Help is here, and the American Rescue Plan is already delivering money in pockets, shots in arms, kids in schools, and people in jobs. Now that Congress and President Biden have acted to stem the pandemic and provide relief, the next step is recovery.

The American Jobs Plan, including robust federal investments in workforce and infrastructure, is a win-win-win that will make our communities safer and more resilient, restore our economy, bring people back to work, and finally address the longstanding needs of families and caregivers. I look forward to advocating for the communities of NW Oregon as we advance budget and infrastructure bills.

Thanks also to the more than 2,800 people who joined my most recent telephone town hall meeting! If you’d like to join the next one on Saturday, May 15, sign up here.

Vaccines Save Lives

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The Biden-Harris Administration has achieved 150 million vaccinations in the first 75 days, and I helped bring crucial resources to NW Oregon and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center to make sure vaccinations in Oregon are equitable and accessible. Local organizations like Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and many others are stepping up to vaccinate our communities, and I got to thank them in person and see their impressive operation in Washington County.

I understand that it has been frustrating for many to try to get a vaccine appointment. I’m doing everything I can to increase the number of vaccines available to Oregonians. Make sure you get vaccinated when it is your turn, and please consider sharing the news with your community to show that the vaccine is safe and effective.


Schools Reopening Safely

ImageOne of my top priorities in the American Rescue Plan was to provide resources to schools so they can reopen safely. I’m proud to have delivered more than $1.1 billion to K-12 schools in Oregon. I visited Elmonica Elementary just before students returned so I could hear from teachers and school leaders about the preparations they made to welcome students back. It was wonderful to see their excitement about being in the classroom again. And I heard from Warrenton Superintendent Tom Rogozinski, who said that without the funds from the American Rescue Plan, their district would be facing tough choices about layoffs or cutting instruction time.

Community colleges are a gateway to higher education for many students, as Lane Community College was for me. I appreciate the insight of community college students and leaders on how federal relief, including more than $300 million to Oregon community colleges, is making a difference.

Standing Up for Consumers

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As an attorney, I represented people harmed by unscrupulous business practices. Now I'm introducing legislation with Rep. Marie Newman to stop predatory debt collectors from getting federal Paycheck Protection Plan funds designed to help small businesses. Our CURB Debt Collectors Act will put an end to this misuse of taxpayer funds and help protect people in debt. I’m glad the Washington Post is bringing attention to this issue.

I am also working to strengthen federal laws protecting consumers from predatory debt collectors. I recently reintroduced my SCAM Debt Act, which would prevent the use of misleading or incomplete allegations to try to convince people to pay debts they do not legally owe. I have long been an advocate of consumer protection and will continue to support efforts to strengthen federal laws, making sure unscrupulous businesses are not taking advantage of people.


In Case You Missed It

·        For families, educators, and providers who are struggling in our broken child care system, help is on the way. I’m proud to have led the successful effort for a robust investment in child care.

·        I’m grateful to Rep. Lauren Underwood and the advocates who joined me to discuss the Black Maternal Health Crisis and how we can work together to prevent these tragic deaths.

·        It is an honor to be named a Vice-Chair of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus. I’ll never stop working with the LGBTQ community to stand up for trans kids, LGBTQ seniors, and every LGBTQ person.

·        Comprehensive, humane reform of our immigration system is long overdue, and the House has taken concrete steps to protect Dreamers and farmworkers.

 

   

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