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To contact me, please click here: Rep.LeslyMunoz@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
The 2025 Legislative session is here and moving along quickly! On January 21st, I was sworn in for my first term as State Representative for House District 22 representing the communities of Woodburn, Gervais, Brooks and Northeast Salem. I am honored to be your voice in the State House. My hope is that these newsletters will allow you to learn more about the legislative process, my goals, my policy priorities, and other helpful resources.
A photo from my first day in office.
Get to Know Me
I ran for state representative to bring down costs for families, protect workers' rights, expand access to affordable housing, solve our homelessness and mental health crisis, fully funding our public schools, ensure all communities have clean drinking water, and to defend women's rights to make their own private medical decisions. I plan to do exactly that during my tenure as the Representative for House District 22.
Throughout my life, I have always advocated for workers to receive better wages, benefits, and working conditions while being treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve in the workplace. I believe my experience as a labor representative for teachers and healthcare workers will help pass legislation that does just that. Lastly, I am proud to be a mother to four wonderful children who bring me joy each day.
Here I am with said lovely children!
While the first couple of days of session were quite chaotic, including many phone and email issues, we have made it through the first couple of weeks successfully! In these past weeks, I have spent time attempting to meet everyone at the Capitol—although I’m starting to think it might be impossible considering I meet someone new each day—and am truly impressed by the quality of the people and their passion to uphold their values throughout their work. I have enjoyed getting to know who they are and what they do through the many meetings I have taken. In fact, my schedule has been so full that I have struggled to find time for lunch some days; however, I wouldn’t want it any other way because I know my efforts will help Oregonians.
I believe that our state and country is enriched by the diversity of experiences, cultures, and traditions that all of us, including immigrants, bring to our neighborhoods and Oregon. People make Oregon their home because they dream of what we all want--- to live safely, care for their families, and contribute to their communities. Many have faced unimaginable circumstances and are fleeing religious persecution or political violence. In a time of great turmoil surrounding immigration, I will continue to support our immigrant and refugee neighbors, families and friends. Oregon is a welcoming place, and we need to continue to live up to those values.
Here are some resources for anyone who needs them:
Sanctuary Promise Hotline: For reporting violations of Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws
- 1-844-924-STAY
- 1-844-6-AMPARO
Oregon for All: Know about your rights and get linked to helpful resources
Equity Corps of Oregon: For people needing immigration legal services
- Equitycorps.org
- 1-888-274-7292
Oregon Law Center: For people struggling to make ends meet and need free legal services
Pueblo Unido: For people in need of legal, social and Indigenous language interpretation services
- Pueblounidopdx.org
- 503-360-0324
Lines for Life- Racial Equity Support Line: For anyone struggling with the emotional impacts of race-based violence, micro-aggressions, immigration struggles, and other cross-cultural issues
- Linesforlife.org/get-help-now/services
- 503-575-3764
Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history, culture, and progress. Here in Oregon, we honor the legacy of Black leaders, activists, and trailblazers who have shaped our communities and continue to inspire change.
From the resilience of the Black pioneers who settled in Oregon despite exclusionary laws to the ongoing efforts of local leaders advocating for equity and justice. Black history is deeply woven into the fabric of our state. This month, I encourage everyone to explore and support the rich cultural heritage of Black Oregonians—whether by visiting the Oregon Black Pioneers Museum, attending community events, or learning more about Black-led organizations making a difference today.
As we reflect on the past, we must also commit to action in the present. Advancing racial equity in housing, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity remains a priority. Together, we can build a more just and inclusive future for all.
Happy Black History Month!
I am excited to be serving on three legislative committees this session. I have been appointed as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards; and will also serve as a member of both the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care and the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development.
The House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards focuses on issues related to labor laws, workplace regulations, and employment standards in Oregon. We review, discuss and will vote on legislation concerning workers’ rights, workplace safety, and employment practices.
The House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care is responsible for working on legislation aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of health care and behavioral health services alike.
The House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development is responsible for matters related to postsecondary education and workforce training within the state. The committee’s duties include reviewing legislation, overseeing programs, and addressing issues pertinent to higher education institutions and workforce development initiatives. I am optimistic about creating policy that betters the life of every Oregonian in each of these committees.
Further information about each of these committees—as well as the many other committees of the house—can be found on the Committees Home page on the Oregon State Legislation Website.
 Representative Fragala and Representative Hudson and I joined by SEIU members after they testified in the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.
I encourage you to get involved in the legislative process and make sure your voice is heard. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions regarding this process.
I am actively advocating for the passage of multiple bills I’m a chief sponsor for. As a chief sponsor, I act as the primary proponent and spokesperson for the legislation while working to garner support from other lawmakers to ensure its success. I am also regularly sponsoring many bills. My priorities this session are:
- Bringing Down Household Costs
- Protecting Worker’s Rights
- Addressing Housing and Homelessness
- Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
- Public Schools and Higher Education Affordability
To see and read more about each bill I am sponsoring please go here.
Here I am at Providence Strike with constituents and friends supporting the many nurses experiencing unfair labor practices. See if you can find me!
- Woodburn City Council Meeting- Monday February 24th, 2025, 7:00 pm
- Salem City Council Meeting- Monday February 24th, 2025, 6:00 pm
If you seek any further information about the different events, please reach out to my office to see how we can help you.
Furthermore, I am a guest on Radio Poder, on the last Sunday of the Month. The segment starts around 10am and I encourage each of you to listen in to hear more from me and the wonderful hosts Javier and Hector.
- Chief of Staff: Liz Marquez Gutierrez
- Legislative Assistant: Chris Branger Muñoz
- Legislative Intern: Emily Dorn
If you have a bill you’d like to advocate for, a concern you’d like to voice, or you’re wondering what you can do to be of service to our district, reach out to our office!
In Unity,
Representative Lesly Muñoz
House District 22
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1422
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-472, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LeslyMunoz@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/munoz
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