|
Friends and Neighbors,
Last week an agreement was made to bring Senate Republicans back to work and do the jobs they were elected to do. The Oregon Legislature is now moving forward on bills and budgets that will protect shared Oregon values and take urgent actions on the homelessness crisis, education, public safety, health care, protections to abortion access, and more.I am committed to continuing to work on access to abortion services and protections for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Now that the Senate is back to work, many of my priorities will move forward. Two of my priorities have been in the queue for the past six weeks: HB 2921 which is demographics reporting for hospitals and HB 2922 which increases bonding amounts for construction contractors will both move forward early next week. The House just passed HB 2925 which addresses racism as a public health crisis and HB 2697 which establishes safe staffing standards for healthcare workers. SB 1089 is waiting for a Senate vote and will head to the House shortly. I am hopeful about the week to come and look forward to ending the session strong.
Please continue reading for some non-legislative updates.
Juneteenth Parade
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day represents the liberation of the last remaining enslaved individuals, making it a pivotal milestone in the fight for equality and justice. Juneteenth is a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination of Black Americans throughout history. It reminds us of the struggles faced by our ancestors and the long journey toward freedom, equality, and civil rights.
 This Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the Juneteenth Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade in Portland. The atmosphere was filled with joy, excitement, and a palpable sense of unity. People gathered to honor the historical significance of Juneteenth, paying tribute to the generations of individuals who fought for freedom. The event featured incredible music from Black performers and insightful speakers who shared stories of triumph, resilience, and hope.
Congratulations Roosevelt High!
Congratulations to the remarkable seniors of Roosevelt High School's class of 2023! Your hard work, dedication, and talent have brought you to this momentous occasion of graduation. We commend you not only for your academic achievements but also for your incredible accomplishment in winning the state jazz band championship. Your musical prowess and teamwork have showcased the true spirit of excellence. As you embark on new journeys and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, remember the lessons learned through music and education. May your future be filled with continued success, growth, and the fulfillment of your dreams. Well done, Roosevelt High School Seniors of 2023!
Roosevelt High School's Advanced Jazz Band performing Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman
 Video provided by proud RHS parent, Suzie Mayse-Cottrell
Recent Community Events
Last week, I had a great time visiting and participating in local events.
Reopening of the Children’s Arboretum
Congratulations to the East Columbia neighborhood and Portland Parks & Recreation for completing this important project. East Columbia is a diverse neighborhood with a high number of Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking households. I feel lucky to celebrate this shared diverse space where ALL are welcome. This is a special example of what neighbors and public institutions can do when they come together around a shared vision. We all need more safe, accessible, multi-generational spaces to exercise, play, connect with nature, spend time with family and friends, and be at peace. I know I need a lot more of that in my life.
Healthcare for All Oregon Roundtable
I was honored to join Congresswoman Andrea Salinas at the Health Care for All Oregon Roundtable to discuss the work on SB 1089 this session. This legislation will establish a governance board that will find a path for a Universal Health Care Plan in Oregon.
 I want to thank everyone from Health Care for All Oregon on all of their advocacy for SB 1089. Without their advocacy, this legislation would not be moving forward. I also want to thank Senator James I. Manning Jr. for making sure the bill made it through the legislative process.
 Photo Credit: Valdez Bravo
I would like to end with some legislative news. I’m proud to be one of the Chief Sponsors of the Simple Majority Resolution (HJR 30), a fix that will ensure that a small number of politicians aren't able to shut down government by refusing to show up. The bill makes sure that a simple majority (50% +1), instead of a two-thirds requirement, is needed to do the work of the people. This would align Oregon with 46 states, including the US Congress, so that we can get the people’s work done.This bill would give Oregon voters a chance to make a constitutional change at the ballot. While it’s unclear whether this bill will get to the floor, this legislation is critical to getting the conversation started. Oregonians need to have faith that their government will work for them and pass the priorities they sent us here to do.
My next newsletter will have a final legislative update because we are constitutionally required to end the session on June 25th. Please keep an eye out for that update as well as a piece in the North Peninsula Review.
 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
| 
