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To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
One of America’s greatest strengths is our diversity. We have a great diversity of landscapes, well represented in many of our songs: “from the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans, white with foam” being just one of those lines. In Oregon, we are lucky enough to have all those -- mountains and farmlands and oceans – right here in our beautiful state.
The same is true for our people. We have a great diversity of cultures represented in our melting pot, but there are some folks who feel that inclusion of those who look different mean they will be excluded.
What a gift it is to our nation to have so many different cultures, bringing a multitude of foods, traditions, languages, and beliefs. It is also a strength to have a diversity of interests, aptitudes and abilities. Who would want to go into a grocery store and find it filled with all the same items? Diversity is a gift, and it is a strength.
We all have abilities, and we all have some things we can’t do well. We need one another and our various abilities to do the work that our communities require. We are better as a people when we are driven by compassion.
On January 20, 1961, during his inauguration address, President John F. Kennedy stated, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Building on our strength through diversity surely must be one of those things that we can do for our country, now and in the years to come.
As we celebrate Black History Month, and as we look to the months ahead, let us revel in the strength that is true of this land – our diversity and our myriad gifts.
All the best,
Deb
Remembering the late Senate President, Peter Courtney
This week, we remembered the late Senate President, Peter Courtney, and his historic years of public service. We are grateful for all he has done for Oregon, our Oregon, and grateful for his family for their sacrifices.
Rest in peace, your Honor.
Understanding Sanctuary Laws and Resources - The new Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit
Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws mean that everyone can live, work, go to school, and access government services without fear that the state or local government will report you to ICE. The Oregon Department of Justice has created a guide to help Oregonians understand, report, and combat violations of these sanctuary laws.
If you or someone you know is in need of these resources, click here to access. We are stronger when we support each other—this toolkit will make sure our community has the tools to stay safe and informed.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Did you know, Senator Patterson championed Senate Bill 5506, during the 2023 session? Senate Bill 5506 brought $1.7 million to administer and expand, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program to the State of Oregon. The Imagination Library program delivers a free book each month to registered children across several states in the nation.
This program is essential for children to develop a love for reading and learning, along with bringing the opportunity to improve third grade reading proficiency and increase high school graduation rates. If you are interested in learning more, or enrolling a child in this program, click here.
Now in the 2025 session, House Bill 2811 is here to solidify the program permanently in the State of Oregon, along with creating a special fund to aid the program. If you are interested in submitting a testimony, or want to learn more about House Bill 2811, click here.
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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