Rep. Hoa Nguyen's March 2025 Newsletter - Halfway through session!
Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 03/28/2025 03:00 PM PDT
Hello and Welcome to House District 48!
Xin chào và Chào mừng đến với House District 48!
Hello friends and neighbors,
The past month has been both busy and challenging. My colleagues and I have been working hard to craft legislation that enhances the lives of Oregonians, ensuring everyone has the resources they need to thrive. I remain committed to expanding access to quality education, providing students with the support they need to succeed. I am also working to make child care more affordable and accessible so parents can pursue their careers or education without worrying about care for their children.
Addressing Oregon’s affordability crisis is another top priority. I am advocating for legislation that protects consumers from unfair rate hikes and junk fees while pushing for solutions to make housing more affordable for all.
As we navigate challenges and uncertainty at the federal level, my fellow lawmakers and I remain steadfast in our efforts to protect and improve the future for Oregonians across the state.
With March coming to a close, we’ve reached the midpoint of the 2025 Legislative Session. At this stage, no new bills are being introduced; instead, we are refining our proposals to ensure only the most effective policies move forward and become law.
It is an honor to serve as your Representative for a second term, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work.
Trong cộng đồng,
In Community,
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1448
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-281, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.HoaNguyen@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/nguyen
We want to hear from you!
If you have ideas for future legislation or how we can uplift our community, please fill out this google form.
In this Newsletter:
*There are several Return to the Top of Page so you can navigate back here.
Legislative Updates
Budget Framework Focused on Fiscal Responsibility, Maintaining Core Services
Every two years, the Legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget for our entire state. It's a big responsibility that takes hundreds of hours of conversations. The budget committee co-chairs released their framework for the 2025-2027 budget on Wednesday, which stresses fiscal responsibility, protects core services, and maintains flexibility during an uncertain economic time.
As always, the Legislature is not going to have enough resources to pay for every important program up for consideration. But Oregon's economy is stable, so unlike other states we don't have to make programmatic cuts right now.
And while budget conversations continue in the coming months, we are going to make sure that key investments are guided by Oregon values and directed toward the most pressing needs of our state.
One great part about the framework: We are able to maintain funding for existing programs, including fully funding the governor's request for $11.4 billion into the State School Fund for K-12 education, assuming the adoption of oversight and accountability measures.
We also want to hear from you. Legislators from the Joint Committee on Ways and Means will be participating in six community budget hearings across the state to provide a space for Oregonians to share their opinions about the budget.
The next stop is March 28 at the Liberty Theatre in Astoria from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PST.
Considering the chaos coming out of Washington, D.C., the framework also contemplates scenarios where actions by the federal administration impact Oregon's economy and budget. If federal budget cuts happen, the federal government will own those cuts and we would not be able to backfill those services. Oregon's budget is designed to leverage federal funds to help more Oregonians, not plug federal funding holes.
A destabilizing trade war or economic mismanagement from the federal government could also turn our country toward a recession. Our co-chairs have been preaching "facts, not fear" so we are preparing for the worst while planning our budget with the information we have right now.
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Updates on our Priority Bills
As of last Friday, the 21st, any bills that were not scheduled for a work session cannot be passed during the 2025 legislative session. A work session is where a committee considers a bill, decides whether it should receive any amendments before advancing, and votes on whether the bill should proceed to either the House Floor or to a joint committee, such as Ways and Means.
HB 3199 – Chronic Absenteeism Omnibus has a public work session April 2nd at 3:00 pm. Tune in to watch it here.
HB 3200 – Oregon Teacher Scholars Program has a public hearing on April 7th at 3:00 pm. Tune in to watch it here.
HB 3201 – Child and Adult Care Food Program has a public work session April 3rd at 8:00 am. Tune in to watch it here.
HB 3218 – Tribal Attendance Promising Practices (TAPP) Study has a work session on Monday, March 31st at 3:00 pm. Tune in to watch it here.
HB 3496 – Child Care Siting Best Practices Guide has a work session scheduled for April 1st at 8:00 am. Tune in to watch it here.
HB 3925 – Sunrise Corridor project is an investment in Clackamas County for infrastructural improvements in the Sunrise Corridor. This bill has been referred to the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee for Transportation.
HB 3941 – Community Schools Grant Program is scheduled for a public hearing on March 31st at 3:00 which you can tune in to here, and a public work session April 2nd, which you can tune in to here.
SB 953 – Creates a Pre-K taskforce to support disabled students, passed out of the Senate Committee on Education last week and will now proceed to Joint Ways and Means, meaning it is one step closer to becoming a law!
Legislative Deadlines Overview
March 21 - Work Session Deadline
- As of last Friday, any bill that has NOT been scheduled for a work session cannot be passed during the 2025 legislative session
March 26th - Revenue Forecast
- The Oregon Economic Forecast provides information to planners and policy makers and private organizations for use in their decision-making processes.
April 9 - First Chamber Deadline
- Any bill that has NOT been voted on and passed in the chamber in which it originated now cannot proceed
March 26th - Revenue Forecast
- The Oregon Economic Forecast provides information to planners and policy makers and private organizations for use in their decision-making processes.
May 23 - Second Chamber Deadline
- Any bill that has NOT been voted on passed in BOTH chambers now cannot be passed during the 2025 legislative session
June 29 - Constitutional Sine Die
- The Oregon Constitution dictates that the Legislative Session must end after 160 days in odd-numbered years
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Community News and Upcoming Events!
Grant Application and District Opportunities
The Clackamas County Cultural Coalition is excited to announce that due to a generous grant from the Clackamas County Commissioners it will be offering a Spring 2025 Grant Cycle with awards up to $5,000 available for projects and general operating funds related to arts, heritage, or humanities!
This application is for projects or operational support occurring between June 30, 2025 – May 31, 2026.
Before starting your grant application, please read the Cultural Plan for Arts, Heritage and Humanities. Your ability to write a competitive application will be improved by your familiarity with the Plan!
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CALL FOR ARTISTS: HAPPY VALLEY SCULPTURE GARDEN 2025-2027
The Happy Valley Public Art Committee seeks up to six artists to participate in the 2025 – 2027 Sculpture Garden Program at Happy Valley City Hall.
Application Closes March 31
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SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL: POSTER ART CONTEST
The seventh annual Safe Routes to School art contest is open to Kindergarten through 12th grade students in Clackamas County.
Application Closes April 1
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SEEKING ARTSY VOLUNTEERS FROM 3/1-6/30
Seeking volunteers who can teach low-income tenants and families how to paint, draw, etc. to host and provide instructions during DIY art event/s at Good Shepherd Village in Happy Valley.
Application Closes June 30
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LEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
We’re looking for artists, designers, and architects to submit proposals for a semi-permanent art installation in the Garden’s Far Meadow.
Application Closes April 30
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CALL FOR ARTISTS: SPRING FLING ART FESTIVAL
The Spring Fling is back for a fifth year and will be held on May 2nd and 3rd at the Pioneer Community Center in Oregon City. Application for festival artists closes April 2nd.
Application Closes April 2
Upcoming Events
Saturday April 12, 9 AM - 1 PM @ Powell Butte
Info: Volunteer with Trail Keepers of Oregon and Portland Parks and Recreation to do trail maintenance at Powell Butte! Visit the event page for more details (RSVP, what to bring, etc.)
NAYA Housing to Homeownership Fair
Saturday April 26, 10 AM - 3:30 PM @ NAYA Family Center (5135 NE Columbia Blvd)
Info: Participants can attend workshops, meet with lenders, real estate agents, and other community partners to learn about homeownership. Lunch will be provided as well as a raffle, including down payment assistance and other great prizes that will support you on your journey to homeownership.
Wednesdays, 10 AM to 2 PM @ Y.O.U.T.H. Center (16126 SE Stark St)
Info: More than just a clothing resource, the Community Closet is a space of trust, support, and empowerment, where families and youth can access the essentials needed to thrive. Drop by for clothes and shoes of all sizes!
Free Tax Help in Vietnamese, Cantonese, and English
(volunteers in partnership w/ Vietnamese Community of Oregon)
Saturdays, 11 AM to 4 PM @ Midland Library
Info: VNCO serves Seniors, Veterans and Low-Income Taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $67,000 or less. Please bring photo ID or passport, Social Security card (or work permit document), spouse and children documents (if any), ITIN letter, last year's W2/1099/1098 and any other tax-related forms, last year's tax return, last year's medical, daycare and educational receipts, as well as any current tax documents. For direct deposit, bring bank account and routing number for your bank account. If filing jointly, both spouses must be present to sign required forms.
Tuesdays, 10:15 to 11:15 AM @ Happy Valley Library
Info: Drop in to this weekly class that will prepare you for the civics and American history portion of the citizenship interview, taught by an instructor from Goodwill. Every student receives a free citizenship test prep textbook.
Community Engagement:
Make sure to check out our Interactive District Map!
Have you taken our Constituents' Priorities survey yet?
Have you taken our Public School Librarians Survey Yet?
Resources
Immigration and refugee hotlines:
To find a love one who is detained, search the Online Detainee Locator System (https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search) using the person’s Alien Registration Number and country of origin or biographical information. If you cannot find a person using the online locator, call your local ICE office. For a directory of local ICE offices, visit www.ice.gov/contact/ero.
National Immigration Detention Hotline: 1-209-757-3733 (open Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 8pm PST) or for more information on the hotline you can also go to: https://www.freedomforimmigrants.org/hotline
United We Dream: To report a raid call 1-844-363-1423. Or send a text message to 877877. If possible, take photos and videos, and notes.
National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) hotline: 1-844-500-3222
Tahirih’s Afghan Asylum Line: 1-888-991-0852 Open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.
Immigration Equality – National LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Legal Emergency Help: 1-212-714-2904 (hotline open weekdays during daytime hours EST) or go to their website to fill out a contact form: www.immigrationequality.org/get-legal-help/#.WphaiRPwYWo
For state and local hotlines for raids, detentions & deportations, visit https://nnirr.org/education-resources/community-resources-legal-assistance-recursoscomunitarios-asistencia-legal/immigration-hotlines-lineas-directas-de-inmigracion/
Mental Health Resources
With winter approaching, reduced daylight hours can have a negative impact on our individual and collective mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, there are several resources available. Oregon’s 988 crisis hotline is available for 24/7 crisis support via phone or online chat. You can also contact your local Community Mental Health Program to find behavioral health, mental health, and addiction support.
Higher Education Scholarship Opportunities
I highly encourage all current and future students pursuing a postsecondary education in 2025-26 to apply for grants and scholarships through the state website OregonStudentAid.gov. This month, the HECC Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) officially opened the OSAC Scholarship Application for the next academic year. The State of Oregon has made accessing scholarships easy for Oregon students with its central site for more than 600 scholarships. Through the application, students can apply for several awards at one time. Those who submit their scholarship application by the early bird deadline of February 18, 2025, will have the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship, and the final deadline is March 3, 2025.
Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance
The Oregon Health Authority recently announced that it will offer free enrollment help to Oregonians who qualify for Medicare or buy insurance through the federal marketplace. Open enrollment for Medicare lasts through December 7, and if you’re one of over a million Oregonians who needs health insurance, the state has trained specialists that can help you navigate the enrollment process. Whether you’re renewing your coverage or applying for the first time, you can learn more about this support here or call 800-699-9075.
Benefits Assistance
While inflation is falling, basic goods are still too expensive for many working families. If you need bill assistance, the Oregon Law Center’s Public Benefits Hotline can help you identify the state and federal resources you might qualify for. If you would like to learn more about benefits like Unemployment Insurance, TANF, SNAP (formerly food stamps), Social Security, and other programs, you can call 1-800-520-5292 Monday through Thursday.
For urgent needs like rent assistance, finding food, or getting help with utility payments, you can contact 211info by calling 211, texting your zip to 898211, emailing help@211info.org, or visiting 211info.org.
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Stay Connected!
Thank you for reading and please stay in touch. We want to hear from you! If you have ideas for future legislation or how we can uplift our community, please fill out this google form.
- Facebook @RepHoaNguyen
- Instagram @Rep.HoaNguyen
- Twitter @Rep_HoaNguyen
- TikTok @StateRepHoaNguyen
You can get in touch with me directly by visiting or connecting through:
- My Legislative Website
- Email at Rep.HoaNguyen@oregonlegislature.gov
- Call our office at 503-986-1448
- Visit my office in the House Chambers on the fourth floor, H-473