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

Dear friends and neighbors,

With just a few days left in session and sine die (adjournment) declared imminent, the pace at the Capitol has accelerated even further. Bills are moving quickly as we work to wrap up the 2026 session. Here’s a snapshot of what I’m focused on as we head toward adjournment:

Protecting Affordable Healthcare (HB 4127)

Status: Passed the House, now onto the Senate for consideration.

HB 4127 protects access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare by ensuring patients can continue receiving care without political interference. As federal actions threaten providers across the country, this bill helps keep essential healthcare available and stable for Oregonians who rely on it every day.

Expanding Early Literacy (HB 4022 – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library)

Status: Governor’s Office, Awaiting Signature.

This bill codifies Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library statewide, which provides free books to children from birth to age five. Early access to books helps children build strong literacy skills before they ever enter a classroom, setting them up for long-term success and giving families across Oregon an extra boost.

🔗 Watch my Instagram video on HB 4022 (ft. Dolly Parton!)

Permitting Reform (HB 4020)

Status: Passed the House, now onto the Senate for consideration.

HB 4020 is a practical first step toward making Oregon’s permitting process more transparent and efficient. It directs select agencies to track how long permits take to process and identify bottlenecks, helping lawmakers better understand delays and work collaboratively on solutions. The bill also ensures that if a permit is denied, applicants are told why and how they can appeal. This is about partnership, transparency, and building a more predictable system that works better for Oregonians.

Veteran’s Omnibus Bill (HB 4132)

Status: Passed the House, now onto the Senate for consideration.

I’m proud to share that we passed HB 4132B off the House Floor, which would strengthen how Oregon shows up for our veterans. This bill establishes a Suicide Prevention Program within the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, enhances the Veterans Service Officer Program to better connect veterans with the benefits they’ve earned, and modernizes the Bridge Grant Program by increasing the financial support available to those in need. It also directs the Oregon Judicial Department to study expanding Veterans Treatment Courts statewide so veterans in the justice system can access treatment and services tailored to their service-related needs. Over the past year, we’ve seen federal decisions widen the gap in critical services for those who have sacrificed the most for our communities. This is Oregon’s moment to step forward to close that gap, uphold our responsibility, and ensure every veteran can access the support they deserve. View my press release on the Veteran’s Omnibus Bill. 

Investing in the Future of Abiqua Falls

Photo by Zak Stone

I’m thrilled to share a major win for Oregonians: the state is moving forward to secure Abiqua Falls for permanent public ownership. This iconic natural landmark, located near Scotts Mills in Marion County, features a breathtaking 92-foot waterfall cascading over columnar basalt cliffs into a pristine pool below. Thanks to a partnership between Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate, funding has been included in the Capitol Construction budget to explore and initiate this acquisition.

Earlier this February, The Abbey Foundation of Oregon, which has owned Abiqua Falls for over 100 years, listed the property for sale. Through General Obligation bonds, the state will now be able to pursue public ownership, ensuring safe access, responsible stewardship, and conservation of the surrounding landscape for generations to come. This is the first step of many – and there is definitely more work to do. But I am really proud to be part of this effort.

As I said in the announcement: “Today, we are making sure that our children and grandchildren inherit not just stories about Abiqua Falls, but the ability to stand there themselves. This place should belong to all of us.”

This effort follows the example set by the late Governors Tom McCall and Bob Straub, reflecting Oregon’s long-standing commitment to protecting our natural treasures.

The acquisition process will move forward in partnership with state agencies and local leaders, with more details on management and public access coming soon. This is a milestone for Oregon conservation and a win for the people of Oregon.

Several news outlets have been following the status of my priorities through the session. View the articles below:

• New Oregon bill to boost veteran mental health and support
  • KDRV |  Mar. 3
  • "I am grateful the 83rd Legislative Assembly has made veterans’ care a priority," Rep. Paul Evans said. "We can never do enough, but this is a fantastic step forward." "This is Oregon’s moment to step forward to close that gap," House Majority Leader Bowman said. "To ensure that every veteran can access the benefits they’ve earned."

• A treasured waterfall is up for sale. Oregon lawmakers propose a deal
• OPB |  Mar. 2
• “The very low purchase price relative to the beauty of the asset makes it a pretty great deal for the state,” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, a Democrat from Tigard. “We’re setting ourselves up to own this in perpetuity and be a place that can attract visitors and be a place where Oregonians can spend time forever.”

• Oregon House bill targets low wages and Medicaid costs for taxpayers
• KDRV |  Mar. 2
• "While the federal government slashes Medicaid and forces higher costs onto states, Oregon will have difficult choices to make," [Rep] Bowman said.

• Oregon lawmakers demand answers from ApolloMD
  • Register-Guard  | Feb. 25
  • Reps. Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, Lisa Fragala, D-Eugene, and Nancy Nathanson, D-Eugene, sent a letter Feb. 24 to Dr. Yogin Patel, chief executive officer for ApolloMD, and James McGovern, chief hospital executive of PeaceHealth.

• Oregon initiative that mails books to babies, preschoolers hits major milestones. You can sign up for free
• Oregonian | Feb. 25
• Oregon House Democratic Leader Ben Bowman of Tigard has championed the program, saying it helps provide “opportunities for families to share a story, spark imagination, and build early language and literacy skills.”

• Oregon Lawmakers Advance Bill to Protect Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood Clinics
• Grants Pass Tribune | Feb. 13
• “We cannot let tens of thousands of Oregonians lose access to essential health care because of decisions made at the federal level,” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, a Democrat representing Tigard, Metzger, and South Beaverton. “Today’s vote moves Oregon one step closer to protecting access to cancer screenings, STI testing, and comprehensive reproductive health care for all Oregonians. We will not allow the Trump Administration to shut down Planned Parenthood in Oregon.”

• ‘People here are big fans’: 7-year-old arrested by ICE meets Oregon lawmakers
• Oregonian |  Feb. 11
• “They’re beyond grateful for everybody who shared their story – who didn’t stay quiet,” said Rep. Ricki Ruiz, who posted Facebook updates on the family after their arrest Jan. 16 outside a Portland hospital. “But they’re adjusting, and they are taking it one day at a time. Obviously, there’s a lot going on still in their heads with trauma.” Ruiz soon brought over House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, to meet the family. “A lot of people here are big fans of you,” Bowman told Diana.

• Will incoming owner move Trail Blazers out of Portland? Oregon’s governor has thoughts

• Oregonian |  Feb. 11
• “If we let the Blazers slip away just like Seattle did with the SuperSonics,” House Majority Leader Ben Bowman told the committee, “there will be cities lining up. Investing in an institution like this, it’s not about nostalgia. It’s about foresight.”

Join us for a post-session Joint Town Hall!

I’ll be joined by Mayor Yi-Kang Hu, Representative Rieke-Smith, and Senator Neron Misslin from 2:30–4:00 PM for an update on the legislative session and a Q&A. There will be an opportunity to discuss session events, community priorities, and more. 

RSVP is not required to attend, but it helps us better understand what topics you’d like covered. We hope to see you there!

RSVP LINK: https://bit.ly/4aAN7ae

Thanks for reading!

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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