|
As we draw the curtain on this session, we are marking the sine die of the session!
These 32 days had all of us navigating through intricate discussions, debates, and decisions—all aimed at forging a better path for the future of Oregon. Each contribution, no matter the size, has been a crucial thread in the tapestry of progress we've woven together.
While this conclusion marks an end to this session, it is also laid a solid foundation for our longer 2025 session. I am excited to carry forward this momentum, embracing the challenges and opportunities that await. I am very eager for what is next – because there is a lot of work to be done.
Once the dust settles, keep an eye out for my final newsletter which will fill you in all of the details of the session.
Workplace Violence Bill
HB 4088 has been a cornerstone of my legislative session, representing over a decade of groundwork. I take pride in this bill, notably for its bipartisan backing, making it one of the most formidable pieces of legislation prevention to date aimed at safeguarding our healthcare workers. My commitment to this bill and in honoring the healthcare communities was unwavering, and it was a disappointment to witness some of our Democratic colleagues opt out of advancing the bill. I extend my gratitude to Representative Boshart Davis for her enduring partnership in shaping this bill now and the many sessions of work she has done prior, as well as the many healthcare professionals for their invaluable contributions.
Funding Win for North Portland
George Park
I am very excited to announce that we have secured $750,000 to the Wonderfolk for the Kids Outside for the George Park lighting and walkway improvement. This is an amazing start to creating a safe and more improved park for the entire community! I look forward to the work that the Portland Park Foundation and the City of Portland will be doing on this project. I will continue to follow the progress of the implementation and construction of the new George Park.
Priorities that Passed this Week
SB 1596: Right to Repair Bill
This bill makes it easier for consumers and independent repair shops to fix smartphones, computers and other products containing electronics sold in Oregon.
I was proud to be a co-sponsor on the nation's strongest "right-to-repair" bill.
SB 1517A: Levee Bill
The measure permits the urban flood safety and water quality district to annually assess benefitted lands within the managed floodplain to pay cost of district works that directly benefit the lands.
I happily submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
SB 1578: Language Interpreter Bill
This bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to establish and maintain an online portal with the functionality to provide online scheduling for health care providers and coordinated care organizations to use and to contact health care interpreters directly for purposes of serving Oregon Health Plan members.
I was proud to carry this bill to the floor. You can hear my floor speech on it here.
|
SB 1530: Individual Development Accounts Bill
This measure appropriates $5 millions to the Housing and Community Services Department to make matching deposits into individual development accounts. These accounts are created to allow a person from low-income background to build wealth and save money. These funds are matched at a five-to-one ratio by the financial institution.
The Work Continues
SB 1583: Banning Book Bans
SB 1583 prohibits book bans and other forms of censorship in Oregon public schools if the ban or censorship constitutes
discrimination based on race, national origin, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental
disability, military status or marital or family status.
I was happy to give public testimony on this, however this bill did not pass this session. Short sessions are very fast paced, and a majority of bills typically take multiple sessions to pass. I will be ready to revisit this bill next session.
|
Bottle Drop
I have had quit a few constituents reach out to me to this week to express worry about the Bottle Drop location in Saint Johns. I support the Bottle Drop Program, but I do have concerns about this location within the community. I plan on attending the Saint Johns Neighborhood Association meeting next week and will be following this issue closely.
My Gratitude to You
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. I look forward to continuing to hear all your voices, insights and visions as we collectively shape the path forward and close this session to prepare for the next.
Keep your eyes posted for my final session newsletter for a more extensive update on the entire 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
|
