Today I officially filed for re-election to represent the people of Bend in the
Oregon House. As a working mom, small business owner and former memb
   
Dear Neighbors:

 

Today I officially filed for re-election to represent the people of Bend in
the Oregon House.

 

As a working mom, small business owner and former member of the Bend La-Pine
School Board, I understand what makes Bend unique and would be honored to
continue representing you as your State Representative. When I ran for the
legislature, I promised to be an inclusive and independent voice for Bend. To
lead with moderation and to put progress ahead of partisan politics. To be
fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, environmentally conscious and
politically independent. I believe I have kept that promise – working across
party lines, rejecting rigid right-left extremes and working hard for positive
change.

 

Housing -- As a longtime Bend resident, I know that access to affordable
housing is now a crisis in our community. It’s why I supported two new laws to
increase housing supply and choices and drive down costs. I wrote and passed a
law that will encourage and allow more mixed-used affordable housing inside
Bend, especially near public transit. I also broke with many in my Party to
support allowing multi-family housing choices, like duplexes and
cottage-cluster housing in single-family neighborhoods. 
 

Family Leave -- As a working mom and restaurant co-worker, I understand the
first-hand challenges for working families. It’s why I joined with Democrats
and Republicans to pass a new paid family leave law giving twelve weeks paid
time off to new parents, those who are sick or caring for a family member and
to victims of domestic violence. Lower income workers will receive 100% of
their wages during time off. I'm proud to support families in their time of
need.
 

Gun Safety -- As someone who cares about public safety, particularly in our
schools, I broke with most in my Party to support a new law to keep guns out of
the hands of domestic abusers and stalkers. I will continue to champion
stronger gun safety laws such as expanded background checks.
 

Education -- As a longtime advocate for public schools, I was proud to support
a 10% increase in funding for public schools -- the largest K-12 budget in
Oregon history. This builds on my local school board record of boosting
graduation rates by 10%, securing voter-approval of 4 new schools to relieve
overcrowding and fast-tracking the installation of new safety entrances in 22
Bend La-Pine schools.
 

While our national and state politics are far too polarized and divided, I
believe in leadership through consensus and collaboration. It’s not easy. But
I’m confident the people of Bend want and expect effective leadership that is
moderate, locally-focused and seeks common ground and bipartisan solutions.
Over the next year I plan to run an aggressive grassroots campaign – walking
door to door, seeking local endorsements, putting up yard signs, engaging in
social media and participating in community events. But I also know that
special interests will target me for defeat. That means I need to raise money
for campaign staff, TV and on-line ads, direct mail and radio. This is where I
need your help.  

 

Today, I am hoping you will do two things to help me get my campaign off to a
strong start – donate $100 and lend your name to my campaign with a personal
endorsement.
Donate
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Endorse
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Sixteen years ago, Steve and I were drawn to Bend, like so many others, by the
opportunity to start our own business, raise a family and enjoy the incredible
outdoor lifestyle. It's been the honor of my lifetime to represent Bend in the
Oregon Legislature. I'm grateful for your continued support and friendship.
Hope to see you soon.

 

Warm Regards,

  

Cheri

 

 

Paid for by Cheri Helt for State Representative
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