February Newsletter! Get Ready!
Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 02/06/2024 06:30 PM PST
Hello and Welcome to House District 48!
Xin chào và Chào mừng đến với House District 48!
2024 Legislative Short Session Begins
Happy February! On Monday, February 5th, the Oregon Legislature kicked off the 35-day Oregon Legislative short session. The short session means legislators will convene to address pressing issues, propose new laws, and shape the future of Oregon. As a legislative body, we are excited to get back to doing the people’s work! I have been working diligently as a Vice Chair on the Early Childhood and Human Services Committee, as a member of the House Education Committee, and as a member of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education... again this session!
Here are the priorities we will be focusing on as a Legislative Body this session:
Governor Tina Kotek is urging lawmakers to approve $500 million in state funds to expedite new housing developments, aiming to address the housing shortage that has exacerbated homelessness and drug crises across the state. This includes the creation of a new state agency, the Housing Accountability and Production Office, to streamline housing projects and navigate state housing laws.
There is a shift in stance regarding drug possession laws, with Governor Kotek considering signing a bill to once again criminalize possessing small amounts of drugs in Oregon. However, she emphasizes the importance of connecting drug users with addiction services and taking a comprehensive approach to address addiction issues.
Political Dynamics & Relationships:
The recent Oregon Supreme Court decision blocking Senate Republicans from reelection, stemming from their previous legislative walkout, could impact the political dynamics of the session. House leadership changes and emerging controversies among lawmakers add further complexity. Despite potential political tensions, House leaders express optimism about cooperation during the session, aiming to maintain respectful dialogue even amidst ideological differences.
Budget and Revenue:
The session's first week will include a revenue forecast that will guide budget decisions. Governor Kotek emphasizes the importance of allocating funds wisely, focusing on housing, behavioral health, and education, without the necessity of raising taxes due to the state's favorable financial position.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Oregon's legislative sessions alternate between short and long durations?
This unique scheduling tradition harks back to the state's early days in the mid-1800s when sessions were brief and irregular. Originally, legislators, who were mostly farmers, convened every two years for just a month or two, reflecting the state's agrarian roots. In 2010, Oregonians voted to amend the state constitution, mandating annual sessions but retaining the alternating short and long formats. This ensures that important issues are addressed efficiently, despite the session's limited duration.
Honoring Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and strength of the Black community. We remember the brave people who fought for fairness and made important contributions to our world.
Black leaders have stood up against unfairness and made changes for the better. Their stories show us that with determination, we can make a difference.
How Can We Take Action to Support Black Communities?
Educate Ourselves:
Take the time to learn about the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black people. You can find a list of educational documentaries on Black History here.
Amplify Black Voices:
Actively seek out and amplify the voices of Black writers, artists, activists, and leaders. Here is a list of books by Black authors. Also a list of movies Black film makers.
Support Black-Owned Businesses:
Make a conscious effort to support Black-owned businesses in your community. You can find Black owned businesses in Porltand here.
Engage in Allyship:
Commit to being an active ally to the Black community by listening, learning, and taking action against racism and injustice.
Invest in Community Initiatives:
Support grassroots organizations and initiatives that are working to address the specific needs and challenges facing Black communities.
By taking these proactive steps, we can all play a role in building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society—one where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Together, let us turn our commitment into action and pave the way for a brighter future for all.
Happy Lunar New Year! It’s the Year of The Dragon!
This Lunar New Year, our office extends our warmest greetings to you and your loved ones. This vibrant occasion, celebrated by millions around the world, marks a time of renewal, reflection, and abundant blessings.
2024, the Year of the Dragon, brings with it promises of prosperity, good fortune, and new beginnings. It's a time to honor cherished traditions, reunite with family and friends, and embrace the spirit of hope and optimism for the days ahead.
At the Office of Representative Hoa Nguyen, we cherish the diversity and richness of cultures that make our world so vibrant. We recognize the significance of this special celebration and the values it embodies — unity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. As we welcome the Lunar New Year, let us embrace the opportunity to set new intentions, pursue our aspirations, and spread kindness and goodwill to all. May the year ahead be filled with joy, success, and an abundance of blessings for you and your loved ones.
Wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year filled with prosperity, happiness, and harmony!
Representative Nguyen will be speaking at Gates Park for their Lunar New Year Tree Planting Celebration! Mark your calendars for February 10th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, and get ready to volunteer for a great cause!
Representative Nguyen attended David Douglas’s Lunar New Year Celebration last week and looks forward to attending more celebrations around the community this month!
Joint Town Hall Update!
Thank you to all of our neighbors who participated in the Joint Town Hall with Representative Nguyen, Representative Valderrama, and Senator Jama. We had a great turnout and had two overflow rooms to accommodate our neighbors. We were able to hear from over 60 members from our community about their thoughts and concerns! We shared our legislative priorities for the 2024 short session. It is always great to meet with constituents and we want to thank you Our Just Oregon for hosting our 2024 Joint Town Hall!
Hearing Legislative Priorities with the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and Portland Metro.
On January 3rd, Representative Nguyen and 13 other colleagues in the Oregon Legislature were invited for breakfast to discuss their legislative priorities for 2024. As all representatives, commissioners, Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell, and DA Mike Schmidt shared all the issues that mattered to them, we were pleased to learn that their priorities are in line with the priorities of the Oregon Legislature.
Read more about Multnomah County’s Priorities here!
Representative Nguyen also attended the City of Portland’s Legislative Breakfast last month as well. The priorities are also similar to Multnomah County’s and the Oregon Legislature’s priorities.
Read more about the City of Portland’s Priorities here!
On February 1, 2024, Representative Nguyen along with many of the Metropolitan legislators had another breakfast with Metro Portland at the Oregon Zoo. Much like the breakfast with the City of Portland, Metro councilors expressed to us their legislative priorities for the Short session this month.
You can read Metro’s Priorities here and their proposal for the 2024 Oregon Zoo Bond Measure on the ballot for May 21, 2024!
Introducing Rep. Nguyen’s 2024 Short Session Bills
Representative Nguyen is proud to introduce her two priority bills this session!
HB 4159 Newcomers Humanitarian Investment Pilot Program:
This Newcomer Humanitarian Investment of $5 million will allow recently arrived individuals and their children to have access to case management services to retrieve support in housing, and other basic necessities. This pilot will help bridge the gap of accessibility for the policies that legislators have passed in previous sessions to support migrants.
HB 4158 Child Care Infrastructure
This bill will allocate $5 million to support home-based and small center providers (defined as licensed to serve 75 or fewer children) with infrastructure expansion and technical assistance. Oregon’s small centers and in-home providers are the child care providers most likely to operate in rural areas, provide culturally/linguistically appropriate care, care to children with disabilities, and offer odd hour care (nights and weekends).
Legislative Priorities for Early Childhood and Childcare Support
Representative Nguyen is excited to share insights from a recent presentation highlighting critical legislative priorities for early childhood development and childcare support in Oregon. The presentation covered several key pieces of legislation and initiatives aimed at bolstering childcare infrastructure and providing essential support for families and children across the state.
CHIPS Child Care for Construction Workforce:
Introduced by Representative Jules Walters, the Winning CHIPS Fund by Strengthening Child Care Bill aims to address childcare requirements for federal CHIP (Community Housing and Investment Program) applicants. It establishes a CHIPS Child Care Fund, a childcare assistance program, and increases childcare supply for CHIPS construction workforce, meeting federal requirements while supporting Oregon's construction workers and families.
Support for Early Childhood Education:
Speakers emphasized the significance of funding for early childhood education, highlighting programs like the Early Childhood Special Education Program and the Betty Gray Scholarship for Early Childhood Education. These initiatives provide essential resources and support to ensure access to quality education and care for young children, supporting families and fostering lifelong success.
Investments in Home Visiting Programs:
The presentation underscored the importance of home visiting programs, such as Healthy Families Oregon and Nurse Family Partnership, in providing critical support to families during the prenatal and early childhood stages. Advocates called for investments to stabilize these programs and ensure equitable access to essential services across communities.
Legislative Priorities for Youth Leadership and Family Well-being:
The presentation also addressed priorities for youth leadership and family well-being, including the creation of a Youth Leadership Council and investments in family support services. Advocates highlighted the transformative impact of these programs on individuals and communities, emphasizing the need for continued support and investment.
In summary, these legislative priorities reflect a collective effort to prioritize early childhood development, childcare access, and family support in Oregon. By advocating for these initiatives, stakeholders aim to create a more equitable and supportive environment for children and families statewide.
The swearing-in ceremony marks my official representation of the new HD48 boundaries, which includes South East Portland and Damascus areas from Kelly Butte to Powell Butte, and Barton to Carver.
While most of the Capitol building is under construction, some parts of the building will be open to the public, including committee meetings and legislative offices. All committee meetings are available (as always) for virtual viewing on the Oregon Legislative Information Site (OLIS). Members of the public can make their voices heard by submitting written testimony or by signing up for virtual or in-person testimony. You can read more about opportunities for public engagement on the Oregon Legislative website.
Stay Connected!
- Facebook @RepHoaNguyen
- Instagram @Rep.HoaNguyen
- Twitter @Rep_HoaNguyen
- TikTok @StateRepHoaNguyen
You can get in touch with me directly by visiting or connecting through:
- My Legislative Website
- Email at Rep.HoaNguyen@oregonlegislature.gov
- Call our office at 503-986-1448
- Visit my office in the House Chambers on the fourth floor, H-473
Trong cộng đồng,
In Community,
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1448
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-281, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.HoaNguyen@oregonlegislature.gov