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To contact me, please click here: Sen.RobWagner@OregonLegislature.gov
Hello Senate District 19 and beyond,
As we go through another busy summer, I’ve had the chance to meet many folks, visit new places, and learn about projects that help shape Oregon’s future. From supporting workforce development and innovation at the University of Oregon’s new Acoustic Research Laboratory to strengthening relationships with key international trade partners and visiting critical infrastructure at the Port of Portland, economic growth remains a central focus of my work as Senate President.
This month also marked a significant milestone with the dedication of the newly restored Oregon State Capitol Plaza and the reopening of our Capitol grounds. This event celebrates both our state's history and its future. During Legislative Days, I met with interns and staff and dedicated time to honor the communities that make Oregon strong. These experiences remind me that building a prosperous Oregon needs teamwork, investment, and a shared commitment to the people we serve. I hope you enjoy looking back at some highlights from the past month.
I had the absolute pleasure of speaking at the Oregon State Capitol Plaza Dedication event last month. We were honored to have leaders from all nine of our federally recognized tribes participate in this historic moment. It was a privilege to have them dedicate this plaza with us. A plaza that will serve as a place of gathering and reflection for generations to come.
As the People’s House, it’s only fitting to ground this building in the voices of the people who have called this place home since time immemorial. May their words inspire us as we endeavor to do the people’s work within this building. I hope you can take a chance to visit your newly reopened Capitol building, with our beautiful new plaza at the north entrance.
Read more: Oregon State Capitol Tour Options
 Photos taken by Ron Cooper.
Economic development and trade are two of my top priorities as Senate President. I look for ways to support Oregon's long-term economic success whenever possible.
The first photo shows me with University of Oregon President Karl Scholz at the groundbreaking of the University of Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory. This facility will be a modern center for testing the acoustic performance of mass timber assemblies, which will help improve innovation and growth in Oregon's mass timber industry.
I also had the chance to connect with two of Oregon's important international trade partners. This month, I participated with colleagues on the Oregon-China Sister State Committee in San Francisco for the 8th U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference. Additionally, I joined Sen. Bruce Starr at the Canadian-Oregon Semiconductor Reception. China and Canada are vital markets for Oregon businesses, supporting trade, investment, and jobs across our state. Both events offered valuable chances to strengthen relationships, promote Oregon's economic interests, and encourage future collaboration.
 Akiko Onozuka, Senior Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada in Seattle; Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon; myself; Sen. Bruce Starr; and Skip Newberry, Technology Association of Oregon.
Continuing the theme of strengthening Oregon's economy through trade and infrastructure, I visited the T6 terminal at the Port of Portland with Rep. Daniel Nguyen. The T6 terminal is the only international container terminal in Oregon, making it a vital gateway connecting Oregon businesses and producers to global markets. The tour allowed me the chance to look at the investments and operations that keep Oregon competitive internationally.
 Tim McCarty of Harbor Industrial, Rep. Nguyen, myself, and Jeff Horst of Oregon Container Terminal at T6.
It has been a busy few days here in the Oregon State Capitol as we come to the close of June Legislative Days. Between committee hearings and constituent meetings these legislative days, we had a few opportunities for celebration this week.
We had the SB 1504 bill signing ceremony with Gov. Kotek, Sen. Weber, and my constituent Kailee Desmond, who brought this bill to life. Because of her advocacy, children in Oregon schools now have more options to treat an allergic reaction. Common sense policymaking like this is a great way for Democrats and Republicans to come together and pass good policy for Oregonians.
Read more: Oregon Legislature passes bill expanding options to treat allergic reactions in schools
 SB 1504 Bill Signing with Gov. Kotek and Sen. Weber.
The unveiling of Governor Kate Brown's official gubernatorial portrait was a true sight to behold. Seeing all the colleagues, lobbyists, family, and friends celebrate the work and dedication of Governor Brown brought so many great memories back to me. Including my time as an intern in a then-first-term State Senator Kate Brown's office back in the 1990s up to now, with our dear friendship and collaboration on the great work of the Willamette Falls Trust.
Vancouver, Washington, portrait artist and photographer Robin Damore painted the official portrait.
 Photo taken by Kevin Neri of the Statesman Journal
This week, our office was joined by two great interns and a legislative aide from Washington State through the National Conference of State Legislatures exchange program. Kailee Desmond and Holly Fowler, two of my constituents, did amazing work tracking committees and learning more about the legislative process this week. While Kit Hager, from Washington State Senator Claire Wilson's office, brought a great perspective and strong interest in learning about how his neighboring state functions and how we can partner together in the future.
 Pres. Wagner with interns Kailee Desmond and Holly Fowler as well as Kit Hager from the Washington State Legislature.
 Last weekend, Laurie and I kicked off Pride Month at LO Pride! It was great to spend the day celebrating the community with Mayor Joe Buck, Councilor Massene Mboup, and the queen herself Poison Waters. I celebrate Pride because Oregon is home to people from various backgrounds. Our differences make our state stronger. Everyone deserves the freedom to live openly, safely, and proudly.
All of the red flags on the map below indicate an Oregon State Park I’ve visited since becoming Senate President. One of my goals has been to serve as a Senate President for all of Oregon. As someone who loves the outdoors, this naturally turned into a mission to visit every state park in the state. If you zoom in, you’ll see that I’ve visited about 110 state parks over the past three years. There are still many left to explore, and I look forward to visiting some of the more remote parks this summer. I’m especially excited to visit Lake Owyhee State Park and Succor Creek State Natural Area this August. My staff and I are using the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit, hosted by Representative Bobby Levy in Ontario, as an opportunity to witness the remarkable beauty of southeastern Oregon firsthand.
Read more: Lake Owyhee State Park and Succor Creek State Natural Area
Statesman Journal Gov. Kate Brown's official portrait is unveiled at Oregon State Capitol
Former Gov. Kate Brown's official portrait now hangs at the Oregon State Capitol after an unveiling on June 16.
Oregon Capital Chronicle Lawmakers approve millions in emergency spending on public safety, wells, university solvency
Legislative leaders said their focus was to spending on public safety, including drought and wildfire preparedness and response.
Lake Oswego Review What construction projects are happening in Lake Oswego this summer?
A series of paving, pathway and infrastructure projects are set to cause traffic shifts, lane closures and road closures this summer in Lake Oswego.
The Oregonian Oregon lawmakers approve effort to boost antitrust division at Justice Department
On Wednesday, the state Legislature approved 16 new positions under Attorney General Dan Rayfield dedicated to investigate and fight corporate mergers.
email: Sen.RobWagner@OregonLegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1600
address: 900 Court St NE, S-201, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wagner
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