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To contact me, please click here: Rep.BenBowman@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear friends and neighbors,
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen decisions from the Federal Administration that directly impacts Oregon. From a federal government shutdown, to the real impacts of Trump’s HR-1 budget bill passed in July, to the recent attempts to federalize the Oregon National Guard, it has been a challenging few weeks.
On October 9th, Representative Hòa Nguyễn passed away surrounded by loved ones after a courageous fight against cancer.
Rep. Nguyễn was a champion for her community and children across Oregon. She brought energy and passion to legislative work, and she was always kind and thoughtful.
She led by example, showing us that anything is possible when you fight for what you believe in. And despite all she accomplished, she led with humility and never forgot where she came from. She was a relentless advocate for children and all vulnerable people.
   
Hoa’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for her family and friends, her colleagues, and for the state. She was far too young and had so much more to give. We will miss her.
Oregon is a better place because of her work and her service. Her legacy will be felt for years to come.
I joined the Oregon Legislature for September Legislative Days, our opportunity to hold interim committee hearings and stay on top of the work happening between sessions. The focus of these legislative days was to understand the impacts of HR 1, the Trump Administration’s budget bill. Over the next three years, Oregon is projected to lose $15 billion of federal tax dollars designed to support those who need health care, food support, and other services, hitting rural Oregon the hardest.
The hard truth is that Oregon cannot replace the federal government’s cuts on our own. We’ll keep exploring every option we have to protect Oregonians.
One example of this: I am proud to lead a legislative workgroup focused on protecting reproductive healthcare in Oregon. One impact of the budget bill is a direct targeting of Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood already can’t use federal dollars to provide abortion services – but under the new bill, Planned Parenthood can’t receive Medicaid dollars for any service, including cancer screenings, STI treatments, prenatal and postpartum care, and more. This is a thinly veiled and disgraceful attempt to put Planned Parenthood out of business. Here is my quote from the announcement:
“The Trump Administration and the Republican Party are trying to strip away access to abortion. We will not let that happen in Oregon. Planned Parenthood is a critical provider of health care in this state and we will fight to protect them from these attacks.” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D-Tigard, Metzger, S Beaverton).
When the workgroup concludes its work, it will present a report with its findings and legislative recommendations to help further protect access to the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare in Oregon, which will be considered during the 2026 legislative session.
The conversation doesn’t end here. Over the coming months, we’ll continue meeting with organizations to understand how HR 1 is affecting them, and I invite you to share your thoughts or concerns as well. Please reach out to my office by email: Rep.BenBowman@oregonlegislature.gov.
In 2021, Professor Ron Mock at George Fox University launched the George Fox Civility Project, reminding us that disagreement doesn’t have to divide us.
Last week, Ron hosted Former House Republican Leader Christine Drazan and me for a “Civility Across Party Lines” discussion. We talked about our experience working together during the 2025 legislative session, what we learned, and how we can all work together to address the polarization in politics.
 
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Rep. Drazan and I have disagreed on a lot of big, important issues. We still do. But we have also found ways to work together on things we do agree on — and we have always treated each other with respect.
A big thank you to the students and community members who came, asked thoughtful questions, and shared their perspectives! To learn more about the George Fox Civility Project, please visit here.
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Tualatin River Keepers Town Hall
Earlier in September I had the opportunity to meet with folks at Cook Family Park for our Town Hall with Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin and the Tualatin Riverkeepers! We had a thoughtful conversation about the Tualatin River watershed and the challenges and opportunities ahead.
I especially appreciated hearing directly from community members and answering your questions.
  
In 2020, the U.S. The Department of the Interior designated the Tualatin River as a National Water Trail, only one of three in Oregon. There are many ways to explore the rivershed, but my favorite is taking a walk along the trail at Cook Park along the Tualatin River.
I encourage everyone to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, whether at Cook Park, in your own neighborhood, or somewhere else in our community. If you’re interested in giving back, the Tualatin Riverkeepers offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, you can check them out here.
It felt fitting to celebrate this win in Corvallis. It’s a reminder that big legislative victories don’t start in the Capitol—they start in communities, with people who speak up, organize, and push us to act.
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
I was able to join the Washington County Chambers of Commerce for a Q&A session with local business leaders. It was a great opportunity to listen, answer questions, and share updates on the work we’re doing at the Legislature.
One theme I hear again and again is that Oregon needs a clear economic development strategy. I encouraged attendees to read about John Tapogna’s recent work where he argues that the Tom McCall era of Oregon, when our state experienced tremendous growth and had to guard against the wrong kind of growth, is no more. We can’t just count our natural beauty to fuel growth. Tapogna argues there are five core factors preventing us from building a stronger, growing economy. If Oregon wants to compete, we need a clear, proactive economic development strategy, one that supports small businesses, keeps our successful businesses growing in our state, and ensures working families can thrive.To read John Tapogna’s article, visit here.
Help Lebanon High School Win $1 Million for a New Football Stadium!
Lebanon High School may not be in my district, but I’m excited to celebrate their achievement as the only Oregon school to rank in the Top 25 of T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition.
They’re in a race for the $1 million grand prize to rebuild their crumbling football stadium built in 1957. As of today, Lebanon is in second place behind a school in Arkansas.
Here's how you can support their efforts:
Our democracy works best when citizens are engaged, and I’m always inspired by the ideas, concerns, and thoughts you bring. I’m looking forward to the months ahead and all the conversations yet to come!
As always, thank you for reading! If you see me out and about in Tigard, please don’t hesitate to say hello.
Ben Bowman
State Representative House District 25
House Majority Leader
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1425
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-295, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.BenBowman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bowman
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