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To contact me, please click here: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you’re all staying warm and starting to feel the holiday spirit! It’s hard to believe that 2025 is already coming to a close. As I look back, I’m humbled by all the experiences, memories, and valuable work I’ve been able to be part of.
This is the time of year where we reflect on everything we’ve achieved and regroup for the future. Be bold in setting your intentions for the 2026 you want to see! In this final update for the year, I’m looking ahead to some of the big issues and ideas I’m excited to dig into in the near future. I hope you have a restful final few weeks of your year and look forward to what’s to come.
Reminder: Please plan ahead and travel safely!
As many of you travel to family and loved ones for the holiday season, please plan ahead and travel safely. With the recent winds and atmospheric rivers, 22 Oregon rivers and creeks were under flood warnings over the weekend, impacting road conditions. Please visit tripcheck.com before traveling.
As this year comes to an end, the 2026 legislative session seems like it’s approaching faster than ever. I want to take an opportunity to share the two bills I’ll be bringing forward, as well as some of the big issues I’m looking forward to tackling.
Preventing the sale of fake car seats
Keeping our kids safe is a #1 priority across the board. This is why products designed for children have such strict safety standards — such as car seats, which are regulated by the federal government under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
However, medical providers and consumer protections advocates alike have noticed an increase in the number of counterfeit car seats across the country (i.e., those that fail to meet NHTSA standards) being purchased by unknowing parents over the years. Lower-priced knock-offs are sold across the web, including on major online retailer websites that allow third-party platform sellers. In the event of a crash or other emergency, these knock-offs often fall short of ensuring the degree of safety our kids deserve.
While car seats in the US must meet federal standards, there is no law explicitly prohibiting the sale of non-compliant seats. That is why I am looking to introduce a bill that strengthens families and the Attorney General's right and authority to seek justice against bad actors when harm has been done.
By increasing the AG’s enforcement power and the consequences of selling counterfeit car seats, sellers and third-party platforms alike should feel the pressure and be incentivized to better vet the quality of their products.
Expanding the use of Mobile Pharmacies
According to OPB, “Oregon has the second fewest retail pharmacies per capita in the nation”, behind only Alaska. Pharmacy deserts — areas in which residents lack reasonable access to a pharmacy, typically within ten or more miles — are emerging all over Oregon, especially in rural and low-income communities.
Pharmacy deserts create barriers to access for those who rely on life-saving prescription drugs to maintain their health. As pharmacy access continues to shrink for countless Oregonians, flexible service options that allow us to meet patients where they are offer a promising path to improving access to essential medications for all.
One emerging way to provide these alternative service options are with mobile health units. Many of Oregon’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) already operate mobile medical and dental units. This community-based model has proven effective in removing common barriers that Oregonians face when accessing healthcare by bringing services to patients where they live and work. Breaking down barriers to access means healthier communities, better outcomes, and lower costs for the health care delivery system and our state.
Behavioral Health Committee
As the newly appointed Chair of the House Behavioral Health Committee, I have the opportunity to introduce three additional committee bills. I know there’s a lot to be said and done about Oregon’s behavioral health landscape. It’s imperative that we meet the moment and work to ensure that all Oregonians can access the care they need at all stages.
That being said, these are just a few of the particular issues the committee has touched on and will continue exploring:
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Workforce Stream & Stability. One thing we hear constantly about the behavioral health workforce is that we simply don’t have enough manpower. This problem is twofold: we don’t have enough people entering the workforce, and we’re lacking in ample protections and retention mechanisms for the workers we have. We’re thinking about creative solutions to both improve pipelines into the field and increase the longevity of existing jobs.
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Continuum of Care. When we talk about behavioral health, the focus is typically on the spectrum of care for adults and teens — we don’t often discuss the needs of our younger kids or seniors. Behavioral health issues can emerge as early as infancy and much later in life, yet often go unaddressed at these stages until moments of crisis. There’s work to be done on ensuring that the continuum of care can extend through all stages of life without patients falling through the cracks.
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Affordability. The rising cost of health care is not a new issue — but with the looming federal cuts to Medicaid and other programs, it’s as pressing as ever. We have to strike a delicate balance when considering the cost and quality of care while facing these difficult budgetary losses. Keeping health care affordable and accessible always remains a top priority for me as we think about how to tackle the challenges to come.
This list is nowhere near comprehensive, but it’s a first look into some of the big-ticket issues we’re diving into headfirst in the coming session. I’ll look forward to sharing more as the work continues!
These past months have kept my team and I busy as ever! I’m grateful for all these opportunities to be in the community and continue having the conversations that matter.
Sherwood Joint Constituent Coffee
Reps. Pham & Rieke Smith joined by constituents at our Sherwood coffee
Early in November, I held a constituent coffee with my friend and colleague Representative Sue Rieke Smith in Sherwood, the heart of her district.
We were hosted by the Marjorie Stewart Senior Community Center and joined by several community members for pastries and great conversation topics: campaign finance laws, ongoing ICE activity in Washington County, public service opportunities and more. I always appreciate the opportunity to hear what constituents are thinking about and shed light on the work we’re doing in Salem. Thanks to everyone who braved the rainy Saturday morning to join us!
Inaugural Biotech Caucus Event
Rep Pham & colleagues observing a lab demonstration at Aronora Inc.
Early last month, we launched our new legislative Biotech Caucus alongside many of my colleagues! Biotech is a huge economic driver in Oregon: we are home to over 1,900 life science companies, which create tens of thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to our economy, all while doing critical research and developing life-saving treatments.
It is clear that the bioscience sector plays a pivotal role and is essential both in paving the way for scientific advancements and stimulating our state's economy. I believe that there are so many opportunities to foster and kindle this growth as we look to build these partnerships.
Rep. Hòa Nguyễn Celebration of Life
Rep. Nguyễn's desk decorated for her celebration of life in the capitol
My dear friend Representative Hòa Nguyễn passed away in October after a valiant battle against cancer. During November Legislative Days, we had an opportunity to honor her legacy alongside her family, colleagues, and the countless others who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rep. Nguyễn and I came into this world at the same time — we made history together as part of the “Phab 5”, the record-breaking cohort of five Vietnamese-Americans elected into the legislature in 2022. She was an inspiring, compassionate champion who gave her all to her communities. Her loss reminds us to lead selflessly and meet every new day with dignity. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to us all.
Oregon Business Plan Summit
Rep. Pham joined by industry experts on the OBP Summit's Advancing Life Sciences panel
The Oregon Business Plan is our state’s primary economic development forum: every year, leaders come together to learn, strategize, and chart a path forward for Oregon’s prosperity.
This year, I had the opportunity to sit on a panel with a few friends and experts for a conversation about bioscience as an emerging sector and exciting opportunity for growth in Oregon. From pioneering new medicines to engineering our food sources, bioscience is a dynamic new world full of potential for improving our quality of life and access to essential resources — it’s also cutting-edge in its potential to boost and creatively stimulate our economy. We had a great conversation about Oregon’s unique position and the actions we can take to ensure bioscience is fostered in our state. Looking forward to doing more of this work with the Biotech Caucus!
Washington County Family Peace Center Tour
Legislators and community leaders touring the Family Peace Center
My team had the opportunity to visit the Family Peace Center earlier this month. The Family Peace Center is hard at work with construction and they’re expected to open their doors early next year!
The Family Peace Center will be partnering with more than 20 agencies to provide trauma-informed care, legal advocacy, medical support, therapy, housing assistance, early childhood services, and so much more. The new Family Peace Center truly will be a keystone to safety, healing, peace, and hope.
You can visit their website and the services that they offer through their website.
Grand Opening of Hillsboro’s First Year-Round Shelter
Visitors exploring the shelter center during its grand opening ceremony
We attended the grand opening of Hillsboro's first Year Round Shelter last month! The shelter will bring 75 low-barrier, safe, sleeping units with medical and trauma-informed staff available all year-round.
I am so grateful that these services and spaces will be open right as we enter the colder winter weather. We need solutions like this to expand affordable and accessible housing to all those who call Oregon home.
It can be hard to keep up with the news if you don’t always have your ear to the ground. Here’s some other updates and happenings in and around our community that you should know about, if you didn’t already:
Volunteer with SMART Reading
SMART is seeking volunteers at schools in Washington County to help children blossom into lifelong readers.
“Reading with a child for just one hour a week can ignite confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning,” said Senior Program Manager Stacy Goodwin. “Volunteers often tell us it’s the best hour of their week — and the impact lasts a lifetime.”
Below are a few schools in and around our district in need of volunteer support (visit the SMART website for a full list):
- Beaverton Child Development Center Head Start (12385 SW Longhorn Ln)
- Greenway Elementary (9150 SW Downing Dr)
- McKinney Elementary (535 NW Darnielle St)
- Rosedale Elementary (3901 SE 67th Ave)
Sign up to volunteer and get paired with a program near you. All of us have a role to play in helping our kids learn and grow!
WashCo NAMI Youth Advisory Council
Youth (ages 16-24) interested in mental and behavioral health advocacy are invited to apply for NAMI Washington County’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council!
The YAC is a brand new partnership with Washington County, where youth have a chance to become an advocate for mental and behavioral health in their community. This is a platform for young people in the community to provide input, contribute ideas, and actively participate in advising county leaders on policy, advocating for youth issues, and the evolution of programs to educate youth and those who support youth on behavioral and mental health issues.
Applications are open through December! Contact Christy Cunningham at christy@washconami.org with questions.
Winter Village @ Orenco Station
Winter Village is a beloved annual event at Jerry Willey Plaza. Now through January 11, find seasonal cheer at our local outdoor ice skating rink!
Bring your friends and family to a skate session or take an ice skating lesson — don't miss exciting special events and skate days! Visit the City of Hillsboro website for public skate session times, special event information, and pricing.
Bloodworks NW Beaverton Blood Drive
Did you know that it takes 1,000 Bloodworks Northwest donors every day to save lives across the Pacific Northwest? As we go into the winter season, we need to ensure our hospitals have blood supplies stocked and ready to save patients in our community.
Bloodworks Northwest is the local, independent, non-profit organization managing the blood supply for 95% of hospitals right here in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bloodmobile Bus will be at Beaverton City Library from 11am-5pm on Monday, January 5. Book your appointment to donate blood and help save lives in our community!
Hillsboro Art Walk
Every first Tuesday, the city of Hillsboro hosts an art walk through Hillsboro’s cultural arts district downtown. Artists collaborate with local businesses to create accessible exhibits around town. You can explore at your own pace while watching live performances, looking at works by local artists, and more.
The next art walk is on January 6, from 5-8 PM. Visit the City of Hillsboro’s website for a map of participating venues and more information.
While we’re still away from Salem, the work goes on. 2025 has been busy, tough, but rewarding: we’ve done some great work and set a solid foundation for the year to come.
I’m looking forward to the work ahead 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. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season and New Year.
Please reach out and connect at any time. You can connect with my legislative work by following me on Facebook, Instagram, or emailing my office at Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov.
Yours truly,
 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
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