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It's great to be back in Salem for the 2024 legislative short session! The District 30 team has some new and returning staff. Lexie Weaver returns as my Chief of Staff alongside Legislative Aide Suzan Nuri. I'm excited to welcome Alexa Kern as my new Legislative Aide and our undergraduate intern, Sofia Daukas! My staff are here to assist the constituents of HD 30. So, please don't hesitate to contact our office.
I am championing a few bills during the legislative short session and testified on some of them last week.
Youth Apprenticeships
Far too many of our young people struggle to transition successfully from the classroom to a career because they lack hands-on experience. At the same time, businesses can find it difficult to locate qualified workers. Several states have sought to address this problem by creating programs for youth apprenticeships. There are many models for how to do this.
After many meetings with the Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) as well as representatives from business, labor, and education, I submitted HB 4118. This bill directs BOLI to conduct a comprehensive study of youth apprenticeship programs throughout the country. This information will guide an interim workgroup that I will lead to discuss how best to develop a youth apprenticeship framework in Oregon.
I testified in favor of the bill last week and I am happy to report that it passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Business and Labor.
Semiconductor Workforce Development
Last session, I was honored to serve on the Joint Committee on Semiconductors. We passed historic legislation to encourage the growth of microchip manufacturing in Oregon. This legislation has paved the way for the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs all across the educational spectrum. In addition, we passed a research-and-development tax credit to spur technological innovation in our state.
Building on these achievements, I am championing HB 4154 to cultivate and expand our semiconductor workforce. The bill would spur tech-related career pathways from elementary school through college. It would also create a consortium of experts in the public and private sector who would work together to ensure that we are growing the talent we need right here in Oregon.
Economic Equity Investment Program
Many Oregonians dream of buying a home or opening their own business one day. Some of them begin this journey with a gift or a low-interest loan from a loved one. For others who grow up in poverty, however, that is not an option. A lack of available and affordable capital holds them back from reaching their full economic potential.
In 2022, I worked with my colleagues to help change that dynamic by creating the Economic Equity Investment Program (EEIP). It was designed to help people in economically disadvantaged communities buy a home, start a business, or grow an existing business. The goal was to give struggling Oregonians the tools to break the cycle of poverty and create intergenerational wealth. Over the past two years, the $15 million that we allocated has funded dozens of such programs throughout the state.
Last week, I testified in support of HB 4041 to replenish the EEIP and open the door of economic opportunity for even more Oregonians.
Last Week in Committee
House Committee on Business and Labor
Last week the committee held public hearings for the following House Bills:
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HB 4004 Allows the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries to impose civil penalties against a person for violating the child labor laws when the person has paid a civil penalty to the United States Department of Labor for a violation involving the same facts. Passed unanimously through committee on 2/12.
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HB 4006 Requires a contracting agency to accept from contractors surety bonds in lieu of retainage for construction projects and public improvement contracts. Passed through committee with third House reading scheduled for 2/13.
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HB 4080 Declares a state policy to support engagement between offshore wind developers and impacted organizations, communities and tribes. Work session scheduled for 2/14.
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HB 4127 Creates rules and standards for warehouse employees' quota requirements. Establishes a procedure through Bureau of Labor and Industries if employers violate the Act. Work session scheduled for 2/14.
The committee heard informational presentations from Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission as well as Oregon Housing and Community Services Department.
The committee held public hearings for the following House Bills:
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HB 4119 Enhances the protections for post-secondary institutions of education, student athletes and others regarding the provision of compensation for a student's name, image, likeness or athletic reputation. Work session scheduled for 2/13
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HB 4125 Directs the Legislative Policy and Research Director to conduct a study on the impact of Senate Bill 242 (2011) on higher education in this state. Work session scheduled for 2/15
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HB 4154 Establishes the Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund and subaccounts of the fund. Work session scheduled for 2/13
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HB 4162 Appropriates moneys to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for the purpose of carrying out Oregon's Open Educational Resources (OER) Program. Work session scheduled for 2/15
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HB 4163 Requires the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to establish a grant program for the purpose of supporting organizations to expand the scope and community reach of college access and success programs. Work session scheduled for 2/13
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HB 4164 Removes the condition on reimbursement for expenses for nonlegislative members of the Sexual Misconduct Survey Council. Work session scheduled for 2/15
2024 BIPOC Legislative Agenda
As the Policy and Communications Vice Chair of the BIPOC Caucus, I'm excited to announce our 2024 Legislative Agenda which will focus on advancing inclusive economic growth and addressing Oregon’s long-standing wealth gaps across race, gender, and immigration status.
Participate in The Short Session!
There are several ways to stay involved in the legislative process during the short session. Here's what you can do:
 Since 1976, the month of February has been federally recognized as Black History Month, to honor the contributions, struggles and stories of African Americans. You can honor the legacy of Black Oregonians by attending one of the many events in our district and metro region. The City of Hillsboro's 2024 Black History Month Website has a wealth of resources and upcoming events. Next week's newsletter will spotlight local Black owned businesses.
Oregonians enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, can request replacement benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services for food lost during the winter storms.
Washington County residents can now request replacement benefits until February 16.
You may be asked to provide:
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Proof of address
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Messages from a utility company or other evidence you were affected by the storm
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A report of the lost food and cost (you do not have to submit receipts)
Northwest Regional Education Service District Legislative Summit
 Last month, I participated in a legislative summit hosted by the Northwest Regional Education Service District - Official. We had a great discussion on education-related topics - including funding levels, programs for students with special needs, and how we can give all our students the resources to be successful. I was excited to talk with students from the Hillsboro School District about the incredible work they are doing and their plans for the future!
Westside Economic Alliance Panel
 I joined several of my colleagues on a discussion panel hosted by the Westside Economic Alliance. We talked about issues ranging from transportation and healthcare to economic development and disaster preparedness. I was excited to discuss the work I am doing on youth apprenticeships as well as workforce development in the semiconductor sector.
Next Level Pinball Museum Wins "World’s Favorite Pinball Location" for Third Consecutive Year
 Congratulations to a Hillsboro favorite, Next Level Pinball Musuem for winning "World's Favorite Pinball Arcade" at the TWIPY Awards for the third year in a row! With over 475 games and a 20,000sq foot pop culture museum, Next Level Pinball Musuem is considered to be one of the largest arcades in the world. It would take 3.5 days to play every single game.The arcade also hosts events and tournaments.
February Constituent Coffee
 Thank you to the constituents that joined me this past Saturday for our constituent coffee. We had a lively discussion about statewide and local issues including housing affordability, infrastructure, Measure 110 and transportation. We will be holding another coffee following the end of session. I hope that you will join our post session debrief and hear about what's next for HD 30.
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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