Connecting with You
One of the most meaningful parts of the legislative session is the opportunity to connect directly with the people I represent. Even with a full schedule of floor sessions and committee hearings, I always make time to meet with constituents.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting with many of you who traveled to Salem or took time to meet with me virtually. Thank you for sharing your perspectives, your concerns, and the real-life experiences that help guide my work at the Capitol.
It was a pleasure to meet with members of SEIU during their lobby day at the Capitol. These public employees and caregivers traveled to Salem to share their perspectives on workforce challenges, including staffing levels, workplace safety, benefits, and compensation.
I value hearing directly from the people who deliver essential services in our communities. These conversations are an important part of my work as I weigh policy decisions with a focus on responsible budgeting, accountability, and ensuring state resources are used effectively to support both workers and the Oregonians who rely on these services.
Proud to stand with Senate President Rob Wagner, Kailee, her younger sister, and their family at the Capitol in support of SB 1504. Inspired by Kailee’s leadership, this student-driven bill updates Oregon law to allow schools the flexibility to use newer, non-injectable epinephrine options; a simple, common-sense change that helps schools respond quickly and keep students safe. Thank you to her family for supporting her advocacy and helping bring this important idea forward.
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It was an honor to meet with Jesuit High School student and young author Ishaan Kodarapu at the Capitol, where he shared a signed copy of his book, Audacity to Start. Ishaan’s message encourages students to take initiative, pursue their ideas, and make a difference now, not someday. It’s always inspiring to meet young Oregonians who are already stepping forward with the confidence and drive to lead.
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It was an honor to meet with Kim Silva, Executive Director of Friends of Outdoor School, and Oregon educator Tyler Janzen at the Capitol to discuss HB 4112, the bipartisan effort to restore Outdoor School funding to voter-approved levels. Outdoor School gives students the opportunity to learn science in a hands-on environment while building confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection to Oregon’s natural resources. For many students, this is their first extended outdoor learning experience, and stable funding is critical to ensuring every Oregon child has access to this important program. I appreciate their advocacy and their commitment to Oregon students.
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It was a pleasure to meet with representatives from the Housing Alliance of Oregon at the Capitol to discuss their priorities for the 2026 session. Our conversation focused on strategies to increase housing supply, support homelessness prevention and response efforts, and improve housing stability for Oregonians. I appreciate the opportunity to hear their perspectives as we work toward practical, accountable solutions to address Oregon’s housing challenges.
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Clatsop County Commissioner Courtney Bangs visited the Capitol to provide invited testimony before the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. She shared the coastal perspective on land use and natural resource policy, highlighting the need for practical solutions that recognize limited local capacity and support the working lands and resource-based economies that sustain our communities. I appreciate her leadership and the important role local officials play in bringing real-world experience and local insight to the legislative process.
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One of the most encouraging parts of the first weeks of session has been meeting with students from across our region and around the state. From the classroom to the Capitol, these young leaders are stepping forward to share their ideas, advocate for their priorities, and learn how their government works.
I was especially proud to welcome Astoria High School Ag teacher Tess Hall and FFA students Landon Reed and Katrina Phillips to the Capitol. Their dedication to agricultural education and leadership reflects the strong tradition of FFA and Career and Technical Education in our coastal communities.
Whether through FFA, Career and Technical Education, student advocacy, or individual initiative, these students are building leadership skills, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility to their communities. Their engagement is a powerful reminder that Oregon’s future is bright, and I am grateful for the educators, families, and mentors who encourage and support them in using their voices.
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It was an honor to meet with advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association during their lobby day at the Capitol. More than 70,000 Oregonians are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and over 200,000 family members provide unpaid care. We discussed the growing impact of dementia on families and the importance of strengthening caregiver support and community resources. I appreciate their advocacy and the important work they do to support Oregonians facing these challenges.
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It was a pleasure to meet with representatives from Core Defender AI during their visit to the Capitol and to see their interactive learning robot, Reachy. Their work focuses on expanding hands-on education in artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity for young students, helping prepare the next generation with the skills needed for Oregon’s growing technology workforce. I appreciate their commitment to innovation and their efforts to bring practical STEM and AI learning opportunities to students across our state.
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During the House Committee on Education hearing, I joined the conversation on HB 4112, a bipartisan effort to restore Outdoor School funding to voter-approved levels. Most testimony highlighted the importance of stable funding so schools across Oregon can continue providing this hands-on learning experience that builds teamwork, confidence, and a deeper understanding of our natural resources. For many students, Outdoor School is their first opportunity for extended outdoor learning, and consistent support helps ensure access for every child, regardless of where they live.
Click here to watch my testimony and hear why protectingOutdoor Schoolremains a priority for Oregon students and families.
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It was a pleasure to meet with students and representatives from Portland Community College during their advocacy day at the Capitol. We discussed the important role community colleges play in workforce training, career pathways, and expanding educational opportunities for Oregonians. Community colleges are a key part of Oregon’s Career and Technical Education system, helping students gain hands-on skills and industry credentials that lead directly to family-wage careers. I appreciate their engagement and their commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting local communities.
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It was a pleasure to meet with representatives from Consejo Hispano to discuss Casa Mariposa, their new community resource center in Astoria. This project will expand access to workforce training, family support services, youth programs, and small business assistance for North Coast residents. I appreciate their work to strengthen opportunity, economic stability, and community connections in our region.
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Apparently, even being at the Capitol doesn’t offer protection.
While I was in Salem, my yard back home was “flocked” by the Tillamook High School Charity Drive. With the flamingos holding their ground, I had no choice but to visit the Flamingo Flocking page to arrange for their removal and, of course, purchase a strong insurance policy to keep them from returning.
All jokes aside, I’m proud of these students and the incredible work they are doing to give back and support our community. Their generosity, creativity, and commitment to helping others make the Tillamook Charity Drive a tradition our entire region can celebrate.
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I enjoyed meeting with advocates from Oregon Worker Relief during their Immigrant Justice advocacy visit to the Capitol. We discussed their work supporting immigrant and refugee families through emergency assistance, housing stability, and access to legal and community services. I appreciate the opportunity to hear their perspectives and the important work community organizations are doing to strengthen stability and resilience for families across Oregon.
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I was humbled and honored to receive the Community Impact Award from Oregon’s Credit Unions during their 2026 Legislative Advocacy Day at the Capitol. This recognition reflects the work we’ve done to support Individual Development Accounts, which provide matched savings to help Oregonians achieve goals like homeownership, education, and starting a small business. I appreciate our credit union partners for their strong commitment to expanding financial opportunity and helping families build long-term stability.
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That’s all for now as we wrap up the first two weeks of the short session. As you can see, it has been a busy and productive start, and what you’ve seen here is just a snapshot of the work happening over the past 14 days.
My team and I remain committed to serving the people of District 16. We are working hard to respond to your emails and phone calls as quickly as possible, and we truly value your input and the perspectives you share.
There is much more work ahead, and I will continue to advocate for our coastal communities and rural Northwest Oregon.
Now, on to week three!
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Please join me for this weeks episode of From the District. You can watch on YouTube or listen in on SoundCloud. |
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Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716 District Phone: 503-300-4493
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-405, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.SuzanneWeber@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/weber/