Fireworks and a celebration at the Memorial Coliseum

 

Hello Friends,

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. Here is my weekly update from Salem:

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Congrats, 2023 Graduates!

Congratulations to all the students who graduated last week! This year’s graduating class has faced challenges beyond what any generation before encountered: just months into their freshman year, they experienced a global pandemic. Then, they were stuck at home for months, missing many of the traditional high school milestones. When they returned to school, it was up to them to rebuild the culture and traditions that make high school so special. I was honored to attend four graduations this weekend as one of my final acts on the school board: Tigard High School, Tualatin High School, Creekside Community High School, and the Tigard-Tualatin Virtual Academy.

Tigard High School’s graduation–with fireworks afterward!

Tualatin High School’s graduation in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum

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Tigard Nurses Go on Strike

Last week, the nurses and clinicians of Providence Home Health & Hospice voted to authorize a strike, citing serious concerns around patient care, including a significant reduction in mental health nursing services. 

As a result of this reduction, zip codes 97223 and 97224 are no longer able to receive mental health nursing services through Providence. These services are provided to homebound patients with serious physical illnesses–the elimination of this care could have severe impacts on people who need it.

In a letter I wrote to the CEO of Providence, I urged them to stop further reductions in the mental health nursing program and restore services to our community. 

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Touring Local Businesses in Downtown Portland

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to tour Downtown Portland with the members of the Portland Business Alliance. We heard from small business owners about their struggles to keep their doors open through the pandemic and the challenges they see with homelessness downtown. We also talked about the exciting work happening to revitalize downtown. I genuinely believe that Portland’s success is key to Oregon’ success. Regardless of where you live, our state’s economy is tied to a thriving downtown. Thank you to Rep. Janelle Bynum for organizing this tour.

A group of legislators meeting at Woodlark Hotel From left to right: Rep. Daniel Nguyen, Rep. Travis Nelson, Rep. Rob Nosse, me, Rep. Davia Grayber, Rep. Hoa Nguyen, Rep. Mark Gamba, Rep. Janelle Bynum, and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance Andrew Hoan.

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Food for Thought

Thanks to new funding approved by the Ways and Means Committee this week, three out of every four Oregon schools will be able to offer free breakfast and lunch to students next year. This is a big deal! Ensuring students have the energy to learn is critical to their physical and intellectual development. Here is my statement from the Oregon Food Bank’s press release:

"I am thrilled by the step forward we are taking this session, and we still have further to go to ensure every student in Oregon has access to healthy meals at school. We will continue to fight for state and federal investment into universal school meal programs because we know how important they are to student success."

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Tigard Pride

Last week, the rising threats of violence against the LGBTQ+ community hit close to home when Tigard’s Drag Queen Storytime was canceled due to violent threats. I am disappointed and angry. Threats of violence are unacceptable. I sincerely hope that those who made these threats of violence will be held accountable. 

There is an ongoing investigation by the Tigard Police Department into the threats made. Although I am disappointed that the event had to be canceled, I trust the Tigard PD’s safety evaluation and know that we are in good hands.

In more positive news, I saw tons of incredibly loving and accepting people in Tigard’s Pride parade on Saturday (far larger than last year’s!). Thank you to all who attended!

Mayor Heidi Lueb and I at Tigard Pride

People dancing at Tigard Pride

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Tigard Juneteenth Celebration

Mark your calendars for Tigard’s Juneteenth celebration this Saturday, June 17th, from 3:00-6:00 pm at Cook Park, hosted by the City of Tigard and the Tigard-Tualatin School District. Come listen to live music, dance, and eat some great food. I had a great time last year and I look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks for reading,

 

 

Ben Bowman
Oregon State Representative

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