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October 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It has been a busy few weeks. I attended a bill signing ceremony with the governor, participated in community tours, held a town hall, and was in Salem for Legislative Days.
Ceremonial Signing
I was thrilled to attend a ceremonial bill signing with Governor Tina Kotek. She signed three of our major consumer protection bills from the 2025 session. As a chief sponsor of all three bills, I am deeply grateful to the governor, my colleagues in the legislature, the advocacy groups who stand up for consumers, and all the Oregonians who shared their personal stories with us.
(Read), (Watch), (Press Release)
The bills she signed were:
Auto Financing Reform
HB3178 requires more transparency and equity in regard to vehicle sales so that consumers are protected and not blindsided when a car dealer over-promises and under-delivers in order to close the deal.
Eliminating Hidden Fees
SB430 promotes price transparency by requiring online sellers to advertise the total price for goods and services. This puts an end to hidden “junk fees” and “drip pricing.”
No Medical Debt on Credit Reports
SB605 prohibits medical providers from reporting medical debt to a credit reporting agency so that someone’s financial future is not ruined because of an unexpected illness or injury.
Legislative Days Recap
Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee
Department of Justice
Attorney General Dan Rayfield testified about the consumer protection work the Department of Justice is doing to safeguard Oregonians. He also unveiled the new Working Families Unit that will add even more capacity to these efforts.
Department of Consumer and Business Services
The Department of Consumer and Business Services gave a presentation regarding the crumbling of consumer protection at the federal level. With the Trump Administration gutting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Oregonians will be more vulnerable to scammers as well as predatory tactics from payday lenders, financial institutions, debt collectors, and more. Consumers who have been wronged will also be less likely to receive financial compensation.
Community Meetings
Centro Cultural
During Legislative Days, I met with a group of Latino youth from Washington County. We had a great discussion about community engagement and how they can get involved in the political process. I am grateful that they took the time to meet with me and visit our Capitol.
CUB Consumer Champion Award
I am honored to receive CUB’s Consumer Champion Award for my work advancing protections for Oregon’s utility customers. During the 2025 session, I partnered closely with CUB to pass HB3179, the FAIR Energy Act, which overhauls the rate-setting process for gas and electric bills so that consumers’ interests are prioritized over those of utility investors. I am deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in passing this legislation and for the opportunity to speak at CUB's Energy Policy Conference.
Read: CUB's Consumer Champion Award: Representative Nathan Sosa | Oregon Utilities 101 | Latest News | News | Oregon CUB
In The Community
Synopsis Tour
Earlier this week, I toured the Synopsis location in Hillsboro. They are doing incredibly innovative work in the software as well as semiconductor space while employing hundreds of Oregonians. They also partner extensively with educational institutions such as Portland State University and Oregon State University.
Childcare Facilities Tour
I joined my colleagues, Rep. McLain and Rep. Walters, for a tour of Little Patriots Preschool located inside Poynter Middle School. The preschool offers affordable childcare to low-income Oregonians. It also allows 8th graders to explore a career in early childhood education by letting them to help out at the preschool.
Joint Town Hall
I joined Senator Sollman, Senator Reynolds and Representative Watanabe's staff at PCC Rock Creek for a joint town hall. We answered questions and received important feedback from constituents. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Ballet Folklorico Mexico En La Sangre Performance in Portland. This photograph, taken by Peter Marbach, is featured in the digital and traveling exhibition, The Pursuit of Happiness.
September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to highlight the contributions and culture of communities across the nation with roots in Latin American and Spanish-speaking countries.
Learn more about Latine history in Oregon this month and all year: Latinos in Oregon
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Oregon Gov. Kotek signs consumer protection bills, including 'all-in pricing' online
Bill to shield consumers' credit scores from medical debt signed into law | The Lund Report
Transportation
Oregon Democrats pass long-awaited transportation tax hikes after months of missteps - oregonlive.com
Housing & Homelessness
OPB’s First Look: Housing budget strains Oregon social services network - OPB
Labor & Workforce Development
Intel layoffs shake Oregon's economy amid federal shift - Axios Portland
Oregon mass layoffs approach Great Recession levels - oregonlive.com
Amid Contract Talks, Kaiser Workers in Oregon and Beyond Approve Potential Strike
Oregon BOLI could end its income threshold for wage claims by end of year
Economic Development
Hillsboro Hops to partner with Adidas
Hops' $150M stadium goes beyond baseball
Oregon lawmakers travel to Vietnam, strengthen trade ties with port-to-port deal
Education
Portland Community College expands learning, training with Hillsboro ‘Technology Innovation Spaces’ | Hillsboro News Times
University of Oregon’s historic debate program faces cuts amid university budget deficit
Oregon universities miss out as Trump administration cancels grants for minority-serving institutions - oregonlive.com
Other
Which new laws are going to take effect in Oregon on Sept. 26? | kgw.com
A Democrat and a Republican will team up to try to ban masked law enforcement in Oregon - oregonlive.com
Best Oregon cities for quality of life: Bend, Hillsboro, and Beaverton in top 60 livable cities
Hillsboro’s Daniel Eagan named Pitcher of the Year
HillsDOer Day - October 4th
Shred Event - October 4th
Hillsboro Art Walk: First Tuesday - October 7th
Nature at Noon: Shadywood Park - October 8th
Fire Station Community Open House - October 11th
Block Party at the Hillsboro Airport - October 11th
Hillsboro Police Department Run for Hope - October 12th
Spirit of Halloween & Pumpkin Patch - October 13th
OMSI Science Pub - October 13th
Blood Drive - October 17th
HalloWetlands - October 18th
Jack-O-Float - October 25th
Haunted Harvest Festival - October 31st
More Activities, Cultural Events, and Performances
Covid-19 Vaccines Available
We've heard concerns about reduced access to COVID-19 vaccines following recent federal policy changes. In response, Governor Kotek and the West Coast Health Alliance issued updated winter vaccination guidance. Their recommendations cover protection against multiple seasonal illnesses, including the 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine, as well as influenza and RSV.
The updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available without a prescription. People ages 7+ can get vaccinated at a pharmacy, clinic, or provider's office. Those between 6 months old and 7 years old can receive a vaccine from a medical office. It is a good idea to call ahead or book an appointment online as pharmacies and providers put these changes into place.
West Coast Health Alliance Frequently Asked Questions for the Public
Oregon Health Authority : Getting Vaccines in Oregon : Immunization Resources : State of Oregon
Beaverton CATT Opens in November
Construction at the Beaverton Recovery Center (BRC) site is almost complete! R&H Construction is wrapping up the project, with construction scheduled to be finished by the end of this month. On the outside, the landscaping has been installed with parking lots paved and painted. Additionally, a new roof and central skylight have been installed. Inside the building, the team is working on getting the HVAC up and running, door locks programmed, and the kitchen ready to serve meals.
Learn about CATT: CATT | Washington County, OR
Tri-Met Cuts
In the midst of budget shortfalls, TriMet is launching the first phase of an extensive outreach process to seek feedback from our riders and the communities they serve to determine where and how to cut. For more information, visit trimet.org/servicecuts. You can fill out our Service Priorities Survey and see the schedule for the upcoming series of open houses.
DMV Knowledge Test Changes
As of October 1st, individuals can take a maximum of two knowledge tests per day at a DMV field office. Prior to this change, an unlimited number of knowledge tests per day were permitted, depending on an office’s testing resource availability.
This change will free up DMV counter staff to serve more people, reduce lines, and encourage folks to take the driver knowledge test and safety seriously. This change also brings the in-person knowledge test in line with the online knowledge test, which also limits test attempts to two per day.
The knowledge test is $7 and can be taken either online or at a DMV field office. We encourage individuals to review the Oregon Driver Manual for new laws and safe driving practices.
Oregon College Savings Plan: Embark
The Oregon College Savings Plan, Oregon’s trusted education savings program, has unveiled its new name: Embark. This rebrand follows extensive public feedback and research aimed at creating a name that better represents the diverse educational and career paths available to Oregon students after high school. While the name has evolved, the program’s core mission to help Oregonians save for their future remains stronger than ever.
Embark supports every path with tax-free investment growth, a refundable tax credit for contributions, and tailored low-cost investment options. Whether the path leads to a trade school, an apprenticeship, a certificate program, or a university, Embark embraces and supports it. The program also offers a strong commitment to customer service to help families navigate their saving journey. To learn more, you can watch the announcement video.
Capitol School Tours Are Back!
We are excited to announce the return of our full school tour program for the 2025-2026 school year. We are booking school tours now!
As part of the school tour program, students fourth grade and older can experience a one-hour tour of the building, with stops in the House and Senate Chambers, and of course, the Rotunda. Submit the School Tour Request Form subject to tour availability. Tours are at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting October 13 to May 29.
Guided virtual tours are available. Minimum of 10 students required. You can request a virtual tour by filling out the School Virtual Tour Form.
Both tour options support lessons plans available here. Besides using the forms above, you can also schedule by contacting Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or visitor.services@oregonlegislature.gov.
Free Food Market: October 14th
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Beaverton-Hillsboro DHS Free Food Market 5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy Hillsboro OR 97124
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Shop for free, fresh, and healthy fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples.
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This food is free, and anybody is welcome
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No identification, name, or address needed
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Please bring bags or boxes
Free Food Market: Every Second Tuesday of the Month | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR (hillsboro-oregon.gov)
Double Up Food Bucks
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:
Understanding Your Rights
Legal Representation/Resources
Reporting Injustice
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. During the interim, our office in Salem is not staffed. Your best way to connect with us is via email: Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov
I look forward to hearing from you!
Take care!
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
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