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To contact me, please click here: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov

Hello Friends,

Happy fall 🍂 I hope each of you had a wonderful summer as school is now well underway, the weather cools, and we start to see more and more pumpkins and orange trees in our neighborhoods. 

I have a lot of news, updates, and events happening in the community that you may be interested in. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback as a critical part of the work that we do here in Salem.

Join me for coffee and conversation!

Interested in hearing about what I’ve been working on? If so, I hope you’ll join me for a constituent coffee in Sherwood on October 18th, hosted jointly with Rep. Sue Rieke Smith. 

This is an opportunity to have a discussion with your local electeds about whatever’s on your mind: current events, policy updates, things going on in your community, etc. See below for event information and a link to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

RSVP here!

Updates on Vaccine Guidance

As of September 17th, the West Coast Health Alliance (Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii) have developed and released its own guidance on access to the three main respiratory season vaccines. All Oregonians seeking the COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccine can receive it without concerns about cost or liability for nurses, pharmacists, and doctors who are administering the vaccine. 

In the face of federal uncertainty and often turmoil, it is essential that we as a state provide vaccine access based on true science and evidence-based policy for those who want vaccinations.

WCHA vaccine recommendations (COVID-19, influenza, RSV)

What does this mean for Oregonians? 

• Anyone 6 months or older can receive the COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccine. Pharmacies can vaccinate anyone 7 years and older. For those under 7 years old, reach out to your health care provider or your county health department. 
• Oregonians do not need a prescription from their provider to get a COVID-19 vaccine at the pharmacy. The Oregon Health Authority recommends that anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine to first check with the pharmacy for availability.
• Oregonians on the Oregon Health Plan or Medicaid can access the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. If you get your health insurance coverage through an employer who is “self-insured”, you may want to check to see if they are covering the cost of the vaccine.
• For Oregonians who would like to find a COVID-19 and flu vaccines, please go to Vaccinefinder.org or call 1-800-232-0233. 

For more information, visit the WCHA FAQ page. If you have any vaccine-related questions, you can contact the Oregon Immunization Program Help Desk, Monday-Friday from 9 am - 4 pm at 1-800-980-9431 or email VFC.help@odhsoha.oregon.gov. 

September Legislative Days

Earlier this week, the legislature came back to Salem for our first round of Legislative Days! 

Legislative Days are brief periods during the interim between legislative sessions where we come back to the capitol, hear from experts about all things policy, and catch up on all the meetings and conversations we need to have. Committees hold informational hearings on topics that may lead to legislation in upcoming sessions and keep current on the subject areas affecting Oregonians. 

This session’s focus was H.R. 1: the impact we’re expecting in Oregon and what the state can do to mitigate the harms that will be felt. We heard many sobering statistics and had some tough conversations about what the incoming months and years might look like. At the same time, we’re moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose and unity — this is an important step in tackling the challenges ahead.

NEW! House Behavioral Health Committee Chair

Rep. Pham presiding over the inaugural House Behavioral Health Committee meeting

Just last month, I was appointed to be the Chair for the new House Behavioral Health Committee! 

As a provider, I know that access to behavioral health services is more important now than ever and touches on so many systems from education, healthcare, housing, and community safety. It is truly an honor to serve alongside my colleagues as we get ready to roll up our sleeves to make real progress for Oregonians. 

In our first committee hearing, we had a great informational hearing about the current state of Oregon’s behavioral health continuum and heard from the agency leaders, community advocates, and policy thinkers about the opportunities and challenges ahead. 

I look forward to many more committee meetings and moving the needle to ensure a future where no one is turned away for behavioral health services and care. 

Ceremonial Bill Signings 

Earlier this week, I was honored to be invited to two ceremonial signings for legislation that is consequential to Oregon. 

HB 2008: Expanded Protections from the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act

Rep. Pham joining legislators and advocates in celebration as Governor Kotek signs HB 2008

Last session, the Oregon Legislature passed landmark legislation that protects geolocation and children’s privacy by banning the sale of precise data. This law strengthens privacy rights for Oregonians and enhances protections that were passed in 2023. 

It is no secret that young kids are incredibly vulnerable especially when their data is unknowingly used for harm. I was a proud supporter of this bill early in session and I am glad that this bill puts people and families first by closing loopholes and strengthening protection against data exploitation.

HB 2540 - Medical “Deductible Crediting” 

The costs of healthcare have been on the rise in recent years and many families continue to struggle to pay for affordable care, even if they are routine check-ups and services. According to KFF, nearly half of adults in the US report difficulty affording health care costs, with 73% reporting some level of worry about affording the cost of health services, including out-of-pocket expenses. 

This bill allows patients who choose to pay cash price for a procedure (if it is cheaper than their deductible) for the expense to be credited towards their annual deductible. With this bill, we will have effectively reduced the cost of health care for many Oregonians. 

With the costs of living and healthcare continuing on the rise, it is essential that we work across the aisle for bipartisan and common-sense solutions like HB 2540 that can transform families and the healthcare services that they can afford.

Local Updates, News, Things to Know 📰

This last week, many House and Senate committees brought together policy experts, analysts, and healthcare providers to better understand the potential impacts of HR 1. Given the tough revenue forecast ahead, legislators will have to make very hard decisions about the challenges that lie ahead. 

We heard from agencies and national leaders about the potential changes to Oregon’s education and student loans, impacts to healthcare especially for communities in rural areas, food assistance programs, and the long-term revenue impacts. 

Legislators have been hard at work and holding workgroup discussions with communities and partners to put together solutions as the state cannot backfill billions of dollars that will be stripped away in the coming years. This next legislative session, I will be working with an eye on the future. I look forward to considering solutions that will ensure the least disruption of these life-saving services to Oregonians who rely on them. 

And like many of you, I have been watching and reading the news as President Trump announced that he will be deploying over 200 National Guard troops to Portland that will cost taxpayers $10 million. And even more recently, the federal government was shut down and thousands of workers will be furloughed. 

All of this is deeply troubling news as these moments will infuse our community with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. And I want to be clear: sending the military to Portland is not only a violation of federal law but of our basic rights and freedoms. Portland, like any other city, has their share of problems and we do have important work to do to solve them, but it is certainly not a “war-ravaged” city. 

The outpouring of messages that I have seen has been truly uplifting. In just the span of several hours, a strong coalition of leaders, institutions, and stakeholders have stood united in their commitment to Portland’s future by signing on to a letter that the Portland Metro Chamber released to the public, appropriately titled A Call for Unity. I’m grateful to Governor Kotek, our congressional delegation, local electeds, and all others who’ve come together to stand up against this most recent wave of federal overreach. 

Changes Coming to Oregon’s Families: SNAP Benefits 

H.R. 1 includes several provisions that will be implemented on different timelines but it is important for Oregonians to know what those changes are so that they can plan ahead. 

• For those who apply or reapply for SNAP benefits on or after October 1, the new rules will apply automatically. 
• Those who applied or recertified between July 4 and October 1 will see benefit reductions or closures beginning November 1st. 
• For those who were approved for SNAP before July 4 will see the changes roll out over the next year. 

More than 313,000 Oregonians are expected to be impacted. The changes will mainly affect households receiving energy assistance, able-bodied adults without dependents, and eligible immigrants. Roughly 

People will receive notices before benefits change. If you are on SNAP or recently applied for SNAP, please keep an eye out for your mail and your ONE Online account for any messages about your SNAP benefits. If you have any questions, you can go to benefits.oregon.gov or beneficios.oregon.gov to find ways to contact ODHS online, in-person, or on the phone. 

As these changes start to roll out, I want to emphasize that food is available for those who need it, no questions asked (no documentation or proof of immigration status required). You can find resources near you at oregonfoodfinder.org. 

Other Community News

An aerial view of the Hillsboro Year-round Shelter

Hillsboro’s future year-round shelter is expected to welcome its first guests by the end of this year! The Hillsboro Year-round Shelter, located on the west side of the city off Baseline Street, is a collaboration between the city of Hillsboro, Washington County and Metro, as well as the state and federal government. In a time of increasing housing insecurity, this low-barrier shelter will help 75 adults without adequate housing get off the street. We look forward to seeing them open and serving the Hillsboro and the greater Washington County region

Weigh in on Planned Bus and MAX Service Cuts 

Trimet's timeline for planned bus and MAX service cuts

TriMet will begin to make a number of service cuts and reduce how often buses arrive on a number of lines beginning November 2025 and again in March 2026. They report that they may need to make larger cuts after further evaluation in November 2026 and in December 2027 but would likely impact more riders. 

TriMet wants to hear from you and the community about the services that are most important to you as people ride to jobs, schools, grocery stores, doctors offices, and more. You can share your thoughts and feedback by completing the survey. 

Additionally, they will be holding a number of virtual and in-person open house discussions which is a great opportunity for the public to share their feedback about the potential bus and MAX service cuts through October. There are a few sessions that are multilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Russian, and Burmese, just to name a few. You can find the full list of open house events on TriMet’s website.

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period will begin on October 15th. This is your primary opportunity to enroll in or change your healthcare plan for the upcoming year.

Do you have questions about the right plan for you in 2026? Do you need help with changing your prescription drug plan or your Medicare Advantage plan? Trained Medicare counselors with the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program can help. They will answer questions and help you understand your options so you can choose the right plan for you. Medicare Open Enrollment runs through December 7 and SHIBA volunteers are available all year round.  Please call 503-846-3094 to schedule an appointment.  

Avoid scams and fraud by protecting your Medicare number as you do your banking information. Other tips for protecting yourself from a scam.

Oregon State Treasury - Unclaimed Property Program 

Nearly one in seven people in the United States have unclaimed property. Typically individuals need to file a claim with Oregon's Unclaimed Property Program and complete the verification process to receive the funds that they are owed. Treasures conducts ‘Checks Without Claims’ to proactively verify some owners of unclaimed assets with up-to-date information and facilitate payments directly to them. Checks distributed will vary in amount between $50 and $10,000

Searching for unclaimed funds is free and easy. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit Treasury’s unclaimed property website at unclaimed.oregon.gov. Questions about unclaimed funds or “Checks without Claims” can be directed to Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program via email at lcaims@ost.state.or.us or phone 503-566-9445.

Upcoming Community Events

Block Party at the Airport

Join the Port of Portland at the 26th Annual Block Party at the Airport (previously Air Fair) for free community and family fun!

The event will be on Saturday, October 11th at the Hillsboro Airport, with activities running from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. Come check out some cool aircrafts, community partners, food, family fun, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport and airfield!

Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec: Patron Appreciation Week

From October 12–18, THPRD is celebrating YOU! Enjoy free activities all week long as their way of saying thank you for your support.

All events will be hosted at the Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center. Visit the THPRD website for more details:

• Sunday Funday (10/12): All-day scavenger hunt 🧭
• Monster Monday (10/13): Pumpkin decorating 🎃
• Treat Tuesday (10/14): DIY trail mix bar 🍬
• Wicked Wednesday (10/15): Halloween origami ✂️
• Thriller Thursday (10/16): Popcorn and prize wheel 🍿
• Freaky Feast Friday (10/17): Complimentary breakfast 🍳
• Silly Saturday (10/18): Halloween silly walk 🧛

Red Berry Barn Fall Festival

Each year, Red Berry Barn’s Fall Harvest Festival welcomes families to enjoy all their favorite fall activities in one place. Visit anytime between September 20th and October 31st to wander through a corn maze, find the picture-perfect pumpkin, play games, and indulge in some freshly baked goods.

Tickets are sold on site every day until 5 PM. Visit Red Berry Barn’s website for pricing, activity details and more.

Please Stay Connected!

While we’re still away from Salem, the work goes on. It’s already been a busy summer so far and it’s looking to be a busy fall, but every day is another opportunity to learn, grow, and make change in our community.

I’m looking forward to the work to come and hope that you’ll continue staying engaged. As always, I’m honored to serve as your State Representative and am always available as a resource to you.

Please reach out and connect at any time. You can connect with my legislative work by following me on Facebook, Instagram, or email my office at Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov.

Thanks for reading,

Representative Hai Pham
House District 36

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1436
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-282, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/phamh