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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
This month has been a heavy one for the Oregon State Legislature. On October 9th, just after midnight, my dear friend and colleague, Representative Hoa Nguyễn, passed away after a ten month battle with cancer at the age of 41.
Hoa was not only a respected legislator, but also my friend. We first met through Emerge Oregon a few years before joining the Legislature together as part of the same freshman class. I was fortunate to spend a few of her final days with her, along with colleagues Rep. Valderrama, Rep. Dobson, Senator Reynolds, and her ever faithful Chief of Staff, Sarah Arbuckle.
It will take time to heal our broken hearts. What has brought me the most comfort is continuing the work that Hoa loved so deeply. As an educator, she dedicated her life and public service to helping students succeed and ensuring every child had access to education.
Her Legislative Office’s final statement reflects her spirit and priorities beautifully:
Rep. Nguyễn asked that this chapter of her life be remembered through the work of making Oregon a just, equitable, and compassionate place. She wanted Oregon to continue building on the work she began, making child care affordable, strengthening schools, expanding community infrastructure, and ensuring every child and every family feels seen.
Her journey, from a convenience store counter in Louisiana, to Portland classrooms and community centers, to the Oregon State Capitol, tells the story of possibility. She has inspired countless Oregonians, and her legacy will live on in the children, families, and communities she fought for.
Recently, I had the opportunity to make calls and write postcards to students in the Bend-La Pine School District who had improved their attendance. Hoa would have loved this event; it was exactly the kind of work that brought her joy.
In her honor, my office will dedicate one of my two bills for the 2026 Legislative Session to codifying the McKinney Vento Act, which guarantees that homeless youth can remain in their home school even if they move to a new district or foster home. I am honored to work on this important bill alongside Rep. Pam Marsh and Rep. Sue Rieke Smith.
I keep reflecting and listening to the final song from Hamilton, the haunting line, Who keeps your flame? Who tells your story? We will, my dear friend.
May her memory be for a blessing.
With love and gratitude,
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 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-486, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/levye
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