Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week at the Capitol, we discussed numerous important topics – including housing for veterans, price transparency, and utility regulations. See below for more details.
HB3865: Telemarketing Modernization Act
Watch my testimony.
I introduced the Telemarketing Modernization Act, House Bill 3865, to protect Oregonians who routinely receive invasive, repeated, and unwanted telemarketing solicitations via phone and text. The bill would update our existing telemarketing statutes by doing the following:
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Expand the definition of “telephone solicitation” to include texting;
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Prohibit solicitations after 7:00pm (current law allows for solicitations between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.); and
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Limit the solicitations to a maximum of 3 times per day.
SB688: Performance Based Regulation for Utilities
Watch the testimony.
While I was unable to attend a meeting of the Senate Committee on Energy & Climate, my legislative assistant Cassidy read my testimony in favor of SB688, which directs the Public Utility Commision to adopt a framework to implement performance-based regulations in regard to public utilities. Such a system would reward utilities that prioritize things like affordability, energy efficiency, clean electricity standards, modernizing the grid, reliability during disasters, and wildfire prevention and safety.
SB539: Medical Billing Transparency
Watch my testimony.
We know that Oregonians are struggling with rising healthcare costs. Among the challenges they face are hidden “facility fees” that are not disclosed to patients until after a procedure is performed. That is why I am co-sponsoring SB539, which would require hospitals and outpatient clinics to disclose these fees to patients beforehand so that people know how much they'll be spending on healthcare.
HB3789: Union Misrepresentation
Unions play a vital role in providing workers with information about their workplace protections, legal rights and benefits. Yet, there are people pretending to be union representatives who deceive workers and use fraud to convince them to opt-out of the organization. I am a chief co-sponsor of HB3789, which would make it unlawful to impersonate a union representative and give labor organizations legal recourse to hold the perpetrators accountable. This week, I submitted written testimony in favor of the bill.
Read my Testimony.
Bill Tracking
Commerce and Consumer Protection
We held hearings on two bills which address the problem of hidden or “junk” fees - HB3167 and HB3533. We also heard a bill that would increase consumer protections for those who are subjected to aggressive sales tactics by door-to-door salespeople.
Housing & Homelessness
We examined a variety of topics, such as manufactured housing, condominium construction defects, housing for veterans, and affordability for first-time home buyers.
Westside Economic Alliance
This week, I was happy to provide some legislative updates to the Westside Economic Alliance. My remarks focused on legislation we are working on related to infrastructure, trade, workforce development, and support for small businesses. We also discussed the pending transportation package and my proposed taskforce on youth apprenticeships.
Twisted Gyros - Hillsboro
Congratulations to Twisted Gyros on being named the No. 2 restaurant in the U.S. according to Yelp.
Twisted Gyros finds its inspiration from the Greek style of delicious meats topped with super fresh vegetables and house made sauces served on a pita known as ‘gyro’. Pacific Northwest Chefs Jason & Widi Kupper offer a modern approach to their tasty gyros in the amazing city of Hillsboro Oregon.
The former food cart is now located at 2401 NE Cornell Rd Suite P Hillsboro, OR 97124.
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
Women's History Month 2025
Consumer Protection
NW Natural Gas proposes 6.8% rate hike, PUC seeking public comment
Oregon lawmakers target hidden ‘facility fees’ contributing to higher medical costs
New Oregon bill would eliminate hidden ticket sale fees, crack down on deceptive resellers | Consumer | centraloregondaily.com
Housing & Homelessness
Officials celebrate groundbreaking of Hillsboro's first year-round homeless shelter | News | hillsboronewstimes.com
Some Oregon cities see ‘middle housing’ surge, but rollout is uneven - oregonlive.com
Labor & Workforce Development
Oregon’s unemployment rate is highest since 2021, even though state keeps adding jobs
Economic Development
Topping it off: Hillsboro Hops celebrate progress toward new stadium completion | News | hillsboronewstimes.com
Funding freeze: OMSI pauses projects after Trump federal freeze
Education
Oregon’s U.S. senators demand explanation for freeze on income-driven student loan repayment plans | News | portlandtribune.com
Kotek on Education Spending: “I Don’t Believe in Writing a Blank Check”
DOGE latest: Oregon schools could see 'disruptions' after education dept firings
Oregon joins 19 states in lawsuit to stop Trump's Department of Education cuts | kgw.com
Other
Salvation Army’s Washington County HOPE Center unveils new mobile food pantry | News | hillsboronewstimes.com
'These are not normal times': Centro Cultural reflects on work, prepares for immigration challenges ahead | News | hillsboronewstimes.com
Cherry Blossom Day at the Capitol - March 15th
Upcoming Events in and Around HD 30
Shamrock Shuffle - Registration - March 15th
Fire Station Community Open House - March 15th
Help Shape New Public Art for Shute Park - March 19th
More Events
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Responsibly
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) wants to get everyone home safely from their Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. That’s why PBOT will offer discounted taxi, Lyft, and Uber rides as part of its Safe Ride Home program.
Safe Ride Home coupons are valid for rides starting in Portland city limits daily from March 14 to 17, from 6 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Learn more.
Salvation Army Washington County Hope Center
1440 SE 21st Ave, Hillsboro OR 97123
503-640-4311
hillsboro.salvationarmy.org
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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