January 2025 Updates

Senate District 24 rests on the traditional ancestral lands of the Multnomah, Wasco, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Cowlitz bands of Chinook, Talatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. As a former refugee from Africa, who now resides on this stolen land, I pledge to share in the struggle and fight for Native sovereignty, decolonization, and collective liberation alongside our Indigenous communities.

Senator Kayse Jama

I hope you are all doing well and have been able to find joy during these cold winter months. As the 2025 legislative session begins, I’m encouraged by the work my colleagues and I have already started. The next six months will be incredibly important (and busy) as bills begin to work their way through the legislative process. Lawmakers have several huge tasks in front of us—passing a comprehensive transportation package, addressing our ongoing housing and behavioral health crises, and protecting Oregonians rights and freedoms. Here's a great article from OPB that outlines the various priorities legislators will be addressing during the upcoming session. 

I encourage you to stay apprised of and engaged with the legislative process. Some tips on how to testify, either verbally or in writing, can be found here. There is also specific information on how to submit written testimony on a bill or verbal testimony in a committee hearing on the Oregon Legislature website. Elected officials are meant to represent the needs of their constituents—we cannot make that happen without you.

As always, you can reach out to my office with your questions and comments. In addition to phone calls and emails, you can engage with me via social media. I’m on a variety of major platforms to ensure accessibility, and I invite you to follow me on your platform of choice. I also use these platforms to communicate updates and information, which is a great way to stay informed between newsletters.

Instagram: @SenatorKayseJama

Twitter: @SenatorJama 

Federal Spending Shut-Off

Earlier this week, the Trump Administration directed agencies to cut off federal funding to the states, including Oregon. A shut-off on federal grant funding would harm our ability to administer key programs here in Oregon, including essential health care, food assistance, and environmental protection programs. Although a judge temporarily halted the spending freeze and the order has since been rescinded, questions and concerns remain about the impact of drastic federal spending cuts going forward. This move has undoubtedly created chaos and confusion, but we are resolved to answer in a measured way that protects critical services.

My colleagues and I are fighting to ensure that there is no disruption to Oregonians’ lives and the services they need. Oregon joined a lawsuit with 22 other states to stop the freeze on federal funds and the state will continue to offer key services

We will update you as we learn more, but in the meantime:

• Please keep your medical appointments and continue to use federal funded programs like SNAP, Medicaid, subsidized child care programs, and housing assistance. 
• If you find any difficulties accessing resources, programs, or benefits, reach out to our office by emailing jamak@oregonlegislature.gov, by calling (503) 986-1724, or via social media (Instagram and Twitter).
• According to Governor Kotek, Treasurer Steiner, and Attorney General Rayfield, services should still be accessible, and treasury funds are able to maintain federally funded programs in the short term should any additional funding be cancelled.

Immigrant and Refugee Resources

Unconstitutional, disruptive, and unjust immigration policies from the new federal administration threaten the well-being of our immigrant and refugee community. Many legal immigration programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Temporary Protected Status, priority and skilled workers, and asylum programs now also face an uncertain future. Our undocumented neighbors, their lives, families, and businesses are a critical part of our diverse community in District 24, and I am committed to standing in solidarity with those who face these challenges. Oregon will continue to meet threats from the federal government with steadiness and compassion. As we respond to these ever-changing attacks to our rights, there are several services and supports available.

• What to know: Oregon is a sanctuary state, meaning that its laws require our police, sheriffs, and local governments to use law enforcement for community safety, not enforcing federal immigration policies. Our sanctuary law recognizes that pursuing compliance with a convoluted and fundamentally broken immigration system is the federal government's job, funded by our federal tax dollars. Under The Sanctuary Promise Act of 2021, law enforcement cannot ask about immigration status or deny services based on that status. Public workers and law enforcement agencies are prohibited from participating in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Unless federal agents have a valid court order, they cannot demand local authorities detain or question individuals based on immigration status. Suspected violations of this law can be reported to the Sanctuary Promise Hotline.

• As the new Federal administration threatens Oregon’s sanctuary status, there are still many resources that are available to folks without documentation, newly arrived refugees, and temporary status immigrants:

• Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit provides a suite of resources including information on your rights, information on scenarios with ICE, and legal assistance. You can access that information in English , Spanish, and five other languages. 
• Free legal services for immigrants and refugees provided by The Office of Community & Civic Life has signed an agreement to partner with Portland Community College Legal Resource Center
• Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is an organization that offers services in community safety & wellbeing, opportunity building, workforce & refugee services, youth & academic programs, and early learning. 
• Portland.gov Resources for Immigrants and Refugees Provides a suite of information including immigration procedure information, low cost health services, and legal services. 
• Pueblo Unido offers help with legal and social service navigation as well as interpretation resources. 
• Pacific Refugee Support Group provides various services and support to folks who identify as a refugee, including Medicaid enrollment, educational opportunities, and job training.
• Oregon for All's Safeguarding Schools Toolkit outlines key information on immigration enforcement in schools and what protections exist for students and families.

Eviction Records Cleared

I’m incredibly proud to announce that as a result of HB 2001 (2023), approximately 47,000 Oregonians have had residential evictions cleared from their records. This means that thousands of people now have better access to housing and employment without an eviction present on their record. Landlords and property managers can use past evictions to reject or screen out applicants 

HB 2001 took critical steps to mitigate harm to renters who experience increased difficulty in accessing stable housing. Clearing records of low-level residential evictions allows Oregonians to move forward with their lives and escape the vicious cycle of housing instability.

There are an additional 50,000 cases which will be reviewed in 2025, and any future eviction cases will automatically be set aside annually by state courts. Below is a graphic which provides an overview of which eviction cases are eligible. You can find more detailed information regarding this law or investigate the status of your case here.

Mall 205 DMV Closing Permanently

The DMV office located at Mall 205 will be permanently closing on January 31st due to concerns with the building. This was the only DMV operating in District 24, and I understand that this may have been the closest DMV office to you. Knowing its closure may make DMV services inaccessible to you, here is some information that may help you navigate meeting your needs.

There are numerous DMV activities which can be completed online through DMV2U, including:

• Applying for or renewing a license or ID
• Paying fees
• Renewing vehicle registration
• Scheduling an appointment with the DMV

In the meantime, this website hosts a DMV list and map where you can learn which specific office might be closest to you. The employees of the Mall 205 DMV have been relocated to other DMV offices to have operational staff available to meet the anticipated increased needs for customer support. The offices which are closest to District 24 area.

Mental Health Resources

I shared these resources with you last month, and I feel it’s important to continue to highlight these options for you to support your mental health.  Although days are growing longer, we still have some cold weather ahead. I encourage everyone to take care of themselves and those around them. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, there are several resources available. Oregon’s 988 crisis hotline is available for 24/7 crisis support via phone or online chat. You can also contact your local Community Mental Health Program to find behavioral health, mental health, and addiction support. If you or a loved one is facing eviction or a utility shut-off or needs legal assistance, please visit https://www.211info.org/ for emergency resources.

I continue to encourage you all to stand up for what you believe to be right and make your voice heard. Gathering in community is the way we stay strong together. Please continue to reach out to me and any other state lawmakers for any needs or questions you might have. I am standing with you, for you.

In solidarity,

Senator Kayse Jama

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1724
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-409, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.KayseJama@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/jama​