A message from Representative Prusak and upcoming events.

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Friends and Neighbors,

Yesterday was one of the most difficult days I’ve had in the Oregon legislature, and I'm writing today with information about the ending of the 2020 legislative session. I want you to know what happened, and why so many issues that are critical to our community did not have an opportunity to move forward.

Over the past year my team and I spent hours planning, meeting, organizing, and thoughtfully crafting policies for the 2020 session; bills ensuring health care access, addressing public safety, and transportation. Once in session, I worked tirelessly to ensure passage of our policy work but also funding for community corrections, The Willamette Falls Locks, The Abernethy / I 205 project, and Highway 99.

Another loss that deeply impacts our state is the policies created from the work of legislators on the newly formed Mental Health Committee. These include a workforce study to address Oregon’s behavioral health workforce shortage, money to help implementation of The Alcohol and Drug Commission plan, and the creation of a behavioral health roadmap.

What made yesterday so difficult was realizing we were so close to achieving these much needed session priorities and how many people would be impacted by absent legislators. Despite our hard work, all bills died yesterday.

The House and Senate Republican walkout denied both chambers a quorum and effectively shut down our legislature. Bills have a very specific process they go through - from readings on the floors to committee debates, hearings, and work sessions - there is a process that involves thoughtful deliberation and a healthy exchange of ideas. Without a quorum, these discussions could not happen.

There can be no doubt, Republican actions have damaged our democratic institutions, left critical policies unaddressed, and denied important funding for budgets and services throughout our state. I believe when elected officials don’t like a bill, they have an obligation to show up and work to improve the bill, or vote against it. They should make their voices heard through conversation not silence. As a Legislator who showed up to work this session, I find this costly walkout unacceptable.

Thankfully The Joint Emergency Board will convene Monday 3/9/20 at 10am to allocate crisis funding for critical needs across Oregon. The board will provide emergency funding for various agencies in response to critical needs, including flood damage in Northeast Oregon and coronavirus response.

It is an honor to serve as your state representative and bring the voice of our community to the Oregon House of Representatives. I will continue to fight for our district priorities and seek conversations. There will be more updates, but for now, I leave you with the powerful words of House Speaker Tina Kotek. I hope you will watch what she had to say before gaveling out the session. [link removed]

Sincerely,

Representative Rachel Prusak


** UPCOMING EVENTS:
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Joint Town Hall with Senator Wagner, Rep Salinas, and Rep Prusak - End of Session Review Thursday, March 12 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm | Lake Oswego City Hall

Joint Town Hall with Senator Wagner- Children’s Wellbeing
Sunday, March 22 | 2 - 4 pm | West Linn Library

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Rachel for State Representative . 1980 willamette falls drive . Suite #120 - PMB#135 . West Linn, Or 97068 . USA

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