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To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
Now that we have reached the end of the session, it’s a good time to pause and look back on what we were able to accomplish. As you know, my top priority was to ensure that no one goes hungry here in our district, and in Oregon as a whole. I’m thrilled that we were able to secure $6 million for the Marion Polk Food Share, which will allow them to serve even more individuals and families, at a time when demand continues to rise, and when we are facing additional cuts to funding at the federal level.
I would like to talk with you about a number of the bills that our office Chief Sponsored which passed through both chambers this session and are now awaiting the Governor’s signature. We were also able to secure funding for affordable housing preservation ($52.5 million), and passed SB 32 and SB 973, which combine to form a Tenant Protection Package for Oregonians who live in subsidized affordable housing. Along with, HB 2385 which protects access to safety net clinics and affordable medications, and HB 3182 which protects job applicants from age discrimination.
Working closely with multiple healthcare stakeholders in year-long workgroup, this session we passed legislation to address challenges related to patients being stuck waiting in the hospital before moving to rehab care or long-term care. SB 296, which passed the Senate floor unanimously, will help both providers and patients.
Similar stakeholder support formed the crafting of SB 537, which protects healthcare workers from violence in the workplace. And I was honored to Chief Sponsor with House Majority Leader Ben Bowman SB 951, which keeps medical decisions in the hands of doctors, not corporate investors, a ground-breaking bill garnering national attention.
I was a chief sponsor of resolutions honoring three special people in our district: SCR 18 recognized the career of John McArdle, the long-time Mayor of Independence, SCR 25, which honored the life of Ruth McEwan, a life-long advocate for people with disabilities and older adults, and SCR 37, which honored the life of long-time Salem-are civil servant and community leader, Andy Bromeland.
Other bills will touch lives in different ways. SB 450 designates “Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day” each November 14th, which promotes inclusion and safe routes to school in recognition of the courage and persistence of Ruby Bridges and her teacher in integrating her elementary school. It was brought to us by Beth Schmidt, the Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to School Coordinator. And SB 1161 will allow organ transport vehicles to use emergency lights and sirens to help those waiting for transplants to receive needed organs more quickly and safely.
We have also worked hard for months to identify funding for a wide variety of needed projects, from social services, to state university programs, to infrastructure development, to arts promotion, to legal services, to historical preservation. These worthy projects in our district, along with the Marion Polk Food Share funding mentioned above, were also funded this session:
- $6 Million - Marion Polk Food Share
- $13 Million - Western Oregon University's Data Center
- $52.5 Million - Affordable Housing Preservation
- $952,514 - Helping Hands Warehouse
- $750,000 - MI Trolley
- $1.4 Million - Monmouth's Water Facility
- $750,000 - Willamette Heritage Center
- $175,000 - Salem Art Association for Bush House Restoration
- $350,000 - B-17 Alliance Foundation
It is clear that no one does this alone. I am grateful for my colleagues, and for the good legislation that they also worked on as together, we tried to make Oregon a place that works for everyone. I am especially grateful to my staff: Megan Wai (Chief of Staff), Antonio Martinez (Legislative Aide), and Sofi Davidson (Intern). Thank you, also to the many constituents who reached out to share their views on so many of these issues.
Many thanks to all,
Deb
Outdoor Summer Events
The City of Monmouth's Music in the Park Series - Monmouth, OR
The City of Monmouth's Music in the Park Series is almost here! This free event will be happening weekly at the Main Street Park Amphitheater on Wednesdays at 6:30pm through July and August. Local food and drinks will be available, as well as art activities with Ash Creek Arts Center, that will be available for all ages. If you are interested in learning more, or viewing the artist schedule, click here.
River's Edge Summer Series - Independence, OR
The River's Edge Summer Series will be back in Independence on Fridays at 6:00pm, from June 27th to August 29th at the Riverview Park's Amphitheater. These events have an admission fee of $5, with kids under the age of 10 having free admission. Enjoy opening bands, headliners, and local cuisine, all within the heart of the City of Independence. If you're interested in viewing the concert lineup, click here.
Movie Nights in the Park - Salem, OR
Salem’s “Movie Nights in the Park” are returning soon! You can learn more about these free, family-friendly offerings here.
To view other Salem Camps and Activities, click here.
Extreme Heat Events: How to Stay Safe and Healthy this Summer
As summer settles in and temperatures start to rise, it is essential for Oregonians to have the resources needed to stay safe from extreme heat events. The Oregon Health Authority has created a guide aimed to help Oregonians during these events by giving tips to beat the heat and share warning signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses. Click here to access said resources.
 Image Courtesy of Oregon Health Authority.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/patterson
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