After Senate Bill 83 passed the Oregon Senate unanimously on April 22nd, with strong bipartisan support and praise from Senate Democrats for responding to public outcry over the flawed wildfire hazard map, the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment voted "Do pass and be referred to Rules. Regardless of trying to blame Democrats in a plot to use the bill as a bargaining chip, they weren't the only votes that halted the progress.

Of course, Speaker Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) could have sent SB 83 to the floor for a vote, but she did as the committee proposed. “When policies don’t work for the people of Oregon…Democrats listen and take action,” Senate Democrats said in April after passing the bill. “Senate Bill 83 passed the Senate floor in a unanimous vote, reflecting a strong spirit of collaboration.”

Now, that spirit of collaboration has seemingly vanished. House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) said, “This bill matters to Oregonians and should not continue to be held hostage. SB 83 has been heavily vetted through an open public process that included multiple hearings, stakeholder input, and thousands of emails from Oregonians harmed by these flawed maps.”

For whatever political games are being played, the Democrats have the power in every committee and every floor vote, so sending SB 83 to Rules instead of a floor vote would have happened regardless of how Republicans voted. But blaming Democrats on a bi-partisan vote seems to smell of deceit.

Rep. Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg), House Republican Whip voted to move SB 83 to Rules instead of moving it to the floor. He now says, “It saddens me to see a group of representatives, who are so beholden to their liberal bosses committed to stealing our kicker, not care at all about the will of the people they represent. We have had almost 40 years to reform wildfire funding and House Democrats are now using these flawed wildfire maps as leverage to take away money from the same people that voted for them. These wildfire maps have cost people property values, insurance increases, and many heartaches.”

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Rather than allowing a floor vote on a bill that has already earned overwhelming support, including from Senate Democrats, House Democrats—under pressure from Governor Tina Kotek and Speaker Julie Fahey—are delaying SB 83 in an effort to extort Republican votes for their latest attempt to raid over $1 billion from Oregon taxpayers’ kicker refund.

“Oregonians were promised relief. Now they’re being told that relief is contingent on agreeing to a massive tax grab,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “It’s political gamesmanship at its worst—and it’s coming at the expense of rural property owners and families across the state.”

House Republicans tried to force a vote on the House Floor on SB 83, to give relief to burdensome regulations imposed on communities by the Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map. The motion to withdraw the bill from the Rules Committee failed despite receiving bipartisan votes. Only seven House Democrats were allowed to break party lines by Democrat Leadership, resulting in a 29-22 vote. Where is the will of the people?

Senate Republicans urge House leadership to stop playing politics with wildfire relief and represent constituents fairly and honestly. If Democrat leadership continues to use SB 83 against the kicker, it won't be viewed favorably by voters.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-06-05 11:18:41

Last Update: 2025-06-05 23:07:18

Four years into the contract and $10 million spent, Oregon's Secretary of State confirmed the contract has a stop work status. JoeHoft.com reports the story in a Guest Post by Jessica Pollema, South Dakota Canvassing Group.

In early 2023, Joe Hoft published multiple articles raising serious questions about an election software used in at least 35 states called TotalVote. TotalVote is an all-inclusive software which handles almost all aspects of an election including campaign finance reporting, voter registration, processing election results, and election night reporting. TotalVote was developed by a company called BPro, from Pierre, South Dakota, which was purchased by KNOWiNK in 2020. TotalVote is centralized and hosted on the Microsoft Azure cloud – raising questions about cybersecurity, and TotalVote is uncertified, yet is handling parts of the election that must be performed on certified software.

BPro/KNOWiNK software has been proven to have allowed backdated voter registrations in Hawaii, unnatural injections of voter registrations in every county in New Mexico, and the KNOWiNK claims in its product information that election workers can override election results.”

June 3, Pollema brings these articles back in focus. She writes:

The story of TotalVote’s rise raises eyebrows about how centralized election software developed and spread across our nation. As we’ve covered in the past, former South Dakota Secretaries of State paved the way for BPro’s TotalVote system to land in states far and wide, reportedly gifting the source code but requiring convenient sole-source maintenance contracts that avoided competitive bidding.

States like Hawaii (2014), New Mexico (2015), Arizona (2017), Washington (2018), and Pennsylvania (2020) all signed on with BPro for TotalVote; a system handling everything from voter registration to election night reporting. In February 2021, after receiving a huge injection of capital from a private equity firm, St. Louis-based KNOWiNK swooped in, acquired BPro, and took over these contracts, adding 450 jurisdictions to its already massive network of 980 using its Electronic Poll Pad system. Not stopping there, KNOWiNK expanded its reach by snagging Oregon in 2021 for TotalVote’s election night reporting.

Pennsylvania and Oregon had each signed over $10 Million contracts with KNOWiNK for a customized version of the TotalVote System, which was to replace their archaic and unreliable voter roll and election night reporting systems. Each state also requires independent project management oversight for multimillion dollar contracts, and selected Gartner, Inc. for that oversight. Without the status reports and risk assessments from Gartner, we would not have internal documentation of the serious issues that KNOWiNK failed to resolve.

Missed deadlines, scrambled data, programming issues and cybersecurity failures are a few of the many factors causing a deteriorated relationship between the state and the vendor, resulting in the State of Pennsylvania terminating the contract with KNOWiNK, putting them years behind schedule and back at square one.

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In a recent check on the progress of Oregon’s version of KNOWiNK’s TotalVote System project dubbed ORVIS, it was discovered that the entire directory of ORVIS project documents posted on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website had been removed somewhere around the beginning of May. A phone call to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office revealed that a stop work order had been issued to KNOWiNK to halt all work on the ORVIS project, while state officials determine how to proceed. All previously posted Gartner and Executive Steering Committee reports tracking progress of the project have been taken down and are not currently available online.

A Gartner oversight report dated October 2024 revealed the majority of project status benchmarks in the “red zone” or high risk category, two years behind schedule, over budget, again with KNOWiNK apparently not capable of meeting the terms of the contract.

A public records request for evidence of the stop work order did confirm that all work in Oregon has been halted. Millions of dollars have already been paid to KNOWiNK. Will the State of Oregon get their money back?

Read the entire article on how KNOWiNK has impacted other states.

The article also points to page 143 of the Oregon contract that mandates that the system "shall allow the County Elections Staff to override results, if necessary".


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-06-05 05:35:03

Last Update: 2025-06-05 23:05:20

In little reported news, that is likely depressed because it would spoil the Democrat’s agenda to increase taxes, is the McDermitt Caldera lithium deposit recently valued at $1.5 trillion along the Oregon-Nevada border.

A team of scientists made the discovery in a volcanic hotspot along the border in 2023, which they now determined it could be one of the largest lithium deposits ever found in the United States and valued at $1.5 trillion.

Lithium could revitalize America's electric vehicle industry. Lithium is an essential component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, making it one of the most sought-after minerals globally.

In 2020, Elon Musk announced a new generation of electric vehicle batteries at Tesla's "Battery Day" event. These batteries, described as "tabless" and cylindrical, are expected to provide five times more energy, six times more power, 16% greater driving range compared to Tesla's current cells, and have the same time to recharge as it takes to fill up a tank of gas. Tesla aims to reduce the cost of its battery cells to below $100 per kilowatt hour (kWh), which is expected to make electric cars roughly the same price as combustion engine vehicles, aiming for a $25,000 electric car in the future.

The Trump Administration is eager to reduce its reliance on foreign lithium for sovereignty reasons, and the use of slave labor by foreign countries. A Republican bill, HB 2425, passed the Oregon House with support of leadership, which creates a task force to look at who is supplying the goods and services that public bodies in this state buy and to make sure that the products don’t involve forced labor or child labor. Will Democrat leadership apply this policy to the McDermitt Caldera?

According to a 2023 study published in Minerals, the McDermitt Caldera could hold between 20 and 40 million metric tons of lithium. Expert analysts state that if efficient extraction methods prove efficient, the US could position itself as a leading global supplier of the valuable metal. In other words, if all goes well, a discovery like this could secure leadership in the US battery industry.

In march the environmentalists looking for another spotted owl theory that they still haven’t proven. Out of controversy and confusion, which direction will Oregon's leadership take? Will they continue to push their EV agenda to reduce climate change while providing jobs and a chance to reduce taxes to make Oregon more attractive to business, or yield to environmentalists? They have the community questioning whether McDermitt Caldera will destroy the fragile desert ecosystems, including habitats for the sage-grouse and pronghorn antelope.

The McDermitt Caldera’s lithium is trapped in claystone. It evolves an intricate extraction techniques like acid leaching are required to safely and adequately extract the lithium. Nevada is estimated to have a higher concentration, but mining companies are still exploring Oregon’s side.

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There is also opposition from tribes surrounding the McDermitt Calder with a rich cultural heritage area for several Indigenous tribes. Tribal leaders are calling for the US government to halt mining plans to protect sacred lands and ceremonial sites that have been integral to tribes' cultural identity for generations.

In order for Oregon’s mining proposals to progress, investors need stability in policies that don’t compete with Nevada to remain optimistic about a secure ongoing demand for lithium.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-05-19 22:39:59

Last Update: 2025-05-20 00:31:55

Headlines across Oregon are painting a picture of a grim forecast following Democrat’s lead. When the forecast is compared to the Democrat’s wish list to grow government, it is never enough. In real numbers, the forecast is projecting a 11.98% increase. The 2024-25 biennium CPI-U rose by nearly 5.7%, well positioned to maintain service levels.

Minority leader Senator Daniel Bonham (R-Hood River) said, ”Oregon just dropped to #44 in the Chief Executive’s national business climate ranking this year — yet lawmakers continue pushing legislation that increases costs, overregulates industries, and creates an unpredictable economic environment.”

If Oregon doesn’t stop attacking the private sector, we won’t have a private sector left, according to a University of Oregon study showing that Oregon is no longer a competitive place to do business. The states attracting our businesses — Idaho, Texas, Florida — are doing so by cutting red tape, lowering taxes, and treating job creators as partners, not cash cows.”

Oregon’s steadily eroding business climate should motivate legislators to seek improvements. But, lawmakers continue pushing legislation that increases costs, overregulates industries, and creates an unpredictable economic environment. Among the many policies under consideration is SB 916, which allows striking workers eligible for unemployment benefits, will erode the state’s competitiveness even further.

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Representative Boomer Wright (R-Reedsport) stated, “We do not have a revenue problem – we are up 12% from the previous biennium. We have a spending problem. Government was not designed to be all things to all people. We should never do for Oregonians what they can do for themselves. Republicans believe in the people, not taxes and more spending,”

House Democrats have blamed tariffs and federal uncertainty despite their reckless spending which has doubled the state budget over the past 10-years.

We ought to be asking Democrats, who have been solely in control of the state budget for 10 years, why the state is not improving, despite revenue that has doubled for over 10 years. Why aren’t Oregon schools better? Why does ODOT say they won’t be able to maintain and plow roads? Why is crime and public safety a growing concern statewide? Why is housing limited and expensive? Why is Oregon far less affordable than 10 years ago?

“The bottom line,” says Reschke, “is that Oregonians, who say affordability in Oregon is their number one concern, should not accept the idea of one more dime in new taxes — whether at Federal, State or local levels. The problem with government budgets is not revenue, it is spending and priorities. Oregonians must demand better from their elected officials, instead of accepting more taxes, which never permanently fix the budget problems, but instead cover up the real issue of the cost of government growing faster than revenues. “


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-05-18 22:10:56

Last Update: 2025-05-18 23:39:50

The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis released the June revenue forecast and economic outlook. Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the revenue forecast: “While the Trump Administration spreads uncertainty in our economy and our social safety net, I refuse to let Oregon be knocked off of our game. We know the problems we need to solve here at home regardless of the chaos coming out of Washington, D.C.

“Oregonians will come together and take care of each other. I am committed to working diligently with the Legislature from now through the end of the session to make hard budget choices and address our challenges head on, despite the dampening of economic growth.

“Progress requires persistence. There are still too many people sleeping outside. There are not enough houses. There are not enough places to go for care or people to provide that care. Our kids must be served better by our schools. The cost of living is on the rise. These crises don’t take an intermission, so neither can we. All of us need to dig deep, be nimble, and lead with long-term strategy over caution so we can deliver for Oregonians."

It's the first forecast Democrats aren't trying to make the results look rosy instead of heeding the warning of uncertainty. As much as they tried to rosy up past forecasts, they now have someone to blame for their own bad policies that are making Oregon one of the highest taxed states. Kotek's idea that Oregonians should "dig deep" is the policy that created the uncertainty.

Kotek's urge to micromanage the legislature violates the Oregon Constitution on the separation of powers between the three branches. Is she pushing the matter to justify being a dictator? Even the forecast states that fiscal policy could provide material offset. However, the "total available resources are now expected to equal $37.4 billion, which is down $755.7 million from the prior forecast. It should be noted that almost $250 million of this decline is due to increased spending in the current biennium." It seems that this is a constitutional violation of a balanced budget and provides pressure to raise taxes and steel the kicker. Mismanagement of funding can't be blamed on the Trump Administration.

Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) is blaming President Trump's tariff dealings on a slowdown of the economy. "Oregon's economy is greatly reliant on our international trading partners, and it is clear the tariffs and chaos from the federal administration is making it harder for businesses to plan and slowing economic growth. With this forecast, we are starting to see real impacts to businesses, workers, and state revenues. Legislators must continue with a cautious and prudent approach to balancing the state’s two-year budget, knowing tough choices lie ahead." However, the forecast indicates that Trump's tariffs haven't affect the fiscal forecast except for an accumulation of products in anticipation of a prolonged period of negotiation with particularly China as our top trade country.

To dig the hole deeper, Governor Kotek issued a statement in response to Congressional Republicans' discussion to reform Medicaid to cut costs in waste and fraud. “I am outraged by the proposed Medicaid cuts. It’s a reckless plan that will hurt people and Oregon’s health care system. One in three Oregonians rely on Medicaid – the Oregon Health Plan – for their health insurance. That’s 1.4 million neighbors and loved ones. Their proposal is not just shortsighted – it’s morally indefensible.”

President Trump announced equalization of drug prices. Other countries are setting their prices and telling drug companies to collect the rest from America. Trump said it will cut drug prices from 50 to 90 percent. This will allow Medicare and Medicaid cost to go down. Trump stated, "we will no longer subsidize healthcare for other countries." Robert Kennedy Jr. said, "America has four percent of the world population and pay 75% of healthcare costs."

President Trump has made it clear that no benefits will be affected vowing to improve the program. They are looking for efficiencies to help cover the cost of $4.5 trillion in tax breaks not taxing tips, overtime, and social security benefits.

Senator Ron Wyden, top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, should have fact-checked his statement. He said Trump talked often about helping the middle class while on the campaign trail. “When the campaign is over, they’re back to helping people at the top and paying for it by sticking it to folks of modest means.” He described the Republican tax-cutting plans "back to supercharging trickle-down.” However, the tax cuts are aimed at middle and lower income families.

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Last week both Governor Kotek and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D-Tigard, Metzger, & S. Beaverton) spoke out against President Trump’s tariff claimed his reckless tariffs alone will cost Oregon families thousands of extra dollars a year. His decisions are putting pressure on wallets and disrupting the industries essential to Oregon’s economy.” Trump's tariff leverage has already reduced the amount of fentanyl coming across the boarder. Kotek should be as concerned, instead she doubles down on being a sanctuary state.

President Trump said he refuses to let the United States be taken advantage of and believes that tariffs are necessary to ensure fair trade, protect American workers, and reduce the trade deficit—this is an emergency. The annual cost to the U.S. economy of counterfeit goods, pirated software, and theft of trade secrets is between $225 billion and $600 billion. Counterfeit products not only pose a significant risk to U.S. competitiveness, but also threaten the security, health, and safety of Americans, with the global trade in counterfeit pharmaceuticals estimated at $4.4 billion and linked to the distribution of deadly fentanyl-laced drugs.

Oregonians are affected by this imbalance, but Governor Kotek doesn't seem to be interested in pursuing this large and persistent trade deficit in both industrial and agricultural goods, offshoring of our manufacturing base, empowered non-market economies like China that hurts Oregon’s middle class and small towns.

Studies have repeatedly shown that tariffs can be an effective tool for reducing or eliminating threats that impair national security and achieving economic and strategic objectives. Instead of spreading millions in litigation, Governor Kotek and AG Rayfield would benefit more for Oregon by modifying policies to take advantage of federal actions.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-05-13 02:00:47

Last Update: 2025-05-15 02:13:27

Oregon House Speaker, Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene and Veneta) refused to move modernization of Oregon’s Sanctuary State law House Bill 3551 for a public hearing. House Republicans took action forcing a vote on the House Floor. The legislation would allow law enforcement agencies in Oregon to work with federal authorities to identify and remove individuals convicted of violent felonies, Class A misdemeanors, and felony sexual offenses. The motion to withdraw the bill from the Judiciary Committee failed despite receiving bipartisan votes, with a majority of House Democrats voting to shield undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes from federal law enforcement.

“Our communities should not be sanctuaries for murderers, rapists, and other violent criminals. This bill is a common-sense policy that protects Oregonians by holding the most violent criminals accountable. But common sense isn’t very common in Oregon, as my bill never even got a hearing,” said Rep. Alek Skarlatos (R-Canyonville) who introduced the bill, and made the motion. “Allowing state and local law enforcement to work with federal authorities to identify and remove illegal immigrants and foreign terrorists who are charged with some of the most heinous crimes is too popular and pragmatic for Oregon Democrats.”

The vote follows the announcement from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on the largest fentanyl bust in DEA history involving the arrest of a Sinaloa cartel leader, Heriberto Salazar Amaya, an illegal immigrant living in Salem. Authorities say he had been removed from the U.S. twice already.

“Today we had an opportunity to keep our communities safe by denying sanctuary protections to violent criminals, terrorist gangs, and dangerous rapists,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby), a sponsor of the bill. “House Democrats blocked common sense legislation that would give law enforcement additional tools and resources to do their jobs and hold violent criminals, in the United States illegally, accountable.”

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Governor Tina Kotek has stated that she “won’t back down” from shielding criminal illegal immigrants operating in Oregon and Attorney General Dan Rayfield recently said that he would not use state resources to keep communities safe from undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes. Instead, Rayfield is using state resources to shield violent criminal illegal immigrants.

A statewide poll commissioned by House Republicans revealed that 69% of Oregonians support deporting undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a crime while in the United States. The statewide poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies between January 4–7 of this year, surveying 500 registered Oregon voters with a ±4.38% margin of error.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-05-11 20:44:53

Last Update: 2025-05-12 00:46:47

Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D-Tigard, Metzger, & S. Beaverton) points out, it’s been 100 days of President Trump’s second term, to claim that his administration’s policies are already hurting families, businesses, and communities across the state.

Bowman claims, "The Trump administration is creating chaos in Oregon and across the country. He is damaging our economy and increasing the cost of living. Trump’s reckless tariffs alone will cost Oregon families thousands of extra dollars a year. His decisions are putting pressure on wallets and disrupting the industries essential to Oregon’s economy.”

Bowman used the 90-day pause to spout criticism, but now he's in a difficult position. The Trump/UK tariff deal broke the dam and others are lining up. All except China, the U.S number one enemy. Why has Oregon entrusted our economy in China as the top foreign deports, and third on imports? So is Bowman trying to protect China and keep Oregon dependent on China for our economy? Why isn’t Oregon paying more attention to being the supplier instead of adding restrictions on business.

Economists say that the shift is essential because a consumer nation isn’t a nation. There may be a short period of adjustment, but getting production supplies from within the U.S. will increase the supply chain and will grow our economy. It seems that Bowman is advocating for the status quo even if change is what Oregonians want, according to polls.

Earlier this month, The Oregonian reported a federal freeze on $225 million in grants has endangered vital clean water initiatives and emergency preparedness programs, critical to the health and safety of Oregonians. Nearly three dozen projects in Oregon are on the chopping block for money from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Federal officials effectively halted the grants and local leaders worry the money will never arrive in Oregon.

Bowman claims Oregon is not standing idly by, but have passed six bills fighting for affordability. However, what the Trump administration is looking for are violations of the constitutional law in equality or reverse discrimination that was confirmed in the Supreme Court’s Chevron decision. Democrats introduced at least 24 bills in violation. Bills that would have made corrections, such as no males in female sports, they blocked.

Bowman defends their stand: “Across the state, thousands have taken to the streets in peaceful protest, demonstrating their opposition to these reckless policies. Governor Tina Kotek, Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Oregon House Democrats are holding the line against federal overreach — defending our values of fairness, opportunity, and inclusion.”

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Oregon House Democrats are urging all Oregonians to get involved, but apparently only to “push back against harmful federal policies and deliver a stronger, more resilient Oregon for future generations.” It seems they want Oregonians to break constitutional laws so they won’t be the only ones and they can hide in the numbers.

They suggest engaging with your community and participate in community events and initiatives to make your voice heard. Then ask why they want to vote for keeping the status quo while businesses are leaving the state and projected to continue to leave for the next five years, why support schools that are failing our kids, and why Oregon is one of the highest taxed states with nothing to show for it.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-05-09 23:04:32

Last Update: 2025-05-10 00:06:11

Senate Bill 947, sponsored by Senator James Manning (D-Eugene/Springfield) passed the Senate on partisan line with zero testimony in support. The bill as amended changes the term "militia" in the state statutes to "National Guard" and removes all mention of the “unorganized militia” from statutes.

Despite Mannings claim on the Senate floor that the bill was bi-partisan, he either doesn’t know what bi-partisan means or he deliberately lied.

Kevin Starrett, OFF Director, stated, “clearly the effort is to eliminate the very notion of a citizen militia. Something that actually exists and has for the entire history of our country. Why? Because the far left sponsors want to remind the people of Oregon that all force and power rests with the state and that they, the people, are mere subjects.”

Oregon law defines the “unorganized militia” as “… all able-bodied residents of the state between the ages of 18 and 45 who are not serving in any force of the organized militia or who are not on the state retired list and who are or who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States; subject, however, to such exemptions from military duty as are created by the laws of the United States.

Starrett stated, “Manning has managed to draft a bill that has exactly NO support from anyone except imbecile Democrat legislators. 100% of submitted testimony is in opposition to this nonsense. That’s quite an accomplishment.”

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The 'militia" are the people. And that terrifies the left. And they will do all they can to crush it. This bill is one more attempt to remind Oregonians that they are subjects and not citizens. The fact that there isn’t one testimony in support and 270 in opposition. The Oregon Constitution indirectly states a duty to represent the people with a structure and principles within the constitution that legislators are expected to act in the best interest of their constituents. To totally ignore the people shows their arrogance and hunger for power. Oregonians need to ask if they should be trusted.

Follow at Oregon Citizens Lobby Alerts. The House has schedule a work session for May 13.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-05-08 02:00:07

Last Update: 2025-05-09 18:19:29

Senate Bill 1098 passed the Senate with one Republican vote from Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) and is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Education. It will legalize pornography in school literature that is otherwise illegal. Democrat sponsors say that isn’t true since there is a process to justify removal or purchase that involves a committee.

Studies show that pornography is the most addictive substance, even worse than cocaine. That's because it is never satisfied, and always wants to go to the next level until it reaches rape and murder.

The younger the exposure, the higher the risk. Study shows 86% of boys and 51% of girls are exposed to porn before 18 and some at young as 8 years old. Viewing porn alters the development of dopamine centers shifting and changing their norms and standards. This affects their adult life, depriving them of intimacy, reducing their ability to be aroused by their spouse, robbing them of a satisfying marriage and family life. This bill plays political suicide with children lives. They want to blame guns for an increase in suicides in young people, but this exposes them to what has been proven to be improper and destructive life altering behavior. This will be another reason to homeschool and make public schools less desirable.

The State Library reports there were 20 challenges to literature across the state but many went unreported and solved internally. A clear pattern has emerged in recent OIFC reports: incidents and challenged materials are disproportionately about, by, or center around the stories of individuals who belong to an underrepresented protected class under ORS 659.850. In 2023-24, 87% of the items challenged told the stories of one or more underrepresented groups. 66% of challenged materials focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ people, while 22% were centered on Black, Indigenous, or people of color. This bill seems to be a challenge to our discrimination statues exposing vulnerabilities, and how it has conditioned us, forced us, to be tolerant of immorality.

ORS 336.455 curriculum requirements for human sexuality education must include promoting abstinence for school-age youth and mutually monogamous relationships with an uninfected partner for adults as the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. However, abstinence may not be taught to the exclusion of other material and instruction on contraceptive and disease reduction measures.

It also requires a balanced, accurate information and skills-based learning on the risks and benefits of contraceptive and disease reduction measures. The mandates in ORS 336.035, 336.455 and 336.465, as well a ORS 581-022-2030 and 581-022-2050 authorizes the school district as the body to make choices of literature that are age-appropriate, based on best practices that are proven theory and practices.

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Sex education courses must also include information on teen dating violence and “must be presented in a manner sensitive to the fact that there are students who have experienced sexual abuse” and must not devalue or ignore students who have engaged in sexual intercourse. Parents or guardians may remove their children from sex education via a opt-out policy.

SB 1098 applies to teachers with a classroom library, and purchase of textbooks and instructional material. It totally destroys all these safe guards crafted to protect students. Since a school library is defined as part of the educational infrastructure that supports learning, the bill conflicts with the statutes for sex education standards. To give students free reign of sexual materials in the library that does not comply with instructional standards and without parents’ knowledge or opt-out option is in violation and should not be permitted.

Placing temptations in school libraries that would be a crime if anyone on the street were to show these books to a child may lead to other crimes. It opens the door to more experimentation for students and headlines like "St. Helens High School teachers arrested on charges of sexual abuse of students".

Sponsors further don't want any challenges from voters to override their illegal, unethical, and immoral actions by adding an emergency clause to the bill. What constitutes an emergency in a bill that needs preplanning for school boards to enact policies, isn't justified. Testimony can be submitted until 3pm on May 2. Track on Oregon Citizens Lobby Alerts.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-04-29 17:59:14

Last Update: 2025-04-30 00:54:27

The Oregon Supreme Court issued an opinion on April 24, 2025 on State v. Lee, which reversed the Court of Appeals and the circuit court.

The case as described by Justia Daily: “An informant informed law enforcement that a person named "Tom Collins" was dealing heroin from a residence in Albany, Oregon. Detectives planned to use the informant in a controlled buy at the residence. Instead of waiting for the results of the controlled buy to apply for a warrant, the detectives applied for and obtained a search warrant that anticipated the controlled buy. The state argued that the warrant was an "anticipatory warrant" as approved by the U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Grubbs. The defendant argued that such warrants are incompatible with Article I, section 9, of the Oregon Constitution.”

Article I, section 9 is the “Bill of Rights” and Section 9 is Unreasonable searches or seizures. No law shall violate the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable search, or seizure; and no warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath, or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person or thing to be seized.

“The Linn County Circuit Court denied the defendant's motion to suppress evidence obtained from the search, ruling that anticipatory warrants were valid under both the Oregon and U.S. Constitutions. The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's decision, concluding that anticipatory warrants were permissible under Article I, section 9, and that the affidavit established probable cause.

“The Oregon Supreme Court reviewed the case and declined to address the constitutional question. Instead, the court focused on Oregon's statutory warrant requirements, specifically ORS 133.555(2) and ORS 133.545(6). The court concluded that the affidavit in support of the warrant failed to comply with ORS 133.545(6), which requires that the facts and circumstances show that the objects of the search are in the places to be searched at the time of the warrant's issuance.”

ORS 133.545(6) The application shall consist of a proposed warrant in conformance with ORS 133.565 (Contents of search warrant), and shall be supported by one or more affidavits particularly setting forth the facts and circumstances tending to show that the objects of the search are in the places, or in the possession of the individuals, to be searched. If an affidavit is based in whole or in part on hearsay, the affiant shall set forth facts bearing on any unnamed informant’s reliability and shall disclose, as far as possible, the means by which the information was obtained.

“As a result, the warrant did not comply with ORS 133.555(2), and the trial court erred in denying the defendant's motion to suppress.”

ORS 133.555(2) If the judge finds that the application meets the requirements of ORS 133.545 (Issuance of search warrant) and that, on the basis of the record made before the judge, there is probable cause to believe that the search will discover things specified in the application and subject to seizure under ORS 133.535 (Permissible objects of search and seizure), the judge shall issue a search warrant based on the finding of the judge and in accordance with the requirements of ORS 133.545 (Issuance of search warrant) to 133.615 (Return of the warrant). If the judge does not so find, the judge shall deny the application.

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This case exposes how the Oregon legislature has repeatedly passed laws that conflict with the constitutions. The Supreme Court continually refuses to deal with the conflict between the Oregon and U.S. Constitutions verses Oregon statutes by repeatedly overturning the lower courts. Recently they overturned the decision against Measure 114 restricting the right to bear arms for defense.

The legislature could have corrected the conflict in this case when amending HB 2473, but instead they eliminated added warrant authorizations and switched it to repealing the manner of committing the crime of harassment, and requiring a phlebotomist to withdraw blood for evidence of driving under the influence.

Perhaps the Supreme Court doesn’t want to expose multiple legislative conflicts because they hold their purse strings. Justice Flynn has submitted SB 96 giving the Supreme Court judges a $100,000 raise and equivalent raises for lower courts with a $33.3 Million impact on the General Fund. It is currently being reviewed by Ways and Means.

The fact that the Supreme Court didn’t include the constitution in their decision, which takes priority, should be disturbing to all Oregonians. Now there is a known heroin dealer back in action.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-04-26 12:08:29

Last Update: 2025-04-25 18:22:52

Governor Tina Kotek announced a $10 million investment in artificial intelligence (AI) workforce development alongside a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of Oregon and NVIDIA to expand AI education and skill-building.

“AI is transforming the way we live and work, and Oregon should not be left behind,” Governor Kotek said. “This collaboration with NVIDIA helps us meet the moment. Oregon will not only prepare our workers, businesses, and public service professionals for a prosperous future, we will lead the way.”

“AI has ushered in a new industrial revolution, and governments, educators and partners are racing to shape a world where everyone can thrive through technology and AI training,” said Louis Stewart, Head of Strategic Initiatives at NVIDIA. “Through this new collaboration, Oregon will have access to the NVIDIA technologies it needs to upskill and empower its workforce to innovate, compete and grow its economy.”

The MOU establishes a collaborative framework for Oregon and NVIDIA to foster entrepreneurship, expand AI-focused education and skill-building to prepare Oregonians for the future, and help state agencies identify ways to responsibly use AI to improve government services.

The initiative is to collaborate with Oregon’s higher education institutions to develop a comprehensive AI training programs to equip students with practical skills in AI, machine learning, and data science; and facilitate hands-on learning experiences about NVIDIA’s cutting-edge technologies. The MOU mentions AI frameworks and simulation tools, with a specific focus on applications in semiconductor design, microelectronics, and renewable energy solutions, which will be new for NVIDIA. Their expertise has been in gaming and graphics.

Included in the objectives, there is mention of:

• Advance Oregon’s economic competitiveness and global leadership in industries like renewable energy, smart cities, and precision agriculture.
• Focus on addressing challenges in climate resilience, healthcare analytics, renewable energy optimization, and smart city infrastructure while ensuring Oregon remains a leader in AI innovation.
• Ensure these programs center the needs of and prioritize accessibility for underserved and rural communities to create equitable workforce development opportunities.
• Engage a diverse set of stakeholders—including academic institutions, businesses, startups, and community organizations—to ensure equitable access to AI education, resources, and technologies.

As part of the collaboration, NVIDIA will work with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) and Oregon’s colleges and universities to launch an AI Ambassador Program, which will place trained ambassadors across Oregon campuses to provide hands-on training and mentorship to students. The work will be overseen by a steering committee composed of state and industry representatives.

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“We are excited for this strategic collaboration with NVIDIA that will help position Oregon higher education institutions and workforce training providers to lead in preparing students for responsible application of AI and cutting-edge technologies needed in Oregon,” HECC Director Ben Cannon said. “This highly collaborative and tailored approach to training, innovation and research for some of the most high-demand fields in Oregon is designed to drive economic growth and open doors for diverse Oregonians to high-paying careers.”

A metrics for workforce development is keyed on the percentage increase in participation from underrepresented groups, including rural and economically disadvantaged populations. Outcome measurements include enrollment rates in these programs, with data on participation from underrepresented groups, the number of scholarships or financial aid opportunities provided to economically disadvantaged students pursuing AI-related programs, and the increase in participation rates of individuals from underrepresented groups in Oregon’s AI education and workforce initiatives.

Alongside the MOU, the Governor is directing $10 million in available Oregon CHIPS Act funding to Oregon’s Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund, established in 2023 in Senate Bill 4. SB 4 limits the Governor’s discretion to $50,000 for a single grant with preferences given to businesses owned by members of underrepresented communities and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Oregon House passed the $210 million Oregon CHIPS Act, which includes $190 million in direct grants and loans for semiconductor companies seeking federal funding to expand in Oregon, as well as $10 million for research at universities and $10 million to help with land development costs. Furthermore, the U.S. Commerce Department is releasing federal CHIPS Act funding in stages, and Oregon is expected to receive more of the billions in yet-to-be-distributed funds, if they clean up their act.

The MOU obligates Oregon to provide sustained investment in modernizing research facilities, encourage expansion, and fostering AI innovation hubs to ensure Oregon institutions remain globally competitive. "The investment will support workforce development projects tied to semiconductor and AI sectors, with a focus on training Oregonians – especially those from underrepresented communities – for high paying careers."

Instead of revising policies that don't meet new standards, it seems like Governor Kotek is playing double-dare with the Trump Administration at every turn. Oregonians are disenfranchised over socialist policies that discriminate picking winners and losers. Let Governor Kotek know how you feel.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-04-25 15:47:37

Last Update: 2025-04-25 17:58:15

Beaverton parent, Jeff Myers of Save Oregon Schools has filed a lawsuit against the Beaverton School District over student privacy, parental rights, and a public school system that is increasingly operating without transparency or consent.

In January 2025, Beaverton School District quietly launched a new digital hall pass system (DHP) at eight of its middle schools. Students are now required to submit digital requests before leaving class for basic needs like using the restroom, going to the nurse, or accessing their locker. Teachers must approve the request, and the system logs the destination, time, and duration of each pass. These records are stored indefinitely in the district's Synergy Student Information System (SIS).

Myers says, “The DHP system is being actively used for behavioral monitoring and intervention. Staff teams regularly analyze student hall pass data to identify "top users" – students who leave class more frequently than average. These students may be flagged and referred to counselors or behavior specialists, often before parents are notified or involved.” Myers became concerned after his daughter displayed anxiety over this system being installed at her school, and decided to file a lawsuit.

The lawsuit asks the court to:

• Immediately suspend the use of the digital hall pass system district-wide;
• Prevent further collection and analysis of DHP data;
• Require the district to submit an inventory of the data collected through the system;
• Permanently purge all previously collected data;
• Affirm the rights of parents to be notified and provide meaningful consent before schools launch systems that collect and/or act on sensitive behavioral data.

Myers’ lawsuit argues that the district's actions violate both federal and Oregon law. Key claims include:

• The Fourteenth Amendment: Parents have a constitutional right to direct the upbringing and medical decisions of their children.
• ORS 336.184 & ORS 336.187: These laws require schools to notify parents and provide opt-out rights for behavioral or health-related screenings.
• ORS 326.565: Governs student educational records and restricts access to those with a legitimate educational interest.

The district has tried to justify the system under the doctrine of in loco parentis, but the lawsuit claims public schools are government actors and cannot override parental rights without due process.

Myers says: “The district has positioned this system as a solution to behavioral challenges in middle schools. But what they’re not saying is that these challenges were in large part created by their own policies. Over a decade ago, Beaverton phased out traditional disciplinary frameworks in favor of restorative justice, which has often led to inconsistent enforcement and a breakdown in accountability. Rather than confront this reality and reevaluate their discipline model, the district has doubled down—choosing to surveil every student instead.

“These systems are being marketed as modern tools for classroom management. But in practice, they function as behavioral surveillance networks that track kids in ways most parents are never told about.”

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The lawsuit states: "This is not a digitized bathroom pass. It’s a behavioral surveillance platform that profiles students without their knowledge, and certainly without ours as parents."

This is not just a Beaverton issue. The DHP system impacts more than 6,400 students and was implemented without any meaningful explanation, opt-out process, or oversight. It’s becoming a nationwide trend to market the system as a tool to control every child, and not provide help to the few who misbehave. “That’s not innovation—it’s institutional overreach,” Myers says. “If your district isn’t using something like this yet, it might be next.”

Myers offers suggestion to parents wanting to question their child's school or school board.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-04-25 14:51:09

Last Update: 2025-04-25 17:57:27