Why I'm running for Oregon State Senate

By Rep. Jackie Dingfelder of Portland, Oregon. Jackie represents parts of Northeast Portland in House District 45.

After four terms in the House of Representatives, I have decided to take my fight for Oregon's future to the State Senate.

I have had the privilege to serve Northeast Portland as State Representative for over six years. With a Democratic majority in the House, we accomplished a lot this session. However, as you know, much more remains to be done.

I am running for State Senator to ensure that we have someone in Salem who continues to stand up for what's important to Oregonians everywhere: a healthy environment, strong public schools, comprehensive and affordable health care, and a sustainable state budget for today and into the future. As my voting record from this past session shows, I joined my Democratic colleagues to enact new laws that put Oregonians' values into action. These include:

• Creating the Oregon Rainy Day Fund
• Reinvesting in education, from pre-Kindergarten to post-secondary education programs
• Capping payday lending interest rates
• Equalizing access to birth control
• Guaranteeing civil rights for gay and lesbian Oregonians in public accommodations, services, and education

My commitment to Oregon, and all Oregonians, is also exemplified in the work I did during the session as Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee. I championed and helped pass many landmark environmental laws, including bills that jumpstarted Oregon's biofuels industry, establish a state wide system for recycling used computers and televisions, ensure that 25% of our electricity is generated from renewable sources by 2025, and update Oregon's bottle bill to include plastic beverage containers.

In addition to my legislative experience, I bring to my candidacy a long record of community involvement. Volunteering with such groups as the Hollywood Senior Center, SMART, Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force, and Planned Parenthood has allowed me to meet many wonderful people and learn a tremendous amount about the issues that are important to you.

As the next State Senator for Senate District 23, I pledge to be a strong progressive voice on issues that matter in the lives of Oregonians. I will continue to stand up for what's right and fight for what's important. As always, I encourage you to share your ideas and thoughts with me about what matters to you and your neighbors. I look forward to hearing from you.

Finally, as residents of District 23 we owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Avel Gordly for her years of dedicated service to all of us. It will be an honor and privilege to follow her to the Senate.

Jackie Dingfelder

p.s. We'll soon be up and running at JackieForSenate.com - and I hope you'll drop by and volunteer to help!