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Friends,
Even if Republicans in the Senate come back, Oregonians deserve to get all that we’ve been working on to move Oregon forward. Every morning, I get an email notification reminding me that the House Bills that I’ve introduced or Chief Sponsored are sitting in the Senate with a “Do Adopt” recommendation. It’s a painful reminder of the dysfunction in Oregon’s state legislature.
Senate Republicans continue to ignore Oregonians by refusing to appear and thus denying a quorum, which means legislation is not moving in the Senate. There are 123 House bills which have passed and are waiting to be heard and voted on in the Senate. These are important bills that would help Oregon move forward.
So much is at stake and there are only 13 days left in this session. Despite what’s happening in the Senate, a lot has happened this session in the House, which has done its job of working for Oregon. I’m hosting a Joint Town Hall with Senator Deb Patterson this Saturday. I hope you’ll join me to share your thoughts about how our government is working and about future legislation that is important to you.
I’m hopeful that the Senate will come back to pass a budget and move Oregon forward. Until that happens, I’m going to keep working hard in the House to make the world a better place.
Key Legislation Stalled In The Senate
If legislation I'm supporting doesn’t pass because of the obstruction in the Senate, I’ll be taking them up again in the future. I spoke with the Salem Reporter about this, which you can read by clicking each headline here:
   Here are three specific bills that are at risk because of the Senate shutdown:
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Marion County Speed Limits: HB 3188 will give Marion County the ability to be able to control speed limits within its jurisdiction. This bill will make the roads of Marion County safer and address the concerns of community members. |
Salem Streetcar Feasibility Study: HB 3224 would allocate money to assess the feasibility of a rail system within Salem, exploring the optimal routes, measuring community impact, assessing the cost and potential financing options, and looking into the legal and regulatory issues that impact the project. Passing this legislation is an important step to address how streetcars can improve public transportation for Salem’s growing population.
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HCR 26: Willie Richardson was a preeminent figure for equality in Oregon. Richardson’s life and contributions is an example we should strive to emulate. Honoring pioneers like her is one of my greatest privileges in the House of Representatives. That is what HCR 26 would do if the Senate is allowed to vote on this bill; it passed unanimously in the House.
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I’m Still Moving Oregon Forward
Despite the impasse, I’m doing whatever I can to move matters forward. The House has passed legislation and shown up to do the people’s work. I believe that we were all sent here by our constituents to do the important work for Oregon. Senate Republicans, by not showing up to do their work, are hurting and sabotaging our democracy. As of May 9th, 2023 87% of the bills passed in the House received bipartisan support. We must deliver for Oregonians, and continue to Move Oregon Forward.
Preventing Needless Shutdowns In Our Legislature
Oregon Voters were clear when they passed Measure 113, concerning penalties if legislators refused to attend sessions yet the Senate Republicans have abandoned the Capitol by depriving the Senate of a quorum. Currently there are only four states in the nation that require two-thirds of legislators to be present for quorum in order to conduct the people’s business, Oregon is one of them. We need legislation to amend the Oregon Constitution and make it so that it is only a majority that is required to constitute a quorum, rather than the current two-thirds requirements. 46 states already require only a majority for a quorum. It is Oregon’s turn to join them.
Supporting Strong Contracts For State Workers
More than 1,500 members of Oregon’s Service Employees International Union Local 503 came to Salem to send a clear message: The rising cost of living is consuming more and more of their paychecks, many are taking on second and sometimes third jobs, workloads are higher than ever, morale is low, and they deserve a fair contract. I heard their message and I support efforts to achieve a fair contract that addresses the strains on today’s workforce.
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Around Salem
Salem Chamber of Commerce Legislator Roundtable
Last week I attended the Salem Chamber of Commerce Legislator Roundtable. Thanks to the Chamber for inviting me to discuss issues that affect their members. Salem is strong because of its business and commerce. This legislative session, we passed incentives to bring more businesses to Oregon to support growing demand around the world for semiconductors. I’m also working with the Chamber on the Streetcar feasibility study so we can all understand the transportation avenues in Salem and how we can effectively move people within our city limits and around our state.
I’m committed to understanding the needs of our business community and I welcome any opportunity to connect and learn.
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Hazel Patton Riverfront Carousel Dedication
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel has been renamed to the Hazel Patton Riverfront Carousel in honor of Hazel Patton. The carousel could not have been made possible without Hazel and her commitment to bringing it to life in Salem. Thank you Hazel!
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Moms Demand Action - Wear Orange
The Wear Orange movement began on June 2nd 2015, on what would have been the eighteenth birthday of Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed two years prior on a playground in Chicago. On Friday, June 2, in Salem, I wore Orange for every American that will never be able to walk into their grocery store, their school, their workplace again without reliving the most terrifying moment of their lives. I wore Orange as a promise to do everything within my power to ensure that future generations of children will never have to lie among the dead bodies of friends praying for the chance to see their families again. Thank you to Moms Demand Action for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to speak at the event on June 2. I appreciate and value all of the hard work that Moms Demand Action continues to do.
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Pride Month & Pride Events 🏳️🌈
Happy Pride Month! Pride Month is about celebrating our LGBTQ+ community. As your State Representative I will continue to work to protect and expand the rights of LGBTQ+ Oregonians as well as continue to make Oregon a safe place for our LGBTQ+ community.
Pride Events in Salem
- Salem Capital Pride march and downtown Pride block party, 10 a.m- 6 p.m. June 17 (Court Street in front of the Capitol for the march and State Street between Liberty and Commercial for the party).
- Pride in the Park 2023 - Riverfront Park August 26th, 10-6
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Graduate Season 🎓
June is filled with graduation ceremonies! There are many students graduating this month. I want to extend a sincere congratulations to all graduates! Graduation is a memorable milestone. May more accomplishments come your way!
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Upcoming Joint Town Hall
Join Senator Patterson and me this upcoming Saturday at our Joint Town Hall! Our event is at Loucks Auditorium (Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE) from 4:00-5:00 PM. We are looking forward to engaging and meeting with our community. We want your ideas for areas to pursue in future sessions. Contact our offices if you have any questions.
 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
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