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June 13th, 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We spent another busy week passing bills off of the House Floor as we approach Sine Die.
Honoring Community Members
SCR16: Dr. Helzerman
Watch my Floor Speech
We remembered Dr. Ralph Helzerman Jr., a Vietnam veteran, dedicated physician, and pillar of the Hillsboro community whose legacy of service, music, and philanthropy will be felt for generations.
SCR8: Private Calkins
Watch my Floor Speech
We honored Private William “Billy” Calkins, a brave young man who enlisted at 16, survived the Bataan Death March, and died as a POW in WWII. After 80 years, he was finally brought home and laid to rest in Hillsboro.
Legislative Priorities
Signed by the Governor
Hidden Fees
SB430 promotes price transparency by requiring online sellers to advertise the total price of a consumer good or service. This will ban hidden “junk fees” and “drip pricing.”
Union Misrepresentation
HB3789 allows unions to take legal action against those who fraudulently misrepresent themselves as union representatives in order to convince union members to opt-out of the organization.
Wage Theft
SB426 holds general contractors jointly liable for unpaid wages owed to the employees of subcontractors. The bill cracks down on dishonest subcontractors who routinely rip off their workers and the general contractors who enable them in order to gain a competitive advantage.
Heading to the Governor
Medical Debt
SB605 prohibits medical debt from being submitted to a credit reporting agency. Far too many Oregonians have their credit scores ruined by an illness, an unexpected medical emergency, or even an error on their bill. (News Article)
POWER Act
HB3546 shields families and small businesses from the extra utility costs brought on by huge corporate users of electricity, like data centers and cryptocurrency operations. (News Article)
Striking Workers
SB916 allows workers involved in extended labor strikes to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. Too often in labor disputes, delay is used as a negotiating tactic. This generates resentment that increases the likelihood of strikes. By disincentivizing delay, the bill encourages both sides to reach an agreement as promptly as possible. (Press Release)
Premium Increases
HB2563 requires an insurance company to provide, at the request of the consumer, a written explanation as to why they are increasing the premium for an auto or home policy.
In the Senate
Telemarketing Modernization Act
Watch my Testimony
HB3865 B updates existing telemarketing laws to include texting, sets the maximum number of solicitations to 3 per day, and prohibits solicitations after 8:00 p.m.
Legislative Highlights
The Oregon House passed other significant legislation this week, including the following bill:
SB1098: The Freedom to Read bill prohibits libraries from removing books because they are about, or authored by, a member of a protected class.
Bill Tracking
End of Session Approaching
June 29th marks Constitutional Sine Die meaning that all legislative proceedings must be completed prior to midnight on that date. The Legislative Assembly has established a Target Sine Die of June 18th with a goal to complete the session between these two dates.
Visit the Oregon Legislative Info System (OLIS) to search and track legislation through the session on topics like:
Honoring Juneteenth
In 2021 Juneteenth was made a Federal Holiday. And the Oregon Legislature passed HB2168 (2021) making Juneteenth a State Holiday the following year in 2022. Check out the following events this month Honoring Juneteenth in Oregon, Washington County, and right here in Hillsboro
Hillsboro Juneteenth Concert
When: Thursday, June 19th, 6 p.m.
Where: Hidden Creek Park West; 225 NE 53rd Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124
More information: Hillsborosymphony.org/concerts
Washington County Juneteenth Event
When: Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station; 943 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro, OR
More information: 2025 Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival
When: Saturday, June 21st, Parade from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Festival from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Lilis Albina Park; N Flint St, Portland, OR 97227
More information: Home - juneteenthor
Hillsboro Celebrates Pride Month
Join us at local events and explore queer history & achievements, community organizations, reading, movies, arts activities, and more!Every June, the City of Hillsboro flies the Pride flag and uses a Pride-themed City logo on social media. Learn more about how Hillsboro celebrates Pride.
Announcement: Juneteenth holiday: SHARC & Hidden Creek open 10 am to 4 pm; City offices, libraries & other recreation centers closed
Join Pride Month Celebrations
Celebrating Father's Day
Constituent Coffee Recap
Thank you to those who joined me for coffee last weekend. We discussed numerous topics. I am grateful to everyone who shared their views.
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Oregon lawmakers pass bill to keep medical debt off credit reports - oregonlive.com
Bill shielding Oregonians from utility rate increases by Big Tech heads to Kotek
Housing & Homelessness
Metro Regional Government Aims to Index Housing Tax to Inflation With New Ordinance
Labor & Workforce Development
Intel tells employees when to expect factory layoffs
Oregon sees steep rise in child care costs - Axios Portland
Economic Development
Dutch Bros will move HQ from Oregon to Arizona
Education
Oregon ‘freedom to read’ library bill heads to governor’s desk • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon schools get some relief from rising retirement costs amid tough budget season - OPB
Vacant Oregon House seat filled by former school superintendent - oregonlive.com
Other
How people are stepping up to protect immigrant neighbors from ICE - oregonlive.com
Summer meals available for Oregon youth across nearly 700 sites • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Hillsboro Tuesday Night Markets back for weekly summer street party | Hillsboro News Times
Cruise-In Car Show: Sip-n-Shop - June 14th
National Pollinator Week Activities - June 16th - 21st
Regular Season Markets — Oregon Farmers Markets Association
Hillsboro Hops 2025 Home Game Schedule
More Events
Prepare for Extreme Heat
Now is the time to prepare for extreme heat. High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children and people without access to cooling. As temperatures rise, it's important to stay informed and take simple steps to stay safe.
- Stock up on water and make hydration part of your daily routine.
- Identify cool places you can go during the hottest parts of the day, such as libraries, community centers or malls.
- Check your fans and air conditioning to make sure they're working properly.
- Plan to check on family and neighbors who may be at risk during extreme heat.
Preparing today can save lives tomorrow. Let's work together to keep our community safe, healthy and cool all summer long.
Summer Grocery Benefits Return
We're happy to celebrate that Summer EBT, which provides an additional $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child, is back for its second year in Oregon! Last week, 341,504 children received food benefits to make sure they have nutrition during summer months, when school is out and child hunger spikes.
Details: Summer EBT is back! - Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
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.
Immigration Resources
It is critical for Oregonians to receive the support they need during this time. For a list of resources, see below:
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
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