Reminder: Senator Jeff Merkley holding Bend, Madras in-person town halls on Sunday

(Update: Kelsey McGee will be on hand for the town hall)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.,  is wrapping up his latest series of eight in-person town halls around the state with a pair of Central Oregon events on Sunday, in Bend and Madras.

The events continue Merkley’s 2024 town hall tour of Oregon, as he will hold a community conversation in each of the state’s 36 counties.  

Kelsey McGee will be on hand at this afternoon's COCC town hall to speak with the senator and to see what's on Central Oregonians' minds and the senator's responses. Her report will be on NewsChannel 21 at Six.  

 “I hold a town hall for every Oregon county, every year because there is simply no substitute to hearing directly from folks about the ideas and priorities that matter most to them and their communities. Oregonians’ thoughts help shape my work in Congress, including positions on policies, ideas for bills, and strategies for securing resources for every corner of our state,” Merkley said in announcing the series of town halls.   

 “Over the course of the more than 540  town halls I’ve held since Oregonians sent me to the Senate, I’ve seen how these events provide respectful, safe spaces for people to express their unique points of view during these often-divisive times. We all benefit significantly when we leave our comfort zone and open ourselves up to new ways of looking at issues — me included.   

 “I am thrilled to be hitting the road again to meet with Oregonians from all walks of life in their communities.”   

 Since taking office in 2009, Senator Merkley has kept his promise to hold an open town hall for each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. His upcoming town hall conversations are as follows, with additional details to be sent to local media ahead of each event:   

 Sunday, April 28:  

 Deschutes County Town Hall   

Time: 12:30 p.m. PT   

Location:  Central Oregon Community College – Coats Campus Center, Willie Hall 

2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97703 

   Jefferson County Town Hall   

Time: 3:30 p.m. PT   

Location:  Madras Performing Arts Center – Auditorium 

412 SE Buff St, Madras, OR 97741