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Dear Friends and Neighbors:
Last week, I returned to Salem for September Legislative Days (September 27-29). During Legislative Days, lawmakers do not vote on bills, but we hold informational meetings, receive updates, and discuss issues that are important to Oregonians. I have included below summaries of what we did in each of my committees:
Committees in Review
House Committee on Business and Labor
Our hearing focused on implementation of the Paid Leave Oregon program and how it is impacting professional employer organizations that provide administrative support for small businesses.
Joint Ways and Means on Transportation and Economic Development
We approved grant applications for the Department of Transportation to fund numerous projects throughout the state. In addition, we received an update on the Housing and Community Services Department’s goals to create 600 new shelter beds and rehouse 1,200 unsheltered households in emergency areas by January 2024.
House Committee on Higher Education
We heard testimony from both University of Oregon and Oregon State University on the U-of-O’s decision to leave the PAC 12 and the impact that will have on OSU. In addition, students and administration from several community colleges and universities testified in support of better funding systems for tuition financial aid programs in Oregon.
Meeting with Higher Education Presidents
 I also had the privilege of meeting President Nagi Naganathan of Oregon Institute of Technology (pictured above) and President Ann Cudd of Portland State University during Legislative Days. I was happy to meet both Presidents and discuss how we can best support students in higher education.
Semiconductor Spotlight
 Photo courtesy: Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation / Walden Kirsch/Intel Corporation
Last session, through SB4 and SB5, the Legislature provided financial support to promote the growth of the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industry in Oregon. These actions are projected to spur roughly $43.8 billion in private investment and create 6,300 jobs. Oregon Public Broadcasting published a piece detailing this development here.
In Solidarity
 This week, I showed my support for hospital care workers with SEIU49 who are striking at Kaiser Westside Medical Center to demand fair compensation and an end to staffing shortages.
You may contact my office with any questions or feedback via email at Rep.NathanSosa@Oregonlegislature.gov or by phone at (503) 986-1430.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Take care!
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sosa
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RepresentativeSosa
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