PRIORITIES | Elect Tom Andersen

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TOP PRIORITIES

As both State Representative and a Salem City Councilor, I initiated climate action protection programs. I helped pass legislation to reduce Oregon’s carbon footprint, protect our communities from pollution, reduce our reliance on plastic, and respond to other negative impacts of climate change. I will continue to work to make Oregon a national leader in climate change policy.

There are too many families in our community who are feeling the squeeze of rising costs. As your State Representative, I will continue to emphasize restoring affordability for families in our community who are impacted by these costs. A strong economy is measured not by statistics, but by whether one can afford monthly rent, healthy food on the table, and child care support without having to make hard choices for their families.

We must stand up to the anti-American, malignant forces of authoritarianism threatening our country, our democracy, and our freedoms. As your State Representative, I was a chief sponsor the Law Enforcement Visibility & Accountability Act (LEAVA). This bill, among other protections, requires all law enforcement officers to remain unmasked while performing official duties. I will continue to fight for the things we believe in. Oregon can and should be a leader for freedom for all.

ADDITIONAL POLICY PRIORITIES

Protecting a Woman's Right to Choose

I believe every Oregonian should be able to make their own healthcare decisions. That's why I voted for HB 2002 which will protect reproductive healthcare and ensure that Oregon remains a leader in abortion rights even as The U.S. Supreme Court has taken away women's reproductive rights at the Federal level, an ominous decision. I pledge as your State Representative to continue to make Oregon a leader in access to affordable reproductive healthcare.

Bike and Pedestrian Friendly Infrastructure

As an avid bike rider all my life, I know the value of active transportation, not only for our own health, but for the health of the planet. Cars and trucks create 53% of carbon pollution in Salem. The only way to get people out of single-occupancy vehicles is to build better pedestrian friendly infrastructure for biking and walking and to increase investment in cost efficient, safe and sustainable transit. I will work tirelessly to secure State resources to invest in transit and active transportation in our city.

Funding for Salem Emergency Services

One of my priority bills in 2024 would have allocated state funds in lieu of the taxes that the State is exempt from paying to the City. Salem spends thousands of dollars every year providing emergency services to the State government that we are never compensated for. That's not right. As your State Representative, I am continuing my work in obtaining these resources from the State so Salem residents don't have to foot the bill

Protect the rights of LGBTQ Oregonians

The rights of LGBTQ Oregonians are under attack by right-wing politicians and some members of the Supreme Court. I am working to protect and expand the rights of LGBTQ Oregonians. This includes increased affordable access to needed healthcare services, ensuring that LGBTQ students do not face bullying and discrimination in our schools, and strengthening protections against discrimination against LGBTQ Oregonians in the workplace.

Stronger Practical Gun Safety Laws

Oregon must have stronger gun laws to prevent further tragedies from happening in our state. As your State Representative, I voted for a bill that allowed gun tracking in our state. I firmly support legislation that requires a permit to purchase a firearm and closes all loopholes for background checks. I believe each gun buyer should pass a classroom and hands-on firearms safety course. It is crucial to our community's well-being that we stop the sale, transfer, trade or manufacture of high-capacity magazines for civilian use.

Public Transportation

During my first legislative term, I led an effort to bring a trolley in Salem to serve West Salem and the central city. While it was unsuccessful, I am continuing to work tirelessly to secure State resources to invest in transit and active transportation in our city. Community members should have access to affordable, accessible, and efficient public transportation.