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To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
The greater Salem area has had some very good news lately. In a recent report of Oregon’s Chief Economist to the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee, we learned the Salem area is doing better than the rest of the state in economic growth – over 6% annual growth – surpassed only by the Bend area, which is just over 9% annual growth. The Oregonian also reported recently that Oregon is first in the nation among people moving into our state, which shows that this is a place where people want to live.
The Salem area is also doing a great job in building housing at every level of price point – you can see the developments going up all around you. But the economic challenges remain, particularly for people on lower incomes or fixed incomes. Older Oregonians are among those struggling to stay in their homes, and I’m grateful for the support we are able to provide to those serving people at risk.
I am working on a bill to make housing more accessible to people with mobility issues, which will be discussed on Wednesday in the Senate Committee on Housing & Development. I am also continuing to work on making health care more affordable and accessible. On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Health Care will hear from a wide variety of health care providers about issues they face in delivering that care.
My focus has been, and will continue to be, healthcare, housing, hunger and human rights. I’m pleased to continue working with the Oregon Hunger Task Force, which is seeking to ensure that no one in Oregon goes hungry, particularly with the federal cuts to the SNAP program. And speaking of federal policy, please see more information below about the recent actions of federal agents in the area and resources for our communities.
The Capitol is fully open now, so please feel free to come by. As always, legislative proceedings are open to the public, either in-person or online through the Oregon Legislative Information System. We hope to see you soon.
Best regards,
Deb
P.S. I was honored to attend the Oregon Capitol Foundation’s recent luncheon honoring the many contributions of Mrs. Margie Courtney, wife of the late Senate President Peter Courtney. The Foundation honored her with the Bell Award for her many years of support to the work of the Capitol in its many forms. She is pictured here with Foundation Board Chair, the Honorable Gary Wilhelms.
Town Hall on January 24
Please join me for a legislative town hall on January 24. I will be at the Salem Public Library from 3:30 - 4:30 to share information about the upcoming legislative session and discuss issues that are important to people in our community. I hope to see you there.
Resources for Immigrant Families
Federal immigration policies continue to create fear and safety concerns across Oregon and beyond. The recent ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland add to the fear and uncertainty our communities are facing.
Oregon remains committed to protecting people's constitutional rights. If you or someone you know needs legal services or other help, these resource guides are a good place to start.
Emergency Planning | Guía para emergencias
Immigrant Resources | Recursos sobre inmigración
Legal Services | Servicios legales
New Utility Customer Protections
Following a letter from legislators, Oregon's Public Utility Commission (PUC) has adopted new measures to protect utility customers facing financial hardship, medical needs, or severe weather conditions.
Through March 1, 2026, any residential utility customer can self-attest to hardship and receive a 30-day pause on disconnection. (Customers can do this by calling their utility company.)
Electric utilities (PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power) will continue a moratorium on disconnections for customers who have medical certificates or are enrolled in bill discount programs. This moratorium is extended through March 1, 2026.
Families need access to heating during winter, and I am grateful to the PUC for these actions to keep families connected. Click here for more details.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/patterson
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