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Hello friends,
We have seen a tragic rise of Islamophobic and Anti-Semitic behavior and attacks across the country. If you or someone you know are a victim of a hate or bias incident in Oregon, you can report it here or by calling the Oregon Department of Justice Statewide Bias Response Hotline: 1-844-924-BIAS (2427). The report line has translation services available. We must work together to ensure that all community members can live in safety and peace. Hate has no place here.
 
It is hard to imagine that you have missed the news about the devastation happening in Gaza, but in case you have not been keeping up-to-date, my office released the following statement on October 20th calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and for international law to be upheld. Since then, I have been an unwavering voice, joining with folks across the globe, calling for an end to the assault on innocent civilians, a return of all hostages, and an end to the needless violence. Jewish Voice for Peace PDX wrote a statement standing for de-escalation and ceasefire. There is a growing list of elected officials and community members who have signed on. Constituents in my district have unequivocally communicated the message "We Need to Save Palestinian Lives!" and I will continue to advocate that position. As a long time human rights advocate I will continue to fight for all people, even when it's not easy.
I got the privilege of attending the groundbreaking for Beaverton's new, permanent year-round shelter for houseless adults! Thank you to everyone who helped to make this project a reality, especially Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty and all members of the Beaverton City Council! I am so grateful that in addition to adding critical capacity in terms of much needed shelter beds, the project will be done sustainably, in-line with Beaverton's Climate Action Plan!
 
My office joined with some of my fellow legislators, local elected officials, tribal leaders, and water experts, engineers and scientists to increase familiarity with different water realities across Oregon, on part TWO of our statewide water tour. This piece of the tour focused on the central coast where we saw firsthand what these communities need in terms of upgrades to aging/failing water and wastewater infrastructure and where there are big opportunities for the state to partner to make these projects a reality.
As we begin to rapidly build housing to solve the housing crisis in Oregon, we MUST prepare communities for impact to water infrastructure. Thank you to the communities and organizations who hosted, especially to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and all of the watershed groups doing the work day-in and day-out to protect one of our most valuable resources, water.
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These are the days to be in the streets fighting for the people. There's nothing more rejuvenating than the power of the people. One morning, I joined the UAW International Union line, and I'm so glad I did because by the end of that day they had a TA (tentative agreement) with Stellantis and our local Beaverton line packed up.
Strikes work and this is why we need to show up and support workers!
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The same day Stellantis got their TA, I was at the rally and march to support the Portland Association of Teachers. With almost 99% of their members voting, their strike vote garnered 93%. Teachers were asking for what they need to help future generations get the quality education they need and deserve; class size caps, to get rid of mold and rodents in the classroom, and pay that will retain teachers. I am glad to hear that they also reached a tentative agreement and ended the strike, meaning teachers and students are back in the classrooms they love so much!
While this is a major victory, one thing is clear, there is work to be done in the legislature to make sure we fully-fund our schools. The 2001 Legislature established the Quality Education Commission in statute to determine the amount of funding needed to meet the state's quality education goals. The Quality Education Model (QEM) helps lawmakers establish the costs of providing the education programs necessary for Oregon's children to meet educational goals. QEM reports are here. Every year we are short, that adds up. Rest assured, I will continue having tough conversations with my colleagues to figure out how we can do better for Oregon students.
We are facing many challenges, and every day my job as your State Representative is to do the work to meet these challenges. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.
Yours truly,
Representative Farrah Chaichi
House District 35
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1435
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-478, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.Farrah.Chaichi@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/chaichi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepresentativeFarrahChaichi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FarrahChaichi
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