Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The long legislative session is now underway, and I am excited to share some of my priority bills as well as updates from the Capitol.
I am the chief sponsor of several bills, which I will be working on throughout the session. Here are a few of them:
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Consumer Protection
HB 3179: FAIR Energy Act is designed to lower utility bills by requiring the Public Utility Commission to thoroughly consider the impact on consumers before approving a rate increase.
HB 3178: requires more financial transparency and equity in regard to vehicle sales.
HB 3177: requires auto dealers to repair or replace vehicle safety components that are subject to safety recalls before selling the vehicle to the public.
SB 605: removes medical debt from credit score reporting.
Watch my testimony
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Higher Education
HB 3185: expands the pilot program at PSU and EOU in which students receive discounted tuition and school credit for working at a local non-profit.
HB 3182: provides grants for students’ basic needs – including food, housing, and other essentials.
HB 3183: provides funding to expand access to affordable or free textbooks/course materials
Workforce
HB 3181: Establishes the Task Force on Youth Apprenticeship.
HB 3187: Strengthens our laws against age discrimination in the workplace.
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We held public hearings on the following bills:
HB 2966: to establish the State Public Finance Task Force to study and make recommendations regarding the establishment of a state bank.
HB 2561: to prohibit out-of-state financial institutions from making short-term loans to Oregonians with interest rates in excess of our state’s interest rate cap.
HB 3020 / HB 3023: to prohibit Oregon from accepting bets on dog races while still maintaining the financial viability of the Oregon Racing Commission.
We also held informational hearings to learn more about Oregon Business and Industry, the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Justice – Civil Enforcement Division, and the Oregon Trial Lawyers’ Association
We discussed the housing market in Oregon and received presentations from Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Department of Land Conservation and Development, and the Healthy Homes grant program.
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Thank you to those who joined me, Senator Sollman, and Representative McLain for our Joint Town Hall this week. We covered several topics, including:
- Oregon’s response to federal actions
- Immigration
- Transportation
- Education
- Prescription drug costs
- Data privacy/protection
- Climate change
Engaging in these conversations is what democracy looks like in action. Your participation is helping to shape the future of our community. Please continue to stay involved!
Hillsboro Art Walk - February 4th
Let music carry you along Main Street and through The Avenues in Downtown Hillsboro as you discover an emerging musician, check out new works by a local artist, explore a new restaurant or boutique, watch an artist demonstration
Things to explore:
- Local galleries and art spaces
- Live music
- Performances
- Food & Drink
- Shopping
- More!
Hillsboro Art Walk is a free, all-ages event.
Hillsboro Art Walk | City of Hillsboro, OR
Winter Weather Update
Snow levels will drop to 500 ft. Saturday morning and 100-300 ft. Sunday morning. The most likely case is we’ll see wet snow or rain/snow mix down to the valley floor, but accumulations are expected to be limited to grassy and elevated surfaces. We may not see any snow Saturday; more likely on Sunday morning and then the highest likelihood is Monday morning, with possible impacts to the morning commute. Since we’ll warm to above freezing in the afternoons, any accumulation should melt off by the afternoon or evening. Above 500 ft. we’re likely to see 1-2 inches of snow. There are lower (~10%) chances of higher accumulations of 1-2 inches on the valley floor. There is low potential for minor snow accumulation through at least Thursday next week; however, we’ll transition to dry, east winds on Tuesday morning which should minimize the chances of any snow. The Winter Weather Timeline gives a good summary of the timing from Sunday to Tuesday.
With the arrival of very cold air, starting Sunday, and the transition to east winds, it will get very cold next week, with lows the low-to-mid 20s and daytime highs in the 30s.
Safety Concerns
Safety is our top priority during severe weather conditions. Please call 911 for emergencies or life-threatening situations. Sign up for Public Alerts to receive information by text, phone, or email when dangerous weather or other emergencies are happening in the counties where you live, work, and play.
If someone outside is unsheltered and their life appears to be in danger, call 911. If you are concerned about someone during cold weather, call Washington County Non-Emergency at 503-629-0111 to request a welfare check.
Weather Closures and Delays
All City of Hillsboro facilities are open on regular schedules. When closures do occur, essential and remote services continue and the latest updates on all facility schedules will be posted here. During severe weather, check this website for updates before you head out. Visit the National Weather Service website anytime to see the latest forecast for our area.
Shelter Resources
For shelter resources, call Community Connect at 503-640-3263 and/or email CommunityConnect@CAOWash.org. Visit Washington County's website for more resources and information.
Day Centers: Open
Day Centers are open to serve friends and neighbors seeking warmth and services.
Project Homeless Connect Day Center
363 SE 6th St.
Hillsboro, OR
Open Daily, 7 am to 4 pm
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Open Door HousingWorks Day Center
34420 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy
Hillsboro, OR
Open 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday
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Warming Shelters: Closed (subject to change)
Washington County's severe weather shelters are closed. During dangerously cold weather, Washington County's severe weather shelters open 24 hours a day until conditions improve to ensure no one seeking shelter is turned away.
Severe Winter Weather | City of Hillsboro, OR
Winter-Proof your Pipes: 10 Ways to Prevent Water Emergencies this Winter
As winter approaches and temperatures drop, take the time to winterize your plumbing to prevent water emergencies before they can occur. Here’s 10 quick and easy tips to keep your pipes from freezing this winter.
Rainy Day Indoor Play with Parks & Recreation
Free Food Market: February 4th, 2025
- Beaverton-Hillsboro DHS Free Food Market 5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy Hillsboro OR 97124
- Shop for free, fresh, and healthy fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples.
- This food is free, and anybody is welcome
- No identification, name, or address needed
- Please bring bags or boxes
Free Food Market: Every Second Tuesday of the Month | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR (hillsboro-oregon.gov)
Food Access
Find free groceries, meals, or fresh produce near you.
Utility Bill Assistance
The City of Hillsboro is committed to helping customers in need. If you are having trouble paying your utility bill, visit the City’s Utility Assistance webpage or call 503-681-6163 to see if you qualify for a flexible payment plan or bill relief options.
Visit our Utility Rate Adjustments webpage to learn more about when & how the rates on your City of Hillsboro Utility Bill are reviewed and adjusted to support the costs of providing quality utility services throughout the community.
You can also visit our Community Resources webpage to find information on reduced garbage rates, energy & rent assistance, food pantries, weatherization programs, and more.
Don't forget to contact my office with any questions or feedback. Your best way to connect with us is via email: Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov or visit our office (H-280) Monday-Thursday between 9:30am-3pm.
Take care!
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
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