|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
We are in the last two weeks before the Chamber deadline by which all bills must be moved out of most policy committees – April 9th. In Senate Healthcare, we have heard bills on a wide variety of topics, from increasing access to health insurance (SB 1181) to reducing patient out-of-pocket expenses (SB 539), to increasing transparency around healthcare charges and out-of-pocket costs (SB 1060).
In Senate Housing, we moved forward bills that would increase information available about affordable housing (SB 973) and help to re-house renters on fixed incomes who affordable housing moves to market rate (SB 31). We also moved forward bills that would protect urban growth boundaries but make it easier for cities and municipalities to create more housing without compromising safety and standards.
In Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health, we worked on bills that would expand resources for families and provide early intervention to keep families healthy. We discussed expansion of the successful model for entry level behavioral health workers available here at the Career Technical Education Center here in Salem, taking that program statewide through grants available to other school districts (SB 527). And we moved forward a request for $5 million to support and expand the critically needed work of Liberty House.
In Senate Revenue and Finance, we had a robust discussion on the request from the Portland Diamonds, a group of investors seeking funding for a major league baseball stadium. SB 110 proposes an income tax on players and employees for home and visiting baseball teams that would pay for $800 million of bonds within 30 years should Portland receive the franchise.
I would be very interested to hear your points of view on these topics or others of interest to you. Please send me an e-mail at Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov. You are also invited to my next Town Hall, to be held on Friday, April 11th at 3:00 pm in the Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE, Salem, OR 97301. And I would urge you to stay connected at the federal level as well. The White House switchboard is 202-456-2461, comments line is 202-456-1111. The U.S. Capitol switchboard is 202-224-3121.
Thank you to the many folks who have stopped by to see me on a wide variety of issues. Just in the last few days, I have had visits from folks with the League of Women Voters, SEIU, the Oregon Hospital Association, and the Oregon Justice Center, among many others. I am happy to hear from you! It is also great when I can get out to other events, such as the Women in Business meeting sponsored by the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce, and the report from the Oregon Hunger Task Force made to the downtown Salem Rotary Club, which I attended this week.
Finally, I do hope you had a chance to visit the Capitol State Park to enjoy the cherry blossoms. If not, there will still be time to get out and enjoy one of the many beautiful parks in our district and State. Happy Spring!
Best regards,
Deb
Town Hall Recap
Thank you to those who attended my recent Town Hall at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. Many folks shared concerns about federal budget cuts and uncertainty coming from the White House. Please know our leadership in Oregon is working hard to defend against threats to Oregon values.
I will be holding another Town Hall, this time at the Salem Public Library, on Friday, April 11th at 3:00pm in the Loucks Auditorium. I hope you can join me!
I continue to reach out to our Congressional delegation, and I hope you will continue to do so, as well. The Capitol switchboard operators are at 202-224-3121. They can connect you with the Senate or House member of your choice.
Tax Season Resources
As tax season is upon us, the Department of Revenue has provided a list of resources to share with constituents. Please see below.
Updated Where's My Refund? Tool: A tool that serves to provide a general overview of your refund status. For the 2025 tax season, updates include additional information regarding refund status, added functionality to see when the agency is requesting more information to complete a return, and improved website enhancements. To learn more, click here.
Free Electronic Tax Filing Options: While the free filing options have some income and other limitations, most Oregon taxpayers are to file electronically at no cost using one of the free file options that are listed on the Department of Revenue website, and in this guide. Click on each to view.
Free Aid in Filing Oregon Tax Returns: If you are in need of help filing electronically, there are several services that offer in person and drop off services for tax preparation by trained volunteers. To view these several resources, see here.
Direct File Oregon: Direct File Oregon is one of the newest free electronic filing options, as it is the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Provided below are video links to learn more about each, click on the one you want to view: IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
Senate Bill 101 Passing Through The Senate
Two weeks ago, the Senate voted unanimously to pass SB 101—which extends a state program to 2032, to continue allowing Oregonians to lower their taxable income by the amount they save each year in a first-time homebuyer savings account. This program allows people to save up to $50,000 over ten years. We are excited to see this bill go through the legislative process, as its next stop is at The Oregon House of Representatives.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/patterson
| 
