|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
This past week has been a whirlwind of activity, meeting with constituents and advocates for topics from cancer screenings to hospice to civil rights to access to affordable housing. I met with leaders from across the country (on Zoom) who are working on recommendations for the federal government related to caregiving, following a meeting last week with homecare workers here in Salem.
People are concerned about the cuts to Medicaid and food benefits in HR 1 – which will cost Oregon – and that means Oregonians – $15 billion by the end of this decade. Between 100,000 and 200,000 people are at risk of losing their health insurance, right here in our own State, not to mention the loss of food stamps to refugees and others who are really struggling.
People are concerned about proposed changes to Social Security, which celebrated its 90th birthday this week, having been signed into law on August 14, 1935, as our country was struggling to come out of the Great Depression. There was a large group of people who showed up at Center 50+ this week to call on US Senator Wyden to protect this program for generations to come.
People are concerned about the rising rents that place nearly 27,000 Oregonians at risk of losing their housing in the next year or so, and about the shortage of housing for people with physical disabilities and those who wish to age in place.
But the hope I see around me is in the number of people working hard on each of these issues, who are speaking up and standing up and showing up and doing the work of democracy and community building. Thank you for all that you do!
We are in this together, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with you in this beautiful part of the country that we call home. I hope to see you at the State Fair, and out and about in the community – in our beautiful parks, libraries, community centers, or at one of the many meetings and gatherings where people are working hard together to make Oregon – and our country – a wonderful place to live.
All the best,
Deb
The Wall That Heals is Coming to Independence
From September 18 -21, The Wall That Heals exhibit will be displayed at the Independence Sports Park in Independence. The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It includes a mobile education center with guided tours and interactive exhibits.
The Wall That Heals is a powerful opportunity to remember and honor those who have served in the US Armed Forces, and will offer healing and reflection within our community for veterans, service members, and their families. The memorial will be free, open to the public, and fully ADA accessible.
Events and Exhibits Returning to the Oregon State Capitol this Fall
As you may know, the Oregon State Capitol has been undergoing extensive construction for seismic and safety upgrades. When the building fully reopens to the public on Monday, September 29th, visitors will once again enjoy cultural and heritage exhibits in the Capitol Galleria. These exhibits are free and open to the public.
"The Nez Perce in Oregon: Removal and Return"
Our Capitol's first new exhibit, "The Nez Perce in Oregon: Removal and Return" is presented by the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, and will be visible September 29 - October 30 between 8am-5pm on Mondays-Fridays.
The exhibit places the Nez Perce War and Chief Joseph in national and Oregon contexts. The Nez Perce, descendants of ancient tribal peoples, inhabited the region for millennia, with evidence dating back 16,000 years. Despite befriending Lewis and Clark, their lands were taken by treaties, settlers, and war. They faced assimilation efforts like boarding schools but remain resilient. Today, the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland includes a dance arbor, Longhouse, and restored salmon runs, with tribal land ownership in the Wallowa region.
Hispanic Heritage Day, October 11
This year's Hispanic Heritage Day celebration will take place on Saturday, October 11, from 10am to 2pm and will be the first cultural and heritage event back in the building. It will include performances in the Capitol Rotunda, educational tables, and more.
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
| 
