MY NEW BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND WORKFORCE TRAINING IN THE TIMBER INDUSTRY

As I crisscross the 5th District, I’ve heard repeatedly from constituents in forestry-related industries that a lack of workers is negatively affecting their operations. I wanted to take a bipartisan and regional approach to address the problem, so I partnered with Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from Washington.

Our bipartisan Jobs in the Woods Act, which we introduced this week, would create grants of $500,000 to $2 million for colleges to utilize for workforce training in forestry-related fields – helping prepare students for jobs in the U.S. Forest Service and the timber industry. It would also help bring thousands of dollars of investments into underserved communities.

Learn more about the Jobs in the Woods Act:

BACKING EFFORTS TO BUILD MORE AFFORDABLE HOMES

As thousands of Oregonians struggle to find safe, affordable places to call home, and as homelessness continues to rise across the United States at a record-setting rate, I’m backing two bipartisan bills that would result in the construction of new affordable homes.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would support the financing of more affordable housing by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit), which has been a successful affordable housing program across the U.S. Separately, the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act seeks to create a new tax incentive that would produce 500,000 starter homes in under-resourced communities over the next decade.

By incentivizing the construction of more affordable housing, these bipartisan proposals will help families in rural, suburban, and urban communities keep a roof over their heads.

Next week, I plan to announce my own bill to address the homelessness crisis by taking a more direct approach to provide mental health and substance abuse care to homeless individuals. Stay tuned!

SITTING DOWN WITH BEND BULLETIN TO DISCUSS MY FIRST EIGHT MONTHS

When I was in Central Oregon last week, I sat down with the Bend Bulletin to discuss my first eight months in Congress.

We covered a lot of ground, including how I’ve successfully worked in a bipartisan manner and my efforts to be an outspoken voice for the issues that matter most to Oregonians, like addressing the failure of Measure 110 and improving transportation and infrastructure.

I love my job, and I love serving the people of Oregon. I’m going to continue fighting for you and work harder than anybody to get things done for you.

ICYMI: WORKING TO BOOST FEDERAL FIREFIGHTER PAY

When I learned a pay raise for federal firefighters was set to expire soon, I immediately joined my colleagues last month to introduce bipartisan legislation that would prevent this from happening.

The Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act would preserve the pay raise established in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law – helping bolster firefighter recruitment, retention, and wellbeing.

These brave men and women run towards danger to keep our communities safe, and it’s our job to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

Learn more about the bipartisan legislation:

MEETING WITH OREGONIANS

In Central Oregon last week, I had the opportunity to visit Oregon State’s Cascades campus, NeighborImpact Food Bank, Bend Surgery Center, the UA Local 290 Plumbers & Steamfitters Training Center, and the Redmond Armory. This week, I also had a busy schedule on the West side of the district – meeting with Teamsters, holding a roundtable with labor union representatives, and visiting The Canby Center.

As we enter back to school season, I enjoyed visiting OSU's Cascades campus to learn more about their focus on student success and career development. Wishing all Oregon students, teachers, and administrators a successful, safe, and fun school year!

For National Food Bank Day last Friday, I visited NeighborImpact Food Bank in Redmond to learn more about their work to help feed those in need in Central Oregon. I appreciate all of the volunteers and generous donors who make their mission possible!

During my recent visit to Bend Surgery Center, I learned more about the health care services they provide Oregonians as one of the largest surgery centers in the country. We also discussed ways to improve patient access to affordable surgical care.

I also had the opportunity to visit the UA Local 290 Plumbers & Steamfitters Training Center in Redmond. I enjoyed learning more about the training they provide and the union's efforts to empower their workers!

I stopped by the Redmond Armory to hear from the Oregon Army National Guard about their effort to upgrade and expand the facility. I'm grateful for their service to our state and country, and I'll continue being a strong voice for our service members in Congress.

This Wednesday, I kicked off my day meeting with Teamsters and then had a productive roundtable with several labor union representatives across Oregon! As labor shortages persist across many industries, it's more important than ever to stand up for workers and protect their right to fair wages and working conditions.

I also had the pleasure of visiting The Canby Center and meeting with Executive Director Ray Keen and Director of Development Steve Nelson. From food and clothing to books and hot lunches, this center has an outstanding impact on youth and families in the area. I'm grateful for all of the volunteers, donors, and staff who make it possible!

ONE MORE THING: REMEMBERING 9/11

Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when nearly 3,000 innocent Americans lost their lives. On this solemn day, we remember the victims and their families, and we reaffirm our commitment to never forget the brave first responders and heroes who risked their lives to save others.

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,