By Senator Suzanne Weber

Hello Neighbors and Friends,

Another week into the session and Spring has arrived for some parts of the state. While the wind and rain continue on the Coast, here in Salem the flowers and cherry blossom trees around the Capitol are in full bloom. State park employees recently used Japanese lanterns to decorate the cherry blossom trees at Oregon State Capitol State Park. It was a beautiful display of color!

Constituent Meetings

SEIU Long Term Care and Home Care workers

I had the pleasure to meet with SEIU Long Term Care and Home Care workers this week for their capitol advocacy day. We talked about some of the concerns they have regarding bills that are being worked on this legislative session. My office continues to prove able to accommodate large groups of people!

Patrick Kessi, a former member of the Scappoose School District’s budget committee, paid me a visit this week. Given my background in education and current role on the Senate Education committee, he was happy to discuss significant issues confronting our school districts. I appreciate Patrick stopping by and feel encouraged by his dedication to supporting more efficient education systems for our children.

PCC’s Day at the Capitol

This week was Portland Community College’s Day at the Capitol, where they went around the capitol building meeting with legislators to discuss their legislative priorities and concerns. I always appreciate visits with motivated members of our communities.

Building Construction Continues

Due to the construction on the Capitol building, it is a bit chilly on the Senate floor. Not to worry, my home town has me covered.

Local Matters

Registration Open for Summer Camps

As many of you know, I was a teacher for 30 years and am very passionate about all things education related. I am a big fan of any hands-on educational camp opportunities kids can get.

At these young age ranges students are already undergoing incredible social, physical, and emotional changes. When they attend educational summer camps, defenses come down and students undergo a transformational bonding experience with their peers. They not only learn about tools and building in a hands-on way that they wouldn’t otherwise get, but they also get a crash course in empathy, self-awareness, and their role as members of a community.

This week I want to share the opportunities for kids in St Helens. Registration is now open for Recreation Program Summer Camps 2023! You can sign up for summer camp programs suitable for ages 5-12 and grades 1 through 5. Have a teen who’s interested in becoming a counselor? Sign up for the Counselor In Training program, the first step in the transition from camper to staff member. Summer Camps 2023 | City of St Helens Oregon

Ship Traffic: Columbia River

On April 5th yet another record was broken as the largest ship to call the Columbia River, the MSC Katie, past Senate District 16’s northern boarder as it made its way up river to Portland.

At nearly a quarter mile long (365.88 m/1,200.39 ft), she is over twice as long as the Wells Fargo Center, Portland’s tallest building, which stands at 166 m/546 ft.

You can learn all about MSC Katie and other ship traffic at The Ship Report. It is one of my favorite places to go for Columbia River traffic. If you haven’t already discovered Joanne Rideout and The Ship Report, I’d encourage you to check it out.

Summer Salmon fishing seasons set for the Oregon coast, Columbia River.

“Offshore salmon seasons will look much different this summer along most of the Oregon coast as managers struggle to ensure the safety of declining fall chinook returning to Northern California.

And changes are in store for the Columbia River as well, with Oregon and Washington biologists crafting their own fall seasons in an effort to avoid last year’s pre-Labor Day shutdown of the Buoy 10 chinook fishery.” – OregonLive Summer salmon fishing season

Clatsop Economic Development Resources Winners Announced!

Congratulations to the following businesses & community leaders for their recognition!

Volunteer Leader Award – Kristin Talamantez
Exceptional Customer Service Small Business – Video Horizons
Economic Impact Small Business – Una Vez Mas & El Jarocho Restaurants
Innovation Small Business – The Magic Shop & More
Job Retention Large Business – Cleanline Surf Shop
Business Leader of the Year Small Business – Menagerie and Mess Hall Market
Community Impact Small Business – Kit’s Apothecary
Event Community Impact – Sandcastle Day- Cannon Beach
Business Leader of the Year New Business – Crafted in Seaside
Economic Impact Large Business – Damarkom, Inc.
Community Impact Large Business – Fort George Brewery & Public House
Organizational Impact – ODF Astoria District State Forest
Exceptional Customer Service Large Business – Lum’s Auto Center
Skip Hauke Spirit of Business: Community Supporter – Betsy Johnson

Stay Connected!

Don’t forget to follow me on my social media pages! That is one of the best ways to keep up with what I am up to. I post regular updates and commentary about local and statewide issues. Below you will find several links. Feel free to follow me on whichever platform you prefer.

Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Instagram

We are here for YOU!

As per usual our floor schedule is beyond our control. But we will make time for you. Please email or call and my staff will get you on my calendar. My staff and I are here to help you! If you have a problem, question or comment, please feel free to email me at sen.suzanneweber@oregonlegislature.gov or suzanne@weberfororegon.com.

I do ask you to PLEASE include your phone number and your address. This allows me to call you to follow up or ask any questions I might have. Your address lets me know that you’re a constituent. I get thousands of emails every week, but I always make sure that constituents get top priority. If you’d prefer, you can also call us at 503.300.4493.

If you’d like to visit me in Salem, you’re always welcome to come by! If you drop by without an appointment, I’ll do my best to meet with you, but to ensure that I don’t have any other commitments, please call or email first for an appointment. That way I can make sure to give you my undivided attention.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to be your State Senator. It truly is the honor of my life, and I look forward to being your voice in the Senate for the next four years!

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716 District Phone: 503-300-4493
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-405, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.SuzanneWeber@oregonlegislature.gov