Come To The Ways and Means Roadshow!

Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 03/25/2025 11:00 AM PDT
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Represenative Emerson Levy

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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov

Hi Friends,

This weekend we kicked off the first stop of the Ways and Means Roadshow in Gresham where we had a packed house at Mt. Hood Community College. We heard from educators, home health workers and many engaged community members. This weekend the committee will be in Astoria — see the full schedule listed below. 

In the coming weeks, the Joint Committee on Transportation will work on shaping the 2025 Transportation Package, addressing critical issues in Oregon’s Transportation funding such as aging infrastructure and long-term sustainability. I’ll share updates as details become public. 

This week, I’ve received hundreds of emails from constituents regarding their thoughts on various bills this session. Many of these emails were in support of Senate Bill 702, which would prohibit the distribution and sale of flavored tobacco in Oregon. We also received emails both in support and opposition of Senate Bill 916, which allows workers on strike to access unemployment benefits. If you have thoughts on these bills, feel free to let us know!

Check out our weekly happenings and updates on personal bills below! 

As always, reach out with any questions. 

Warmly,

Rep. Levy's signature

Central Oregon Cities Organization (COCO) Day at the Capitol

Last week, local leaders from six Central Oregon communities—including Redmond, Sisters, and Madras—visited the Capitol for COCO Day. Organized by Doug Riggs, the event brought together mayors, city councilors, and other regional representatives to discuss key legislative priorities. Thank you for joining us in Salem! 

State leaders, including House Budget Chair Tawna Sanchez, Transportation Committee Vice-Chair Bruce Starr, and representatives from the Land Conservation and Development Department, provided updates and engaged with the group on regional concerns.

COCO, founded in 1999, unites cities from Central Oregon’s three counties to collaborate on shared legislative priorities and advance regional goals.

COCO Day at the Capitol

Ensuring Fair Coverage for Breast Reconstruction: Support for SB 1137

Too many women facing breast cancer encounter unnecessary barriers when accessing reconstructive care after a mastectomy. Senate Bill 1137 addresses this by ensuring that all medically necessary procedures—including autologous breast reconstruction—are covered fairly by insurance providers. This bill eliminates delays, prevents patients from being forced into less effective procedures, and ensures that out-of-network specialists are reimbursed at fair rates.

Representative Emerson Levy testified in strong support of this bill, emphasizing the importance of removing financial and bureaucratic obstacles for women navigating breast cancer recovery. SB 1137 is about ensuring that every woman in Oregon has access to the best possible care without added stress.

We’re committed to advocating for policies that put patients first. Learn more here and stay engaged as this bill moves forward!

Improving Safety for E-Micromobility: HB 3626

As e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular, House Bill 3626 provides commonsense updates to Oregon’s laws to improve safety and ensure consistency. The bill establishes a clear definition of “powered micromobility devices,” requires all riders under 16 to wear helmets, and sets reasonable age guidelines for e-scooter and e-bike use.

To support public awareness, the bill also includes $250,000 for an education campaign through ODOT, ensuring that riders, parents, and law enforcement understand the rules of the road. Representative Emerson Levy, who helped shape this bill as a member of the Interim Electric Micromobility Workgroup, emphasized the importance of balancing safety with the increasing use of these transportation options.

HB 3626 provides a straightforward, practical approach to keeping our roads and pathways safe for everyone. Learn more here and stay engaged as this bill moves forward!

Addressing Oregon’s Youth Behavioral Health Crisis: HB 3835

Oregon is facing a severe shortage of youth behavioral health services, and House Bill 3835 takes a critical step towards addressing this growing crisis. The bill seeks to improve access to residential care for children in need while ensuring that schools and care providers have clear, consistent guidelines to keep both staff and students safe. 

In Central Oregon, there are currently no residential beds for youth in acute crisis, forcing families to transport children long distances for care. Schools are also struggling, with staff facing increasing safety concerns due to a lack of appropriate behavioral health resources. Representative Emerson Levy, who has heard firsthand from parents, teachers, and healthcare providers, emphasized the urgent need for reform to prevent more service closures and provide better support for families. 

HB 3835 offers a balanced approach to improving access to care while maintaining necessary safeguards in schools and residential facilities. To learn more about this important bill, click here — and be sure to stay engaged as it moves forward. 

Joint Ways & Means is Hitting the Road!

As your state representative, I am committed to ensuring that the needs of our district are heard as Oregon shapes its 2025-2027 biennial budget. I am pleased to share that the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, which oversees the state’s budget process, will be holding six community budget hearings across the state — and I’ll be there to listen to you. 

These hearings are your opportunity to tell us what matters most to you — whether it’s funding for schools, roads, health care, or other critical priorities. With limited resources and some uncertainty due to federal actions, your input will play a key role in guiding the tough decisions ahead. The hearing closest to House District 53 will take place on the tribal lands in Warm Springs on Friday, April 4th — more details below!

Here’s where and when you can join:

Want to share your thoughts? Sign up to testify at the hearing closest to you — or join us virtually on April 16th. If you can’t attend, feel free to email me your budget priorities anytime. 

I look forward to hearing from you and working together to make sure our priorities are reflected in the state budget. 

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-486, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/levye​