When we elect someone to the Oregon Senate, experience matters. Rachel Armitage is not new to the job. She served in this same Senate seat during the 2022 legislative session and previously worked as a legislative staff member for Representatives Susan McLain and Carla Piluso. That means she understands both how laws are written and how to work effectively in Salem.
During her time in the Senate, Rachel supported legislation that addressed issues affecting Oregonians across the state. She voted to establish a dental program for low-income veterans, provide grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations responding to homelessness, improve transparency by requiring school board members to file statements of economic interest, and make it easier for sexual assault victims to preserve forensic evidence.
She also supported legislation requiring overtime pay for agricultural workers, strengthening voter registration, extending public service loan forgiveness responsibilities to community colleges and public universities, and helping small forestland owners through tax credits related to riparian protections.
No candidate will agree with every voter on every issue, but I believe it is important to look at a candidate’s record of public service. Rachel Armitage has legislative experience, has cast votes on difficult issues, and understands the responsibilities of serving in the Oregon Senate.
As voters, we all benefit from learning about the candidates and reviewing their records before casting our ballots.
Barbara Billstine
Tillamook, Oregon
