In the news
WW’s General Election 2022 Endorsements: Oregon Legislature
October 19, 2022 | Willamette Week | Link
If you’re feeling jaded about Oregon politicians, consider the story of 28-year-old Ricki Ruiz. He was born in [Portland] to immigrant parents. In 2012, he became the first member of his family to graduate high school. Five years later, he was elected to the school board. Now, he’s a state legislator representing his hometown. Ruiz, it turns out, also has legislative chops…Pick Ruiz.
Meet the candidates: Rep. Ricki Ruiz support low-income housing efforts
October 16, 2022 | Gresham Outlook | Link
Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, is vying to retain his seat in House District 50. Ruiz was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2020 and works for the city of Gresham’s Parks and Recreation Department as the community services coordinator. In 2017 Ruiz ran and was elected to the Reynolds School District Board of Directors. [The] House District 50 incumbent focuses on housing, [and] diverting East County youth away from crime.
Microchip’s new Oregon factory could be $3 billion, employ 650; lawmakers seek quick action from Gov. Kate Brown
October 11, 2022 | Oregonian | Link
Oregon civic leaders say the new factory Microchip Technology is contemplating for its Gresham site could be a $3 billion investment someday employing 650. Four state lawmakers signed the letter sent Monday, joined by Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall and Mt. Hood Community College President Lisa Skari. They urged the governor to act by Nov. 1 to allocate $17.5 million from three state funds in support of Oregon’s bid. The four legislators who signed Monday’s letter are Janelle Bynum, D-Clackamas; Sen. Chris Gorsek, D-Troutdale; Rep. Zach Hudson, D-Troutdale; and Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham.
Oregon task force seeks comment on proposals to boost home ownership among communities of color
August 23, 2022 | OPB | Link
A state task force that’s exploring ways to increase rates of home ownership among people of color in Oregon is inviting the public to weigh in on a series of proposals. Democratic Representative Ricki Ruiz co-chairs the task force…And boosting home ownership rates is not just about saving up for a down payment, said Ruiz. “One of the biggest things that we’re trying to explore as a task force is, once a family buys their first home, how do we make sure they keep that home and aren’t pushed out or foreclosed on because of lack of resources in a year, or five or 10 years,” he said.
Legislators: What we are doing to make our schools stronger
March 18, 2022 | Statesman Journal | Link
We passed a $300 million investment in our schools and continue to uphold Oregon’s equity stance to support rigor, opportunity, and resources. Impactful legislation this session includes funding to recruit and retain teachers, develop summer learning programs for K-12 students, and support public schools impacted by the devastating 2020 wildfires. These key policy pieces will make schools stronger. But our work doesn’t end this session. In 2023, legislators will reconvene with the same commitment to help educators, students, and families succeed. We’ll continue to show up and lead to ensure our kids are learning in healthy, safe classrooms five days a week.
Legislature increases tax funding for underserved Oregonians
March 3, 2022 | Gresham Outlook | Link
The Oregon legislature passed a new bill that increases tax resource funding for underserved Oregonians. Passage of the bill increases the state’s take of Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) to at least the national average of 79%, meaning an additional $32 million for Oregon working families. “Why would we have a tax credit for those who need it most, if our tax filing system itself is difficult and frustrating to navigate,” asked Rep. Ruiz, D-Gresham, who was the chief sponsor of HB 4117. “We have an obligation to bring the millions of dollars of unclaimed benefits to the pockets of Oregon families.”
Ruiz: State funding can prevent youth violence in Gresham
December 17, 2021 | Gresham Outlook | Link
I was particularly thrilled that we invested $2 million to assist the city of Gresham and local community partners in creating and implementing the East Metro Outreach, Prevention and Intervention program. This builds on existing efforts that we know are effective. Now, we will be able to expand after-school activities for students at risk of falling into gang activity and ensure they are not following a dangerous path.
Gresham spends more than $2 million for Shaull Woods
August 19, 2021 | Gresham Outlook | Link
During a meeting Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 17, council approved allocation of $2.675 million to acquire the 7.82-acre property at 3535 W. Powell Boulevard, known colloquially as Shaull Woods. The decision protects stands of trees and adjacent wetlands, and sets the stage for future trail development and education opportunities. Sen. Chris Gorsek, D-Troutdale, and Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, both committed $500,000 and $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding respectively, but the timing of that funding might not allow for its use.
Blumenauer, Ruiz add support for Oregon civics education
May 21, 2021 | Gresham Outlook | Link
U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer and state Rep. Ricki Ruiz has added their voices in support of civics education in Oregon high schools. Blumenauer, a Democrat from Oregon’s 3rd District, is sponsoring the USA Civics Act to provide $1 billion in federal grants to encourage Oregon and other states to require civics education. Ruiz, a Democrat from Gresham, sits on the House Education Committee, which on Thursday, May 13, advanced a Senate-passed bill to a vote of the full House. Senate Bill 513 requires one semester of civics education for graduation, starting in 2025-26.