To construct an equitable toll program, it is crucial to actively engage with and understand the perspectives of local communities in the Portland metropolitan region. Therefore, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has planned to set up information tables at various community events and gathering spots throughout the summer. These interactions aim to ensure they receive valuable input from individuals who possess the deepest knowledge of their respective communities.
In light of Governor Kotek's recent directive to ODOT to postpone the implementation of toll collection under the Oregon Toll Program until January 2026, the ODOT will be present at the following locations this summer. They want to listen to your thoughts and concerns about tolling and will be available to provide answers to any questions you may have.
All Tolling Talks Dates:
- Wednesday, June 14, Oregon City Fred Meyer, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Saturday, June 17, Lake Oswego Farmer's Market, 8:30a.m. -1:30 p.m.
- Sunday, June 25, Portland Sunday Parkways, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Saturday, July 8, Hillsboro Farmers Market, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 12, West Linn Adult Community Center, 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 15, Oregon City Farmers Market, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
As the session is wrapping up, information will change rapidly. I will continue regular updates on my legislative priorities.
Next month, I will be submitting an article to the North Peninsula Review about the legislative session. I would like to know what my constituents would like to hear about the session. Please reach out to my office to share your thoughts. Email Rep.TravisNelson@OregonLegislature.gov to make suggestions.
 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
| 
