The Oregon House of Representatives convened on January 13, 2025, marking the beginning of the 83rd Legislative Assembly with the election of Representative Julie Fahey as the new Speaker. Fahey, representing House District 14, was sworn in by Chief Justice Megan A. Flynn, emphasizing her commitment to uphold the constitutions of both the United States and Oregon.

In her inaugural address, Fahey expressed gratitude to her colleagues and highlighted the pressing issues facing the state. She underscored the importance of representative democracy and the responsibility of the legislature to prioritize the needs of Oregonians. Fahey articulated a clear agenda for the session, focusing on making Oregon more affordable, particularly in areas such as housing, healthcare, and transportation.

Fahey committed to advancing housing investments and collaborating with the governor to meet ambitious goals for affordable housing production. She acknowledged the critical role of healthcare access, noting that one in three Oregonians are covered under the Oregon Health Plan. The renewal of the Medicaid financing system was identified as a priority to ensure that residents maintain access to essential health services.

Transportation was another key topic, with Fahey recognizing the need for a safe and efficient system. She pointed out that outdated funding mechanisms are hindering maintenance and safety efforts, a challenge faced by states nationwide. Fahey expressed hope that Oregon could find solutions through community involvement and stakeholder engagement.

The session promises to be a pivotal one for the Oregon legislature, as it seeks to address significant challenges while ensuring government accountability and effective use of taxpayer resources. As the assembly progresses, the focus will remain on delivering tangible results for the people of Oregon.