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As Oregon’s families continue to navigate the rising cost of childcare, I recognize the hard work that parents put in everyday to balance work and family life. Ensuring that parents can find high-quality, affordable childcare is a priority that deserves thoughtful and practical solutions.
In the Oregon legislature, we believe in empowering parents and communities, not burdening them with unnecessary regulations. Our approach to improving childcare is rooted in the belief that families know best when it comes to caring for their children, and the government’s role should be to support, not control their choices.
Here is what we are focusing on:
Prioritizing Families and Flexibility
A strong family is the backbone of our communities, and every parent should have the freedom to choose the childcare solution that works best for them—whether it’s through traditional daycare, in-home care, or family- based childcare. This is why I support policies that provide tax relief and support for families who want to make the most of their childcare options.
Promoting Affordability
Childcare is expensive and hard to find; no family should be forced to choose between working to support their household or caring for their children. Through initiatives such as expanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, we can help reduce the financial burden and ensure that families can keep more of their hard-earned money. I am also exploring solutions which can lead to a larger supply of facilities and more affordable and flexible childcare options.
Strengthening the Workforce and Supporting Providers
Childcare workers are a vital part of our economy and communities. We must ensure that they have the resources and flexibility they need to offer high-quality services, while also maintaining the freedom to operate and innovate. By supporting workforce development initiatives and providing tax incentives for businesses that invest in childcare options for their employees, we can help boost childcare availability and job opportunities in Oregon.
Together, we can create a childcare system that helps families succeed while ensuring that our children have the best start in life. I will continue working to support policies that empower parents, protect families, and strengthen our communities.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Let’s work together to make our district an even better place for families to grow and thrive.
Remonstrance
Speaking on the senate floor regarding childcare. “A child’s future doesn’t begin in the classroom; it begins in the earliest years, with access to safe, reliable care. Supporting working parents and increasing childcare availability isn’t just an economic issue- it’s an investment in the well-being of our children.”
You can watch the YouTube clip HERE
Live Town Hall
Get caught up on all the goings-on in Salem in this live conversation with Senator Dick Anderson and Representative David Gomberg.
The public is welcome to join in-person for a viewing at the Lincoln City OCCC Campus, 3788 SE High School Drive, 8-9 a.m. Friday, February 28. The event is also scheduled to be live streamed via Zoom:
https://oregoncoast.zoom.us/j/98367095358
How a bill become a law
Last Newsletter I touched on the process of how a bill becomes a law through the legislative process. This week I thought it would be interesting to highlight the difference between the State and Federal Government.
Supremacy Clause
The Supremacy Clause is a key element to the United States Constitution. Found in Article VI, Clause 2 states that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties is the “supreme law of the land.” This means that if a state law conflicts with the federal law, federal law takes precedence. In other words, when there is a clash between state and federal authority, the federal government’s decisions, policies and laws will override those of individual states.
This clause helps maintain a unified legal framework across the entire country, ensuring that the national government has the ultimate authority in matters that concern the entire nation. The Supremacy Clause plays a crucial role in upholding the balance of power between state and federal governments and preventing legal conflicts from undermining the country’s system of governance.
10th Amendment
The 10th Amendment of the United State Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights and states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
In simple terms, it emphasized that any power not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution is left to the states or to the people. This amendment highlights the principle of federalism, which is the division of power between the national and state governments. It serves as a reminder that the federal government’s authority is limited to what is written in the Constitution, and all other powers remain with the states or the people themselves.
The 10th Amendment is important because it protects the rights of states and individuals by ensuring that the federal government doesn’t overstep its constitutional boundaries. It’s a critical safeguard for preserving the balance of power in the United States.
State vs Federal
While the federal government focuses on issues that impact the nation as a whole, states have the authority to govern local issues, which allows for diversity and flexibility across the country. This system of checks and balances ensures that power is distributed, preventing any one level of government from being too powerful.
Bills
Here are some bills I am sponsoring that are related to Early Childhood Education:
SB 439- Says that building a childcare center in a place that provides affordable housing does not mean that a person building the whole place must pay prevailing wage, but building the childcare center itself does require paying prevailing wage for labor.
SB 561- Creates an Oregon personal income tax subtraction for childcare expenses paid by a taxpayer during the tax year. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2031.
SB 567- The Act would create an incentive program for childcare. It directs the Department of Early Learning and Care to establish and implement a childcare provider incentive program. It establishes the Child Care Provider Incentive Fund.
SB 962-Directs the Department of Early Learning and Care to administer a grant program to award moneys to tenants to update dwellings for use as a family childcare home.
In the News
Revolving loan
Oregon Announces 0% interest loans for new affordable housing construction- Last week the State of Oregon introduced a new loan program with provides 0% interest loans to cities and counties to build new housing. Read the full article at FOX 12 Oregon
KTVZ
Oregon House, Senate Republicans outline education priorities, legislation this session- Read the KTVZ 21 article HERE.
Community Updates
Nye Beach
On January 31st, 2025, the residents of Surfside Village CO-OP, Nye Beach in Newport became resident owned!
Oregon legislation requires that when a park is put up for sale, the residents are given the opportunity to purchase the property first. Surfside Village was first put up for sale in 2015, however the owners and the committee of residents were unable to come to an agreeable purchase price, they were advised to wait and see if they could purchase again in the future. When the property was put up for sale again in 2024, they worked with Casa of Oregon for over ten months to make this possible.
There are currently 28 Resident Owned Communities (ROC) in Oregon. Unlike traditional manufactured home communities, ROCs are not subject to market-based rent increases and there is no profit margin in monthly site fees. This cooperative ownership gives homeowners the ability to control costs, improve facilities and make their own rules while providing the peace of mind of land ownership.
Community Spotlight
Kidco
For many children in our communities, access to quality early education can make all the difference in their academic journey and beyond. Head Start, a national program focused on early childhood education, health and family well-being, serves as a lifeline for those who might otherwise face challengers before they even begin their formal education. By providing a solid foundation in a child’s early year, Head Start doesn’t prepare them for school- it prepares them for life.
Kidco Head Start started over 60 years ago in Sweet Home and since then has expanded to serve around 450 families in 28 classrooms at 12 different sites and locations throughout Linn and Benton Counties. The Philomath location, which is in Senate District 5, currently serves 17 families in the area. Kidco Head Start/ Early Head Start is a free infant/ toddler and preschool program.
The infant/ toddler program serves pregnant mothers and their children to 36 months of age. Kidco is the only provider licensed for Early Head Start in Linn-Benton Counties. The preschool program serves children who turn three or four years old.
One of the most important goals that Kidco has is to help children become confident and secure learners. The philosophy behind their curriculum is that young children learn best by doing, supported by responsive, caring and knowledgeable adults. That can be seen firsthand when you step foot in their buildings. The educators at Kidco believe in the importance of play. Their classroom extends to the playground and there is no screen time when students are in the building. The children in the classroom go outside and play every single day they are at the facility- weather permitting. All the activities they plan, organization, selection of materials, and how they interact with the children, are all designed to give each child a successful transition into kindergarten.
All the staff that my Office Manager Sam talked to while she visited the facility last week had been previous families. They are all extremely passionate about their jobs and the gifts they have been given. Head Start doesn’t just help the children, but their families as well. There are so many programs offered for parents including financial wellness, mental health support and extra supports offered directly to the child and family through an Interagency Committee.
There are many success stories that come out of Head Start. The children and families are given the tools to set themselves up for generational successes. In conclusion, Head Start continues to play a vital role in providing children with the early education and support they need to succeed in school and beyond. By fostering a strong foundation in academic skills, social development, and emotional well-being, Head Start helps level the playing field for children, setting them on a path toward lifelong success. As we move forward it is crucial to ensuring that every child can thrive from the very beginning of their educational journey.
Learn more about Kidco and what they do HERE
If you have someone you would like to nominate for our district spotlight, please email my Office Manager Sam at [email protected] with your nominations.
Meet the Team
Bryan Iverson, Chief of Staff
Bryan Iverson
Chief of Staff
[email protected]
Michael Town II
Legislative Director
[email protected]
Michael Town II
Sam
Samantha Bebout
Office Manager
[email protected]
Get Involved
The connection between people and their government is bolstered when the public has substantial opportunity to let their concerns be heard by their elected officials. Below are a few ways that YOU can join in on the legislative process.
OLIS- Oregon Legislative Information System- This is where you can find extensive details about every bill as well as follow them through the legislative process. This is also where you can view committee hearings online.
Legislative Session Participation Guide- This is a wonderful resource with everything you will need to know about how to participate in the Legislative Session. Links to find your legislatures, how to follow bills and watch meetings, how to testify and visiting the Capitol.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1705
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-303, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/anderson
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To contact me, please click here: [email protected]
