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This week has been a whirlwind as we draw closer to Sine Die on March 10th. The Capitol has been buzzing with activity, with bills being debated, voted on, and some facing the risk of not passing. However, the journey isn't over yet. The coming week promises to reveal the outcomes of this year's short session. I'm looking forward to sharing the details of my bill, among others, once everything is finalized. In the meantime, I'm thrilled to update you on some exciting news regarding projects I've been advocating for funding!
 On the final day of Black History Month, I chose to show more of my heritage by wearing a Dashiki as I delivered a speech on the floor!
Summer Learning Program
I am proud to have signed onto House Bill 4082 which would grant $50 million in funding for summer learning programs K-12, as well as provide enrichment in subjects like math, science and reading.
Schools are the future of our state and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and various stakeholders in the 2025 session to ensure education priorities.
Oregon Advocacy Commission Office Gives Report
In 2022, HB 4052 was passed to tackle cultural injustices and health disparities with strategic investments. Following up, in 2023, HB 2925 extended deadlines for the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office, enhancing coordination with the Oregon Health Authority's mobile Health Unit.
I was happy to sit alongside them to introduce them to the committee to hear their report. You can watch that report here.
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Funding Wins
$25,000,000 for Albina Vision Trust
This was a huge win! Albina Vision Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for comprehensive restorative development in the Albina district. This funding will assist in acquiring and revitalizing the former headquarters of Portland Public Schools. Their ambitious plan includes the creation of 1,000 affordable housing units within this historically Black neighborhood and more aiming to foster community regeneration and inclusivity. Learn more about them here.
$1,000,000 to the Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center + Rosemary Anderson High School
(POIC + RAHS) is a minority-led nonprofit organization based in Oregon. They provide a range of high-quality services, including education, mentoring, family outreach, and employment training and placement. Learn more here.
$4,000,000 to the 4th Dimension Recovery Center
4D Recovery supports the acquisition of a facility to provide adolescent substance use disorder residential and outpatient services. Learn more here.
$4,000,000 to Cascade AIDS Project
This is being used to purchase the Prism Health facility located on North Morris Street, Portland, Oregon. This is a huge win for the LGBTQ community! Learn more here.
$8,900,000 to Washington County Behavioral Health Division
Used to support the development of the Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment project. Learn more here.
The BIPOC Caucus housing priorities received a total of 29.25 million used for land acquisitions for affordable housing
- $25 million to the Albina Vision Trust
- $3 million to Unite Oregon for the purchase of a property on E Burnside Street in Portland for development of affordable housing. You can learn more about Unite Oregon here.
- $1.25 million to the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization for the purchase of a property on SE Stark Street for development of affordable housing. Learn more about them here.
Active Construction Zone!
It can be easy to forget that there is active construction going on in the Capital during the hustle and bustle of it all! We often hear loud thumping noises and vibrations while in committee. A lot of the building is just resting on these stilts right now. This is part of the Capitals improvements for safety and accessibility as well as their seismic retrofitting.
Thank You!
As always, I encourage you to reach out to my office with any concerns or questions here. While the session is drawing to a close, there's still much more accomplish in the final week, and I will have more updates to share with you next time. Until then, enjoy your weekend!
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
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