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February 2025 Volume Two / Number Two

Hello Third Act Oregon members and welcome to our February newsletter. As Joan Baez famously said, “Action is the antidote to despair,” and our newsletter is full of actions you can take to save our planet and protect democracy for our children. Become a citizen advocate or participate in a nationwide economic blackout event or simply make new friends at a TAO community gathering. These are the crucial years and the time to act is now.

Democratizing Energy AND Citizen Advocacy Action Team Update for February 2025

Are you interested in addressing climate change? If so, we need your help. Third Act Oregon has joined forces with Mobilizing Climate Action Today (MCAT), a fellow all-volunteer organization in Oregon. Our shared purpose is to support strong climate legislation during the 2025 legislative session. During this legislative session, we are focusing on major bills that advance the transition to clean energy.

Last year Governor Kotek announced that her legislative priorities were Housing and Transportation. Third Act Oregon is working to ensure that climate also remains a priority.

"Half my fellow legislators don't even admit that climate change is real," reports Representative Mark Gamba (D-Milwaukie). He warned that Oregon is falling behind in its mandated clean energy goals.

U.S. economic blackout planned for Feb. 28

A U.S. Economic Blackout — a nationwide economic protest — is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. On this day, participants are encouraged to refrain from making any purchases, both online and in-store, from large corporations. The aim is to demonstrate the collective power of consumers and to advocate for economic change. Essential purchases, such as paying bills and buying necessities, are generally considered acceptable, but the emphasis will be on minimizing non-essential spending to make a significant economic impact.

Become a Citizen Advocate

Third Act Oregon is focused on supporting three specific bills that deal with climate issues, in the upcoming Oregon Legislative Session. Each of us is empowered to share our voices with our legislators in support of these bills. Over the next few months, TAO will share simple ways for you to engage in supporting these and other climate-based legislation efforts.

Legislative Tip for February: How to follow a bill in the 2025 Legislative Session

To learn more about a bill (sponsorship, committee assignment, actions, etc.) go to OLIS, The Oregon Legislative Information System:

• Scroll down to “Search Bills.” Enter the bill number and click (make sure to enter a space between the letters and number - for example, SB 88)
• On the new screen under “Filter Your Search” select “2025 Regular Session.”
• The new screen offers your options. Select the correct bill number (you might have to scroll down).
• The new screen is about the bill. You can read the overview, full text, analysis, amendments, and testimony. It also offers options to register and submit testimony.

TAO Portland Metro Gathering Feb. 16

TAO members at City Hall Rally February 17

Third Act Oregon is a community of Oregonians over age 60 determined

to save our planet and protect democracy for our children. Join us!