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To contact me, please click here: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session is underway, and what a busy first week it’s been! From meetings to committee work, there’s a lot happening as we hit the ground running. I’m excited to share updates and priorities as we work to support District 44 and make a positive impact across Oregon.
Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy
On January 20th, the Urban League of Portland hosted an intimate MLK Day Brunch in Northeast Portland. Guests came together in the spirit of unity and service to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy. It was a meaningful gathering that highlighted the power of community and reflection.
BIPOC Caucus Retreat
Last week, I had the privilege of joining the BIPOC Caucus Retreat as Vice Chair. It was an incredible opportunity to connect, strategize, and discuss the issues that our impacting BIPOC communities across Oregon.
 During the BIPOC Caucus retreat we had lunch with lots of community stakeholders.
Informational Meetings for the First Week of Committee
Last week’s committee sessions were all about informational meetings to get committee members up to speed on several issues we will be talking about this session.
I am always staying focused on and passionate about advancing policies that create fairer, safer workplaces for all Oregonians.
Key agencies provided overviews and shared their legislative priorities for the 2025 session:
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Oregon Employment Department: Workforce development and employment support.
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DCBS: Updates on workers' compensation, workplace safety, and OSHA regulations.
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Bureau of Labor and Industries: Advancing labor rights and workplace equity.
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Construction Contractors Board: Ensuring contractor compliance with standards.
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Employment Relations Board: Resolving labor disputes and fostering positive employment relations.
As Vice Chair, I am excited to continue to tackle the challenges facing Oregon’s health systems, I’m committed to supporting solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term gaps.
Medicaid and Coordinated Care Organizations:
Key speakers provided insights into Medicaid priorities and coordinated care:
- Emma Sando from the Oregon Health Authority and representatives from CCO Oregon, Health Share of Oregon, PacificSource, Care Oregon, and AllCare Health.
- Updates on behavioral health priorities from Ebony Clarke with the Oregon Health Authority and Cherryl Ramirez from the Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs.
Thursday:
Speakers included Jesse O’Brien and Numi Lee Griffith from the Department of Consumer and Business Services, along with representatives from PacificSource, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon, and Moda Health. The session provided an overview of health insurance regulation in Oregon, covering topics such as the roles of state regulators, the structure of the insurance market, and key concepts like actuarial value and cost-sharing mechanisms. The discussion also highlighted the distribution of health insurance enrollment across various payer types in Oregon.
This Week
We will start having public hearings on several bills this week. Three of my bills will have a public hearing on Tuesday:
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HB 2748- Nurse title protection: Ensures the term "nurse" is reserved for licensed humans who meet Oregon’s statutory qualifications.
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HB 2789- Nurse coordinated care: Allows rcoordination without requiring an order from a primary care provider.
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HB 2948- Hannah’s law: Ensures that clinical nursing decisions in schools are made by qualified, licensed nurses.
Behind the Scenes
I am working on capturing more of the behind-the-scenes moments this session, so stay tuned for more glimpses of the work (and fun) that happens here at the Capitol!
 Amidst the busy week of meetings and committees, I took a moment to update my official photo. Keep an eye out for my mailer after session to see the results!
Seattle LEAD Site Visit
I had the opportunity to visit Seattle and learn more about their LEAD program (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion/Let Everyone Advance with Dignity) and was impressed with how they are leading the way with innovative approaches, offering us a valuable opportunity to learn from their efforts. We can identify ways to adopt and adapt similar strategies to make a meaningful impact here in Oregon.
Providence Picket Line
I continue to stand behind all the workers who are currently on strike! This is a monumental strike with over 5,000 Providence nurses, joined by about 150 doctors and advanced practice providers across all eight Providence hospitals and six women’s clinics in the state. This is a situation I am monitoring very closely and honored to stand alongside them.
University of Portland vs Gonzaga Game
I had a blast attending this game! Although we didn't pull the win - we put up a fight!
Town Hall on February 8th
When: Saturday February 8th
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Alberta Abbey (126 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR)
Register here or RSVP to my office directly.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect and ask questions about the session ahead. I hope to see many of you there!
Does this Bill Interest You?
I am working on HB 2744 which prohibits insurers from taking pre-existing conditions into consideration when making coverage decisions.
If this bill is something that interest you, or you have any personal experiences regarding insurance and pre-existing conditions with your pets, then please reach out to my office.
Thank You
The first week of session was full of collaboration and momentum, and I’m optimistic about what we’ll accomplish together in the months ahead. Your voice is critical to this process, and I encourage you to participate in the legislative process by attending public hearings, providing testimony, and staying informed about proposed legislation.
As always, you can share your thoughts and priorities with my office.
Best,
 Travis Nelson
State Representative
House District 44
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1444
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-275, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/nelson
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