I'm writing you from one of the most powerful rooms in the state.

No, it's not the Governor's office. It's not the chambers of the Oregon Supreme Court. And it's not the floor of the Oregon State Senate or House of Representatives.

It's Public Hearing Room C on the ground floor of the Capitol.

Every day during session, legislators gather here - and in about a dozen other rooms scattered around the building - for committee meetings. And it's in these very committee meetings where the most important legislative decisions are made.

In a few minutes, I'll be joined by members of the House's Health Care Committee to hear testimony on oversight of the state's health licensing agencies.

Committees are our chance to learn and deliberate; we spend the bulk of our time listening and asking questions. Many of the people who testify are lobbyists for interest groups. Others work for government agencies. And some are ordinary private citizens who want to make their views heard.

But there's one unique feature of the Oregon legislature that makes committees so influential: once we vote an amended bill out of committee, we can't make changes to it. It's done - all that remains is an up or down vote on the floor of the House.

That's why people like you need to get involved, and get involved early in the process.

Two weeks ago, I asked my constituents and friends for advice, and so far over 400 people have participated in my first online dialogue - an enormous response.

Among the many insights you shared with me, I learned that Health Care and Education are your top priorities for this legislative session. (You can look at a full summary of responses by clicking here.)

Based on your response to my last dialogue, I've created a new dialogue focusing on health care reform. I hope you can take a few minutes to participate - I'll look to your thoughts and insights to help me ask the right questions and advocate for the right components.

Click here to go to my Health Care Dialogue.

Participating in the dialogue is a start - but don't stop there. Come to Salem to testify at a committee hearing. Join a citizen-led advocacy group and lobby your elected officials, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

As always, you should feel free to contact me via email (click here or just "Reply" to this email), on the phone, or at one of my upcoming Town Halls or Coffee Shop Conversations.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

P.S. One of the most important things I learned from your responses to our first dialogue was that, collectively, you believe that Oregon's leaders should act boldly to address challenges facing our state, from the economy to the environment.

As Nancy put it, "This is a time in Oregon's history for leadership; if not from our elected officials, then from whom?" You want leaders who are courageous, even if they do not succeed.

Take a look at responses written by Lisa, Jenny, Scott, David, and others by clicking here.

State Representative Ben Cannon
900 Court St NE
Salem, OR 97301
rep.bencannon@state.or.us
http://www.repbencannon.com
(503)986-1446

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