The Work Continues into Interim

Hello Senate District 19 and beyond,

It's been nearly two months since the 2024 legislative session concluded, and while legislators aren't moving at the breakneck pace we were during those 33 days, there is always work to be done. Already we are setting the stage for the 2025 session, talking to stakeholders and community members about the most important issues they are facing and trying to figure out how to make Oregon a great place to live. I've been able to dedicate a lot of my calendar to spending time in the community — going to events and hearing directly from folks in Senate District 19 about their priorities. I've spent time building relationships with leaders across the state and nation as we look for the best ideas to address the challenges we face. 

In addition to talking with legislators directly, one of the best things we can do as citizens to affect change in our state is voting. Oregon's vote-by-mail system is nationally recognized as the gold standard, and with the primary election coming up on May 21, ballots should be arriving at your homes shortly. Voting in each and every election is so important, so please take the time to look over your ballots and make your voice heard.

The first series of interim committee hearings are also in a few weeks. These will be held in-person at the Capitol Building, so feel free to make the trip to Salem to see what your Legislature is doing. We will be discussing a number of important topics over those three days (May 29-31) and we always appreciate seeing our constituents. As always, please email me if there is a particular issue you would like to discuss or if there is something you think I need to know about.

Getting Out in the Community

Here are just a few of the places I've been able to visit and people I've been able to meet with over the past few weeks.

Higher Education in Bend

There are exciting things happening with higher education in Central Oregon! I was able to spend a day in Bend to tour a few of our institutions of higher learning and see all that is being done to support students. Bend City Councilor Anthony Broadman and I toured OSU-Cascades to see the incredible growth and innovation happening on campus. I also was shown around Central Oregon Community College and had a meeting with COCC student leadership.

Equity Summit

I was thrilled to be able to participate in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District's fifth annual Community Equity Summit a couple weeks ago. We had conversations about how to build a more welcoming and supportive community, and it was truly special to see everyone there working to improve this corner of our state.

Oregon Student Leaders

I had a great conversation with student body presidents from a number of Oregon's colleges and universities on Oregon State University's campus. We discussed how college students can get engaged in the legislative process, the best ways to talk to legislators about the issues they care about, and some of the issues facing college students today. I'm always so inspired after talking with the next generation of leaders in our state.

Community Warehouse Tour

Sen. Chris Gorsek and I had the pleasure of touring the Gresham location of Community Warehouse, a furniture bank with locations in my district and across the greater Portland area. Having a home is more than just about having a roof over your head, and Community Warehouse provides furniture to those in need so they can start turning a house into a home. Legislators saw the value in this organization during the 2024 session and allocated $1 million to Community Warehouse to assist in their continued good work and expansion.

Portland City Council

Constituent Book Signing

Back when I first joined the Oregon Senate and still served on the Lake Oswego School Board, my friend and fellow school board member Bob Barman (pictured below) introduced me to Claire Sarnowski, who was in middle school at the time. Claire was a very bright student and gave me a book during our meeting, "From a Name to a Number," written by her friend Alter Wiener, a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor. I was inspired by Alter's story and was lucky enough to meet with him many times. Shortly thereafter, a group of legislators drafted and got approved Oregon's Holocaust and Genocide Education Law, though Alter tragically passed away before seeing this work finished.

Now Claire has written a wonderful book about her friendship with Alter and her tie working on that legislation. In March, she had a book signing at Powell's Books of "Remember My Story." Alter would be so proud of her, as we all are.

Health Care Coverage Success

Some great news came out of the Oregon Health Authority this week — Oregon is one of the top states in the nation in keeping people on their health care since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, people on the Oregon Health Plan were allowed to stay on the plan due to the ongoing health emergency even if they would otherwise be deemed ineligible. Since the federal emergency declaration was ended on May 11, 2023, the Health Authority has been working to confirm eligibility for OHP and other Medicaid benefits.

At this point, with more than 90 percent of the state's eligibility reviews complete, more than 4 out of 5 people are retaining their health care benefits. Health insurance coverage is so important, which is why Oregon prioritizes access to coverage to people at all stages of their lives.

Headlines from Your Capitol

The Oregonian: Mayor Ted Wheeler plans to fully fund Portland Street Response, cash-strapped Fire Bureau

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said Thursday that his proposed budget for next fiscal year will spare a popular non-police intervention program from the chopping block.

Statesman Journal: These Santiam Canyon outdoor destinations will reopen in 2024

Ever so gradually, beloved outdoor destinations in the Santiam Canyon are shaking off the ash and reopening from the worst wildfire disaster in state history. 

OPB: Oregon primary ballots are heading to voters

Mail trucks across Oregon began carrying precious cargo Wednesday, the first day county clerks began to mail May 21 primary election ballots to voters.

KGW: What's on the ballot? May 2024 Oregon Voter Guide for Statewide Races

Here's a look at all the statewide races and measures, or races for federal office, that will appear on the May 2022 primary ballot in Oregon. 

If you would like to contact the Senate President's Office, send an email or call and either myself or a staff member will assist you. If you are a constituent coming to Salem and want to arrange a meeting, I'm always happy to meet, so please let us know well in advance as my schedule fills up quickly.

email: Sen.RobWagner@OregonLegislature.gov 
phone: 503-986-1600
address: 900 Court St NE, S-201, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wagner