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To contact me, please click here: Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With the primary election over, the communications blackout period has ended and I am happy to resume my monthly newsletters. Over the past two months, I have been busy attending events, participating in workgroups, and meeting with community members to discuss future legislation. This week, I was back in the Capitol for our May Legislative Days.
This week, I attended the ceremony where Governor Kotek signed the Family Financial Protection Act. This legislation, which we passed in March, will help hundreds of thousands of Oregonians – most of whom are struggling due to medical debt. It also cracks down on illegal debt collection practices that prey on the vulnerable. I am so proud of the work we did on this bill and am grateful for the support of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle.
 In April, I was named chair of the new House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. The committee will oversee areas such as consumer electronics, data privacy, financial services, gaming, insurance, and overall business activity in Oregon. I am excited at this new opportunity and eager to get to work!
House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
We heard testimony from the Department of Consumer and Business Services’ Division of Financial Regulation. The topics we discussed included insurance rate hikes related to wildfires, the consumer complaint process, and the limits of their regulatory authority. They also described their programs to protect people from financial scams.
House Committee on Higher Education
We had presentations on the problems related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program as well as efforts to make higher education more accessible for asylum seekers in Oregon.
House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards
We received updates from the Employment Department on the rollout of their new software program, Frances Online, and how it is impacting applications for unemployment benefits as well as Paid Leave Oregon.
Affordable Housing in Hillsboro
 I attended the grand opening of Nueva Esperanza, a 150-unit affordable housing community next to Hidden Creek Park in Hillsboro.
Semiconductor Success
 I joined a gathering at Intel’s Ronler Acres Campus in Hillsboro to celebrate our success in expanding microchip manufacturing in Oregon. Two months ago, Intel announced its plans to spend $36 billion to expand and modernize its research and development hub in Hillsboro. This investment, combined with federal support and the Oregon CHIPS Act that we passed in 2023, ensures that our state will continue to be at the forefront of producing the most advanced semiconductors in the world. It will also create thousands of high-paying jobs in Hillsboro and throughout Oregon.
Career and College Pathways
 I attended a meeting of the Hillsboro School District’s Career and College Pathways Steering Committee. The District’s CCP program, with support from the Hillsboro Schools Foundation, prepares students for careers in multiple sectors. My group toured the aerospace program at Hillsboro Airport as well as the diesel mechanic and trades program near Liberty High School. I am thrilled that we have such exciting and innovative programs for our students in Hillsboro.
Public Safety and Justice
I participated in a conversation on public safety and justice hosted by Washington County. We heard from the presiding judge, the district attorney’s office, and the sheriff’s office about the challenges they are facing. We also toured the courthouse in downtown Hillsboro. I am committed to continuing the fight for funding to build a new courthouse in Hillsboro and ensure access to justice for the residents of Washington County.
Connecting with High School Students
 I was the keynote speaker at the Conexiones event for 150 high school students at Western Oregon University. The event encouraged students to consider higher education as a pathway for their future prosperity. As a first-generation college graduate, I was honored to address the group and share some of my own life experiences.
 Join the community at Hillsboro's 2024 Pride Party!
Saturday, June 1, 12 pm to 7 pm
Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station
Don't forget to contact my office with any questions or feedback. During the interim, our office in Salem is not staffed. Your best way to connect with us is via email: Rep.NathanSosa@Oregonlegislature.gov . I look forward to hearing from you!
Take care!
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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