www.ohca.com SPRING/SUMMER 2023 The Oregon Caregiver 25 difficult choice between paying their rent or paying for their healthcare needs. The economic uncertainty that many low-income workers are still facing, especially Black and brown low-income workers and mothers, is significant. We’re also hearing the difficulty and demand of these jobs creating high turnover. This shows me that the economic uncertainly, the healthcare emergencies, and the overall stress that many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be experienced by many Oregonians, several state workers, even after the coronavirus is no longer spreading at pandemic levels. This is a devastating takeaway that I am prioritizing addressing this session. How will the legislature help Oregonians prepare for and support the rapidly growing aging population? I am committed to thinking creatively about multi-generational communities and ensuring our elders get the respect and dignity they deserve. I think a lot about this: how can we ensure those like my dad who suffered from a debilitating disease don’t lose all their retirement savings just to treat it? How can we ensure our aging family members have the dignity to age in place or have the resources they need to get the care they need? We as legislators can continue to prioritize both policies and investments for an integrated, multigenerational, and culturally competent community. As a Peruvian American, I lift up best practices of multigenerational households and communities because that is part of my culture. I know the value of a multilingual and multicultural workforce because I saw how healthcare workers who spoke Spanish helped my family feel safe in the hospital and get the care they needed. As a mom, I’m always advocating for infrastructure (transportation, housing, child, and elder care) that is accessible and affordable. As legislators, we have a responsibility to make the investments, to pass the legislation, and to advocate for the needed culture shifts for our elders and aging populations.
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