HD 30 December 2024 Newsletter

Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 12/19/2024 10:58 AM PST
 
Representative Sosa
December 2024 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am excited for the 2025 legislative long session which will run from January to June. I am also honored to chair the House Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee which will provide a forum to discuss legislation that will have an impact on consumers, families, and small businesses throughout Oregon.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!

2025 Committees

Last week, in preparation for the upcoming session, we met for December Legislative Days. We held numerous informational hearings on topics that are likely to come before the legislature next year.

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Framed-AARP-Event

AARP members showed their support for the anti-age discrimination bill which I am chief sponsoring along with Rep. David Gomberg (D-Central Oregon Coast)

 

The House Interim Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, over which I preside, held hearings on age discrimination in the workplace, auto dealer financing practices, and the effects of agency rulemaking on commerce.

Higher Education

The House Interim Committee on Higher Education received an update on the non-profit / work study pilot program I championed in 2023. The program is flourishing at Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University. The participating students are doing incredible work related to behavioral health services, food insecurity, and economic development.

In addition, we heard presentations on the Tribal Student Grant program, the Oregon Community Table on Postsecondary Education and Training, and other workforce development efforts.

Labor and Workplace Standards

The House Interim Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards held hearings on registered apprenticeship programs, workforce development initiates through Future Ready Oregon, and the performance of the Oregon Employment Department.

Special Session

We also convened for a special session called by Governor Kotek to address the urgent costs of the 2024 wildfire season.

In addition to the hearings, I also spent time talking with students as well as education advocates about the needs of our K-12 and higher education systems. Framed-Student-basic-needs
Framed-AFT-OR Framed-UO-Students
Around The District

Family Peace Center

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Earlier this month, I visited the site of the future Family Peace Center in Hillsboro. This center will provide critical support and services for those who have suffered from child abuse, domestic violence, or sexual violence. I am so grateful that we will have this vital resource in our community. To learn more, please visit their website at Family Peace Center — FJCWC—Family Justice Center of Washington County

Oregon Consumer Justice Policy Summit

Framed OCJ event

I was honored to speak at the Oregon Consumer Justice Policy Summit. I discussed a few of the consumer protection bills I will be bringing in the upcoming session – including one about auto loans and another regarding the rate setting process for gas / power bills. These and similar pieces of legislation will help ensure that consumers are treated more fairly in Oregon.

Oregon Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Innovation Summit

 
Framed-Intel-AI

I participated in a panel discussion, hosted by Intel, on technological innovation in Oregon. I was able to share my perspective as a legislator who often works on legislation dealing with economic development, higher education, workforce, and semiconductors.
 

PCC Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Graduation
My sincere thanks to Portland Community College for inviting me to speak once again to a cohort of students graduating from the Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training program. This two-week crash course launches them into a new career in one of the fastest growing industries in our state. It is an excellent example of a partnership between the public, private, and non-profit sectors to help solve our workforce needs. I am grateful to Intel, Worksystems, City of Hillsboro - Local Government, and Portland Community College for creating such an innovative program right here in Hillsboro.   

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Welcoming a New Constituent 
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Last month, I welcomed a new constituent into the world - Eleanor Sosa. She is a healthy and happy baby who loves keeping her mom and dad up into the wee hours of the morning. Becoming a father has given me a new perspective on the challenges facing working families and has renewed my commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable society for the next generation.
HD 30 December Constituent Coffee
Thank you to everyone who joined me for this month's constituent coffee! We had thoughtful discussions on key issues like consumer protection, education, and transportation. Your feedback on topics such as utility rates, insurance, and payday lending is invaluable as we prepare for the 2025 Legislative Session. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect and work together on the matters that impact our community. Framed-Dec-Const-Coffee
Upcoming Events in and Around HD 30

Winter Wonderland - 11am - 4pm

Enjoy the magic of the season at Jackson Bottom Wetlands’ Winter Wonderland!

$5 per person at the door | No registration required | Children 3 and under FREE!

  • Create ornaments
  • Live Animals
  • Listen to winter stories
  • Walk along our winter woodland trail
  • Get cozy with a cup of hot cocoa

Questions? Call Jackson Bottom at 503-681-6206.

Gift Wrapping like a Professional - 10:30am - 12pm

Make those gifts under the tree glitter and pop this Holiday Season and learn simple techniques you can use for any gift giving occasion. Make custom tags, learn the secrets to making ribbons look extra fancy.

Activity detail | Online Registration | Hillsboro Parks & Recreation

Community Announcements

Christmas Eve/Day Library and SHARC & Hidden Creek Modified Hours

Library

Parks & Recreation Facilities

Public Safety

  • The Fire & Rescue Department will respond to 911 calls as usual. The Fire Prevention Division and main office will have limited staffing.
  • The Police Department will operate and respond to calls as usual. Building access at each precinct will be restricted. Emergency contact will be available via red phones near the front door.

Lightopia - Through December 30th

Lightopia

Drive through a glimmering landscape with colorful characters and holiday icons in bold, beautiful lights. Plan your own seasonal playlist for more fun. Check back for updates on special events at Lightopia. 

More than 20,000 cars drive through Lightopia each learn. Become a sponsor and promote your business while supporting community!

New this year, reservations are required for Fridays & Saturdays only. All other times are first come, first served. See ticket information below. 

Lightopia will be closed:

  • Monday, December 9
  • Thursday, December 19
  • Tuesday, December 24
  • Wednesday, December 25 

Gordon Faber Recreation Complex is located at 4450 NE Century Boulevard, Hillsboro, OR. 

Fridays & Saturdays: 5:30 – 9pm
Free tickets required

Sundays – Thursdays: 5:30 – 8pm
Drive through without reservations

Fire Station 9 News & Updates

Construction has begun on the new station following a groundbreaking ceremony on December 6, 2024.

View the groundbreaking video below or on YouTube.

Location: Corner of SE Butternut Creek Parkway & SE Deline Street in the South Hillsboro neighborhood.

Block 67 Redevelopment: Community Open House: December 19th

A new development partner proposes a full block redevelopment of the site in Downtown Hillsboro, including:
  • Two mixed-use buildings delivering needed housing
  • Space for a grocer/food cooperative
  • Other commercial spaces to contribute to the community's vibrancy
The City of Hillsboro and Koz Development will hold an open house to inform the community of project details. See the proposal's details.
Thursday, December 19th, 6 pm to 7:30 pm Hillsboro Civic Center, Room 113 B&C

Downtown Winter Lighting 

Winter Lights 2 Winter Lights

Now through March, the enhanced lighting invites people to Downtown Hillsboro to support local businesses as the days get shorter and the nights get longer. Enjoy festive lighting in 3 cultural hubs:

  • Downtown and the Avenues
  • 10th Avenue/Calle Diez area
  • M&M Marketplace

Winter Lighting Returns to Cultural Arts District | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR

Free Food Market: January 9th, 2025

  • Beaverton-Hillsboro DHS Free Food Market 5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy Hillsboro OR 97124 
  • Shop for free, fresh, and healthy fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples.
  • This food is free, and anybody is welcome
  • No identification, name, or address needed
  • Please bring bags or boxes
 Hillsboro Free Food Market

Free Food Market: Every Second Tuesday of the Month | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR (hillsboro-oregon.gov) 

Utility Bill Assistance

The City of Hillsboro is committed to helping customers in need. If you are having trouble paying your utility bill, visit the City’s Utility Assistance webpage or call 503-681-6163 to see if you qualify for a flexible payment plan or bill relief options.

Visit our Utility Rate Adjustments webpage to learn more about when & how the rates on your City of Hillsboro Utility Bill are reviewed and adjusted to support the costs of providing quality utility services throughout the community.

You can also visit our Community Resources webpage to find information on reduced garbage rates, energy & rent assistance, food pantries, weatherization programs, and more.

More Community Resources

Small Business Spotlight

Shop Local this Holiday Season

This holiday season, shop local and support the incredible small businesses in Downtown Hillsboro and across House District 30! From unique gifts to delicious treats, your support helps strengthen our community and keeps our local economy thriving.

 Downtown Hillsboro Shop Local

Four Ways to Shop Downtown Hillsboro for the Holidays

Notable Press Clippings

New Homeless Access Center Planned for Hillsboro

City Council Vacancy: Apply by January 7

 

January Constituent Coffee

Insomnia Baseline I will be hosting a constituent coffee on January 4th from 9:00 am-10:30 am at Insomnia Coffee located at 5389 E Main Street Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

I look forward to connecting on issues that are important to you and your families as we prep for the 2025 Legislative Session. I hope you will stop by, say hello, and join me for a cup of coffee.

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

Take care!

Rep. Sosa Signature

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​
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RepresentativeSosa