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To contact me, please click here: Rep.ShannonIsadore@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
I hope that everyone is having a peaceful and joyous start to the new year. This holiday season, my incredible team here at Oregon Change Clinic, and the thousands of dedicated staff across our behavioral health network will be helping people stay safe, alive, and connected to resources. In this field of addiction, mental health treatment, and outreach to our houseless neighbors, this time of year is often our busiest and most challenging. So as I kick into high gear preparing for the first day of the legislative session, I want to acknowledge and appreciate them for their continued dedication and passionate work.
This year is a “long” session since we are in an odd numbered year, meaning the legislative session will run for six months and legislators will consider hundreds of bills. This will mean some real adjustment for not only me, but also my toy poodle, Sugar— but the work needs to get done! I have received well over a hundred bill drafts and I am working closely with my fellow legislators, staff, and community members to determine where to direct my support and attention.
I am so proud to share that I will be serving on the House Behavioral Health and Healthcare Committee, as well as the Joint Addiction and Community Response Committee. I am also honored to serve as Vice Chair on the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business and Trade. These were my top choices as a business owner and behavioral health provider. I can't wait to dive into these topics with my colleagues in Salem once the legislative session officially begins. Next week, we will convene to swear in all the new members of the legislature and then the legislative session will begin in earnest on January 21st.
 I am so excited to meet many of you in-person tomorrow at a joint town hall with Sen. Reynolds and myself. Please join us at the Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205) in Community Room 1A on January 8, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a chance to share your thoughts and questions and hear from us about our interim work and upcoming legislation. Please RSVP here for this free event and feel free to submit questions you would like us to discuss.
 At the end of legislative days last month, legislators convened for a “special session.” The Governor is able to call the legislature into session when needed to address outstanding issues. In this case, Gov. Kotek called a special session so that legislators could approve funds to pay back the contractors who fought the historic 2024 wildfires. I was proud to cast my first of many votes as a state representative to ensure that Oregon’s bills are paid coming into the new year. It was especially meaningful to vote alongside my colleagues Rep. Travis Nelson and former state representative (now Congresswoman!) Janelle Bynum who has been such an incredible mentor for me.
 Each newsletter, I will highlight one bill that I am proud to support this session. This month, I want to highlight Food for All. Everyone in Oregon should have access to food, no matter where we’re from. Currently, tens of thousands of Oregonians are excluded from SNAP due to their immigration status. This bill, championed by Sen. Campos, would create a program to provide nutrition assistance for people under the age of 25 or over the age of 55 who would otherwise be excluded from SNAP eligibility due to their immigration status.
Legislation to fund nutrition assistance for Oregonians who would be ineligible for SNAP due to their immigration status was brought forward in 2023 as SB 610 but died in Ways and Means due to high cost. This year’s version includes age restrictions which will bring costs down and hopefully lead to success this time around!
Oregonians are already starting to see the results of last year’s short session and will continue to benefit from the key investments and policy changes that passed. Here are some laws that went into effect as of January 1 that address public safety concerns, consumer rights, and healthcare affordability. You can read the full list of 2024 session accomplishments here.
Drug Use on Public Transit (SB 1553)
Drug use on public transit is significantly impacting Oregonians across the state. TriMet reports a 30% drop in riders feeling safe on buses and trains. SB 1553 expands the existing crime of Interfering with Public Transportation to include drug use on public transit. This is a drug-designated Class A misdemeanor, which would open up access to state-funded treatment for those convicted of the crime in many cases.
Right to Repair (SB 1596)
SB 1596 makes repairing electronic devices more fair and affordable in Oregon. It requires original equipment manufacturers to provide repair tools and information to owners and independent repair providers so consumers have more choices when it comes to fixing their electronic devices.
Prescription Drug Affordability (HB 4113)
This legislation will help people reach out of pocket maximums easier, bringing down overall costs that Oregonians will have to spend on their prescription medications. By including all amounts paid towards prescription drugs in the calculation of an enrollee's out-of-pocket maximum, this bill ensures that individuals aren't unfairly burdened by high drug costs.
 Last month at the Newmark Theater, nestled in the heart of downtown, the audience watched with anticipation as Appellate Court Judge Darleen Ortega administered the oath of office to our returning Auditor, our new Mayor, and the twelve newly elected members of City Council.
History often unfolds quietly, through gradual change—but this was anything but quiet. It was the culmination of two years of hard work and a momentous step forward for local governance. For the first time in over a century, Portland is charting a bold, new path.
Congratulations to each of the new Councilors, Mayor Wilson, and Auditor Reade. Your leadership marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for our city. I am excited to work closely with local leaders to exact positive change for Portlanders.
 Congratulations to Senator Lisa Reynolds, who was sworn in as Senate District 17’s state senator last month. Senate District 17 covers HD 33 and HD 34 (her former district!) and includes Downtown, NW, St. Johns, Forest Park, Bethany, and more. After two terms proudly representing HD 34 in the House, Sen. Reynolds brings her dedication and expertise to the Senate. I’m excited to work with her during session to help Portlanders thrive!
 Here I am with Loretta Smith, now city councillor for District 1, way back in September. It’s so exciting to now be colleagues and I look forward to partnering with her and the other new city councillors.
 The day after the election, I gathered with my fellow state leaders as well as federal electeds to get to know each other and talk about our plans for the future. I was honored to speak with outgoing Congressman Earl Blumenauer about his incredible service to Portland and Oregon.
Here are some fun events happening around HD 33 this month! More information about events in Portland can be found here.
Portland Folk Festival
Portland's Folk Festival is back for another year of performances, with 35 artists coming to McMenamins Crystal Ballroom on January 17 and 18. All proceeds will be donated to Sunstone Way, an organization that provides low-barrier shelter and wrap-around services, and Music Portland, Portland’s trade association for music professionals.
O-Shogatsu, Japanese New Year
O-Shogatsu is a time of celebration for the start of a new year and hopes for happiness and prosperity to come. Portland Japanese Garden honors the most important holiday in Japan with traditional decorations and activities. The Garden will celebrate the beginning of 2025, the Year of the Snake, or hebi in Japanese, on January 12 with family-friendly activities and performances.
Tree Time Preschool Walks
For families with small children, the Hoyt Arboretum offers guided walks geared toward kids aged 2-6 on Mondays and Saturdays at 10am. Young children and their adults listen to a nature-themed story and then go on a guided exploration of trees, plants, bugs, and more.
I encourage everyone to engage with the legislative process and reach out to my office with questions, thoughts, and concerns about policies or issues that matter to you. It is crucial to hear your perspectives as I determine my priorities and positions on various issues.
You are always welcome to send me an email at rep.shannonisadore@oregonlegislature.gov or call my office at 503-986-1433. Stay tuned for more newsletters with updates or follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop!
The countdown to session is on, with just 14 days to go. As we say in the Marines, OOH RAH!!!
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Shannon J. Isadore
State Representative
House District 33
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Sugar
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Capitol Phone: 503-986-1433
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-276, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.ShannonIsadore@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/isadore
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