And So It Begins

Well, I honestly don’t know how to start this post. Being as that I am not a politician, but just a mom, wife, human, who sees things falling apart and can’t stand it… I am just going to be honest and raw. I will be more professional as time goes on.

I hit Salem running last week. The state put on training for incoming and COVID only Reps that included some mock committee and floor sessions. We were able to have access to our offices, get the lay of the land. It was like learning a foreign language in 2 days. But that has been how this whole process has been- so nothing new. It was very helpful to be there and start acclimating, so I am grateful.

Monday at 9 we were sworn in, adopted House Rules, and then had all the bills being introduced read in. At 1 pm we were invited/asked to sit in for the Governors swear in and address, along with the Speakers of the Senate and House. All these are available online.

Then the week has been filled with meetings, emails, meetings, emails, and running from place to place. My Republican colleagues are fantastic, and I am so blessed to have their help and support. My staff is working hard to get everything figured out and doing amazing. I’ve made prints from my district, thank you Chelsea Shearer, going up next week. They will keep me ever present as to my why.

Please know, I am here for you. I will be advocating, speaking, and doing my absolute best to represent the needs and values of our community in District 56.

Many blessings to you where you are. Please continue to pray.

Committee Assignments

Greetings! I am pleased to announce my committee assignments for the upcoming Legislative Session!

Education, Co-Vice Chair for Higher Education Committee, and Ways and Means- Education Committee.

Given my background in education, I am interested in bringing my perspective to these committees. We have long seen our education going downhill, with academics being put on the backburner. I hope to change that…

I had hoped to be on the Natural Resources Committee, but being a freshman, it’s the hot committee to be on, so I didn’t make the cut. It won’t be far from my mind, and I plan to have my staff an eye on it. I will also be closely following Business and Labor, as these tend to play hand in hand with the agricultural community.

Overall, my attitude is one that I will do my absolute best in whatever committee I am in. I am here to represent the desires and needs of my constituents, as well as bring my values to the table.

If you’re curious about what the next few weeks look like as session starts- incoming freshman have training on the 5th-6th. The entire House and Senate swear in on the 9th with the Governor’s address that day as well. Then all of us attend training the 10th, 11th, and 12th. We head home for the 4-day weekend and then hit the ground running with committees that next Tuesday. Please be looking for updates on my state website as well as Facebook and here.

I am honored to be your Representative and would welcome you to reach out to me with any questions. I would ask that as you think of it- pray for me, pray for the Representatives and Senators making decisions that will be affecting you. Pray for our state and our country. The elections may not have gone as we had hoped, but we won’t give up. We will keep on keeping on. Hope is ever on the horizon.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine on you and give you peace as we enter into this New Year.

Many blessings from my home to yours.

~Emily

Thankfulness- Fresh Perspectives

Blessings to all and wishing you a happy, safe, and joyous Thanksgiving Day. This Thanksgiving finds me in a whole new perspective. Maybe it’s aging, maybe it’s this new path that life is taking- whatever it is- I am thankful and reflective.

I have NEVER been prouder of America. Not because of the dirty politics, the division, the hate, anger, and hurt- but the FOUNDATION that we were created upon is REMARKABLE. There is nothing like it in the world, and until we are in heaven, I don’t believe there will be another like it on earth. America, its foundation, its purpose- to live as free men and women- in FREEDOM- it is a beautiful sight to behold.

I have also never been more aware of the sacrifices of our BRAVEST men and women who CHOOSE to serve in our Armed Forces. This is the GREATEST gift that has been given by humans in our lifetime. To willingly lay down your life, to leave your families, children, parents, homes, to go to a place and fight, serve, sacrifice- for us, for me, for my family, for my freedoms- this is something that has become a huge thought in my life. I am so GRATEFUL. It is THEIR sacrifice and allows us still to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July. Without these Forces, we would have long been taken over, freedoms lost, and country abolished. We owe these brave people and their families everything.

Lastly, to remember what is truly important. Loving one another. To serve is better than to be served. To give is better than to receive. To be first you must first be last. True love is being willing to give all for others. May we live life looking not for what others can do for us, but what we can do for others. Selflessness.

I pray blessings over you and your family as we celebrate together today. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers, each and every one of you. May we never forget the truest act of love, Jesus and His great mercy and love for us.

Many blessings my friends.

~Emily

Many thanks to you!!!

WE DID IT!!!!! District 56 ROCKED the VOTE!! I know we are not yet done- still biting my nails for the Governor- but you guys showed up! I can’t thank you enough for all your support, prayers, time, kindness to me in this journey we took together. Now the work begins again and anew! We can’t lose our momentum!

Just an update from me- the last month was spent making more calls, spending lots of time in prayer, and trying to not worry about the next day. I was blessed to be able to attend 2 Christine Drazen Rally’s! The support that she has and her heart for this state radiate around her! I am HOPEFUL yet that she will take the victory and Oregon will make history! But more importantly, that the leadership she will provide will restore this great state to what it once was. One step at a time.

What I will be doing in the next 2 months? Well, that’s a good question, family time. More learning. Training, preparation, attending anything and everything that I can get to. Meeting more people, being available, and most importantly, celebrating the birth of Jesus!

I pray that this election cycle has ignited a fire in you to learn more about our foundation in politics. To understand our role and responsibility in holding our officials accountable. And that this fire that has started in your heart would spread to those around you, that talking politics and policy becomes common place in our conversations in Walmart and around the dinner table. Without our freedoms, without our foundation, we no longer have a free republic. Every minute in working on this will pay off 10-fold.

Please- regardless of the election results, stay engaged. I will do my absolute best to inform you of what is happening at the state level to keep you engaged and active! YOU matter, you are my boss!

Many many blessings to you and your family in the coming holiday months. My prayer as we go forward regardless of the political climate is this- Hebrews 12:1b “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” We are not done yet!! Let us finish strong!!