Priorities

Legislative Priorities

Promote Science and Technology

Advanced skills are the building blocks to staying competitive in a growing and complex economy. Therefore, I am committed to building stronger science and technology programs in our schools to ensure that our students have the skills they need to succeed. I am also extremely interested in supporting the diverse community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business incubators located throughout the district.

Foster Healthy Communities

I am dedicated to making sure that all Oregonians have access to high-quality, affordable health care. In particular, paying for health coverage needs to be made easier for both families and small businesses. I am also committed to reducing the exposure of citizens to toxins and pollutants. For example, I believe it is time for our state to ban toxic chemicals in children's products.

Invest In Education

Inadequate funding for schools has led Oregon to have among the highest dropout rates and largest class sizes in the country. I am passionate about working with educators and parents to improve funding for schools, reduce class sizes, and make sure that our children receive the all-important education they deserve.

Strengthen Our Economy

As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges that small businesses face. I am committed to rebuilding our state's infrastructure and increasing the predictability of how and where our cities and counties grow. In addition, I strongly support development of the clean energy sector and jobs that help protect Oregon’s natural legacy.

Protect Our Natural Resources

Growing up in Oregon, I developed a deep respect for our state's natural resources. My career as a land use attorney also served to strengthen this appreciation. As a legislator, I strive to promote sustainable land use and protect the rights of current and future generations to a clean, healthy, and livable environment.

Examples of Recent Legislation

Ensuring Access to Health Care

In response to federal reductions in funding for Medicaid, my colleagues and I passed House Bill 2391 in 2017 to protect health care coverage for low-income Oregonians.

House Bill 2391

Protecting
Our Wildlife

In 2016, I was the Chief Sponsor of House Bill 4046. This bill increased the penalties for those who illegally take or kill wildlife. It is was critical step in protecting state wildlife.

House Bill 4046

Making Housing
More Affordable

I proudly supported House Bill 4007 in 2018, raising $90 million per biennium for homelessness prevention and affordable housing needs, including support for veterans and first-time home buyers.

House Bill 4007

Assisting Low-
Income Families

During 2016, I sponsored
House Bill 4110, which increased Oregon's Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families with young children, helping them to pay for basic needs.

House Bill 4110

Funding Transportation Infrastructure

In 2017, I joined in passing House Bill 2017, a historic funding package investing $5.3 billion in infrastructure improvements, maintenance, transit projects, and congestion reduction.

House Bill 2017

Supporting
Small Businesses

I was proud to support small businesses by sponsoring Senate Bill 1589 in 2016. This bill expanded opportunities for businesses to access capitol from the Credit Enhancement Fund.

Senate Bill 1589

Preventing Gun Violence

In a bipartisan vote in 2018, I helped pass House Bill 4145 to prohibit those convicted of stalking and domestic violence or under restraining orders from buying/owning firearms and ammunition.

House Bill 4145

Fostering a Clean Energy Economy

I was honored to vote yes on Senate Bill 1547 in 2016. This landmark legislation eliminated coal power from our state's energy supply and doubled our renewable portfolio standard.

Senate Bill 1547