|
Replies to this message are sent to an unsupervised mailbox.
To contact me, click here:
Rep.SarahFingerMcDonald@oregonlegislature.gov
Don't the Republicans control everything?
Hello Friends,
This week was the first "legislative days" of the interim. Lawmakers were back in Salem, attending committee hearings, meeting with constituents and interest groups, and developing policy ideas for the 2026/2027 legislative sessions. I am working with my Democratic colleagues in the House to plan legislation that strengthens Oregon and protects Oregonians in the face of the impacts of HR 1 and other federal decisions.
Sadly, the federal government is not working nearly as well as Oregon House Democrats. As they shut things down, we're at work protecting healthcare for Oregonians, eliminating barriers to affordable housing, and using every legal avenue we have, to push back against a hateful and divisive administration.
Oregon will not be bullied, blackmailed, or succumb to threats. BRING IT ON
If you missed my social media post, I have been added as a member to the Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee! That brings my committee assignments up to three: the House Interim Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water, the House Interim Committee On Education (recently combined with Higher Education), and the House Interim Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment.
I'm extremely excited to be on these committees. We have to do more to protect our planet and our future, and these committees will help in that. It will also help me garner support for one of my two legislative concepts for the 2026 short session, Plug-in Solar!
Renewable energy sources our are future, and they are still not getting the traction they need. While places like Corvallis celebrate this clean technology, many places in the State and Country aren't as eager. Removing regulatory barriers and empowering consumers with alternative energy options is one way that we can help protect our planet, and our families.
Sarah's Summer of Sightseeing (Part 2)
 |
|
I was inspired by the volunteers and community members I met on September 6th, when I had the opportunity to serve breakfast pastries at Stone Soup Corvallis, a non-profit that provides daily meals to anyone who walks through the door.
This amazing organization provides free, hot, nutritious meals, no questions asked. They partner with local faith communities, businesses, and organizations to serve one meal every day of the week. Helping to address hunger in Corvallis. Their work addresses food insecurity and fosters community, dignity, and compassion.
Please consider donating your time or resources. Learn more here!
|
|
On September 16th, I had the opportunity to meet up with Pat Hare, the City Administrator for Adair Village.
Adair Village received $4 million from the state earlier this year to build about 1,000 new homes and apartments.
The exciting news is that city leaders originally thought they’d need nearly three times that amount, but thanks to some creative work by the city administrator, the funds will go much further than expected.
This project is a great example of bi-partisan collaboration. These funds were fought for by Rep Lucetta Elmer (R-24) and other legislators from both sides of the aisle.
We can build more than homes if we put politics aside and work together.
|
|
 |
 |
|
On September 16th, I spent several hours on campus at the best university in Oregon. While I didn't end up with any ice cream, I toured the Jen-Hsun Huang, Lori Mills Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex, and the Tallwood Design Institute.
It was incredible to see cutting-edge research and innovation in action. The spaces are designed to bring students, faculty, and industry partners together, fostering collaboration across disciplines. From high-tech labs to creative workspaces, these institutes are shaping the future of technology and design while giving people the tools to turn big ideas into real-world solutions.
Also, Jensen Huang's Nvidia's market capitalization is approximately $4.02 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. Take THAT Nike!
|
 |
|
On September 22nd, I toured the Lincoln Health Center and Benton County Crisis Center and learned first-hand about the critical work our health department does to fill the gaps in our healthcare system. Our crisis center is an inspiring resource that will provide much needed interventions and help for our neighbors. |
On October 2nd I enjoyed some lovely fall rain when I toured Sweeney Farms in Dayton, OR. The tour was organized by Oregon Land Trust. I learned about the economic and environmental benefits we all gain from our beautiful farmland and programs that protect them. Non-profits, state and federal (when they aren't furloughed) organizations work to help develop succession plans, easements, partnerships, and conservation programs to make sure Oregon continues to be able to farm into our future. |
|
 |
UPCOMING EVENTS (Tomorrow!!)
Sadly, not our corn maze
I will be joining the League of Women Voters Corvallis for a special edition of their 2025 Legislative Update! The event is tomorrow, Saturday, October 4th from 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM at the Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way | Corvallis, OR
This is an opportunity for you to hear my thoughts on the 2025 session as well as the special session to deal with the revised transportation package—and get your questions answered. You can find out more information here.
Also, this Saturday, I will be one of the speakers at our annual Pride Festival happening on October 4, from 10:00 AM - 4 :00 PM at the Benton County Fairgrounds and Event Center. For more details click here!
U.S. Representative Val Hoyle will be holding a Telephone Town Hall on October 7th at 5:30 PM. To sign up to participate, visit her website here.
On Monday October 13th you can help celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration with Oregon State University and City of Corvallis by attending an event at PRAx. The event starts at 5:00 PM and more information can be found here.
Yours truly,
 Representative Sarah McDonald
House District 16
email: Rep.SarahFingerMcDonald@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1416
address: 900 Court St NE, H-477, Salem, OR 97301
Connect with us on Facebook / Instagram
website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mcdonald
| 
