We are nearing the end of the legislative short session. Committees are wrapping up their work and many of the landmark bills are coming to the floor of the House. Others are passing through the Senate. We are bracing for the final flurry of bills next week.
My Priority Bills
Semiconductor Workforce Development
Earlier this week, the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction examined HB4154 , which I am chief sponsoring along with Rep. Hai Pham and Rep. Janelle Bynum. The bill would help to expand our semiconductor workforce by spurring tech-related career pathways from elementary school through college. The bill passed unanimously out of committee and was referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.
House Committee on Business and Labor:
We held a public hearing and work session on SB 1596A “Right to Repair” legislation that would make it easier for consumers to repair their consumer electronic devices and equipment. I am pleased to report that we passed the bill and it is now headed to the floor of the House.
Joint Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development:
We passed one of the major housing bills of this session - SB 1530A. The bill appropriates $279.6 million to address the issues of affordable housing / homelessness. Among other things, the bill appropriates:
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$20 million for the Affordable Housing Land Acquisition Revolving Loan Program;
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$40 million in eviction prevention programs to help people stay in their homes; and
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$65 million for emergency homeless shelters.
In addition, the committee passed HB 4098A to help ensure the availability of childcare for the construction workers who will be building structures for semiconductor companies that are expanding thanks to the Oregon CHIPS Act we passed in 2023.
House Committee on Higher Education:
We heard an informational presentation from Senator Dembrow regarding the Senate Education Omnibus Bill (SB 1552) which made numerous technical reforms to our higher education system.
 Photo courtesy of City of Hillsboro
This week, my op-ed with State Senator Janeen Sollman (SD 15) was published in the Hillsboro NewsTimes. We are urging our fellow legislators to invest the $15 million needed to fund the proposed multi-use, city owned facility that would keep the Hops in Hillsboro for the next 40 years. I encourage you to read our op-ed here and share your support.
 This week, I was joined in the House by two students – our undergraduate intern Sofia Daukas, who attends Willamette University, and Sara Economou, who is a senior at Westview High School. They watched the moving and emotional floor discussion on HB 4002. The bill is an effort to address the addiction crisis in our state. Many of my colleagues shared personal stories of loved ones and community members who have struggled with addiction. The bill passed the House 51-7 with bipartisan support. It is now headed to the Senate.
Mental Health Resources
 Important Reminder! Unemployment Phone Lines and Customer Service Disruptions until Monday March 4th
Women's History Month:
Honoring the legacy of Mercedes Deiz (1917-2005)
Mercedes Deiz. Courtesy Oregon Hist. Soc. Research Library
To celebrate the first day of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting Judge Mercedes Deiz, who shattered many glass ceilings during her lifetime that made it possible for women to have successful law careers.
Judge Deiz moved to Portland in 1948 after hearing that Portland was spared from the lingering effects of the Great Depression. Coming from Harlem’s vibrant Black community, she endured for the first time Oregon sundown cities and racial segregation, which fueled her civil rights activism, centering her around her North Albina community. She became active in the Portland branch of the NAACP and Urban League. She graduated from Northwestern College of Law (modern day Lewis and Clark College) as the only female in her graduating class. Upon being the first Black woman to be admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 1960, she spent several years practicing personal injury law.
Her appointment to the Multnomah County District Court by Governor Tom McCall in 1969, made her the first Black Woman appointed to the Court. Due to her appointment, she would need to run for re-election to secure her seat. She successfully ran for her seat amongst a competitive field of seven candidates and as the only woman on the ticket. in 1972 she was sworn in as the first Black Woman elected to State Office, serving for 22 years until her retirement in 1992.
Judge Deiz’s long standing tenure and commitment to a more equitable legal career for woman influenced the careers of women in law including current Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.
Judge Deiz passed away in 2005 at the age of 87.
 I hope you will join me next month for my upcoming joint legislative town hall with Senator Sollman and Rep. McLain We will discuss the 2024 legislation short session and discuss what’s on the horizon for the 2025 long session.
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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