Category: Oregon Stories

Standing Up for Oregon Farmers

Jeff understands that climate change has a great impact on Oregon farmers. This is especially the case for areas of Eastern Oregon, which have been exceedingly dry in recent years. That is why Jeff, as ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Agriculture, pushed for funding for the Resilient

Pete Aguilar

As a U.S. Senator, Jeff works hard to improve health insurance coverage, especially for his most vulnerable constituents. Pete Aguilar was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in May 2016. An ESRD diagnosis means that the kidneys no longer perform well enough to meet the body’s needs and, in

Uma Sankar Peram

Jeff Merkley serves all Oregonians, whether they have lived here their whole lives, moved here from afar, or even if they’re only here temporarily. Constituent Uma Sankar Peram is living in Oregon on an H1B work visa, and it was set to expire in late 2018. He had applied for

Lebanon Head Start

Jeff has long maintained that education is the key to success, and is a strong believer that every Oregonian, and American, should have access to education at all levels. At the end of 2018, Jeff’s office received word that a Head Start program based in Lebanon, Oregon was experiencing difficulty

Jack Phillips

Oregonian and veteran Jack Phillips first filed an application with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2014 to receive service-connected veterans’ disability benefits. Mr. Phillips suffers from hearing loss and tinnitus from his time in the military—but Mr. Phillips was having difficulty demonstrating a relationship between hearing loss

Jimmy Gould

Jeff knows that decisions in Washington D.C. directly impact Oregonians, and firmly believes that businesses and families should not serve as bargaining chips during political negotiations. When President Trump decided to shut down the government from December 2018 through January 2019, this had grave consequences for many Oregonians. One of

Jeff Fights for Funding for Depoe Bay

Jeff understands the critical importance of small harbors to coastal communities. And thanks to the efforts of Jeff and his staff, Depoe Bay, is set to receive important funding. Dubbed the “World’s Smallest Navigable Harbor,” Depoe Bay Harbor is home to several small fishing charters, as well as an arm

Emergency Assistance

Jeff is committed to helping Oregonians resolve their problems, whether it be an individual’s personal case or a whole town’s emergency. In July of 2018, the city of Willamina, Oregon encountered problems when a gravel bar at their water intake source shifted, completely covering one of their water intake screens.

Access to Health Care

Jeff understands that dealing with a health issue can be stressful, and believes that accessing proper healthcare should not add to this stress. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, but Jeff and his team seek to help whenever possible. Oregonian Amanda Deno was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) in

Supporting Immigrant Communities

Jeff joined the Senate Appropriations Committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our nation should be making. Those investments include supporting organizations like the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), which works to promote the integration of refugees, immigrants and the

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