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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great holiday season. I am honored to return as the state representative for District 30 and I am eager for the start of the short legislative session in February.
Legislative Days (January 10-12) marked the last time the legislature will convene in Salem before the start of the short session on February 5, 2024.
I enjoyed meeting with representatives from Divest Oregon (top left), the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee (top right) and the Semiconductor Workforce Package Coalition.
Committees in Review
In the short session, legislators are restricted to two person bills each. Here are the ones I am proposing:
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Advancing Youth Apprenticeship in Oregon: Throughout the United States, many states have youth apprenticeship programs that give high school students a head start on their future careers. This bill directs the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries to conduct a comprehensive study of youth apprenticeships around the country. Using data from this study, legislators and stakeholders will convene in an interim workgroup to discuss best practices for registered youth apprenticeships and the feasibility of adopting a state-wide framework in Oregon.
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Revisions to Open Meetings Laws: In the 2023 Legislative Session, I championed HB 2805 which, among many things, updated the definition of an "open meeting" to include communications via electronic, video, or telephonic technology as well as via proxies. It also directed the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to enforce our public meetings laws. This bill would build upon HB2805 to clarify the authority of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to provide guidance and advisory opinions at the request of public officials.
 I participated in a tour of the Community Corrections Center operated by Washington County, Oregon. This facility prepares people serving sentences to successfully transition back into the community by offering a structured living environment, while focusing on accountability, employment, treatment, and skill building. I am happy to support innovative programs like this to help to reduce recidivism and promote public safety.
 My sincere thanks to Portland Community College for inviting me to speak to the latest cohort of students graduating from the Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training program. This two-week crash course launches them into a new career in one of the fastest growing industries in our state. It is an excellent example of a partnership between the public, private, and non-profit sectors to help solve our workforce needs. I am grateful to Intel, Worksystems, City of Hillsboro - Local Government, and Portland Community College for creating such an innovative program right here in Hillsboro. View my speech by clicking on the image or this link.
Storytime with Hillsboro Online Academy
 This week, I was invited to read Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester to students at Hillsboro Online Academy. It is a wonderful story about respecting and valuing those who are different. The kids loved it and I am so grateful for the opportunity to read to them.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (observed Monday January 15th) is the only federal holiday dedicated as a National Day of Service. In its 29th year, the holiday encourages folks to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by giving back to their community. Here are some local opportunities in the district and the greater metro region.
 As we anticipate freezing temperatures and wintry weather, it is important to be aware of your nearest county operated warming shelters. Washington County will activate these additional centers when there is a severe weather event to ensure that all residents are able to seek inside shelter and no one will be turned away. Shelters will be open 24/7 from 2pm Friday January 12th until Tuesday January 16th(subject to change).
To access these shelter beds, interested individuals can walk up to one of the locations listed below:
The Salvation Army Building
1440 SE 21st Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Accessible via TriMet route number 57
Shelter Operator: Project Homeless Connect
Beaverton Community Center
12350 SW 5th St, Beaverton, OR 97005
Accessible via TriMet route numbers 52, 76, and 78
Shelter Operator:Just Compassion
For more shelter resources, call Community Connect at 503-640-3263 or by email CommunityConnect@CAOWash.org
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.
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Monday, 1/15 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: City Offices and Libraries closed, select recreation centers open
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Tuesday, 1/16 -Tech Help (5:30 pm @ Hillsboro Public Library, Shute Park)
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Tuesday, 1/16 - City Council Meeting (6 pm @ Hillsboro Civic Center or Zoom)
- Tuesday, 1/16 - Citizenship Class (6pm @ Hillsboro Public Library, Brookwood
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Sunday, 1/21 - International Storytime- Arabic (3 pm @ Hillsboro Public Library, Brookwood)
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Tuesday, 1/30 - 2024 State of the City (5 pm @ Hillsboro Civic Center's Shirley Huffman Auditorium)
- Friday, 2/02 - Salsa Night with Dina y Los Rumberos (7 pm @ Walters Cultural Arts Center
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Tuesday, 2/06 - Hillsboro Art Walk: First Tuesday (5 pm @ Hillsboro Cultural Arts District)
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Friday, 2/09 - Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra Evening of Jazz and Classical Music (7:30 pm @ Walters Cultural Arts Center)
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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