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To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
Now that the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence has passed, we begin the work of the next 250 years. We who are alive today have the unique opportunity to impact the middle of the first 500 years of our nation, a nation that has much potential for growth and good.
Do we want to have a strong system of public education, where children excel in reading and math, with a thirst for knowledge and well-honed critical thinking skills?
Do we want high-quality, affordable housing for every resident in our communities, so that no one is living under a bridge and people of every age and physical ability have access to the type of housing that they need?
Do we want a health care system that provides easy access to primary care, affordable medications, and support for healthy lifestyles?
Do we want to ensure that our food and water supply is healthy and sufficient, and that farmers get fair compensation for their work?
Do we want a system of governance where people are engaged in the process, where they know their voices are being heard?
Now is the time to begin that work. Now is the time to help set the stage for our children and grandchildren, and theirs. We have the immense privilege to take part in this work right now, in our own time.
I am grateful to be doing this work with you. I look forward to staying in touch, as we look to the future here in Oregon – a great state, filled with great people.
Best regards,
Deb
One Year Since the Big Beautiful Bill
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” also known as HR 1, which made deep cuts to federal food assistance and Medicaid. In the year since then, 70,000 people in Oregon have lost their food assistance benefits, and hundreds of thousands of Oregonians are at risk of losing their health care coverage.
At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, HR 1 has made it harder for people to afford food and get needed health care. This won’t just affect people who receive government benefits. Reductions in food benefits will also hurt grocery stores, as families have less money to spend. Cuts to health care programs will strain hospital systems, increase emergency room wait times, and raise health care costs for everybody. All of these disruptions will be hardest for people who are already struggling to get by, including working families, seniors, and people in rural communities.
After one year of HR 1, Oregonians are finding it harder than ever to afford food and health care. I know cost of living is a top issue for people in our state. That is why I am working closely with stakeholders to do what we can to protect these essential programs and care for people in need.
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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