Coos Bay Democrat released a Holiday Message to residents of his district. Happy Holidays! I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well. As 2017 comes to a close, we would all do well to reflect upon the values that guide our lives, on the past year’s accomplishments and the opportunities that lie ahead. I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent you in the Oregon Legislature. Helping to address issues of importance to constituents on the Oregon Coast is why I chose to run for elected office. It is my pleasure to extend to you and your family my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. While many bills passed during the 2017 Legislative Session have already become law, there are some important new laws that will take effect on January 1st. Among these is Senate Bill 847, a bill I championed that allows the State Land Board, the Department of State Lands and the Legislative Assembly to transfer lands managed for the benefit of the Common School Fund to other public agencies that may be better suited to manage the lands for public benefits other than monetary benefit; and Senate Bill 1003, a bill ensuring that kindergarten and first-grade students are screened for risk factors of dyslexia. Town Hall / Community Events – It is my pleasure to invite everyone to attend one of several District 5 meetings in the coming weeks. These meetings are a great opportunity to get updated on legislative activities and to provide input on many of the challenges that we face in District 5. These include the need for more affordable housing, aging in rural-coastal communities, climate change policy and, perhaps most importantly, doing more to ensure that Oregon students have the resources to support their academic success. If you are unable to attend one of my Town Hall meetings, but have a matter of importance you would like to share with me, you can submit your ideas by email or contact my office staff (503-986-1705).
