HOOD RIVER — On Feb. 20, Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District Rep. Maxine Dexter and Attorney General Dan Rayfield held a tele-town hall and spoke to the work they are doing to “combat the Trump administration,” according to Dexter. The live town hall was held virtually over the phone as well as online and Facebook.
“We are hosting today’s town hall to speak directly to Oregonians about what we are doing to safeguard Oregon’s values and to fight back against Trump, [Elon] Musk and the Congressional Republicans. We want to ensure that your voices are heard and that you know what we are doing every day to fight for Oregon,” Dexter said.
Dexter welcomed more than 9,500 attendees and explained her first bill that she introduced called the “Stop Musk Act,” that intends to protect federal employees from retaliation for “resisting, circumventing or preventing Elon Musk or individuals he oversees from taking unlawful or unconstitutional actions relating to federal agencies,” according to the bill.
Callers around the state were able to ask questions and listen to Dexter’s and Rayfield’s responses.
Protections for transgender people
The opening question came from George, a Gresham resident, who asked how Dexter and Rayfield plan to protect transgender people’s rights. Rayfield said Oregon is “one of the most welcoming states in the nation,” and that he and his staff are attempting to establish laws that require private insurance providers carry gender affirming care.
He added that Oregon has filed a joint lawsuit with Washington and Minnesota to challenge President Donald Trump’s cuts to funding.
“We have gotten initial positive rulings from the judge effectively saying no, that this cannot move forward,” Rayfield said. “We feel confident in the manner in which our lawsuit is moving forward.”
Federal employees wonder what’s next
Portland resident and federal employee, Austin, shared concerns about job security. He added that three of his team members have already been let go and he believes he is next.
“What should federal workers be doing to protect ourselves in the next couple months?” Austin said.
Dexter was adamant that federal employees reach out to their local elected officials and explain their situation.
“Help us help you by immediately giving us notice as much as you can,” Dexter said.
Listener poll
About halfway through the telephone town hall, case workers with Dexter’s office posed a question to listeners. Those listening over the phone were given options to pick one issue they are most concerned with: Healthcare, economy, democracy or housing.
According to the event coordinator, a vast majority of those who responded to the poll said that protecting our democracy is their top priority.
Immigration concerns
Patty, a Sandy resident, wanted to know what is being done to protect the immigrant community. She shared about her experience working with the Rural Organizing Project — which builds and connects human dignity groups in rural Oregon — and she has noticed a decline in the immigrant work force and contribution to the local economy.
Dexter said that she has been “reassured” by local law enforcement partners that they will not be deputized as ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) agents.
On Feb. 20, the Oregon Department of Justice released updated online toolkits with resources on gender affirming care and sanctuary state rules. Rayfield added that they are training law enforcement to better understand sanctuary state laws.
Public Lands
Liz, a Portland resident, asked how Trump’s actions are going to affect the wildfire season and Dexter’s plans to protect public lands. Liz said that she became worried when she learned that many wildland firefighters had reportedly been fired.
Dexter began by saying she has the privileged of being elected to be the ranking member of the House of Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation. She said they are planning hearings to give those who were let go an opportunity to make their voices heard.
You can listen to the town hall on Dexter’s Facebook page.
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