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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov

Friends and Colleagues, 

We are 32 days from the end of the Legislative Session and just when you think we might be slowing down, we are speeding up! The biggest buzz this week has been around the Transportation Package. But! First! While I have your attention in these first few sentences, I want to point your attention to some local issues in the newsletter. 

First, the library would like me to remind you that if you have an older library card you need to renew your library card by September 1st. Information and link is below.  Second, Bend La Pine Superintendent Steve Cook penned a Guest Column in the Bend Bulletin, I hope you get a chance to read it. Superintendent Cook outlined how a federal bill could hurt central Oregon students. The State Legislature is poised to pass an 11 billion dollar budget for our schools, but we cannot replace federal dollars.  Third, we heard from our partners at NeighborImpact that due to federal cuts to food pantries (especially being unable to access meat and dairy products) that two central food programs Oregon programs will be ending.  The Redmond Mobile Pantry based in American Legion Park closed on May 29th  The Fresh Express Delivery, which feeds 380 homebound people each month, will close after June 27th.

You might have seen the news about the Transportation Package. Here’s what’s on the table, and your opinion matters. There is a proposal (supported by the business community) to remove the Climate Protection Program, move to a Cap and Invest Program, and use the proceeds from the public auction to fund transportation projects, which would stabilize funding. The other options in the package would be to charge electric vehicles in a road use charge fee. To be clear these are options, not a done deal. Let me know what you think. You can send me an email that is simple as yes that sounds like a good idea, or no that sounds like a terrible idea. 

Your feedback is important to me. I know you’re busy. Please don’t feel pressure to write an eloquent email - one sentence is fine! You can read more about the transportation package here: Statesman Journal, Oregonian and KOIN.

This week was a busy week of passing bills - I want to point your attention to an amazing article about my dear colleague, Annessa Hartman, who worked so hard to pass the bill that removes civil statute of limitations for victim’s of child sexual abuse. It was such a proud moment to stand up for victims, to use our power granted by you the voters, to stand up for our most vulnerable. Read the article here. 

As always my door is open to you, please reach out if you need anything. 

Warmly, 

Central Oregon Visitors at the Capitol

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with so many Central Oregon constituents and talk to them about the investments they would like to see this session!

Firstly, I was joined by Dianna Hansen, co-founder and executive director of Central Oregon Disability Support Network (CODSN), along with four mothers/advocates who also work with the organization. CODSN is a non-profit offering education to parents and health care providers around children with disabilities, as well as connecting families to a wide array of resources to support folks with various disabilities. They are hoping to see continued investment in regional support networks throughout Oregon, including CODSN, to continue to offer these critical services to rural and low-income communities. 

I also chatted with several constituents who traveled from Central Oregon to participate in the IDA Lobby Day hosted by Neighborhood Partnerships. Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) address financial barriers faced by households to help folks achieve their financial goals, whether it is buying their first home or starting up a small business. I am a huge supporter of IDAs and hope to see continued funding in these programs, as well. To find out more about IDAs, visit the Oregon Housing and Community Services page. 

Fire Cost Committee Meeting On June 3rd

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee will be meeting on Tuesday June 3rd at 10:00am. The meeting will include an update on the financial status of the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund, and will be open for public comments. You can join in-person in the Tillamook Room, Building C in the Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State St., Salem, or attend virtually using the link in the agenda. For those who require accommodations, assistance can be arranged 48 hours prior to the meeting by calling 503-945-7200 or emailing forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov. 

House Representatives pass “So Every Body Can Move” bill

Last week, the Oregon House unanimously passed SB 699 which expands health insurance coverage of prosthetic and orthotic devices. Oregon will be joining 8 other states who have enacted similar legislation as part of the “So Every Body Can Move” national initiative. 

Oregon Passes First-in-the-Nation Bill to Block Corporate Takeovers of Medical Practices 

This week I was proud to vote yes on SB 951, first-in-the-nation legislation that ensures your medical decisions stay where they belong: between you and your doctor. With the rise of corporate and private equity takeovers of medical practices, we've seen profits put ahead of patients. SB 951 closes loopholes that allow corporations to effectively control clinics under the guise of physician ownership. 

Make sure your library card is up-to-date!

Friendly reminder that your library card expires every five years, so make sure to get it updated before September 1st. You can do this by visiting dpl.pub/renew, visiting your nearest Deschutes Public Library, or calling (541) 617-7050. 

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-486, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/levye​