Summer is coming to an end and students and educators are returning to school. Because of recent legislation and updates to state and federal policy, families might notice some changes as the school year begins.

Many more students will be served by clean school buses instead of polluting diesel buses. School districts across NW Oregon have received millions of dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to update their fleets to vehicles that are better for the health of students and our planet. As one bus driver told me, these new buses come with the added benefit of being quiet enough to hear students talking—even those sitting in the back!

Also starting this year, families served by Portland Public Schools, Beaverton School District, and many other school districts won’t need to remember to put money on a lunch account or fill out paperwork for free and reduced-price meals. Students in close to 70 percent of Oregon schools will have access to free breakfast and lunch because of changes made to federal school meal program requirements.  This update to free school meal eligibility mirrors a provision in my legislation—the Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act—I introduced last Congress with Congressman Bobby Scott, the Democratic leader on the Education and Workforce Committee.

Investing in our children’s education is one of the best investments we can make. As a senior member of the Education Committee, I will continue to advocate for the policies and resources needed to support safe and healthy public schools.

Starting the School Year with Beaverton School District

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It was wonderful to help welcome Beaverton School District students, families, and educators back to school at Jacob Wismer Elementary School. The start of a new school year is always full of excitement and joy!

Investing in Clean and Reliable Water

ImageI joined Congresswoman Salinas and local leaders to celebrate the $3 million in Community Project Funding I helped secure with Senators Wyden and Merkley for the Tualatin Valley Water District’s Willamette Water Supply System project. The Tualatin Valley Water District covers one of the fastest growing areas in Oregon. This investment will increase access to safe and reliable drinking water, keep costs down for ratepayers in Washington County, and improve the region’s resiliency.

Growing Oregon Innovation

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I was thrilled to join Governor Kotek, Senators Wyden and Merkley, Rep. Val Hoyle, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director Dr. Laurie Locascio, and others in Corvallis to help celebrate the award of a new CHIPS and Science Act investment to HP. This $50 million agreement will spur advancements in semiconductor technology and create good jobs in manufacturing and construction.

CHIPS investments like the recent award to HP are growing Oregon’s semiconductor industry. A skilled and diverse workforce will expand opportunities to those historically left behind, maximize the investment, and grow the industry. I joined Congresswoman Salinas, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Barragan, NIST Director Dr. Locascio, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Feliz, and other academic, non-profit, and business leaders to discuss how to best support and expand opportunities for Latino students and community members.

We passed the CHIPS and Science Act two years ago, and it’s great to see the difference the legislation is making for Oregon’s economy, students, and workers.

ICYMI

  • Families have until Sept. 2 to apply for Summer EBT benefits
  • The clean energy plan provides up to $150 for home energy audits
  • I learned more about wildfire detecting cameras at Cooper Mountain
  • I met with Olympian Jade Carey at OSU
  • I celebrated the completion of TriMet’s A Better Red project
 

   

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