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To contact me, please click here: Rep.LisaFragala@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friend,
April Showers came early this year, and Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency in response to the flooding that occurred recently in our region. I hope everyone stayed safe locally and in Lane County.
The OR-Alert system can help you get the most up-to-date info on hazards in our area like flooding and wildfires. Click the picture to sign up for Lane alerts, and click here to sign up for other counties.
As your state representative, I want to be a resource for community members. My website includes resources on a variety of topics, including emergency response resources, housing assistance, tax information, and immigration services. My office is also available to help you navigate government agencies. Whether it's help with an unemployment claim or navigating the passport process, please reach out and we will help! I am here to be a source of information for you.
Click here to see the full compilation of resources!
I’m also committed to combatting confusion and hatred in our community and state. This includes standing up for vulnerable communities, working with other elected leaders to protect critical programs and rights, and by helping to build community. At my Constituent Coffee this past weekend, the most common questions were about what is happening in Oregon in response to threats at the federal level. I appreciated hearing from you about their very real concerns and was thankful so many people found the opportunity to connect & to talk useful.
Based on those conversations, I want to share what elected state leaders are doing to take action in these uncertain times.
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OREGON ATTORNEY GENERAL DAN RAYFIELD IS TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT OREGONIANS RIGHTS & VALUES
☆ Fighting for Education
AG Rayfield has joined a coalition of 20 other attorney generals in suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of the US Education Department. The department of education administers funding for special education and oversees higher education financial aid programs, all services critical to Oregon’s students.
☆ Protecting DEI Practices
AG Rayfield joined a coalition of 15 attorney generals in issuing legal guidance to help K-12 schools, colleges and universities understand the legality and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility practices in education. This is critical work to prevent an erosion of years of progress in this area and something I am also working to do at the legislature.
☆ Supporting Working Families
AG Rayfield joined a coalition of 20 attorney generals in filing a lawsuit against federal agencies for conducting mass layoffs of federal employees and demanding their rehire. Oregon has been hit hard by these layoffs at the Bonneville Power Authority, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the US Department of Veterans Affairs and others.
These are just three out of twenty-seven lawsuits that Attorney General Rayfield is engaged in. State representatives like myself are staying in close contact with the AG’s office for information about what is happening and how we can help our own community members. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are impacted. Click the seal to sign up for press releases.
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GOVERNOR TINA KOTEK IS PROTECTING AND INVESTING IN PROGRAMS TO SECURE OUR FUTURE
☆ Being Prepared for the Current Crisis
Governor Tina Kotek has been hard at work for months to make sure that our state is prepared for federal threats. She and other state leaders have been implementing an emergency preparedness process since last November. This includes working with state agencies to evaluate vulnerabilities in services and strengthening the critical programs citizens need. For example, she quickly took action to stockpile mifepristone to protect medical abortion access. Governor Kotek is also working with other governors on responding to challenges at the federal level. One recent effort included collaborating with regional governors to ensure continued electrical services after layoffs at the Bonneville Power Agency.
☆ Building Capacity to Weather the Storm
Governor Tina Kotek recommended a 2025 - 2027 budget that includes increased investments in K-12 education, additional funding to build more housing and reduce homelessness, and increased resources to improve access to mental health and addiction services. Her budget also includes $7 million to help immigrants living in the state navigate challenges and find legal representation. It is important our state stays focused on making sure government functions for our most vulnerable community members in the face of what is happening at the federal level.
☆ Protecting Oregon's Sanctuary Laws
Governor Kotek has a strong commitment to protecting Oregon’s Sanctuary Laws and has stated that “Our immigrant communities are Oregon communities.” This law, established in 1987, prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. I stand with Governor Kotek in solidarity with Oregon’s immigrant communities and will continue to fight for legislation that strengthens and protects these communities. Click the seal to sign up for press releases.
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THE OREGON LEGISLATURE IS WORKING TO BUILD AN ECONONOMY AND GOVERMENT OREGONIANS CAN RELY ON
☆ Ensuring Our Government Continues to Provide Critical Services and Care
This past month my fellow Democrats and I passed legislation that will ensure ongoing funding for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), the state's Medicaid program. Over half of Oregon’s children rely on OHP services and one-third of adults. HB 2010, introduced by Speaker Fahey in the House, also passed in the Senate on March 17th and now moves on to the Governor's desk.
☆ Protecting the Community from Wildfire
Another important priority for House Democrats is funding the mitigation, suppression and fighting of wildfires in Oregon. Representative John Lively is leading efforts on HB 3940 which will suggest how to approach on-going funding for these efforts in the face of federal cuts.
☆ Protecting Our Existing Reproductive Rights
Per the 2017 Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA), we have one of the strongest abortion access laws in the country, ensuring a full range of reproductive health care services are accessible and affordable for all Oregonians.
☆ Protecting Our Existing Gender Identity Rights
Per HB 2002 (2023), doctors and health care providers are protected from retaliation for providing abortion or gender-affirming care. It also requires the Oregon Health Plan and private insurance providers in Oregon to cover gender-affirming procedures deemed medically necessary.
I and other state representatives are hard at work on the specific issues that can make a difference in the lives of Oregonians and that confront the challenges at the federal level. Click the seal to sign up for press releases from the House Majority.
WHAT AM I WORKING ON?
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In addition to being a resource for you, I am focused on a variety of bills that connect to the issues I am hearing about from my constituents. The following are a few examples of legislation I am working on and co-sponsoring:
HIGHER EDUCATION:
☆ HJM 6: Urges Congress to provide strong federal funding for cutting-edge medical research in Oregon’s universities.
☆ HB 3183: Provides funding for Benefits Navigators and implements a housing taskforce for higher education students.
☆ HB 3109 & HB 3219: Provides funding to the UO’s Sustainable City Year Program and the UO’s Oregon Hazards Lab.
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K-12 EDUCATION
☆ HB 2953: Removes the percentage cap on funding special education services in K-12 schools with the goal of increasing access for all students.
☆ HB 3435: Requires all school districts to offer free breakfast & lunch to all students in Oregon Schools.
☆ HB 3652: Expands the requirement to discuss class size and caseloads as a mandatory subject of bargaining.
THE ENVIRONMENT
☆ HB 2256: Removes barriers to conservation efforts to protect Oregon’s rivers. I'm excited because this bill is in collaboration with the McKenzie River Trust. It has already passed on the House Floor and is now in Senate committee.
☆ HB 3365: Seeks to include climate science goals to the Oregon Department of Education academic content standards. This bill has been a collaborative effort with students and teachers statewide.
☆ SJR 28: Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to establish a fundamental right to a clean, safe and healthy environment.
WORKING FAMILIES:
☆ HB 2269: Part-time faculty at community colleges are paid less than full-time faculty for the same work and often face housing & food insecurity. This legislation will establish pay equity.
☆ HB 2548: Establishes a Workforce Labor Standards Board for farmworkers who are currently unable to bargain for working conditions, wages and benefits. This bill will directly support immigrant working families in our state.
☆ SB 611: Will make food assistance such as SNAP benefits available to Oregon’s youth and elders who are currently excluded due to immigration status.
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HEALTHCARE:
☆ HB 3227: Voids noncompetition, nondisclosure, and non-solicitation agreements for doctors. This bill works to address what happened at Oregon Medical Group (OMG) in Eugene.
☆ SB 951: Relates to the corporate practice of medicine and seeks to address challenges in access to healthcare by prioritizing the relationship between a patient and their doctor.
☆ HB 2423: Oregon K-12 districts rely on a variety of healthcare workers in our schools; this personal bill addresses challenges to licensure issues for this important workforce.
THE ANTIDOTE TO DESPAIR IS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ACTION
Your Participation in Local & State Government is Critical:
We are all worried about the challenges our community is facing at the federal level, but your voice is still needed at the local and state level.
Testify Virtually: Wednesday, April 16 (5–7 pm)
Oregon State Capitol Building, Hearing Room F
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Register to Testify
☆ Show up at Lane County Commission meetings and let them know what your priorities are, including protecting our most vulnerable communities. Meetings are weekly on Tuesdays. Find more information here.
☆ Eugene 4J has begun the process for hiring a new superintendent. It is critical that our community stays engaged with this decision and stays connected to what is happening with local school boards. Find more information here.
Join Others in the Work Already Being Done:
There are many organizations active in our community and your participation can make a big difference. Volunteer when you are able and support the local organizations and groups who are already working on critical issues to protect and support our community. If you don't have the time to volunteer, but you do have the means to donate, consider making a monthly contribution to a nonprofit engaged in making a difference. The following are a few suggestions to help you learn more:
If you’ve made it to the end, thank you for taking the time to read the entire newsletter. I recognize it might be a bit long, but felt it was important to respond to what I’ve been hearing from constituents. Please know that I will continue to be accessible, work hard in Salem on legislation that protects our community, and engage in issues that improve the lives of working people.
Sincerely,
Representative Lisa Fragala
House District 8
Need to Get in Touch?
Email: Rep.LisaFragala@oregonlegislature.gov I Phone: (503) 986-1408
Address: 900 Court St NE, H-484, Salem, OR, 97301
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/fragala
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