Legislative Work
Jobs and Economic Development
A healthy economy means good jobs, opportunities to grow a business, and support for community programs.
Read about some of the ways I get involved, from broadband, construction, and infrastructure to reducing red tape, improving economic development programs, and helping individuals.
Health Care and Human Services
Where I spotted opportunities to make a difference, I jumped in to write and pass bills on unfair practices by PBMs forcing pharmacies out of business, increasing access to primary care, shedding light on health insurance rate increases, and expanding school based health care. When Eugene’s hospital closed with 90 day’s notice, I passed a bill to start reshaping access to urgent and emergency care. When local lactation consultants contacted me about the road blocks for new moms to get help, we worked together for months and months, fought hard, and passed a bill to fix the problem. I worked with AARP to help people leaving a hospital and returning home for care. And I advocated for funding for local organizations like Relief Nurseries, CASA, Looking Glass, Ophelia’s Place, Womenspace, and more.
Consumer Protection, Seniors, and Vulnerable Oregonians
Whenever I find out that someone has been taken advantage of, I get angry. And when I find out there’s a way we could have done better, or helped prevent it, I take action. Consumers, seniors, college students, people in fragile health, and others: you’ll recognize news stories that spurred my action to pass bills. This gives you an idea of my values, and where I’ll keep working.
Energy, Environment, and Transportation
I’ve supported legislation to reduce use of fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency, and invest in drought resilience. I’ve written legislation to support electric vehicles, smaller size and alternative vehicles, alternative energy sources, and improving passenger train service. I champion transportation options including improved public transit and passenger and freight rail. I work to reduce toxic materials in consumer products, the workplace and fields and forests, which place enormous costs on individuals and society through deteriorating health and reduced ability to work and take care of a family.
Smarter Government
Working to improve bureaucracy isn’t a very exciting topic, but it’s one that I’ve spent energy on because we can do better. Public service can be hampered by agency silos and TTWWADI (That’s The Way We’ve Always Done It). Taxpayers need to count on us to do the best we can with the dollars, and where we can do it better by cooperating, we should insist on agency agreements to cooperate. I’ve passed bills to improve public contracting, reduce the burden of unnecessary forms on people seeking help, and streamline assistance processes.