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Dear Friend,
I want to give you a quick update on the work I’ve been doing on behalf of you and your neighbors in Oregon’s Sixth District.
NEW BILL ALERT
On Monday, I was at Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Station 39 and introduced the Lifeline for First Responders Act, which would create a first-of-its-kind federal grant to deliver mental health care for our brave firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers.
Oregon is facing its most devastating wildfire season on record, and our first responders are carrying that weight. Up to 25% of firefighters have PTSD, and 37% of fire and EMS workers have contemplated suicide. Our first responders show up for us when we need it most, and we need to show up for them. Click here to read more about my new bill.
(P.S. Don’t forget to forward this newsletter to a friend so they can stay informed about new legislation, upcoming events, and more!)
Outdoors in Oregon’s Beautiful Lands!
Have you ever been to Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge near Dallas? Baskett Slough is a 2,558-acre haven with winding trails, rich wetlands, and prime spots for taking in the region’s wildlife. Inside the refuge, I hiked with Andy Neal, an Oregonian dedicated to advocating for both our public lands and mental health care. We had a great discussion about safeguarding our public lands from Trump’s reckless attacks and my work as a co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus. These are issues that matter deeply to both of us. Watch a portion of our interview by clicking the link here or down below.
On Thursday, I had the exciting opportunity to paddle the Tualatin River with the Riverkeepers! As we floated down the river, we discussed the river’s health and the work needed to protect this vital watershed. This river is a major resource connecting communities in our district, and keeping it strong keeps us strong.
Keeping with the theme of our district's great outdoors, I toured Alpha Nursery in Salem with the Oregon Association of Nurseries. Touring their operation gave me a look into how this family-run business cultivates hundreds of plant varieties and supports Oregon’s position as the nation’s top producer of nursery stock. As a proud member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I am working to ensure growers like Alpha Nursery have the support they need to thrive.
Salem Planned Parenthood
Reproductive healthcare is under attack across the country, and the consequences are felt most by those who already face barriers to care. On Tuesday, I toured the Salem Planned Parenthood clinic, where I met with the dedicated staff who provide essential services ranging from cancer screenings to annual physicals.
Here is my promise to you: I will use every tool at my disposal to protect their vital work and ensure that all Americans can access the care they need.
Bethlehem House of Bread
I stopped by Bethlehem House of Bread, a Tigard-based food pantry and community resource center that serves about 3,500 of our neighbors each month. As costs climb and Republicans slash food benefits, hardworking families will be forced to turn to resources like Bethlehem House of Bread.
In the richest nation on the planet, hunger is not inevitable; it is a policy choice. That is why I am pushing to restore and strengthen nutrition programs that children, veterans, seniors, and working families count on.
Stay in the know by following me on X, Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram. As always, visit salinas.house.gov if you want to share an opinion or need assistance with a federal agency. My office is here to serve you!
Be well,
Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress
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