|
May 9th, 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am excited to report that several of my legislative priorities are moving forward and one of them is headed to the Governor’s desk! We are also continuing to pass meaningful legislation on the House floor.
Legislative Priorities
Auto Dealer Financing
HB3178 requires more transparency and equity in regard to vehicle sales so that consumers are protected and not blindsided when a dealer over-promises and under-delivers in order to close the deal. The bill has now passed both the House and the Senate. It is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature!
Utility Rate Reform – FAIR Energy Act
Watch my testimony.
HB3179, the FAIR Energy Act, would reform the utility rate setting process to ensure that the interests of consumers are prioritized when investor-owned utilities try to raise rates on their customers. This bill was initially heard in the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection in February. There was a follow-up hearing in the House Committee on Rules this week and I provided a detailed overview of the updated bill. We are now awaiting a work session.
Age Discrimination in Job Applications
HB3187 A addresses age discrimination in job applications by prohibiting an employer from asking the applicant’s age, date of birth, or date of graduation prior to the initial interview. The bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Labor and Business and is headed to the Senate Floor.
Legislative Highlights
The Oregon House passed other significant legislation this week, including the following bills:
HB2567: revisions to our existing Heat Pump Deployment Program.
HB2931 A: ensures that Oregon will receive its fair share of tolls collected on the new I-5 bridge over the Columbia River.
HB3409 A: related to medication affordability.
SB32: requires Oregon Housing and Community Services to list on its website more information about affordable housing units in the state.
Commerce & Consumer Protection
We held a public hearing on SB1032 A, which would regulate the sale of aerosol dusters. Witnesses testified that people use these products as an intoxicant, which can have deadly results. The bill would require stores to secure these products, put a warning label on them, and only sell them to adults.
We also held work sessions on bills related to insurance (SB904, SB463 A, SB831 A), bonding requirements for landscape contractors (SB864 A), and requirements that billboards related to the Oregon Lottery include information about a gambling addiction hotline (SB914 A).
Housing & Homelessness
We held a public hearing on SB974 A, which would require local governments or special districts to complete final review of final engineering plans for residential development within 90 days of submission.
Bill Tracking
Session Deadlines Approaching!
In order for a bill to move forward in this session, it needs to be scheduled for a Work Session by today, and it needs to be voted out of a policy committee by May 23rd. Committees on Conduct, Revenue, Rules, and Ways and Means are not subject to these deadlines.
Visit the Oregon Legislative Info System (OLIS) to search and track legislation through the session on topics like:
In the Capitol
Student Basic Needs Lobby Day
This week, I had the privilege of speaking with students who visited the Capitol to lobby for students’ basic needs (HB3182) and textbook affordability (HB3183). I am proud to be a champion for both of these bills. I am so grateful to those who shared their stories. While we are certainly in a challenging budgetary environment, we have to invest in higher education!
Town Hall Recap
Last weekend I joined Representative Hai Pham, DMD and Senator Janeen Sollman for a joint town hall at The Springs at Tanasbourne. We had a great turnout! Thank you to everyone who joined us. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and answer your questions.
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Lawmakers consider slate of bills regulating private utilities, costs for Oregonians • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon bills aim to change how Public Utility Commission sets rates
Housing & Homelessness
Orenco Residents Concerned Over Rezoning Of Synopsys Campus For Huge Apartment Project - The Hillsboro Herald
Oregon bill would stop bans on mobile homes • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Labor & Workforce Development
Oregonians rally on May Day to protest Trump admin, defend immigrant rights • Oregon Capital Chronicle
University of Oregon student workers reach tentative deal, agree to end strike
Economic Development
Jollibee appears to set opening date for first Oregon restaurant
Study: Oregon Trade Beginning to Slow – Oregon Business
Education
Meet the 7 candidates running for Hillsboro school board - oregonlive.com
A ban on book bans: Oregon bill would protect access to library materials • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Other
Local donation promotes literacy, welcoming spaces at Washington County ODHS offices | Lifestyle | hillsboronewstimes.com
Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program set to reopen in 2025
Third Annual Hagg Lake Fishing Tourney - May 17th
2025 Latino Business Summit - May 22nd
Hillsboro Hops 2025 Home Game Schedule
More Events
Special District Election - May 20th
Keep an eye on your mailbox because ballots are on their way! Voters should receive their ballots next week. If you don’t receive yours by May 7, contact the County Election Office at 503-846-5800 to request a replacement ballot.
Return your ballot in-person, by mail or at an Official Ballot Drop Box. Once completed, ballots can be delivered to Washington County Elections either in-person at the Elections Office located at 2925 NE Aloclek Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124, by mail, or through an Official Ballot Drop Site until 8 p.m. on Election Day, May 20, 2025.
Learn more at: Elections Division | Washington County, OR
Oregon Digital Equity Program Grant
The Oregon Broadband Office is pleased to announce the release of the Oregon Digital Equity Program (ODEP) Grant Application for Education Service Districts (local educational agency), Public School Districts, Public Library Service Districts (community anchor institutions), Public Libraries and Public Schools (only if serving as a community anchor institution).
The Oregon Digital Equity Program Grant application period opened on Monday, April 7 and will close May 22, 2025, at 4:59 pm PST.
Visit the Oregon Digital Equity Program Grant webpage for more information.
Immigration Resources
It is critical for Oregonians to receive the support they need during this time. For a list of resources, see below:
Free Food Market
- Beaverton-Hillsboro DHS Free Food Market: 5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy Hillsboro OR 97124
- Shop for free, fresh, and healthy fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples.
- This food is free, and anybody is welcome
- No identification, name, or address needed
- Please bring bags or boxes
Free Food Market: Every Second Tuesday of the Month | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR (hillsboro-oregon.gov)
Double Up Food Bucks
Spring is arriving and farmers markets are opening! Shopping at a farmers' market is a great way to find the freshest food for your family, while supporting our local farmers and small businesses. Double Up Food Bucks helps make farmers markets affordable and accessible for all.
This program matches SNAP benefits, dollar for dollar, for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Double Up is also available at participating small grocers, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. Check the map here for locations that participate in our district. Happy eating!
Salvation Army Washington County Hope Center
Pathway of Hope Program, Mobile Outreach Program, and Food Pantry
503-640-4311
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
|
