HB 4124 is a funding bill relating to cultural groups in our great state that support the preservation of historical artifacts, memorabilia, performance and art.

Three of the projects on this list are in Senate District 16.   

The fist is the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum currently occupies one room in City Hall and is filled to the brim.  The community and society have aggressively been building toward the construction of a building to house their collection, get it all in one place and continue to grow.  The land has been donated, the plans are made, people are ready to start…however…because this unique sector of funding requests was not honored in the last session we are still just looking at a dedicated piece of land and visiting one room in city hall. That will require $500,000 to accomplish their goal. 

The second is the Clatsop County Historical Society film museum.  As you know Astoria is the home of many significantly impactful films.  In light of the popularity of the film medium the Clatsop County Historical Society is hoping and planning to expand the museum of film to continue to recognize the importance of the film industry on and in the oldest city on the west coast.  They have ambitious plans and are requesting $1,000,000 to begin to accomplish this goal.

Third, is the Columbia County Museum Association. It is currently located on the 3rd floor of the county's historic courthouse, in re-purposed offices, and is accessible only by stairs.  The current location severely restricts displays, limits access for challenged or disabled visitors and volunteers, puts the collection at risk, and physically limits the growth of the collection and program.  The museum needs a new home that will prove a vibrant space for integrating artistic, historical, and cultural amenities, sustaining cultural experiences, and providing a solid sense of place and community identity.  

I am humbled to be allowed to honor SPC Kenny Leisten by sponsoring Senate Concurrent Resolution 213 .   SPC Leisten perished July 28th, 2004 when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Taji, Iraq.  

Many Soldiers in our district remember SPC Leisten as being funny, good natured, and always the guy that would make you smile while still having your back in hard situations.  

I hope you will join us in remembering and honoring SPC Kenny Leisten for his service to our community and our county.  

Senate Bill 1556 would require Oregon Department of Transportation to conduct a study on the portions of Highway 30 from Astoria milepost 94 to the Longview bridge milepost 49.   Those of us that live, work, and play on the north Oregon coast know how dangerous Highway 30 is and how important it is to our products and services coming and going.  However, to fix the underlying problems, we need to have those identified. SB 1556 would require those problems be identified so we can move forward with real fixes. 

I always enjoy getting to visit with Kyle Sharpsteen from Clatsop County Fair.  Our fairgrounds are vital to our rural communities and I intend to do everything I can to continue to support them. 

If you live in Clatsop County, consider getting involved and supporting the 2024 Clatsop County Fair.  There are various committees and volunteer opportunities, one is sure to be a good fit. 

Fair Advertising/Marketing

Fair Concert

Non Music Entertainment at the Fair

Fair Security/Emergency Response and Parking

Fair Sponsorships and Vendor Acquisition

Fair Volunteer Acquisition

Amy and her family are constituents of our district.  A wonderful family with a story to share.  I am honored to have met them and hope that her story will encourage others to appreciate and support life at all stages.

Amy was born alive during an abortion at approximately 28 weeks in 1980.

As a result of the abortion procedure that was started Amy sustained a brain injury at birth.  With her experience of living with a disability, she has a heart full of compassion for those that she works with as an occupational therapist.