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To contact me, please click here: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you well and you are enjoying the fullness of Spring.
We are over halfway through the 2025 legislative session and we have been busy bees! We have been working hard to pass landmark legislation through the House and create meaningful change for all Oregonians.
By May 9, policy bills must have a work session scheduled in their second chamber to still be in play. We are excited about the legislation that we have put forward and are committed to seeing it through the legislative process. We also have a number of Town Hall events coming up and I invite you to come join us for meaningful conversations about issues that are top of mind.
House Democrats came together this week to create a response to the first 100 days of Trump’s second term.
You can watch it on our Instagram here.
April 30th marks 100 days of Trump’s second term as president. In the Capitol, we are celebrating the resilience of Oregonians and mourning the federal actions and its direct impact to Oregonians.
From economic impacts, threats of tariffs, funding freezes, and essential programs like Social Security Income, Medicare and Medicaid on the line, and threats to our immigrant communities, we need to be doing more to build trust and strength in our democracy. While we wait to see what will happen during the rest of his four years, I know that I and my colleagues will continue to fight against his dangerous rhetoric and protect Oregonians. Together, we can keep Oregon on a path to a safe, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.
Trump’s Impacts on Oregon:
- $3,800 additional costs for Oregon households each year due to Trump’s tariffs
- 50% of protected forest land opened to logging
- Thousands of federal jobs lost, including in the Forest Service and VA
- $225 million in grants jeopardized by funding freezes
- Infringement on the safety and rights of immigrants
- $484 million in public health research funding at risk
How We Are Fighting Back:
AG Rayfield has filed and joined a multitude of lawsuits against the Trump administration, including:
Governor Kotek confirmed commitment to safeguarding Oregonian values in education
I know that everyone is feeling uncertainty, anxiety and frankly concerned about the potential impacts to everyday working Oregonians. But I along with so many of my colleagues are committed to protecting our basic rights, freedoms, and fighting for essential services that keep costs down.
Rep Pham and Republican Leader Drazan both testified in support of HB 3934.
Oregon currently has the lowest estate tax threshold in the nation, creating barriers for families who have their assets tied to land, equipment, businesses, and infrastructure. My priority bill, HB 3934 seeks to increase flexibility for families taking advantage of the estate tax exemption.
If a spouse passes away, portability allows the widowed spouse to use any unused portion of their estate tax exemption within 1 year. The bill mirrors the federal estate tax portability exemption and ensures that married couples are not penalized for timing or unexpected life circumstances when planning their estates. Expanding the estate tax portability is an opportunity to grow generational wealth.
This bill has strong bipartisan and bicameral support and is now in the House Committee on Revenue. Read the full press release here.
Squatter Eviction Fix, HB 3522 A
Oregon House Democrats Are Working To Empower Property Owners
The Oregon House unanimously passed HB 3522, a bipartisan bill that gives property owners the power to remove squatters using the standard eviction process.
Previously, a legal loophole forced homeowners into lengthy, costly legal battles to reclaim their property. Now, with this bill, property owners can act faster and more effectively—without impacting renters' rights.
With broad bipartisan and advocacy group support, the bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Read more about this bill in this press release or this KATU article.
HCR 34: Vietnamese American Remembrance Day
Representatives Pham, Tran, and Nguyen and Advocates Celebrate the Passage of HCR 34
HCR 34 designates April 30, 2025, as Vietnamese American Remembrance Day, a day to honor the contributions of U.S. and Republic of Vietnam veterans, as well as Vietnamese refugees and the Vietnamese American community. As a Vietnamese refugee myself, I am deeply proud to sponsor this resolution, recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of the Vietnamese community.
HCR 34 is not only a day of remembrance but also one of recognition. It acknowledges both sorrow and hope, paying tribute to the honor, courage, and loyalty of all who served and sacrificed. This resolution ensures their stories will never be forgotten, and their legacy endures in the freedom of their children, the voices of their grandchildren, and in the future we continue to build together. Read the full press release here.
In the coming days, my office will be busy preparing for speeches, testimony, and policy conversations to make sure that legislation is moving forward. Here’s a peek behind the curtain and a look ahead -
South Hillsboro Fire Station Public Hearing
This Friday, we will have a public hearing for a few Capitol Construction requests including the South Hillsboro Fire and Rescue for $5 million dollars. The Fire Station will be located along Butternut Creek Parkway, Hillsboro and will house the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue as well as Building Departments Operations Center and drop-in office space for Hillsboro Police.
With the growth in the last few years in South Hillsboro, the building and divisions will have the capability to be activated during a disaster to aid in community recovery and have the resiliency to accommodate immediate occupancy after a large seismic event. Additionally, the building will be biophilic and trauma informed in its design to support first responder mental health.
So Every Body Can Move (SB 699) Public Hearing
SB 699, So Every Body Can Move, has a hearing schedule this Thursday in the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Healthcare. This bill aims to close gaps in insurance coverage of prosthetics for individuals living with limb loss and limb differences.
Prosthetics and access to appropriate care is an invaluable asset as it can determine whether or not an individual is able to be employed, contribute to household duties, or provide an increased sense of independence. This bill will help enable so many Oregonians to participate and engage in activities within athletics and their communities while alleviating the financial burden of obtaining active devices, which can cost upwards of $15,000 out of pocket. SB 699 will break down barriers to a full and active life and allow people living with limb difference or limb loss to thrive.
I also want to note that April was Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. It is important that we continue to work to support our communities and break barriers for those seeking access to care to support a better quality of life.
I encourage everyone to check out an initiative called So Every Body Can Move, an organization dedicated to empowering access to life-changing prosthetic and orthotic care for physical activity by mobilizing grassroots advocates and championing state-by-state legislative change.
Dr. Brian Druker Resolution, HCR 3
Coming up on the House Floor is HCR 3, a resolution that recognizes and honors Dr. Brian Druker for his extraordinary leadership, service, and enduring legacy in cancer research and treatment.
For over two decades, Dr. Druker has been at the forefront of the global fight against cancer, transforming lives here in Oregon and around the world. His groundbreaking development of the drug Gleevec revolutionized the treatment of leukemia and earned him two Nobel Prize nominations. This resolution is deeply personal for me as I am one of the lives that Dr. Druker helped save. After being diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid leukemia at the age of 27, I was privileged to receive life saving cancer treatments at the Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU under the care of Dr. Druker.
HCR 3 is more than a gesture. It’s a tribute to a man whose work has saved countless lives. It is my great honor to uplift Dr. Druker’s legacy, his generosity, and his deep belief in the power of science and service. As Phil Knight noted in his testimony, “Dr. Druker is an amazing resource for the state, more important than Mt. Hood or Crater Lake.”
Workers Fraud Protection Act, HB 3789 Work Session
I just spoke in support of HB 3789, the Workers Fraud Protection Act in the Senate Labor and Business Committee along with a few of my colleagues.
There are third-party entities that go to union members’ homes and misrepresent themselves as union representatives and speak on behalf of the union. I know that we can all agree that fraud poses significant losses and damages for both impacted individuals and organizations.
For working families, opting out of union representation can mean loss of legal support, contract education, representation in the workplace, and so much more. These protections are essential as union representatives are trusted leaders and sources of information.
The bill is scheduled for a work session in the Senate Labor and Business Committee this Thursday.
Up Next - May Revenue Forecast
The much anticipated May Revenue Forecast will be released on May 14th. The May revenue forecast serves as a critical tool for Oregon's lawmakers, providing the financial clarity needed to make informed decisions about the state's budget and ensuring that any surplus revenues are appropriately returned to taxpayers.
The Office of Economic Analysis will be presenting the forecast and will provide updated projections of state revenues. These projections are crucial for lawmakers as they finalize the budget for the upcoming two-year period, guiding decisions on funding allocations for various state services and programs.
There will be a public presentation in the House and Senate Revenue Committees on May 14th. Look for hearing information on https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/
Hillsboro Joint Constituent Coffee
Representatives Pham and Sosa and Senator Sollman Hosted a Constituent Coffee in Hillsboro last weekend
I was grateful to gather with Representative Nathan Sosa (HD 30) and Senator Janeen Sollman (SD 15) at The Springs At Tanasbourne for a Constituent Coffee event last weekend!
We had over 60 individuals present and were able to share about the legislative work we are prioritizing as well as answer questions from the audience. Issues that were top of mine for folks included federal funding uncertainties, educational funding, and environmental impacts.
A special thank you to The Springs for hosting this event!
Hillsboro Education Association Town Hall
Representatives McLain, Neron, Pham, Sosa, and Senators Sollman and Campos with Advocates
Last month, I joined six other elected representatives in Hillsboro to talk about public education funding. More than 600 educators, students, and community members were in attendance. Alongside my peers in the House and Senate, I was honored to speak with so many constituents and advocates for public education.
It is clear to me that we need to do so much more for our teachers, parents, and students to make sure that every family has the highest quality education from cradle to career. We owe it to our children to provide the best education so that our students have the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive. You can read more about the town hall in this press release here.
Saturday, June 14th
11 AM - 12:30 PM
Elsie Stuhr Recreation Center, Manzanita Room
5550 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton, OR
RSVP HERE
We’re keeping our streak of monthly events going and we’ll be co-hosting a Joint Town Hall with Beaverton Mayor Beaty!
Please RSVP and bring your thoughts and questions as we look forward to the discussion. We hope you will join us!
Security System Upgrades Available for Washington County Businesses
A new grant program is available to help small and medium sized businesses in Washington County install or upgrade their security systems. There are funds available to cover 100% of eligible expenses for eligible Washington County Businesses. Information and the application is available online in both English and Spanish.
More than $100,000 of grant funding is available for this effort and it must be used by June 30th.
You can find more information on the Washington County’s District Attorney’s website. If you have questions, you can reach out to DDA Sam Erwin Sam_Erwin@washingtoncountyor.gov and the DA’s Office public information officer Stephen Mayer Stephen_Mayer@washingtoncountyor.gov .
May 7 Real ID Deadline
Last reminder - If you want to fly domestically after May 7th, you are required to have a Real ID or a valid passport. You will need a Real ID if -
Yes, if you...
- Are 18 and older and will travel in the U.S. by plane after May 7, 2025, without a valid passport.
- Visit military bases, secure federal facilities or nuclear plants.
No, if you...
- Have a star on your license, permit or ID (this means you already have a REAL ID).
- Prefer to use an unexpired, government-issued passport for U.S. travel.
- Do not travel the country by plane.
- Do not visit military bases, secure federal facilities or nuclear plants.
- Are under 18 years old. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
You can Find more information about obtaining your Real ID here
Unclaimed Property For Oregonians
Oregon State Treasury conducts “Checks Without Claims” to proactively verify some owners of unclaimed assets and facilitate payments directly to them. Checks distributed will vary in amount between $50 and $10,000.
Searching for unclaimed funds is free and easy. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit Treasury’s unclaimed property website at unclaimed.oregon.gov. Questions about unclaimed funds or “Checks without Claims” can be directed to Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program via email claims@ost.state.or.us or phone at 503-378-4000.
Unpaid toll balance scam ODOT
Scammers posing as DMV and ODOT are texting cell phones about unpaid toll fees that essentially claim you have a past due toll balance that must be paid immediately to avoid DMV fines or having your license suspended. These are fake messages and phishing scams trying to get payment information.
These text messages are not legitimate and are targeted phishing scams. To protect your information:
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Don't click links. If you receive a text about unpaid tolls, do not click on any links or provide any information.
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Verify with ODOT directly. Contact ODOT through their official website or phone number to confirm if you owe any tolls.
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Report the scam. Contact the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or file a complaint online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commission.
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Be cautious of suspicious texts. Be wary of any text message that demands immediate action or asks for personal information or payment.
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Delete the text: Once you've reported the scam, delete the text message and block the number to prevent further potential harm.
2025 Latino Business Summit
Join the Latino Business Advisory Council and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce for the inaugural Latino Business Summit on May 22, 2025, at PCC Rock Creek located at 17705 NW Springville Rd, Portland, OR 97229. This historic gathering, the first of its kinds in Washington County, is dedicated to celebrating, empowering and connecting the Latino business community and entrepreneurs who play a vital role in driving our local economy.
Whether you’re a business professional, entrepreneur, or community leader, the Latino Summit 2025 provides the perfect opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering inclusivity, economic growth, and community development.
This summit will be held entirely in Spanish. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a milestone event that will shape the future of our community. Individual tickets cost $50. You can register here.
While we are in a busy time in session, my office is always available to you. I have an open door policy and prioritize meetings and conversations with constituents as you guide the work that I do here in Salem.
Please stay connected and reach out at any time.
Cheers!
 Representative Hai Pham
House District 36
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1436
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-282, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/phamh
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