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To contact me, please click here: Rep.ShannonIsadore@oregonlegislature.gov
 Friends and Neighbors,
We have officially passed the “first chamber” deadline, which means that bills must have been voted out of their policy committees to be considered “alive.” This deadline does not apply to Conduct, Rules, Revenue, or Ways and Means committees. Following that deadline on the 9th, the volume of bills has dramatically reduced, and all bills must now pass floor votes in their respective chamber by May 23rd. After passing the floor, policy bills start the committee process all over again in the other chamber. In short, we have culled the pack and will continue to do so as we cross more deadlines that keep the legislative process moving.
The work of policy committees has significantly lightened, and floor sessions have gotten longer and longer as we vote on this session’s historic number of bills. I am particularly relieved as a member of the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care, which has been one of the busiest committees. We heard over 150 bills and voted on almost 100 of those in the run up to the first chamber deadline!
 I had the pleasure of joining Rep. Watanabe at her HD 34 Economic Round Table, where I met with local business owners as well as fellow veteran and Mayor of Beaverton Lacey Beaty. It’s always great to hear directly from business owners about what the state can do to support the business community in today’s economic climate.
As the founder of a behavioral health clinic, I knew that I was going to do everything I can in my capacity as a legislator to stabilize and increase capacity in our behavioral health system. It’s been a pleasure to share my perspective as a provider in critical conversations around workforce capacity, worker safety, residential capacity, and other ways to ensure our behavioral health system can meet the needs of our communities.
I am proud to co-Chief Sponsor HB 2024 with Rep. Nosse, Chair of the Behavioral Health and Health Care, which will make crucial investments to support the behavioral health workforce.
Without workers, the behavioral health system falls apart. Following the pandemic, we are still struggling to recruit and retain behavioral health workers. Anyone working in this space will tell you: this is passion work. Behavioral health workers serve on the frontlines of the addiction crisis, working with high acuity clients while receiving low pay.
House Bill 2024 will:
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Stabilize and grow the behavioral health workforce by establishing a grant program that will allow organizational providers to provide meaningful workforce supports to attract and retain qualified professionals.
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Make targeted reimbursement increases for workers providing outreach and residential services.
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Ensure that we are training the next generation of providers by investing into apprenticeship and training programs.
Help PDAB determine prescription drug affordability!
The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) would love to hear from you about the 27 prescription drugs for affordability reviews.
You can access the survey here: Survey for patient, caregivers and advocacy groups (En Español)
PDAB is requesting information from people and organizations affected by the cost of prescription drugs the board has identified on its list for upcoming affordability reviews this summer. Please open the survey link and answer the questions. The list of prescription drugs under review can be selected from a drop-down list in the survey and is also posted on the PDAB website. Surveys will close April 30, 2025.
PDAB also invites you to share your stories during the May 21 online board meeting. Individuals can sign up to speak by submitting the public comment form.
Latinos Unidos Conference
 Registration for the Latinos Unidos 2025 conference is now open! This is a fantastic opportunity for behavioral health providers all over Oregon.
The conference will take place on August 14-15, 2025 in Redmond, OR. This year's theme will be "Unity and Well-Being." Facilitated by behavioral health experts, they will explore various topics, such as: reasons for adopting self-destructive patterns, the power of the eight dimensions of health in strengthening organizations, generational health, family dynamics between first and second generation immigrants, and much more.
Attending the conference is an opportunity to connect with others, strengthen your skills, and learn from experts in the field! Register here.
Claims Without Claims
There is an important initiative from the Oregon State Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program: “Checks Without Claims.” This effort proactively returns unclaimed funds to Oregonians—without requiring any action on their part. This year, individuals in every Oregon county will receive payments as part of this initiative, reinforcing Treasury’s commitment to reconnecting Oregonians with their unclaimed property. You can check for your unclaimed property in the Treasury’s online database at Unclaimed.Oregon.gov. Nationally, 1 in 7 people have unclaimed property.
You can find more details in the Treasury’s press release: Treasury Proactively Returning $11 Million in Unclaimed Funds.
I would like to recognize the impact of the $2,632,640 in grants that the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust awarded to the arts in HD 33 in the last four years. The arts are an integral part of the beauty, culture, and economy of HD 33 and grants from the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust are so crucial to keep them thriving. Congratulations to all recipients and thank you to the institutions responsible!
In honor of this news, I would like to highlight a few important art events happening in our district this month.
Hannah Theiss Artist Talk & Collage Event @ J. Pepin Art Gallery
 In partnership with Blackfish Gallery, guest artist Hannah Theiss is currently presenting Aphelion at HD 33’s own J. Pepin Art Gallery. Aphelion marks the genesis of Theiss’s artistic exploration of mental health – navigating darkness and the reassembly of self. Aphelion serves as the foundation for her subsequent body of work, Qualia, which is on exhibit in tandem with this show at Blackfish Gallery. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience Aphelion, the foundation of Qualia, and to follow the evolution of Theiss’s artistic journey.
On April 27th at 3 p.m., join Hannah as she shares her process and story behind her Aphelion exhibition. She will share about the meaning of her work and guide attendees in the creation of collages that capture a variety of abstract feelings with materials from her exhibition. Supplies will be provided. Tickets to this event are available here.
The Brothers Size
 From Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight, Choir Boy) comes a story of freedom and family. Steadfast and responsible, Ogun Size fights to connect with Oshoosi, his aimless younger brother, who has recently been released from prison. Weaving together the mundane and the mystic, this play is an invite into the Louisiana Bayou, showing a world of poetry, African mythology, and music. It is a fresh and contemporary tale of belonging, brotherhood and the ties that bind. Beginning on April 20th, this show will be performed at HD 33’s Portland Center Stage at the Armory. You can find tickets here.
Push: Black Mamas Changing the Culture of Birth
 Push: Black Mamas Changing the Culture of Birth is a play brought to you by Black Futures for Perinatal Health and The Center for Women's Leadership, a Black and woman-led collaboration of reproductive justice advocates, educators, and birth workers. For their opening night on April 25th, they are also hosting a pre-show reception to celebrate their work. This is a great opportunity to support a local organization doing so much to expand healthcare and the lives of birthing people. Get your tickets here.
 The Star Portland is a local favorite for Pearl District pizza. The Star layers premium, locally-sourced toppings to create unforgettable flavors and boasts a carefully curated craft beer program. Whether you’re a local foodie or you’re exploring our beautiful Pearl District for the first time, the Star Portland offers a taste of our city’s innovative culinary spirit. Check out the Star or other participating restaurants during Portland Pizza Week by Sunday, April 20th for discounted specialty slices and pies!
Thank you for reading! You are welcome to send me an email at rep.shannonisadore@oregonlegislature.gov or call my office at 503-986-1433. Stay tuned for more newsletters with updates or follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
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Shannon Isadore
State Representative
House District 33
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Capitol Phone: 503-986-1433
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-276, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.ShannonIsadore@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/isadore
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