For the past few weeks, I've been humming my favorite holiday songs and thinking about this season of gratitude and gathering. What do many of the old standards have in common? They emphasize the importance of shelter, the importance of lightness and laughter, and the importance of being and dreaming together.

That's why I'm so proud of the assistance that Democrats in the Oregon legislature secured in the special session this week in Salem to help families in every corner of the state.

We'll be helping tenants burdened by the extreme challenges of the pandemic to stay in their homes while they wait for the rental assistance promised to them.

We'll be sending aid to farmworkers, farmers, and tribes to help them recover from the ongoing drought and last year's extreme weather events.

We'll be combating the humanitarian, environmental, and public safety challenges from criminal cannabis cartels that have made life difficult and dangerous in many of our communities.

And we'll be welcoming over 1000 refugees arriving from Afghanistan with coordinated support to help them succeed in their new lives.

These bold policies and investments are arriving in the nick of time to help our neighbors, new and old alike, to have a happier holiday season.

Heedless of the wind and weather, let your heart be light, and may we conspire as we dream by the fire... to face unafraid the plans that we make.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Warmly,

Rob