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To contact me, please click here: Rep.LeslyMunoz@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
As spring blossoms across Oregon, the month of May brings both reflection and renewed energy in our communities and at the Capitol. This month, we honor important cultural observances, recognize the tireless advocacy of constituents, and prepare for key moments in our legislative calendar—including the state revenue forecast that came out May 14, which will help shape Oregon’s future investments in schools, health care, housing, and more.
I’m grateful for your continued engagement and commitment to making our state stronger, more equitable, and more resilient. Whether you’ve reached out with your thoughts, visited the Capitol, or supported your neighbors, your voice is vital to the work we do.
In this edition, you’ll find updates on community events, what’s been happening at the Capitol, and opportunities to get involved. Let’s keep working together for a better Oregon!
 I recently joined SEIU members for their lobby day!
Your voice matters! My community survey is still live, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Whether it's local services, public safety, infrastructure, or community events — your feedback helps shape the decisions I make. Take just a few minutes to complete the survey today!
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Thank you for being an engaged and active part of our community.
On Wednesday, May 14th, the latest state revenue forecast was released. This forecast is a crucial update that will shape how lawmakers build the 2025–27 state budget. The forecast is an estimate of how much money the state expects to collect from taxes and other sources and directly influences funding decisions for public services across Oregon. One thing was clear: Trump’s reckless and out-of-touch economic policies are already damaging state economies, including us right here in Oregon.
Families afraid of losing long-term care for aging parents, federally funded preschool for their children, or simply watching costs rise at the grocery store are considering conserving their household finances instead of spending. That’s slowing the economic activity that fuels state revenue in normal circumstances.
The president’s ill-considered tariffs have damaged Oregon’s trade-heavy economy. Our state’s economy relies more on manufacturing and trade than most states and is especially impacted by tense trade relationships with countries like China. This was first evident when Oregon was hit especially hard during the trade war Trump started during his first presidency.
What Can You Do?
- Speak up for the programs that mean the most to your community. Your values can help guide Oregon's tight budget decisions, but only if you share what matters to you.
- Contact your federal Representatives and Senators in Washington, D.C.
Representatives
Senators:
There’s no denying it — some of the decisions and rhetoric coming out of the federal government right now are deeply concerning. From attacks on fundamental rights, to making choices that are hurting working families, to harming the economy with ill-advised policies, to rolling back progress on climate, healthcare, and democracy itself; the stakes have never been higher.
But here in Oregon, I am not backing down. I am fighting back by sponsoring and voting for legislation that protects working families, expands access to affordable healthcare, and defends our children's education. Now more than ever, we need to stay united, stay informed, and stay active — because what happens in Washington affects us all, and Oregon can lead the way forward.
A Summary of Oregon’s Responses:
- Attorney General Rayfield has filed and joined a large number of lawsuits to combat the harmful actions taken by the federal administration.
- Governor Kotek has responded to multiple threats dished out by the federal government, most recently joining forces with the Oregon Department of Education to announce they will not back down in the face of funding threats due to DEI initiatives remaining in schools.
- Several Representatives and Senators have taken to their remonstrances to speak out against the deeply concerning decisions and rhetoric coming out of the federal government.
On May 1st, I was honored to speak at a May Day rally here at the capitol, joining workers, labor unions, and advocates to uplift the fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and immigrant rights. I believe that May Day is not just celebration—it’s a call to action.
In my speech, I reiterated my belief that immigrant workers are essential—in our fields, care homes, construction sites, warehouses, and restaurants. They rise before dawn, work in tough conditions, and keep Oregon running smoothly. Yet we have an immigration system that is outdated and unjust—keeping millions in the shadows, even those who have lived here for decades, raised families here, paid taxes, and contributed deeply to our communities. While Congress drags its feet, Oregon must lead. I know we can pass policies that ensure all workers and families can thrive, no matter their status.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, stood strong, and made their voices heard. Together, we’re building a better Oregon for all!
 I was joined by my lovely colleagues, (from left to right): Rep. Hudson, Rep. Nelson, Rep. Valderrama, Rep. Chotzen, Speaker Fahey, Rep. Gamba, Rep. Andersen, Sen. Pham, Leader Bowman, and Rep. Fragala.
May 5th is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day, a time to honor and remember the Indigenous women, girls, men, and Two-Spirit relatives who are missing or have been victims of violence. On this day we stand with communities who grieve, who continue to search, and who keep memories alive through their advocacy. On this day we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in their ongoing fight for justice, visibility, and safety. I want to extend my gratitude to fellow Representatives Tawna Sanchez and Annessa Hartman, as well as others, for their advocacy.
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Mexican army's victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This day is embraced as a cultural celebration of Mexican heritage, pride, and resilience—especially in the U.S., where it highlights the contributions of Mexican and Mexican American communities.
I want to extend heartfelt thank you to Grupo Cosecha Mestiza from Woodburn for their stunning baile folklórico performance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the House Floor. Click here to watch the full performance. Their vibrant dancing brought joy, pride, and cultural richness to the event — a beautiful reminder of the traditions that make our community strong. I also want to recognize Rosa Floyd, their incredible coach, and a former Teacher of the Year, for her dedication to empowering students through culture, education, and the arts. Your leadership and love for your students shines through in everything you do. Thank you for sharing your talent and spirit with us!
 
 I had the honor of speaking to advocates of the Oregon Worker Relief alongside my good friend, Senator Campos.
To the incredible advocates of Oregon Workers Relief—thank you for showing up, speaking out, and standing strong at the Capitol. Your presence is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of Oregon’s immigrant communities.
Your efforts to uplift immigrant voices and support working families across the state make a real difference. As we continue to build a more equitable Oregon, your leadership and dedication inspire us all. I see you; I support you, and I am honored to stand alongside you in this work. Thank you for your visit to the Capitol!
We are fast approaching the second of the Chamber Deadlines we face each legislative session here at the Capitol. This deadline plays a critical role in the life cycle of any bill moving through the Oregon Legislature.
You might remember the First Chamber Deadline, which was when bills needed to pass out of their original committee in either the House or Senate. The Second Chamber Deadline is similar, but it applies to the other chamber. In short, once a bill crosses over from the House to the Senate—or vice versa—it must pass out of its new committee by this upcoming deadline in order to stay alive. This process ensures that the legislative calendar stays on track and that only bills with momentum continue moving forward. It’s a way of narrowing the focus so we can concentrate on the most viable and urgent proposals. We began this session with about 3,000 bills on the docket and have dwindled to around 400 bills. For constituents, this is a great time to check in on bills you care about. If something you’ve been following has made it this far, your voice still matters—especially as lawmakers weigh final decisions.
Salem:
- City Council Meeting:
- When: Wednesday May 27, 2025 at 6pm
- Where: Council Chambers,
- 555 Liberty St. SE, 240.Salem, Oregon 97301
- Check out more community events that might be of interest to you here.
Woodburn:
- Greater Woodburn Opportunity Center- Community Celebration
- When: Saturday, May 31st, 2025, 3:00pm-5:00pm
- Where: Metropolis: 347 N Front St Woodburn, 97071 (2nd floor)
- Check out more community events that might be of interest to you here.
Gervais:
- Stay up to date with community events by following the city calendar here.
I am excited to announce the return of the Capitol's full school tour program for the 2025-2026 school year. They are booking school tours now!
The school tour program will begin October 13 and run through May 29. Tour times are 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. They are able to accommodate one school per time period, up to 90 students. School tours are one hour in length. After Spring Break, schools have the option to add the tower tour (observation platform) for an additional 30 minutes.
Please use this form https://oregoncapitol.com/school-tour-request-form/ or call 503-986-1388. School tours are booked first come, first served. Please select your first three date and time options.
In addition to the on-site tour program, visitor services will continue to offer a live guided virtual tour program. Virtual tours are available at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesdays for up to 100 students. If you are interested in scheduling this option, please fill out this form https://oregoncapitol.com/virtual-tour-form/ or call visitor services at 503-986-1388.
When you book your tour, they will give updated information about the Capitols new security screening, new bus parking spaces and our new school tour staging area.
I look forward to seeing more students in the building next school year!
As we move forward with the insights from the May Revenue Forecast in hand, I remain committed to advocating for a budget that reflects our shared values—investing in strong schools, healthy communities, and a thriving economy for all. My commitment to advocating for you and all Oregonians is unwavering. While challenges remain, I will continue fighting for solutions that support working families, small businesses, and the well-being of every Oregonian.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged. As always, my office is here for you—please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts, questions, or concerns.
In unity,
Representative Lesly Muñoz
House District 22
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1422
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-472, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LeslyMunoz@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/munoz
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