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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope the start of your holiday season is going well!
Over the past few weeks, I have been focused on education. As many of you know, I am a first-generation college graduate. I also volunteered for years as a youth mentor with Portland State University as well as Lewis & Clark Law School. I love talking with students and creating opportunities for them to succeed.
As a legislator, I also believe that building an excellent and fully-resourced education system from pre-kindergarten through college is the only way we are going to reach our full economic potential as a state. Especially now that we are on the cusp of dramatically expanding Oregon’s advanced manufacturing and high-tech sectors in response to the federal and state CHIPS Acts, we need a world-class workforce.
That is why I spent the past few weeks touring two of our universities, meeting with the president of Portland Community College, co-hosting a townhall sponsored by PCC, and talking to students at Liberty High School in Hillsboro.
University of Oregon Tour
 I had the pleasure of touring the University of Oregon in Eugene. I was briefed on the innovative work they are doing to encourage entrepreneurs and start-ups in the bio-science as well as semiconductor sectors. I also visited the law school to discuss their legal clinics that promote access to justice while giving students real-world experience. Finally, I spoke with students about the challenges they face – especially concerning affordability.
Oregon Institute of Technology Tour
 I had an excellent tour of Oregon Tech’s campus in Wilsonville. I saw their manufacturing equipment, medical labs, and emergency response facility in action. I also spoke with students as well as faculty and their enthusiasm was extraordinary. I was excited to learn about their partnerships with high schools and a host of industry partners. As the state’s polytechnic university, Oregon Tech has innovative programs to expand and train our workforce – especially in the fields of advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and technology.
Portland Community College Meeting
 I had a great lunch meeting with Dr. Adrien Bennings, president of Portland Community College, and Sage Learn, Chief of Staff & Executive Director for College Relations. We discussed the vital role of community colleges as well as my legislative priorities regarding higher education and workforce development. I look forward to continuing to partner with them to address our workforce needs and create economic opportunities for Oregonians.
Student Town Hall
 I had a blast hosting a joint town hall with my colleague and friend, Representative Lisa Reynolds, at Portland Community College's Willow Creek Campus. We had a great turnout and a thoughtful discussion with the students. The questions spanned topics such as the cost of higher education, food insecurity, economic inequality, and access to addiction and mental health services. A huge thank you to all the students and community members who attended!
 I had fun talking with the juniors and seniors in Liberty High School's Civics and Community Service class taught by Ms. Fifth-Lince. We discussed issues ranging from affordable housing and homelessness to climate change and poverty. I am so excited at their eagerness to get involved in public policy and make a difference in our community! We were also joined (in spirit) by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
 The Washington County Chamber of Commerce has released a Holiday Guide and Business Directory that features small businesses across the county. With the holiday season upon us, consider using the guide to shop locally for gifts. For every $100 you spend, the Chamber predicts approximately $68 of local economic return. For more information about the guide, please click the image or visit the link here.
Photo courtesy of The White House
As we head into the holiday season, let's spread joy and not sickness. Getting tested for COVID-19 is a simple way to protect those around you. Beginning November 20, every household in the United States is now eligible to receive four additional at-home tests. If your household has not already placed an order this fall, you are eligible to complete two orders for a total of eight tests.
Need Health Coverage?
Check out OregonHealthCare.gov
Losing health coverage can be scary. Keep you and your family insured by visiting OregonHealthCare.gov or calling 833-699-6850 to learn more about low-cost, quality health plans through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Enrollment is open now until January 15, 2024.
Be prepared for winter weather before traveling
Winter is upon us. Be sure you and your family are prepared when traveling in winter weather. Check Tripcheck.com for road hazards and closures before departure, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including:
● Phone charger, warm clothes, blankets.
● First aid kit, bottled water, and nonperishable food
● Jumper cables, flashlights with batteries, road flares
● Ice scraper, shovel, tire chains
● Keep a full tank of gas and have a spare tire on hand
Visit ready.gov/car for more tips.
As a reminder, I will be holding my December constituent coffee at the Insomnia Coffee at Tanasbourne on Saturday, 12/9 from 9am to 10:30am. The address is 9355 NE Windsor St. Hillsboro, OR 97006.
I look forward to discussing the issues that are of importance to you and your families.
I hope you will stop by, say hello, and join me for a cup of coffee.
Don't forget to contact my office with any questions or feedback. You can do so via email at Rep.NathanSosa@Oregonlegislature.gov or by phone at (503) 986-1430. Feel free to also stop by in-person at office H-280. I look forward to hearing from you!
 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
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