Hello Neighbors and Friends,

The 82nd legislative session has reached its midpoint, and we have returned to a more typical schedule for floor sessions, which allowed committees to convene more regularly last week. Nonetheless, we still have a substantial amount of work to accomplish. I am looking forward to continuing to represent my community and work on issues that not only impact my constituents, but all Oregonians.

The weather continues to be interesting throughout the state. Over on Capitol Hill last Wednesday we experienced rain, sunshine and hail all within the same hour! Oregon sure knows how to keep us on our toes and indecisive regarding our outdoor apparel.

Meetings

Ways and Means Roadshow

My fellow legislators and I had the opportunity to spend time with our constituents during the Ways and Means Roadshow in Newport this past week. It was an excellent opportunity for us to engage with our citizens and learn about their issues of concern.

Rainier Community Leaders

This week, I also got the opportunity to meet with Rainier community leaders such as City Administrator Scott Jorgensen, Mayor Jerry Cole, and Rainier City Council Member Michael Kreger.

Oregon Long Term Care Ombudsman

I also got to meet with representatives of Oregon Long Term Care which included George Berry, who is their Ombudsman. The agency includes three programs: the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the Oregon Public Guardian, and the Residential Facilities Ombudsman. The mission of the agency is to protect individual rights, promote independence, and ensure quality of life for Oregonians living in long-term care and residential facilities and for Oregonians with decisional limitations. You can learn more about the agency here.

Food For All Oregonians

Although floor sessions seem to have returned to normal, there is still a possibility that they might continue beyond their scheduled time. In such instances, I am grateful that my Chief of Staff Katy Pritchard is available to assist. For example, when I was supposed to hold a meeting with the members of “Food for all Oregonians,” she stepped in.

“The Food for All Oregonians campaign envisions an Oregon where all people have access to food no matter where we’re born.” You can learn more about the effort to feed Oregon here.

Local Matters

Scientists believe an underwater spring off the coast of Oregon has an impact on earthquake hazards

A new study by the University of Washington has discovered that the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which runs along the west coast of North America, could have a much larger earthquake potential than previously estimated. According to the research, a natural spring in the seabed is allowing fluids to flow, lubricating the fault zone and making it more prone to slip during an earthquake. This process was previously unknown and may explain why some parts of the subduction zone have ruptured more often than others.

The findings highlight the need for better monitoring of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which could produce a massive earthquake known as “the big one” that could cause widespread damage along the Pacific Northwest. The research team hopes that their findings will lead to a better understanding of the geological processes at work and better prediction of earthquakes in the region. You can read more about this here.

KOIN 6 News: An underwater spring called Pythia’s Oasis was discovered off the Oregon Coast in 2014. University of Washington scientists believe it plays a role in earthquake hazards. Photo courtesy University of Washington

Keep an eye out for wildlife: New plans for safe crossings on the Oregon Coast and in Central Oregon

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is planning to construct new wildlife crossings along the Oregon Coast and Central Oregon. The project aims to reduce the number of wildlife-related collisions on highways and to help protect wildlife populations.

The wildlife crossings will be constructed in locations where animals frequently cross the road, and they will include bridges, tunnels, and other structures that allow animals to safely cross the highway without coming into contact with vehicles. ODOT hopes that the project will not only reduce the number of accidents but also help to preserve Oregon’s diverse wildlife population. Read more about these plans here.

The Watch for Wildlife license plate is available for purchase at all DMV locations in Oregon. Find more information here.

This spring, baby seal pups have returned to the Oregon coast.

Seal pups have started to appear on the Oregon coast again this spring. The pups can be seen on beaches and rocks, and visitors are advised to stay at least 50 yards away from them to avoid disturbing them.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium has also reminded the public that it is illegal to approach or touch seal pups or any other marine mammal. It is important to give the animals space and to avoid causing them stress, as this can impact their health and survival. Learn more about the baby seals here.

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

Oregon Legislative Information System

Both committee hearings and floor proceedings are available to watch online. You can track bills and be notified when a hearing is scheduled. I recommend spending some time learning about it by visiting Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS). Links to the instructional videos for each of the “How To” lines below are included in the attachments.

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
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/weber/