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March 28th, 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you were able to enjoy our brief stretch of pleasant weather. The cherry blossoms are blooming outside the Capitol.
Legislative Priorities
Home Solicitation
One of the bills I am chief-sponsoring this session, along with my colleague Rep. Chotzen, is HB3605 regarding home solicitation. Oregon currently has the Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA) which governs door-to-door sales and prohibits fraudulent as well as abusive conduct. If that law is violated, however, consumers have no ability to hold the salesperson accountable. This bill would give them that power and, in the case of systemic violations, authorize the Attorney General to take further action.
I am happy to report that the bill passed the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection this week with bipartisan support and is headed to the House Floor.
We held public hearings on HB3156 to provide information to utility customers about how to file complaints, HB3792 to expand the Low-Income Electric Bill Payment Assistance Fund, and HB2680 to promote quality workmanship on public projects.
Housing & Homelessness
We had hearings on several bills regarding affordable housing, including:
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HB2138 regarding middle housing;
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HB2316 on the use of state-owned land for affordable housing development;
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HB3236 regarding mortgage assistance for first-time home buyers; and
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HB2735 to increase the matching funds that the state providers to those who use Individual Development Accounts to help purchase a home.
Bill Tracking
Visit the Oregon Legislative Info System (OLIS) to search and track legislation through the session on topics like:
Constituent Coffee - April 5th
I invite you to join me Saturday, April 5th from 9:00-10:30am, for a conversation about the issues that matter most to you, your family, and your community.
This month, we will meet at Starbucks Coffee, located at 5222 NE Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro, OR 97124. I hope that you will stop by, say hello, and enjoy a cup of coffee with me.
Honoring Women's History Month
What started with a single week of celebration in Sonoma County, California, in 1978 has grown to a whole month of celebrating the accomplishments of women. The observation expanded to a month in 1987 after state departments of education across the country recognized its power in achieving equity goals within their classrooms. Educators were the original champions of women's history and continue to be its most important storytellers.
Classroom Resources for Women's History Month:
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Oregon bill aims to give drivers more control over data collected by their cars
Housing & Homelessness
Washington, Multnomah county mayors talk homelessness, funding | Business | portlandtribune.com
Senate votes to outlaw discrimination against tenants based on immigration status | oregoncapitalinsider
Oregon publishes map of state land ripe for housing development
Labor & Workforce Development
Judge pauses Kotek’s executive order requiring labor agreements for state construction
Economic Development
Construction nearly wrapped up for Oregon's first Jollibee in Hillsboro | News | hillsboronewstimes.com
Intel’s new CEO tells investors: ‘We fell short of your expectations’ - oregonlive.com
Oregon sees highest unemployment rate since 2021
Catch a trip to the Oregon Coast with new bus service coming to North Plains | Lifestyle | hillsboronewstimes.com
Education
Building a foundation: Forest Grove High School Viking House program in need of new property | Lifestyle | hillsboronewstimes.com
Oregon Lawmakers Make a Full-Court Press on Literacy
Other
Washington County faces $20.5M shortfall; cuts expected | News | hillsboronewstimes.com
Oregon, Washington County public defender crisis persists | News | hillsboronewstimes.com
Oregon state government relies on billions of dollars from the feds. Here’s where cuts could hurt most
Democrats’ Quest to Ban Flavored Tobacco Products Picks Up Steam
In rare move, all 50 states’ top lawyers, including Oregon AG Dan Rayfield, band together to seek legal justice for veterans - oregonlive.com
Open ORPAT Session with Hillsboro Police Department - March 29th
Dogs & Donuts with Hillsboro Police - March 30th
Hillsboro Art Walk (First Tuesday) - April 1st
Hillsboro Hops vs. Eugene Emeralds - April 4th, 5th & 6th
More Events
Hillsboro Recovery Center Construction Update
Construction at the Hillsboro Center for Addictions and Triage and Treatment Center (CATT) is nearly complete! In late May, staff from County Behavioral Health and the Hawthorn Walk-In Center will begin moving their belongings to the new space. Beginning June 2, the building will officially open with limited services of the Hawthorn Walk-In Center and County Behavioral Health. In July, Solutions Group NW, Project Homeless Connect, and the Mental Health and Addictions Association of Oregon will begin providing services onsite, marking the broader opening of the community services portion of the CATT.
Learn more about CATT.
Salvation Army Washington County Hope Center
Pathway of Hope Program, Mobile Outreach Program, and Food Pantry
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 option.
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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