Legislative Accomplishments
PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT
Ensuring strong environmental protections for our communities has been at the forefront of Paul's legislative career. Whether that is protecting agricultural workers from the harmful impacts of pesticide applications, addressing chemical runoffs in our drinking water supplies, or incentivizing solar and energy storage, Paul knows we must continue working feverishly to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards a clean energy economy. Over the years Paul has championed many pieces of legislation to address climate change and has enjoyed working closely with allies of the environmental community to bring the best policies forward.
FIGHTING FOR WORKING OREGONIANS
While our economy has recovered from the Great Recession in the late 2000s, we must continue to put Oregon families first. Having access to good paying jobs, investing in affordable housing, prioritizing education, and expanding workplace protections are all critical steps to ensuring Oregon's middle class has the means to succeed. Paul has a strong record of standing with working families and ensuring strong investments for communities around the state. During the 2019 Legislative Session, Paul worked closely with advocates and other lawmakers to pass one of the most comprehensive paid family leave programs in the United States. He has also worked for many years to raise the minimum wage, ensuring that no one has to decide between paying rent and putting food on their table.
INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES
Through his capacity as co-chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction, Paul oversees millions of dollars in critical investments for our state. Some of these investments include ensuring our public universities and community colleges have the necessary funding for upgrade projects, investing in affordable housing across the state, and allocating lottery dollars to benefit communities.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
Money in politics needs regulation. As the former chair of the House Rules committee, Paul worked with advocates and lawmakers to advance some of the most progressive campaign finance reform that our state has seen in years. While we have made significant progress, we still have a long ways to go to address the issue and Paul is committed to ensuring the voice of the people is put before corporations and profits.