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

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We did it, we made it through our 35 day sprint for a short session! Generally, short sessions are geared toward policy fixes, budget updates, and other topics that can fit into a relatively brief conversation. Many of the bills introduced this session were just that. Though, because of the urgency to address more widespread areas of concern and uncertainty, there were also a handful of larger-scale policies being discussed. 

In any case, short sessions are, more or less, five weeks of chaos. Yet through this, we must work together to find ways to overcome adversity and work on policies that are meaningful for all Oregonians. 

This work is hard but it’s also rewarding and fun. We get to work with incredible, dedicated public servants and advocates who are all deeply committed to making Oregon a better place to live, put down roots, and retire - no matter the long hours and challenging policies. 

With all of that in mind, below is a status check of where we are so far and some updates from House District 36. A special thank you to all of the incredible advocates and constituents who have stopped by the office to speak up about an issue or a bill!

Tomorrow - Hillsboro Town Hall

Flier of Hillsboro Town Hall, March 10th

RSVP Here!

Another reminder to join us at our town hall co-hosted with Mayor Pace and Commissioner Snider. This is a great chance to get a deep dive and hear about the work that we achieved and delivered for our communities and the work that we hope to return to next year. 

We hope you will join us for a great discussion!

Celebrating Personal Priority Wins

I am proud to share that both of my personal priority bills and three committee bills all made it through the finish line! 

This year, my team and I have worked countless hours to: 

• Strengthen consumer protections by creating a legal pathway for families who purchase car seats that do not meet national safety standards and holds online retailers and marketplaces accountable (HB 4092). 
• Allow the expansion and use of mobile pharmacies so patients can access prescription drugs where they need it, when they need it (HB 4131)

Photo collage of Rep Pham and advocates who have testified in support of legislation

As the Chair of the Behavioral Health Care Committee, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to expand access to behavioral health care, bolster behavioral health workforce, and ultimately save lives. Together, we: 

• Required AI chatbot platforms to implement safety protocols when users express thoughts of suicide or self-harm (SB 1546) 
• Created a new license for prevention-focused providers with bachelor’s degrees and at least 700 hours of supervised training (SB 1547)
• Changed and expanded the age for young adults to be considered transition aged youth (HB 4068)
• Ensured that all behavioral health workers stay safe in the workplace by requiring behavioral health providers to create workplace safety plans in mental health and substance use disorder treatment settings (HB 4069)
• Reduced administrative burdens, streamlined processes, and strengthened licensure requirements to ensure patient safety (HB 4070) 
• Addressed Oregon's workforce crisis by streamlining and reducing unnecessary barriers for the behavioral health workforce and providers (HB 4083)
• Improved the background check process and ensured transparency and clear communication, reducing confusion for providers and agencies navigating complex employment and credentialing systems (HB 4115) 

ICYMI: You can read the background behind most of these bills in my last newsletter. 

In addition to personal bills, I was proud to advocate in strong support for: 

• Requiring health insurance plans in Oregon to cover preventive health services including vaccines without charging patients out-of-pocket costs (SB 1598)
• Strengthening mental and behavioral health supports for our veterans and funding programs like the Suicide Prevention Program, Veterans Service Officer Program (HB 4132)

Wins for our Communities

Rep Pham speaking at an event

With the harm that federal ICE agents have been inflicting on our communities, I was proud to stand up and vote in strong support of the Immigrant Justice Package. This series of bills will ensure we support immigrant communities and defend basic civil rights. 

Strengthening Civil Rights, Privacy & Accountability 

We reinforced Oregon’s values of fairness, transparency, and safety by: 

• Strengthening anti-discrimination protections so immigrants can work, access courts, and interact with law enforcement without fear (HB 4111) 
• Increasing transparency and accountability for federal and out-of-state law enforcement operating in Oregon (HB 4114) 
• Expanding statewide law enforcement accountability standards (HB 4138)
• Protecting personal data from being sold or shared for immigration enforcement purposes (SB 1587)

Protecting Access to Healthcare

• Ensured Oregonians can seek medical care without fear of immigration enforcement (SB 1570)
• Protected state funding for Planned Parenthood so Oregonians can continue to access care (HB 4127)

Keeping Schools Safe & Inclusive 

We strengthened protections for students and families by: 

• Establishing clear protocols for immigration enforcement on school grounds (HB 4079) 
• Explicitly protecting students from discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status (SB 1538)
• Ensuring immigrant and refugee communities help guide state immigration policy updates (SB 1594)

Wins for our State - Improving Affordability

Rep Pham speaking on the House Floor

This session, we passed a comprehensive affordability package to put working families first, support small businesses, and protect more than $300 million in funding for schools, healthcare, and public safety. Together, we: 

• Expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit for over 200,000 Oregon families and created a new tax credit for businesses that bring jobs to Oregon (SB 1507) 
• Protected homebuyers by passing legislation that ensure single-family homes are prioritized for Oregon families - not multinational corporate investors (HB 4128) 
• Cracked down on hidden fees and scams by strengthening transparency in the ticket resale market, protecting Oregonians from misleading practices (HB 4024) 
• Lowered health care costs by eliminating deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket costs for cervical cancer screenings and follow-up exams (SB 1527) 
• Invested $100 million to create and preserve affordable housing (SB 5702, and HB 4036) 

I have heard from our communities that one of the top issues that they are focused on is lowering the cost of living for working families and small businesses. I have heard that seniors on fixed income and low-income families have to make tough financial decisions to weather this storm. And I have heard from small businesses and start-ups that are considering closing their doors as the costs of doing business have risen.

We came into this session focused on this and worked to lower the cost of living for working families and small businesses. I believe that in the 35 day short session, we have delivered to reduce financial barriers for families trying to access healthcare, housing, and ensure businesses have the certainty and support they need to stay open.

Visitors, Advocates, and Community Leaders - Thank you!

I want to especially thank all of our visitors, advocates, community leaders, and all of those who came to the Capitol to speak with me and testify in important issues. You made a difference.

Slide deck of photos with advocates and constituents in the Capitol

Thank you for standing up to make your voices heard, we truly could not do this work without each of you. 

Local Updates, News, Things to Know

Tax Filing Assistance

Washington County Cooperative Library Services offers a number of tools and resources to help you file your taxes, including information on free filing and personal tax assistance. This year, the tax filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15th, so make sure to take advantage of these resources!

Choose to Reuse – Bring Your Own

Thanks to a new Oregon law, customers can now bring their own clean, food-safe containers to participating restaurants, food carts, grocery stores, and other retail food establishments through Choose to Reuse – Bring Your Own. Businesses must opt in to the program, so not all locations will accept customer-provided containers. Check with your favorite business to make sure they are participating.

Resolve Conflicts and Build Understanding with the Center for Mediation and Dialogue

Need help resolving a conflict? The Center for Mediation and Dialogue offers free, confidential mediation for Beaverton and Washington County residents east of 185th Avenue—whether it’s with a neighbor, landlord, coworker, or within your community. The Center for Mediation and Dialogue recently received a state grant to launch a Restorative Justice adult diversion program with Beaverton Municipal Court. This program gives eligible participants the chance to join a community dialogue with representatives and/or victims to discuss what happened, who was affected, and how to make things right. Restorative Justice brings together those harmed and those who caused harm to create meaningful accountability and repair.

Fire Station Community Open House

South Hillsboro Fire Station 9 is now in-service. Go on a tour inside Hillsboro's new fire station & meet the firefighters! You’ll also have a chance to visit with other City staff from the Building Division, Emergency Management, Police, Public Works, Water, and Library.

While the Legislative Session is Over, My Office Is Always Here for You

As the session comes to a close, I look forward to getting back into the community and seeing you in and around the district. I appreciate all who have been able to visit us in the Capitol, call my office and let me know how you feel about bills making their way through the Legislature, and reaching out in times of need.  

My office is always here to answer questions, help guide residents through agencies, and advocate for policies that will make a meaningful difference for all Oregonians. Please continue to reach out and connect at any time. You can connect with my legislative work by following me on Facebook, Instagram, or email my office at Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov. 

Thanks for reading,

Representative Hai Pham 

State Representative, 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