Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week at the Capitol, we held hearings on three of my priority bills – related to reducing utility rates, preventing age discrimination in the workplace, and laying the groundwork for youth apprenticeship programs.
Over the past few years, electric and gas rates from investor-owned utilities have gone up by nearly 50%. Tens of thousands of Oregonians have had their utilities shut-off, often in the middle of winter. Many more are struggling to cover the cost of these ever-increasing expenses. This cannot continue.
The FAIR Energy Act would reform the rate-setting process to ensure that the interests of Oregon consumers are prioritized. Among other things, it would
- Give the Public Utility Commission broader discretion in setting rates, including the ability to set the lowest reasonable rate;
- Permit the PUC to phase-in rate increases over time to minimize price shocks to consumers;
- Limit the utility companies to one general rate increase every 18 months.
- Prohibit rate-increases from going into-effect in the winter months – when usage is at its highest;
- Require the PUC to take a detailed look at customer data when evaluating a rate increase – including the median income, unemployment rate, the number of people receiving social services; and
- Create more transparency by requiring utilities to report expense categories online so that customers know what they are paying for.
Oregon lawmakers seek to make utility bills more affordable, transparent
2025-2-20 Rep. Sosa and Rep. Marsh Introduce Legislation to Protect Consumers from Rising Utility Costs.pdf
Age Discrimination in the Workplace (HB 3187)
Oregon law prohibits age discrimination, but legal barriers have made it harder to prove than other forms of workplace discrimination. HB 3187 seeks to fix this by clarifying that courts can consider "proxy factors” to see if an employer is using a seemingly legitimate consideration as a pretense to discriminate.
Unlike many other states, Oregon does not have a framework in place for youth apprenticeship programs where high school students and recent graduates can earn while they learn. HB3181 seeks to address this by creating a bi-partisan as well as bi-cameral youth apprenticeship taskforce. It would bring together representatives from business, labor, education, government, and youth. The taskforce would be charged with:
- Studying youth apprenticeship programs throughout the country to identify best practices as well as common challenges;
- Discussing the development of a state-wide youth apprenticeship framework specifically tailored to Oregon; and
- Making legislative recommendations on how to implement such a framework from a logistical as well as fiscal perspective.
Bill Tracking
In addition to the FAIR Energy Act, we also held hearings on insurance bills – including what factors an insurance company should consider when setting rates and how wildfire risk impacts homeowner policies. We also passed a bill to the floor which would prevent out-of-state online lenders from issuing loans to Oregon consumers with exorbitant interest rates.
We held hearings on key rental policies aimed at increasing fairness and accountability in Oregon’s housing market. Discussions covered tenant protections, limits on screening fees, lease termination rights, and landlord responsibilities.
We also reviewed proposals to expand homeownership opportunities, improve down payment assistance, set statewide ownership goals, and ensure fair access to rental units.
On Wednesday, the BIPOC Caucus’ leadership team unveiled the group’s legislative agenda for 2025. I am proud to serve as one of the vice chairs of the Caucus. Read more from Wednesday’s Press Conference, covered by The Oregonian.
Important Information Regarding School Tour Programming for This Season
Visitor Services will be offering two school tour options during this legislative session through May 31.
On-site school tour option:
- Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m.
- Tour guides will take students to the House and Senate Chamber, explain the legislative process, share information about the building, and engage students in an educational activity. Tour takes 75 minutes.
- Due to limited space only one classroom (4th grade and above,) consisting of up to 30 students and their chaperones, can be accommodated per day. Groups are booked first come, first served. If the group has multiple classes, then they would need to schedule multiple days, or do the virtual tour option, below.
- Please share this link for the on-site tour request form.
Virtual tour option:
- Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
- Tour guide will share the virtual tour via TEAMS and answer questions for up to three classrooms (100 students) per school, per time slot. The virtual tour is 45 minutes long.
- link for the virtual tour request form.
You can also refer constituents to call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or email visitor.services@oregonlegislature.gov to book a school tour.
Hillsboro Events Honoring Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month through STEAM | Events | Washington County Cooperative Library Services (February 22nd)
Black Excellence - The Entrepreneurial Pivot Starting Up and Standing Out (February 25th)
Who I Am Celebrating Me | World Stage Theatre (February 28th, March 1st)
Support Black Owned Businesses
BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES | Oregon's Explore Tualatin Valley Oregon
Black Advisory Business Council
Support Hillsboro's Black and Brown Artists
About Us - Black and Brown Art
I invite you to join me Saturday, March 1st from 9:00-10:30am, for a conversation about the issues that matter most to you, your family, and your community. This month, we will meet at Insomnia Coffee Company - Tanasbourne, located at 9355 NE Windsor St, Hillsboro, OR 97006.
I hope that you will stop by, say hello, and enjoy a cup of coffee with me.
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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