BICAMERAL MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR CHILD CARE INVESTMENT ACT

Last August, I joined Congressman Carbajal from California to introduce the Child Care Investment Act. Our bipartisan legislation would make commonsense changes to the tax code to make child care services more affordable for Oregon families. Currently, according to the Economic Policy Institute, the cost of care for one infant takes up 22 percent of an average Oregon family’s income. That number soars to nearly 40 percent for a family of four -- highlighting the urgent need for our bill.

The proposal has since been endorsed by a number of groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus, the Bipartisan Policy Center, and several others. I’m glad that many of my colleagues recognize that investing in child care is not only an investment in hardworking families, but it’s also an investment in the future success and growth of our communities.

And with the recent introduction of similar bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate by Senators Kaine and Britt, momentum continues to build for our commonsense and much-needed legislation. Learn more by visiting my website:

Earlier this year, I penned a guest column in Bend Bulletin highlighting the importance of improving child care accessibility and affordability. From economic impacts to educational outcomes, child care is a fundamental pillar of our communities – a pillar that is unfortunately on shaky ground. A recent survey found over 40 percent responded that they had to change career plans because they couldn’t find child care.

Read my full column by clicking here or below:

SEEING CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS AT BEND MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

I've proudly fought to secure federal funding for critical safety and infrastructure upgrades at Bend Municipal Airport, including through a $6 million Community Project Funding request in Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations.

It was great to stop by the airport earlier this week to meet with Manager Tracy Williams and learn more about the progress being made on these projects!

NEW REPORT SHOWS HOMICIDES IN PORTLAND HAVE RISEN 278% SINCE 2020

While some cities have seen violent crime decrease since 2020, a new report on data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association shows homicides in Portland have risen by a stunning 278%.

Status-quo, soft-on-crime policies are not keeping Oregonians safe. We need to hold criminals accountable and let law enforcement do their jobs. To help with officer recruitment, I was proud to support the bipartisan Recruit and Retain Act, which has been signed into law. I remain committed to working closely with our men and women in blue to tackle public safety issues facing our communities.

ICYMI: VISITING VETERANS VILLAGE AND CLACKAMAS EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

Thank you to Veterans Village and the Clackamas County Emergency Operations Center for having me stop by recently! Both of these facilities provide critical services to Oregonians, and I always appreciate having the chance to learn more about how we can work together. Click below to learn more:

DOJ AWARDS MY COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION

The Department of Justice has officially awarded my $500,000 Community Project Funding request for the Clackamas School Based Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Juvenile Justice Prevention Program!

The funds will lessen demands on law enforcement by streamlining access to community resources – keeping young people out of the juvenile justice system while supporting efforts to repair harm to victims and help them contribute positive change to their communities.

DISTRICT WORK PERIOD IN PICTURES

From meeting with firefighters at the Redmond Smokejumper Base to visiting Crossroads Communities in Lebanon, I’ve enjoyed seeing Oregonians from across the 5th District – and I’m excited to continue a productive district work period!

SUNDAY SCENERY

For this weekend's Sunday Scenery post, take a look at this stunning view from Black Butte Ranch submitted by Debra from Bend!

Thank you Debra for your picture. To submit your own visit: chavez-deremer.hosue.gov/sunday-scenery

ONE MORE THING!

This week, we recognized National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

Oregon has experienced the highest rate of fentanyl overdose deaths in the nation. I've successfully fought to pass legislation like the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to raise awareness and provide our communities with the resources needed to address this ongoing crisis.

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,