|
As we finish the second week of the legislative session, we have already seen a lot of action! I have been hearing a lot of testimonies in my committees and meeting with advocates and constituents on a wide array of issues. As always, my focus as a whole is to increase equity across the state, and I am always using that lens as I make decisions and ask questions.
This is a big week for the Capital, because all bills must be voted out of their policy committees by Monday or they will not move forward.
Remember, you can and are encouraged to get involved in the process. You can learn more on how with this Legislative Participation Guide (available here).
 I had a great visit with Habitat for Humanity! They updated me on some of the work they are doing in North Portland. Check out their amazing resources here.
 Meeting with constituents and student advocates for Moms Demand Action on gun violence.
 Great meeting with PCC and student advocates!
 I met with constituents from the American College of Physicians.
My Legislative Priorities
House Bill 4088
My Workplace Violence Bill had its first public hearing on February 13th. As a reminder, this bill enhances penalties for injuring hospital workers during their duties, mandates more signage about penalties and worker rights, allows workers to only have their first name on badges for safety, and offers grants for hospitals to improve staff safety measures.
I proudly gave testimony alongside Representative Boshart Davis in support of the bill. You can watch that testimony here. The public hearing was carried over to Thursday morning and from there it was voted out of the committee and on to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means!
Fox 12 featured a story on the prevalence of workplace violence for healthcare workers and I got an opportunity to speak with them about it as well. You can find that article and interview here. I think they did a great job in really helping to explain the rising trend in workplace violence and the issue as a whole.
 Testifying with Representative Boshart Davis in support of HB 4088.
House Bill 4089
My Hospital Transparency Bill also had a public hearing on February 13th. This bill focuses on enhancing the transparency of financial practices for hospitals within Oregon. It grants taxpayers deeper insight into the spending and investments. Such as reporting the percentage of Medicaid and Medicare funds invested in the stock market and other earnings, expenditures, investments, and future plans.
You can watch my testimony stating why I believe this issue is important here.
This bill unfortunately was not moved out of the committee and has died.
I am always disappointed to see a bill die, especially one like this that granted taxpayers more insight and transparency into our hospitals.
Second Week Highlights!
Black History Month
As we enter in in the heart of Black History Month, I gave a speech on the floor.
Black History Month is not just a time where we briefly learn of the many black folks who have done great things for this Country. It is recognition, a remembrance, and a call to action for us all to continue to move forward toward equality and justice. It is a simple nudge to live and breathe the truth every day, every month, and every year.
|
|
Floor Speech
I also gave a floor speech in support of HB 4006 which aims to create a win-win solution that supports our small contractors' financial stability and ensures project owners have protection.
|
|
 |
Showing Up for Healthcare Workers
Over the weekend I had the privilege to stand in solidarity with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
I stood proudly with homecare workers as they went on strike in Lane Co. These RN’s go into homes & care for kids with cancer & the elderly. PeaceHealth should do better by showing these workers the respect they deserve & settle on a contract!
 I joined Senator Manning and other Legislators to show our support.
Black History Month with the Blazers
 I had an amazing time at the Blazers pre-game parade during the Saturdays Black History Month celebration!
Rosa Parks Day Celebration
|
It was an honor to be invited to speak at the Rosa Parks Day celebration on February 4th and hosted by Alberta Abbey and Elevate Unity non-profits.
Alberta Abbey is an amazing venue, and you can learn more about them here.
|
|
 |
Rosa Parks was an extraordinary woman whose act of defiance reminds us that history is shaped by ordinary individuals doing the extraordinary, simply because it's the right thing to do.
She was woman of color who faced the daily realities of segregation and prejudice yet refused to accept them as immutable truths. Her defiance on the bus was not a spontaneous act of rebellion; rather, it was the culmination of a lifetime of resistance against racial injustice.
|
More to Come...
As always, thank you for taking the time and continuing to be involved. You can find information on me or how to contact my office here. Keep your eyes out for my next newsletter as we start to take stride in this short session!
Best,
 Travis Nelson
State Representative
House District 44
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1444
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-275, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/nelson
| 
