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To contact me, please click here: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Deadline Week
Time flies—literally! With daylight saving time shifting our clocks forward, it’s a great reminder that the legislative session is moving quickly, too. Friday, March 21st, is our first chamber work session posting deadline. This is a key deadline that requires bills to be on a committee agenda for a work session. Bills that are not on an agenda cannot continue moving forward in the legislative process. Bills will also have to move out of their committee by April 9th. This does not apply for bills that are in joint committees or committees on Rules and Revenue.
Over the past month, I have been hard at work advocating for legislation, giving testimony, attending community events, and amplifying the voices of Oregonians at the Capitol. In this newsletter, I will catch you up on key legislative updates, and how we’re making a difference together. Plus, I want to hear from you! Don’t forget to fill out our quick constituent survey and the North Portland Aquatic Center community survey at the end!
Visitors to the Capitol
This past month, I had the privilege of welcoming two distinguished guests to offer the opening prayer on the House floor, sharing words of wisdom, faith, and unity with the chamber. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black leaders in our community.
Pastor Herman Greene
Pastor Herman Greene lead the opening prayer ad is dedicated faith leader, Portland Public School Board Member, and pastor of Abundant Life Church.
Pastor Craig Brown
Pastor Craig L. Brown also lead the opening ceremony, he is U.S. Army veteran and dedicated faith leader and has spent decades serving his country and community. Through his Community Unity Projects, he continues to uplift those in need. He is the pastor at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in the Portsmouth neighborhood.
Raquel Nelson
I was also incredibly proud to have my niece visit the Capitol, where she delivered a moving poem that captivated and inspired. Her words highlighted the importance of storytelling, culture, and the voices of the next generation. Moments like these reinforce why we must continue the work of building a more just and equitable future.
North Portland Cub Scout Pack Visit the State Capitol
It always makes me happy to see the kiddos at the Capitol!
Bhutanese Artisans
It was an honor to meet Representative Anderson’s guests, who are the Bhutanese artisans that were handpicked by the King of Bhutan to build temples in Salem, Oregon, as well as Colorado. I’m so excited they were able to visit the House Chamber while it was in Session and watch Oregon’s legislative process happen.
Advocates, Events and Special Guests in Action
I don’t always get the time to meet with everyone, but when constituents and advocates come through the Capitol and stop by my office, they do not go unnoticed. Your voices, your passion, and your dedication to the issues that matter make a difference every day.
From those testifying in hearings to those dropping by to share their stories, I see you, I hear you, and I appreciate you. Your advocacy fuels the work we do in the legislature, and I’m grateful to stand alongside you in pushing for change.
The Williams & Russell Project
I was honored to be invited to the "Breaking Ground" Ceremony for the Williams & Russell project. It will have four parts to it: accessible home ownership, affordable apartments, a business hub, and a public plaza.
History:
In the early 1970s the Hill Block in Portland’s Albina neighborhood was condemned for expansion of Emanuel Hospital displacing over 30 businesses and 171 families, 74% of whom were Black. To restore community ties, Legacy Health is returning the 1.7-acre block at North Russell Street and North Williams Avenue—vacant for over 50 years—to the community to create accessible home ownership, affordable apartments, and a business hub. Here’s a KGW story
The Williams & Russell project will have four parts to it: accessible home ownership, affordable apartments, a business hub, and a public plaza. A comprehensive history of the site can be viewed here: https://www.williamsrussellcdc.org/#historyproject
A public hearing on SB 1110 is scheduled to advance additional funding for this important project. I am honored to testify in support on March 20th.
You can also make your voice heard by submitting written testimony here.
Photo Credit: Williams & Russel project
Roosevelt High School Forum
It was very impactful to have a meaningful conversation at Roosevelt High School alongside Senator Reynolds and Senator Frederick. We engaged with students, parents, and educators about the pressing needs of our school.
With budget discussions underway, the importance of continued advocacy to ensure our students and teachers have the resources they need to thrive is vital.
Thank you to the Roosevelt community for your passion and dedication to shaping the future of education!
A Powerful Night of Film and Discussion
On February 27, 2025, Jamila Rutherford, founder of Responsible Media Group, hosted a screening of Everybody’s Work: Healing What Hurts Us All at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland as part of her initiative, Tell Me, I Can Take It. The event featured a powerful panel discussion with healthcare professionals unpacking the film and exploring the impact of bias in medicine. This critical conversation highlighted the urgent need for real-time insights into healthcare disparities and systemic change.
Photo Credit: Responsible Media Group
Representative Nelson in the News
My Testimony
This session is off to a fast start! I have been busy this session providing public testimony on various bills that are moving in front of committees. Here are some of my bills that have received testimony this past month:
HB 2555: Family Sentencing Alternative Program
HB 2738: Phase-out Leaded Gas at PIR
HB 2741: Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program
HB 2742: Disability Return to Work Protections
HB 2746: Pay Transparency
HB 2748: AI Nurse Title Protections
HB 2789: Nurse Care Coordination Billing
HB 2792: Money Spent on Union Replacement Workers
HB 2943: Increased HIV and Syphilis Testing in Emergency Rooms
HB 2944: PECBA Accountability Act
HB 2948: Hannah's Law
HB 2951: Deed Fraud - Notary Database
HB 2952: Deed Fraud - Information on Documents
HB 2957: Fair Timelines for Workers
HB 2995: Reparation As A Solution To Racism
HB 3003: Comprehensive Datasets In Child Welfare System
Legislative Update
I’m excited to share that three of my bills have successfully passed in the House and are now headed to the Senate! You can watch my floor speeches on these bills below.
HB 2948: Hannah's Law
HB 2748: AI Nurse Title Protections
HB 2789: Nurse Care Coordination Billing
HB 2741: Newborn Blood Spot Screening
House Honorary Page Program
The Honorary Page program is open to students from age 12 to 17 who are eager to learn about the legislative process and to assist with House duties and activities. If you know a child that would like to participate, please let us know!
Here is the Link to Webpage: House Honorary Page Program
If you have any questions, please contact my office or: Civics.Education@oregonlegislature.gov
Reminder: Real ID Deadline is May 7th!
Tax Season
Here are some helpful resources for those of us still needing to file our taxes!
Where’s My Refund? tool improved for 2025
Taxpayers who want to check the status of their Oregon state income tax refund will find more information available this year when they use the Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool.
For the 2025 tax season, Where’s My Refund? has been upgraded to provide:
- Additional detail about refund status.
- Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return.
- Website enhancements for improved customer experience.
Which of Oregon’s free electronic tax filing options fits you best?
A variety of free electronic-filing options are available to Oregon taxpayers, including the new combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
While the free filing options have some income and other limitations, most Oregon taxpayers are eligible to file electronically at no cost using one of the free file options that can be found on the Department of Revenue website. Or follow the guide in this news release.
Free help filing Oregon tax returns
Taxpayers that don’t have a computer or need one-on-one help also have options for electronic filing. AARP Tax-Aide, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, MFS-CASH Oregon, and the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes offer in person and drop off services for tax preparation by trained volunteers. Learn more on Revenue’s Get free help filing your taxes webpage.
Thousands of taxpayers have filed state returns with Direct File Oregon
The newest free electronic filing option is the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Almost 5,000 taxpayers have used Direct File Oregon to file their state income tax returns. Almost 2,000 of those state returns were filed in combination with federal returns filed with IRS Direct File.
More information about Direct File is available on the Revenue website. Videos are also available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
Surveys
Constituent Survey: I want to hear from you! We've launched a new constituent survey to better understand your needs and priorities. Your input helps us serve you better. Please take a moment to fill it out here.
North Portland Aquatic Center Survey. Responses are needed by midnight Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Portland Parks & Recreation is working with the community to design a state-of-the-art, inclusive aquatic center at Northgate Park. Your input will help shape the building layout, amenities, and three proposed concept plans by Scott Edwards Architecture. Take the survey and share your thoughts here.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read through everything and please do fill out the surveys above. Your input is invaluable for helping me better serve our community.
Thanks for being part of the conversation! Together we will continue to build a better Oregon and House District 44!
And just for fun—I have added some photos of me showing off some dance moves right before our BIPOC Press Conference. Because who says government can’t have a little rhythm?
 As always, you can follow me and learn more about all my resource by scanning above or here.
Thank you,
 Travis Nelson
State Representative
House District 44
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1444
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-275, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/nelson
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