Representative Charlie Conrad

Due to House Rules, legislators are not permitted to distribute materials using legislative resources to their constituents for the period commencing 60 days before a primary election. Out of respect for this rule, also known as a "blackout period," posts on this page will be inactive starting tomorrow, until May 22nd.

As always, my office will be at your service. Please feel free to reach out via email at [email protected], or give us a call at 503-986-1412.

Good morning!

The 2024 Legislative Session began with an opening speech by Speaker Rayfield about “opportunity.” Looking back on the session, we took advantage of several opportunities presented to us including passing legislation to reform Measure 110, provided funding for behavioral health projects and programs, increasing housing production, and to meet the community needs resulting from the University District Hospital closing – to name a few.

Additionally, several district capital projects I advocated for were funded – including Creswell, Cottage Grove, and Junction City. These bills passed with bi-partisan support and address critical needs, but as always, more work needs to be done.

I look forward to sharing more about this session at a town hall this Saturday from 3pm-5pm at Harris Hall. I will be joined by other members of the Lane County delegation. We would love to see you there!

On Friday I was able to enjoy the Cottage Grove Art Walk with Mayor Solesbee and Walt Bernard. It was great hearing about Faerber Farms LLC!

During the walk, I was able to talk with several community members about addiction and local events, but the ice storm was the topic most people wanted to discuss. Most of us can and go without power for 2-3 days, but any longer than that and the basic necessities - wood, water, candles, and fuel are gone. At that point, we need the community.

I appreciate hearing the individual stories and as always, local businesses stepped up when needed! I will work with Mayor Solesbee, the council, and city staff to develop ways in which the state can help the community prepare, respond, and recover from future disasters.

I appreciate the invitation to meet with Be Your Best Cottage Grove last week to discuss emergency management and hear how people, organizations, and the city came together and worked through the ice storm.

Responding effectively to emergencies starts with people helping people, which was true for me too. Many lessons were learned with this latest emergency, and they will be present in my mind as I advocate in Salem to help our community better prepare for future disasters.