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The 2023 Legislative Session adjourned sine die (came to an end) on June 25th, and it was my first session as Senate Majority Leader. It has been a privilege to lead the Democratic Caucus through the session, and I am thankful to my colleagues for their support throughout this experience.
I am thrilled to share the incredible achievements of your Oregon Senate in the recently concluded 2023 Legislative Session. With unwavering dedication and a commitment to the people of Oregon, we did our jobs and kept our promises to the people of Oregon. We protected our shared values and priorities, while working hard to build a better life for everyone in Oregon.
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind in the Legislature, and a lot happened very quickly. In the final days of session, I'm excited to share that a number of my personal priorities made it across the finish line.
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SB 582 - As we work to expand our EV charging infrastructure, it is important that we maintain a high standard for safety in the electrical workforce. The Federal Government recommends workers be Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certified electrical workers. This legislation will align Oregon with federal recommendations for training and certification. SB 582 is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.
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SB 628 - If you have read my last few newsletters, you know how much this bill means to me. This life-changing legislation would require insurance companies to cover Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment for children with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANDAS/PANS). This bill passed through the Senate and the House unanimously and has been signed into law by the Governor. Children with PANDAS/PANS will have coverage for treatment starting in January 2024.
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SB 1041 - This legislation is personal for me. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand how critical breast exams and screenings are to saving lives. This legislation will make sure that every Oregonian at risk of breast cancer has access to the screenings and tests they deserve, so they can get the right treatment at the right time. This bill is currently on Governor Kotek’s desk awaiting her signature.
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HB 2002 - The Reproductive Health & Access to Care Act restores the abortion rights Oregonians had under Roe v. Wade, expands insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, and protects Oregon medical providers' ability to give the best, most appropriate care to their patients. HB 2002 is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.
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HB 3409 - The Climate Resilience Package and Investments. This bill includes about a dozen bills, including the Resilient Efficient Buildings Package. This package invests $90 million in community-focused and forward-looking solutions to increase our energy efficiency, keep Oregonians safe from extreme weather, maximize federal funding opportunities, and build a more resilient, sustainable and equitable energy system. OPB’s coverage of the package and my thoughts on it can be found here.
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$153 million Behavioral Health Care Budget. Investing in community-based services for Oregonians with acute needs, is critical for building a behavioral health system that works for everyone. Expanding access requires a continued commitment to improving infrastructure, bolstering successful community models and expanding the workforce. These investments will continue our progress in stabilizing and growing our behavioral health system across the state.
One of the hundreds of bills we passed in the final days of the legislative session was House Bill 5006, which allocates money to projects across the state. I’m so proud to have secured over $15 million in direct funding and over $68 million in bonding for projects in Senate District 14. These allocations will help support our behavioral health system, keep our communities safe, and more.
- $1 million to the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute to boost its research and development capacity.
- $4.052 million to the Family Justice Center of Washington County to assist in the purchase of a building to offer child abuse services for the first time.
- $5.06 million to the Washington County for the Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment to add critical infrastructure for substance use disorder treatment
- $3 million for Pedestrian Access Improvements along Southwest Hall Boulevard. 15,000 vehicles a day use this road as students going to elementary school have to walk on the shoulder of the road. We deserve to be safe on the roads we walk on, and this money will help ensure that our streets are safer.
- $2.5 million to the City of Beaverton, South Cooper Mountain Non-Potable (Purple Pipe) Project to protect, clean, and conserve the water we rely on for everything from drinking to doing dishes. This project will include the construction of a storm water reuse treatment plant, a first of its kind in Oregon.
- $8.3 million to Portland State University for the Smith Memorial Student Union to finance the cost of upgrading the critical infrastructure of the building.
- Over $60 million to Portland State University to finance the cost to complete the Vernier Science Center and the Gateway Art and Design facility.
Join Representative Helm, Representative Grayber and I for our end of session town hall on Sunday, August 27th at 2pm at the The Griffith Park Building, Room 100 - Court Room B (4755 SW Griffith Drive). Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty has graciously agreed to be our moderator. We look forward to reflecting on the 2023 legislative session and answering any questions you may have.
Last week, I joined Senator Ron Wyden and Congresswoman Bonamici at Neighborhood House’s Stephens Creek Crossing site to celebrate the introduction of their Build Housing with Care Act, which would encourage the development of affordable housing connected with child care centers. As a mom, I know how important childcare is. Oregonians want and deserve quality, affordable childcare and they are struggling more than ever to find it. Co-location centers, like Neighborhood House’s Stephens Creek Crossing site, offer critical Head Start programs, education for parents, and more while providing affordable housing for families.
Fox 12’s coverage of the event can be found here.
The Portland Tribune's coverage of the event can be found here.
By all accounts, this legislative session has been one like no other, I am honored to represent such an engaged and thoughtful constituency. Throughout the 2023 legislative session, my office has received thousands of emails and phone calls about a variety of issues that Oregonians care about: healthcare, the climate, education, and so much more.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1714
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-223, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.KateLieber@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lieber
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