INTRODUCING THE NO TOLLS ON OREGON ROADS ACT

This week, I introduced the No Tolls on Oregon Roads Act. My new bill would prevent ODOT from proceeding with any tolling projects along I-5 and I-205 – effectively blocking tolling from being implemented along these interstate highways in Oregon.

Oregonians are understandably fed up with the state’s attempt to hastily implement tolling. I know families are already stretching budgets thin to pay for gas, groceries, and rent. They shouldn’t have to pay another tax just to drive to work.

That’s why I’ll continue working to give Oregonians peace of mind by making the current pause permanent. Learn more about the No Tolls on Oregon Roads Act by visiting my website HERE. I also spoke to KATU about the new bill:

QUESTIONING GOVERNOR KOTEK ON STEPS BEING TAKEN TO MITIGATE THE FALLOUT OF MEASURE 110

I sent a letter to Governor Kotek on Wednesday questioning the state’s approach to addressing the fallout of Measure 110. Since the measure passed and certain amounts of addictive drugs were decriminalized, substance abuse has exploded – yet Oregon ranks last in the nation for addiction treatment accessibility.

Now, a majority of Oregonians agree: Measure 110 needs to be repealed. In the meantime, I'm hopeful that we can collaborate in a bipartisan manner to fix the problems it has created, including by taking steps to provide adequate health care to the homeless.

Read my full letter to the governor by clicking HERE or learn more below:

NEW COLUMN: DELIVERING RESULTS FOR OREGON VETERANS

In my latest column, I discuss the steps I’ve taken during my first eight months in office to stand up for Oregon veterans. From securing funding for the Portland VA and fully funding veterans’ health care, to introducing legislation to help homeless veterans and completing a variety of VA casework requests, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far.

It’s an honor to serve those who have so selflessly served us, and delivering results for Oregon veterans will continue to be one of my top priorities in Congress. I encourage everyone to consider taking action to support veterans in your own communities.

Read my full column in the Portland Tribune:

MEETING WITH OREGONIANS

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter, visiting the Central Electrical Training Center in Tangent, touring the Weyerhaeuser lumber mill in Lebanon, learning more about the manufacturing of critical battery parts at ENTEK, and meeting with the board of directors at Midstate Electric Cooperative.

I appreciate the Marion County Sheriff's Office for working day-in and day-out to protect our communities. I'll continue doing my part to support law enforcement and fight to ensure they have the resources needed to tackle the fentanyl crisis and reduce crime.

From the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act to the Youth Workforce Readiness Act, I've made it a priority to ensure students are ready to meet the demands of our economy. I enjoyed visiting the NECA-IBEW Training Center to discuss the importance of apprenticeship programs and the training they provide!

I also had a great workforce discussion with employees at the Weyerhaeuser lumber bill in Lebanon, where I heard about the importance of maintaining a stable log supply. I’m currently working on legislation, which I hope to announce in the coming weeks, that would address our nation’s labor shortage in the forestry industry by creating a grant program for workforce training in forestry related fields. You can learn more about my Weyerhaeuser visit in the Lebanon Local.

ENTEK, which was founded in Lebanon, is the largest manufacturer of lead acid battery separators in the United States! These are critical battery components, including for electric vehicles. I enjoyed learning more about their manufacturing process during my visit. Businesses like ENTEK are the backbone of our economy, and I will continue supporting pro-growth policies that help manufacturers like ENTEK excel.

I stopped by Midstate Electric Cooperative in La Pine to meet with the board of directors. We had a great discussion about infrastructure and rural development, emergency management, and more. I appreciate the work co-ops like Midstate do to provide affordable power in our rural communities, including across Deschutes County!

ONE MORE THING!

I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend! As the daughter of a Teamster, I remain committed to empowering our workforce and will continue working to protect workers' rights at the policymaking tables in D.C.

Thank you for reading my weekly newsletter. It's an honor to be your voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. Your thoughts, concerns, and comments are very important to me. Always feel free to get in touch by calling (202) 225-5711 or by visiting my website at chavez-deremer.house.gov.

Sincerely,