U.S. Representative Val Hoyle visited Marshfield High School on Wednesday, telling close to 75 students they can make an impact in Coos Bay, Oregon and the nation.
Hoyle, who was elected to represent the Fourth Congressional District last year, told the students that traditionally less than 25% of young adults vote. As a result, she explained, elected officials spend much of their time working for older citizens, who vote in much higher numbers.
Hoyle also told the students due to her background in unions and as Oregon’s elected Labor Commissioner, she was a big proponent of internships and apprenticeships. She explained that many students will attend college due to the fields they want to work in, but others can make a good living with benefits by following a different route.
After introducing herself, Hoyle answered more than a dozen questions from the students, many centered around environmental issues and mental health concerns.
Hoyle also said she 100% supports the proposed deep-water shipping port in Coos Bay and has made getting federal funding for the port her No. 1 priority in Congress.
Hoyle, who has served in Congress for less than three months, said she is excited to represent the district, which includes all of Coos County.