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To contact me, please click here: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you and your families all well as I know it’s been a while since my last newsletter. As fall comes to a close, I have just a few brief updates to share.
I am wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!
As we rest, reflect, and connect with family and loved ones, I hope you also join me in honoring the native caretakers of this land. We have a vibrant community here in Washington County, but we must never forget that House District 36 was once the homeland of the Atfalati-Kalapuyans, the ancestral people of the Tualatin Valley.
Joint Transportation Committee - Hillsboro
My staff had attended the Joint Transportation Committee’s tour in Hillsboro, the last stop of the roadshow. While the City of Hillsboro is doing many things right with TriMet buses, the MAX, and commuter rail connecting the community throughout the Portland Metro area, we do have an aging infrastructure and changing needs.
One of the highlights of the tour was the drive down TV Highway and to Reed’s Crossing. For those of you who have been in the area for many years, you may remember the Tualatin Valley (TV) Highway started as a farm-to-market road, but now that road has become a major connection for Beaverton, Hillsboro, Aloha, Cornelius, and Forest Grove.
Photo of Tualatin Valley Highway, courtesy of the Oregonian
With future population and job growth, it will be important to not only ensure that transportation is reliable and efficient, but we also prioritize pedestrian and bike safety. TV Highway is one of the most dangerous corridors in the region for traffic crashes. About 29% of TV Highway lacks sidewalks and about 32% of bike lanes are missing or substandard along the highway. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a planned project in the works to improve pedestrian safety on TV Highway, these projects take time and require a lot of funding.
As we look to address transportation funding as a whole in the coming legislative session, it is essential that we listen and work with our communities. I am eager to consider the final proposals that come from the Joint Transportation Committee and to collaborate with our county and city partners to ensure that we have a solution that works.
Tours throughout the District
Every opportunity and tour I attend in and around the district, I am reminded of how vibrant and diverse our communities, businesses, and services are. From a visit to Clean Water Services, Oregon Business & Industry Manufacturing Roadshow, the Hillsboro Medical Center, the Washington County Community Developmental Disability Program, to a ride along in an ambulance, all of these experiences allows me to learn about all of the incredible work our community is doing and gives me a better understanding of how systems can change.
Here are just a few photos of the many events I’ve attended.
I had the opportunity to speak at the Annual CCO Conference and talk about strengthening health systems in Oregon.
After a tour of University of Oregon’s semiconductor programming after the investments through HB 4154, I attended a football game with Senator Hansell. Go Ducks!
Here’s a photo of a number of legislators at the swearing in ceremony for Rep. Shannon Isadore who represents House District 33
Revenue Forecast
Last week, we had a look into the state’s revenue forecast and tells legislators how much they will have to spend on public services like schools, housing, and healthcare. The report was very encouraging as we’re anticipating $37.8 billion for the next biennium. It shows that our economy continues to remain strong and resilient.
That being said, I know that many of our communities are still struggling to afford the essentials especially as costs of goods and utilities continue to rise. Additionally, many of the federal COVID relief funding is coming to a close. It will be all the more important for us to re-evaluate and reassess the core programs that meet the needs of our communities.
That’s the news and updates I have for this week, thanks for reading! I hope you travel safe as we gather with family and friends.
 Representative Hai Pham
House District 36
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1436
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-282, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/phamh
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