Dear OSTPDX Members,
Now that the Trump Shutdown has ended which hopefully won’t lead to round two in three weeks time, we’d like to turn our focus to the start of the Oregon Legislative Session. Lobby Days and rallies are already being scheduled beginning next week with a Lobby for Clean Energy Jobs so be sure to check the activities section towards the end of this newsletter for further details because this is where we’re going to need your help!
Below is an excerpt from the ORD-2 Newsletter by Terrie Martin with some excellent information that I’d like to share on what to expect during the current legislative session:
"The Oregon State Legislature is up and running for the next five months -- and ORD2 Indivisible and other Indivisible groups across the state will be tracking bills, votes and the legislators who represent you in Salem.
Here are a few things you need to know:
First, our legislature meets every year for either a short, 35-day session, or a long, 160-day session. This year, it’s a long session, so they will be there, making laws, through the end of June.
Just like Congress, the legislature is divided into two sections: the Senate and the House. Bills can originate on either side -- or from a joint Senate/House committee -- and must be passed by both and signed by the governor to become law.
There are 30 Senate districts and each one is divided into two House districts, To see maps of how the state is divided, go here for Senate and here for House maps. They may look a bit gerrymandered and odd-sized, but Oregon’s population is a bit scattered. Just know that each House district represents the same number of people: 57,000.
To find out who represents you, the Legislature has a great website that you should probably bookmark. You’re going to want to go there a lot. It will help you find your legislators, track bills, watch meetings and see what’s next on the calendar.
Some 4,000 bills are expected to be considered and we’ll sift through and try our best to understand them as they come up. It will be up to you to call, email or caravan to Salem when we need Indivisible people power."
Here’s a quick video created by State Senator Shemia Fagan with information on how to track bills using the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).
OSTPDX in coordination with Indivisible Oregon has launched an Oregon State Legislative Calendar which is just in its initial phase and we expect it to grow much richer over time. The calendar focuses on events and meetings happening during the upcoming legislative session. Here's a link: https://www.indivisibleor.org/events/or-state-leg/
Announcements
OSTPDX’s next meeting will be co-hosted Nasty Women Get Shit Done
Please join us on February 17th at 6pm at Lagunitas Community Room (237 NE Broadway) for:
At this meeting, co-hosted by NWGSD and OSTPDX, Rep. Barbara Smith Warner will give us a quick civics review (how does a bill become a law, again?) and then Hilary Uhlig of Moms Demand Action will instruct us on how to become effective citizen lobbyists. We will then break into small groups to learn more from Salem insiders about key legislation in the areas of Gun Safety, Education Reform, Family Leave, Housing, and Climate Action and to find out ways we can #StayEngaged to make 2019 a productive year.
The event is FREE, but space is LIMITED, so you must REGISTER here in order to attend: https://form.jotform.com/83524989156168
Join us at 6 pm to socialize, enjoy some free pizza (sponsored by NWGSD), and purchase beer (donated by Lagunitas) or cider (donated by Reverend Nat's). Program starts at 6:45. All ages are welcome.
Activities & Actions
Actions by Indivisible Oregon:
OSTPDX, along with other local progressive grassroots groups, are collaborating to help Indivisible Oregon highlight their Tuesday action call of the week in email communications and across social media. We ask that you visit their website indivisibleor.org/actions every Tuesday morning where the action of week will be posted by 6AM, take the action and share on social media and/or via email with your circle.
Our call this Tuesday: the wall is a racist symbol and pits us against our neighbors. We must say no the wall and enact real immigration legislation - starting with permanent legislation for Dreamers and TPS recipients.
Activities:
Let's make this President's Day Count!
📷
February 18: Join in the March for Our Students
Oregon's legislators have been sworn into office and the Legislative Session officially began on January 22. One of the major focuses of this session will be education funding. At the end of last year, the Joint Committee for Student Success shared their policy recommendations with a $3.5 billion price tag. While there IS a super-majority in our legislature, the revenue reform required to secure the level of funding our education system actually needs will not be a slam-dunk. As parent, grandparent and community advocates, our voices will be important in the push for transformative change.
Oregon Education Association is planning a large rally in Salem so educators, students and families can show our lawmakers that we demand adequate and dedicated funding for our schools. Save the date and stay tuned for more details!
Sign Up Here (Lunch will be included). Follow Families for Oregon Schools on Facebook for more information!
OSTPDX Activist Reading Group’s next meeting
What: The reading will be: “Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World” by Anand Giridharadas.
Lenny Dee recommends this video that summarizes the book: "A fabulous half hour speech by the author of Winners Take All: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP7HajXJD3s"
When: Thursday, January 31 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at:
Where: 3082 NE Regents Dr, Portland, OR 97212
Other Upcoming Events:
Race Talks: Panel Discussion on Engaging Democracy-February 12 from 6:45-9:15 at McMenamins Kennedy School Gym
Articles
Check out our website – www.onesmallthingpdx.org – like our Facebook page -- https://www.facebook.com/One-Small-Thing-150519055702228/ -- follow our Twitter account -- @onepdx.
Regards,
Sara McKinney
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