August Updates and Upcoming Town Hall

 

August Updates from House District 48

Xin chào và Chào mừng đến với House District 48

Hello friends and neighbors,

I hope everyone has had a safe, healthy, and restful summer so far - it’s hard to believe it’s already coming to a close! As we gear up for the back-to-school season, I wanted to provide some updates on my work and share some resources. Keep reading for in-district highlights, summer EBT deadlines, and wildfire preparedness information.

If you have thoughts on legislation, need help with a state agency, or have general questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. You can find our contact information at the bottom of this newsletter, as well as information on our social media, newsletter, and other ways to engage. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Chronic Absenteeism Workgroup

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, my primary focus this interim has been addressing Oregon’s chronic absenteeism crisis. The workgroup I’ve convened with former educator Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook) has met several times since May, bringing together parents, educators, administrators, students, and advocates. I’m incredibly excited about the discussions we’ve had so far and look forward to seeing the legislative solutions we propose before the 2025 session. 

This is a complex issue with several causes. Chronic absenteeism will not be solved in a single legislative session - and addressing it will look different in every school district. While we still have a long road ahead of us, I’m proud to move this important conversation forward. I recently joined a group of students on KGW’s “straight talk” to discuss chronic absenteeism, school start times, and student mental health. You can view the full clip here and, as always, reach out to my office if you have questions or concerns.

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Town Hall This Week

I will be hosting a town hall this Thursday, August 29 from 6-8PM at the Springs Happy Valley (13160 SE 172nd Ave Happy Valley, OR). We will be focusing on issues facing aging Oregonians, but all community members are welcome! The town hall will feature a Q&A session with Rep. Nguyen, so please come if you are interested in connecting with the Representative before the upcoming legislative session.

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Summer Highlights

Multnomah and Clackamas County Deflection Programs

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to learn more about the new deflection programs in both Multnomah and Clackamas County, which will be funded by the Oregon Drug Intervention Program. While deflection will look different in each county, both programs are designed to provide an alternative to incarceration for those charged with possessing small amounts of illicit drugs. This was the goal of HB 4002: to provide locally tailored solutions that fit the needs of each county while connecting people with treatment. Multnomah County plans to open a dedicated deflection center in mid-to-late October where police can drop off cited individuals for screening and connection to recovery services. Clackamas County will refer those cited with drug possession to community court, where they will subsequently be connected with behavioral health and supportive housing resources. You can read more about these programs and other programs around the state in this excellent overview from OPB. 

My office also toured the new Clackamas County Stabilization Center, which is set to open sometime in 2025. The center will provide a safe, supportive intake location for people experiencing acute mental health and addiction crises. Too often, community members in crisis are taken to jail or to hospital emergency rooms, neither of which are equipped to handle these crises. I believe that this new center, along with Clackamas County’s innovative Substance Abuse Program, will reduce the burden on our law enforcement and healthcare systems and significantly improve public safety in our community.

State of Education

Back in June, I had the privilege of joining Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams for a conversation on the current “State of Education” in Oregon. Hosted by the City Club of Portland, this event also featured students from across the state, who shared their perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Oregon schools. Dr. Williams and I covered a wide range of topics, from educator pay to chronic absenteeism to culturally-specific supports in our classrooms. I was heartened to hear robust participation from our audience, and want to especially thank the students who participated. 

As we prepare to head back to school, I know many of these same topics are top-of-mind for families across our state. I encourage you to check out this recording of the event ahead of the school year. I know there are several challenges facing our students and educators, but I want to echo Dr. Williams’ powerful message of hope: making a better public education system is a project that demands joy and love. I will continue to lead with joy in advocating for our public schools and I invite everyone - parents, educators, and community members - to join me.

Multnomah and Clackamas County Farm Tours

Some of Oregon’s most productive agricultural land is right here in House District 48. I was able to tour several of our local family farms last month and learn about the fresh produce, nursery stock, and agricultural products grown in Multnomah and Clackamas counties. It was an incredibly informative (and hot!) experience, and a great insight into our state’s rich, diverse agricultural industry. Thank you to the Multnomah and Clackamas County Farm Bureaus for hosting us!

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Opportunity for Public Feedback on Statewide Climate Protection Program

The Climate Protection Program (CPP) is a cornerstone of Oregon’s plan to meet our state climate goals. The program requires oil and gas companies to cut their pollution – 50% less by 2035, and 90% by 2050. In addition to reducing climate and air pollution, the CPP includes Community Climate Investments (CCI), which can provide hundreds of millions of dollars to address the challenges of climate change head-on in communities that are most impacted. 

The CPP was invalidated based on a procedural technicality last December following a lawsuit by the oil and gas industry, and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is working to restore these critical climate protections by the end of this year. DEQ has shared proposed rules for feedback – that’s where you come in. Make your voice heard to support the restoration of the Climate Protection Program by participating in the public comment period from July 30th to September 27 ! 

There are two ways to participate:

• Submit public comment by emailing DEQ at CPP.2024@DEQ.Oregon.gov
• Attend a public hearing on September 26, from 3:20-5:20 pm and speak your testimony live. Join by clicking this link. 

It is vital that the DEQ hear strong public support to maintain the integrity of the Climate Protection Program. This program will generate benefits for Oregonians across the state, from cutting climate pollution to supporting energy efficiency in buildings and strengthening our renewable energy system to meet community needs.

For more information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/deq/rulemaking/Pages/CPP2024.aspx

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2024 General Election Information

The 2024 general election is coming soon - make sure you’re prepared to vote! Ahead of the election, the Secretary of State’s office has published a non-partisan, research-backed civic engagement toolkit with important election information. Here are some key takeaways: 

• The deadline to register to vote or update your registration is October 15, 2024.
• Ballots will be sent out starting October 16, 2024.
• Election Day is November 5, 2024. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. or postmarked on this day to be counted.
• Return your ballot in the mail, at a county clerk’s office, or at any of the secure, official drop boxes available throughout the state. Your ballot will be routed to the county in which you are registered to vote for processing.
• The postmark law, passed in 2021, allows ballots postmarked on or before Election Day to count as long as they’re received no later than 7 days after the election. For this reason, election results may be delayed because it will take a few days for all the votes to be counted.
• The 2024 elections will be the most secure elections in history. Learn all the ways we protect your vote at OregonVotes.gov/Integrity

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Summer Learning and Back-to-School

During the 2024 legislative session, I was proud to support House Bill 4082, which invested $30 million in school districts to provide high-quality and culturally relevant summer learning programs in partnership with community-based organizations and tribal nations. 

These funds have helped expand Oregon students’ access to school and community-based programs that boost youth engagement; accelerate academic success; nurture social and emotional learning; promote mental, physical, and behavioral health; and support college and career readiness. It’s estimated 48,000 students are benefiting and will enter the school year with a strong start.

In addition to these investments, the Legislature passed important policies that will improve learning outcomes for students in foster care and students who are immigrants, refugees, or asylum-seekers, amplify student voices in policy making, increase transparency of school boards, and improve school bus safety.

The bills passed in the 2024 session include:

• House Bill 4084 , which is the Foster Care Student Success Pilot Grant Program, aiming to improve support and school outcomes for foster students.
• Senate Bill 1552, which establishes a Youth Advisory Group to give students ages 14-18 from historically marginalized backgrounds a voice in shaping policy decisions made by the Oregon Department of Education..

● House Bill 4147, which allows buses to record drivers who fail to stop for bus safety lights and stop signs, enabling law enforcement to issue citations and improve safety. I was proud to support these policies that help our kids be successful in school, grow and thrive.

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Summer EBT - Apply before September 2

The Summer EBT program offers $120 per child to Oregon families to help cover the cost of groceries when school food programs are not as easy to access. Families that already receive SNAP, TANF, or OHP had Summer EBT benefits added to their EBT card on June 28. However, families who did not receive benefits automatically - particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs - should still apply to determine their eligibility.

Check your eligibility for Summer EBT and apply at sebt.oregon.gov. Make sure you apply before September 2!

For families experiencing food insecurity, the summer months can be extremely challenging as their children are no longer able to receive meals through school. In an effort to reduce food insecurity among those children, the Legislature invested $12.2 million to the Summer EBT program to ensure children have access to food and to help ease the burden of food costs for low income and working families.

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Wildfire Preparedness and Emergency Response

Oregon’s wildfire season this year is one of our worst to date, with more than 1.2 million acres burned. Given the statewide threat, it’s important to be prepared for anything when planning outdoor activities:

• Monitor the state wildfire map for current fire danger levels and follow seasonal restrictions for your area
• Use TripCheck to plan your route and stay informed.
• Check air quality conditions at your destination and nearby areas.
• Register for local emergency alerts , understand evacuation procedures, and make sure you have the right gear and the appropriate amount of water at the ready.

Access Resources

For urgent needs, you can contact 211info by calling 211, texting your zip to 898211, emailing help@211info.org, or visiting 211info.org

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We'll Be on Pause - Legislative Blackout Period Begins Sept. 6

From September 6 until the general election on November 5, the Legislature enters the “blackout period.” During this time, legislators running for office are prohibited from using state resources for mass communications with their constituents 60 days prior to an election, meaning I cannot send newsletters during this timeframe. You are welcome to reach out to my office directly, but this will be my last newsletter until after November 5.

 

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Stay Connected! 

• Facebook @RepHoaNguyen
• Instagram @Rep.HoaNguyen
• Twitter @Rep_HoaNguyen
• TikTok @StateRepHoaNguyen

You can get in touch with me directly by visiting or connecting through: 

• My Legislative Website
• Email at Rep.HoaNguyen@oregonlegislature.gov
• Call our office at 503-986-1448
• Visit my office in the House Chambers on the fourth floor, H-473

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Trong cộng đồng,

In Community,

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1448

Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-281, Salem, OR 97301

Email: Rep.HoaNguyen@oregonlegislature.gov

Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/nguyen

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