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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Summer! I hope you are all staying cool and safe as we enter the warmer months of the year. A few weeks ago, May’s legislative days wrapped up, where I was hard at work attending committee hearings and taking meetings to prepare for the 2025 Legislative Session.
As a reminder, the committees I proudly serve on are:
- House Interim Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans
- Joint Committee On Conduct
- House Interim Committee On Behavioral Health and Health Care
- House Interim Committee On Judiciary
- House Interim Committee On Conduct
I also proudly serve as the Chair of the Oregon Veterans Caucus.
Every first Friday of the month I host our Power to the People event at my in-district office. I would love to see you on Friday, 7/5 @5:30pm at: 4526 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213. We invite you to share your concerns and policy ideas alongside friendly neighbors.
The next Power to the People event will be held in August, on August 2nd, 2024, at 5:30pm at the same location.
Committees
As Chairwoman of the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, I oversaw an “after-action” hearing on the January 2024 Winter Storm that impacted our district, and the state as a whole. We invited speakers from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, the Eugene Water & Electric Board, the Lane County Emergency Management Office, and the Multnomah County Emergency Management Office. A constituent of mine, Judy Berck, was also an invited speaker – where she spoke about her experiences as a volunteer at state-ran warming shelter in Portland.
To watch the full Committee Hearing, you can click here:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023I1/Committees/HEMGGV/2024-05-29-11-30/Agenda
I also attended the legislative days hearing of the House Interim Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care, where multiple stakeholders across the state updated members of the Committee and the public on their finances and updates from the System of Care Advisory Council.
Also during legislative days, the House Committee on Judiciary had a hearing wherein members of the Oregon Public Defense Commission, the Criminal Justice Commission, and various workgroups updated us on their progress serving the people of Oregon
House Committee on Conduct
On Monday, June 3rd, as a member of the House Committee on Conduct, I attended a hearing concerning a complaint filed under Legislative Branch Personnel Rule 27, regarding recent remarks made by a colleague on public radio that question the suitability of non-Christians for public office. These comments are troubling and contrary to the principles of our democracy.
Rule 27 is the Legislative Branch Personnel Rule that prohibits harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in legislative business. The rule identifies how to make reports, file complaints, what happens during the investigation process, and what follows an investigation.
After carefully considering all the information in front of me, I voted against my colleague in a 3 to 1 vote, that he was indeed in violation of Rule 27. Had a majority of the committee voted that my colleague did violate this rule, as a committee, we would have then determined the next course of action, which could have included censure – however, because the vote was unsuccessful, there was no determination on consequences. My vote was a stand against divisive rhetoric and a commitment to ensuring that our Capitol is a place where all individuals, regardless of their faith or background, can feel secure and valued. It is our responsibility as legislators to protect the rights and dignity of all our constituents and to foster a culture of respect and understanding in our state, and in our workplace.
The safety and well-being of our community, particularly for marginalized groups, must be a priority. When discriminatory statements are made, it creates an environment of fear and exclusion, which can significantly impact the participation and engagement of these groups in our democratic processes. It is essential that all Oregonians feel welcome and valued in our Capitol, as this diversity strengthens our state and enriches our community. Moving forward, we must strive for a more inclusive and equitable Oregon, where diversity is celebrated, and every person has the opportunity to contribute to our collective future.
Transportation Tour
As the Chair of House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, I am paying close attention as the Joint Committee on Transportation works to shape a Transportation Package for the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session.
We must properly maintain our roads, bridges, railroads, and airports so that we can rely on them in the event of emergencies. While Portland has some of the most unique and beautiful bridges, they require careful maintenance. The Hawthorne Bridge is the oldest vertical-lift bridge in operation in the United States, while The Broadway Bridge is 112 years old and has one of the most complex operating mechanisms ever designed to open a movable bridge. The Burnside Bridge is 97 years old and is at the end of its service life. Multnomah County is in the process of replacing this bridge ensuring our community has connectivity between the East and West sides immediately after a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.
This month, I attended the Portland and Tillamook stops of the statewide Transportation Roadshow to learn more about our state’s transportation needs. Both of these communities, like many other urban and rural parts of our state, are facing enormous challenges addressing significant deferred maintenance and safety needs on major transportation routes. It is critical that we invest in seismic retrofits necessary for disaster resiliency and dedicate resources to seismically modernize vulnerable roads and bridges. I will continue to attend the Transportation Roadshow and track the progress of the Transportation Package as it takes shape.
Congratulations, Graduates!
Earlier this month, I attended the 5th grader promotion at Rose City Park Elementary, celebrating our student’s graduation from Elementary School into Middle School. As your representative, I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates of Parkrose High School, Grant High School, and McDaniel High School. This is a momentous achievement that reflects your hard work, dedication, and resilience. I also want to congratulate our college graduates and all students who have reached significant educational milestones this past year. Your perseverance and commitment to your education, especially during these challenging times, are truly commendable. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make in our community.
Eagle Scout Graduation
I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eric Q. Nguyen and Vivian Tran on their remarkable achievement of being promoted to Eagle Scout in Troop B714 and G714. This prestigious honor reflects your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence in the scouting community. Your journey to Eagle Scout has undoubtedly prepared you to be leaders and role models in our community. I am incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make. Congratulations, Eric and Vivian! I was honored to attend their promotion earlier this month.
Sen. Dembrow's Retirement
In September, Senator Michael Dembrow will retire, capping off over 15 years of service in the State Legislature, first, as a State Representative from House District 45, then as our Senator from Senate District 23. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Senator Michael Dembrow for his exemplary service to our community and state. It was an honor to attend his retirement party earlier this month and celebrate his numerous contributions. Senator Dembrow’s unwavering commitment to education, environmental stewardship, and social justice has left an indelible mark on Oregon. His leadership and dedication have been an inspiration to us all, and his legacy will continue to guide our work. Thank you, Senator Dembrow, for your invaluable service and for being a mentor and role model to many of us in public service.
Oregon Walkstars
I was delighted to attend Oregon Walks’ 14th annual celebration of pedestrian activism. Oregon Walks is our state’s pedestrian safety advocacy organization. I got to sit at a table with Steph Routh, Oregon Walks’ first Executive Director, and Ellen Vanderslice and Scott Parker, who launched this nonprofit, then known as the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, all the way back in 1991! I enjoyed learning about this small but mighty organization’s history from them — it has certainly left footprints all around the city and state! Oregon Walks is responsible for the Crosswalk Safety Bill passed in 2011 that states that in Oregon, every intersection is a crosswalk – whether it’s marked or not.
I also enjoyed speaking to Oregon Walks current Executive Director, Zachary Lauritzen, about the organization’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session. It’s not surprising that there is a lot of optimism and excitement building about the possibility of expanding our Safe Routes to School funding, a program that Oregon Walks has a long history of supporting, in the 2025 transportation package.
Juneteenth
Happy Juneteenth! On June 19th, we commemorate the triumph of resilience, the power of hope, and the spirit of emancipation. Learn more about the holiday at Juneteenth.com/history & https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth, and find sites with African American historical significance near you at https://oregonblackpioneers.org/history-maps/.
In a recent celebration of Juneteenth, Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation and participated in the "In Freedom's Footsteps" walk to honor the holiday. The event underscored the significance of Juneteenth as a commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States and highlighted the ongoing commitment to racial justice and equality in Oregon. Governor Kotek's proclamation serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to ensure freedom and equality for all. Read more here.
Pride Month
As we continue our journey towards equality, I’m reflecting on the significant strides and ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in our state. Landmark achievements such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and passage of HB2002 have set a foundation for progress. The Human Rights Campaign ranks it among 21 states with “a broad range of protections to ensure equality for LGBTQ+ people, including comprehensive non-discrimination laws, safer school policies, and healthcare access for transgender people.” However, critical issues remain, including ensuring equitable access to healthcare, securing housing, and protecting against hate crimes. These persistent challenges highlight the need for continued advocacy and legislative action to address systemic inequities.
The resilience and activism of the LGBTQ+ community in Oregon have been pivotal in driving change. From grassroots movements to impactful legislative efforts, individuals and organizations have played crucial roles in advancing rights and protections. Despite these efforts, the fight for justice is ongoing, requiring sustained commitment and vigilance from all Oregonians to build a truly inclusive and equitable society. This journey underscores the importance of solidarity and action in overcoming the barriers that remain. I will continue to support legislation that strengthens protections for the LGBTQ+ people community, and stand against legislation that attacks or discriminates against Oregonians from all walks of life.
For more detailed information, you can read the the Portland Mercury pride issue here
Portland’s Pride Parade, the largest parade in Oregon, will be held during Portland Pride Weekend, on Jul 21, 2024 in downtown Portland.
Parkrose KMart Site Developments
I stand firmly with our community in opposing the proposed freight warehouse development at the former Kmart site in Argay Terrace. This development threatens to disrupt our neighborhoods and compromise the quality of life for residents. As noted in the recent press release from local advocates, the legal fight continues to protect our community from the adverse impacts of this project. I have previously expressed my concerns in a letter to Commissioner Rubio, urging for a reconsideration of this plan. Together, we will continue to advocate for the best interests of our community and work towards sustainable, community-friendly solutions.
Read more about the ongoing efforts here.
Hot Weather:
This past weekend saw temperatures rise into the high 80s! While we’re always happy to see the sun emerge after months of clouds and rain, it’s important to stay safe and stay cool in the hotter weather. Unfortunately, Multnomah County is one of the counties with the highest heat vulnerability, while a recent Cooling Needs Study from the Oregon Department of Energy found that 58% of those surveyed lack sufficient cooling devices, such as air conditioners or heat pumps.
Earlier in the summer, by teaming up with Rep Hudson’s office and All Good NW, my staff and I were able to help a constituent get a much-needed free cooling unit. I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to the neighbor who reached out on this gentleman’s behalf, and the front desk staff at the Koz Apartments who really saved the day by bringing the AC unit up to his door.
If you need help staying cool this summer, there are several places you can turn to for resources. The City of Portland now has an application to receive a free cooling unit.
The $16 million program, funded by the Portland Clean Energy Fund, prioritizes those over the age of 60, who have acute medical needs, or who live alone. Working with PDX 311 and a dozen nonprofit groups and housing providers, Cooling Portland plans to deliver cooling units in up to 3,000 eligible homes and apartments by the end of the year. Community for Positive Aging, who provide health programs and services to support positive aging, may also be able to provide a fan or A/C unit.
You can see which of the cooling centers that Multnomah County operates are open via this interactive map. Additional resources from The County for staying safe in the heat can be found here. Lastly, the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. You can see if you qualify here.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work together for the betterment of our community.
Yours truly,
Representative Thuy Tran
House District 45
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1445
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-285, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.ThuyTran@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/tran
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