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To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
We are only a few days into the New Year, but already are hard at work getting ready for the next session. Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in legislative updates during conversations at Salem Health, Chemeketa Community College, and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. I also had the chance to meet with a community stakeholders on several issues, and with representatives from several different sectors of our economy, including healthcare, housing, hospitality, energy, transportation, and education.
This past week also included time for orientation to committee assignments. While I am continuing as Chair of the Senate Healthcare Committee, and continuing to serve on Senate Housing, I have also been appointed to the newly formed Senate Committee on Early Childhood Learning and Behavioral Health, as well as on Senate Committee Revenue and Finance.
I was thrilled to attend the swearing-in of our newest Secretary of State, Tobias Read last week, as well as the swearing-in of new legislators today. It was truly an honor to be among the folks honored by Mayor John McArdle of Independence with a “Good Neighbor Award.” Thank you! And thank you, also, to the staff and residents of two of the Stabilization and Crisis Units who allowed me to visit their facilities on Friday.
Please stay in touch with my staff and me in the weeks to come as we move through the session. The Oregon Legislative Informational System (OLIS) will be updated for the 2025 session as soon as we are sworn in. And, as always, you can reach me by e-mail at Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Best regards,
Deb
Expanding Services for Homeless Families
Services for homeless families in Marion and Polk Counties are expanding this month with the opening of the ARCHES Nest. The ARCHES Nest will be a 36-bed shelter with family spaces that can accommodate families of many sizes.
The ARCHES Nest will open on January 24 at 11:30am and is located at 2933 Center Street SE, Salem, OR 97301. It is part of the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency and received funding from the Oregon Legislature, Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance, and the Bezos Day One Families Fund.
New Year, New Laws: Changes to Make Oregon Safer, Cleaner, and More Affordable in 2025
On January 1, new laws went into effect to make Oregon safer, cleaner, and more affordable. These changes will make a positive impact on the day-to-day lives of Oregonians.
Some of the changes I am most excited about are:
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Making prescription drugs more affordable for Oregonians (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.
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Lowering costs, protecting consumers with 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.
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Safeguarding Oregon's economic and environmental future (HB 4083). This new law directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to make efforts to eliminate investments in coal companies and funds containing coal companies. The bill requires that these divestments must be accomplished without monetary loss to the investment funds. HB 4083 incentivizes emissions reductions, by requiring divestment from such emitters, unless they demonstrate they are transitioning to clean energy within a reasonable timeline.
Point-in-Time Count: Volunteers and Donations Needed
The Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance will conduct its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count from January 23-29, 2025. This critical effort will help capture a snapshot of homelessness in Marion and Polk Counties by asking individuals experiencing homelessness where they slept on the night of January 22, 2025.
The PIT Count is critical for measuring trends, identifying resource needs, and effectively developing strategies to address homelessness in the region. The Alliance is
The PIT Count has two components:
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Sheltered Count: Counts individuals in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or other temporary housing programs.
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Unsheltered Count: Surveys individuals sleeping in places not meant for human habitation, such as vehicles, parks, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings.
The Alliance is seeking volunteers to assist with the unsheltered count. Most shifts are 4 hours, and anyone participating in the PIT Count is required to attend a virtual training on Tuesday, January 21 at 12:00pm.
Click here to register or learn more.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/patterson
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