In a shocking turn of events, Oregon lawmakers have discovered a way to fund critical state services without raising taxes: stop wasting money.

For years, Oregonians have been told the only way to fix roads, improve schools, and keep communities safe is through yet another tax hike. But after taking a closer look at the budget, lawmakers stumbled upon an overlooked goldmine—billions of dollars tied up in bloated state agencies, redundant programs, and, of course, the ever-expanding influence of public sector unions (often referred to as Oregon’s fourth branch of government).

“We couldn’t believe it,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “It turns out, if we stop funneling money into bureaucracy and special interests, we might actually be able to fund the things Oregonians care about.”

The discovery has sent shockwaves through Salem, where many have spent years perfecting the art of growing government without improving services. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are doubling down on this radical new approach—ensuring tax dollars actually benefit taxpayers.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“We know it’s unconventional,” said Bonham. “But we owe it to Oregonians to at least try this ‘living within our means’ experiment. Who knows? It might just work.” Stay tuned for updates, assuming this idea doesn’t mysteriously disappear into a task force that never meets."

Connect with Oregon D.O.G.E. for real conversations with Oregon lawmakers. Currently discussions are on financial responsibility, where money comes from and where it is going. They cut through the noise to bring unfiltered, honest discussions on the issues shaping Oregon.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-04-02 14:58:14

Last Update: 2025-04-02 23:58:43

Oregon is the fifth least affordable state for housing due to a combination of high home prices and rising interest rates, which have made homeownership increasingly difficult for residents. According to the National Association of Realtors, Oregon’s housing affordability score indicates homes on the market are largely unaffordable to local buyers.

Governor Tina Kotek has thrown her support behind HB 2258 Amendment. The legislation aligns with the Governor’s efforts to cut the bureaucratic red tape by removing local control and the public process for land use. She claims you stand in the way of an affordable home for every Oregonian.

House Bill 2258 would create land use and design standards for the plans, providing predictability for developers, cities, and counties. The bill would also provide a series of pre-approved building plans, streamlining approval processes and eliminating barriers to building small apartments, single-unit dwellings, duplexes, townhomes, and other middle housing options.

What once was feared, that Oregon’s farmland and open spaces would be overrun with urban sprawl, has now become the squeeze that is exploding housing prices. Added to the dilemma is that wages can’t keep up, nor should they. Oregon’s unemployment rate has increased 0.3 percent to 4.4% from 3.6% in November and 3.4% last July. This steady increase seems to indicate a systemic problem with policies in which 80% of businesses are considering leaving the state? Now SB 712 would increase property values by 3% each year for tax purposes.

Governor Kotek reasons, “Families struggling with the high cost of housing are forced to make impossible choices – between staying in the communities they love and finding a place they can afford. This affordability crisis deepens our homelessness crisis. It demands creative, practical solutions to increase the supply of homes quickly. We have to cut red tape and get out of our own way. Pre-approved building plans just makes sense.”

“Solving the housing crisis requires us to be creative, innovative and focused on the end goal — more homes on the ground,” Representative Pam Marsh (D-Ashland), Chair of House Housing and Homelessness Committee, said. “I’m grateful to the Governor and her team for their leadership in cutting through the bureaucracy that imposes years of delay on housing projects. We just can’t keep waiting.”

Currently, housing providers face long, unpredictable permitting processes across different cities and counties. The same building plan is often subjected to local review every time it is submitted, even if it had previously received a permit. This red tape blocks or stalls projects, making them more costly. Under Section 5, DCBS may designation prototype plans for expedited approval. Kotek sees this as increasing the supply of homes quickly, and lowering costs over time.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The Land Use Commission may specify approved residential development types allowed, which will restrict local control, nor will local governments need to request an exception under land use laws. The building and land use plans would be applicable to specific sites that are especially suitable for development, such as vacant and relatively flat lots not within environmentally sensitive areas.

One city manager testified in opposition of HB 2258 amendment's elimination of the public’s ability to engage in the process: “Circumventing local regulations that the public has created and supported erodes trust between the city/state and the community we serve. Oregon is a vast and diverse state. Local governments tailor their local codes and zoning to their communities’ needs and concerns; some communities need to address wind and flooding in their building codes while others may need to think more about wildfire. Some have an aging population and may need to think about aging in place, while others may need more homes for growing families or young professionals. A home that may work well for one region may be unsafe or not fit for the community needs in another. This bill creates a one-size fits all model for housing, which does not work for our communities.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-04-02 14:33:58

Last Update: 2025-04-02 18:28:52

Captain Seth Keshel was in Oregon at the 2021 Gathering of Eagles presenting his analysis for strengthening the vote. His analytical method of election forecasting and analytics is known worldwide.

Keshel presents a summary of President Trump’s Executive Order that is titled, “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” It precedes the Make Elections Secure Act (MESA) proposed in Congress, which is said to end stolen elections forever.

Keshel says the most encouraging part of President Trump’s remarks while signing the order is that they’ve got plenty of other items they would like to address in the coming weeks to end “fake elections.”

Some key highlight to the Executive Order are:

1. Cuts down on illegals in the voter rolls by sharing data with DHS and requiring a citizenship question on the national voter registration form.
2. Federal election-related funds will be conditioned on states complying with the integrity measures set forth by Federal law, including the requirement that states use the national mail voter registration form that will now require proof of citizenship.
3. Improves the integrity of elections by directing the updating of the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 and security standards for voting equipment and prioritizing federal grant funds accordingly.
4. Sets a single Election Day deadline, the Attorney General shall take appropriate action against states that count ballots received after Election Day in Federal elections. Federal election funding will be conditioned on compliance.
5. Instructs Department of Justice to prosecute election crimes and foreign interference.
6. Repeals Biden’s Executive Order 14019, “Promoting Access to Voting,” which engages government in voter registration and other items that corrupt elections.

Leadership in the Oregon legislature seem to be operating in a vacuum. Out of the six points listed, only now, are they moving to keep a few bills alive with public hearings.

1. HB 3470 requires verification of citizenship to register to vote. Public hearing was held March 12.
2. No action to use the national mail voter registration form that will now require proof of citizenship.
3. No action to update voting equipment affecting federal grant funds accordingly.
4. SB 210 In-person voting day of election. Public hearing held March 31, open for testimony.
5. No action on prosecuting election interference.
6. HB 2444 limits voter registration to citizens with ID. Bill has not received a hearing. SB 1046 violates the executive order by automatically registering voters who do business with the Department of Fish and Wildlife – received a public hearing March 31, open for testimony.

   A D V E R T I S E M E N T

   

   A D V E R T I S E M E N T

   All of the above bills are Republican sponsored bills. The election bill Democrats proposed is HB 3166, which adopts ranked-choice voting after 60% of voters voted against it in the last election. It also incorporates an open primary.
   
   The Trump administration isn’t playing games. They have ended Oregon’s COVID grants a year early, the Portland school district is under federal investigation for allowing a male to compete in female sports, and revoked wavers for Oregon universities utilizing federal funds for illegal migrants. Governor Kotek, as Superintendent of Schools, refuses to cut DEI out of schools. The noncompliance will surely see a large cut in federal school funds. Oregonians have to ask legislators, why fight a losing battle with taxpayer’s money, put Oregon in financial straights and cheat students?
   
   
   --Donna Bleiler
   
   

   Post Date: 2025-03-30 11:24:23

   Last Update: 2025-03-30 02:14:56

   
   

The Oregon Health Authority announced that $117 million in federal money for state health programs in Oregon has been canceled by the Trump administration, a decision that will harm Oregonians across the state.

“Now that the pandemic is over, the grants and cooperative agreements are no longer necessary as their limited purpose has run out," read notices of termination. The clawed-back funds were based on use for Covid testing, vaccination, community health workers and initiatives to address Covid health disparities among high-risk and underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minority populations and rural communities, as well as global Covid projects, according to CDC leadership.

Oregon is using the terminated grants to fund a variety of services, including: public health clinics working on immunization disbursement, training and education; Oregon's 988 crisis hotline; substance use treatment, prevention, and recovery services; OHA's Public Health Equity Office, which provides technical assistance and training to community-based organizations; and communicable disease surveillance and testing capacity.

Oregon delayed distribution of funds, particularly to schools, warning not to use it to enhance ongoing services that would increase ongoing budgeting. Now it appears OHA has been deerlick in not depending on temporary funding for permanent programs.

These COVID-era grants through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) were ended more than a year earlier than expected, which will cause disruptions within OHA and for the people these programs serve.

"Federal spending cuts will hurt Oregonians," said Sen. Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "This administration is taking a chainsaw to critical programs that Oregonians rely on to keep us safe and healthy. "

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

"Oregon's budget is designed to leverage federal funds to help as many Oregonians as possible. If the federal administration chooses to end funding, we will struggle to be able to continue these services," said Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "We will work through this session to protect core services despite the unprecedented actions from the federal administration.”

Oregon received a warning that the Trump Administration means business. The legislature has still not taken steps against losing education funds and eliminating DEI from the curriculum, or stop males from participating in female sports, which is under federal investigation. Nothing is being done to change sanctuary state protections, but instead, they propose to extend sanctuary status to sex criminals.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-29 13:52:34

Last Update: 2025-03-29 20:47:28

A Marion County judge issues a decision that blocks Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s executive order mandating project labor agreements (PLAs) on state-funded construction projects. The ruling affirms what Republicans have said all along: Kotek overstepped her authority with an unconstitutional power grab that has already driven up costs and hurt Oregon’s economy.

“Governor Kotek had no authority to unilaterally impose project labor agreements after the legislature repeatedly rejected them,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “This ruling is a victory for fairness, competition, and the rule of law in Oregon.”

A recent report from the Common Sense Institute (CSI) highlights the devastating economic consequences of the Governor’s now-blocked mandate. According to CSI, requiring PLAs for state-funded construction projects could have increased costs by up to 20%. Even a 10% rise in construction costs would have led to the loss of over 33,000 jobs by 2030 and nearly 28,000 jobs by 2040—a blow Oregon’s economy cannot afford.

The report also underscores how restrictive PLAs would have made it harder for the vast majority of Oregon’s construction workers to compete for state contracts. Fewer than 20% of Oregon’s construction workforce is unionized, yet the PLA mandate would have forced contractors to comply with union hiring hall requirements and duplicative benefit costs. This would have disproportionately harmed non-union, minority-owned, and local businesses—some of the very groups the Governor claims to support.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“Oregonians deserve policies that encourage open competition, not backroom deals that favor special interests,” Bonham continued. “Now that the court has spoken, the governor should finally respect the constitutional process and abandon this misguided policy once and for all.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-27 13:23:35

Last Update: 2025-03-27 23:49:51

Oregon Senate Republicans are pushing back against the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 243, arguing it does nothing to address the real drivers of gun deaths while attacking the constitutionally protected rights of responsible gun owners.

“Gut and Stuff” is a common end-game play Democrats have increasingly used as a chest board move. A typical bill for gut and stuff are bills written to do a simple study on a subject that has to match the area for the gut-and-stuff amendment. This move bypasses a true public hearing since amendment are not adopted until the work session.

The response to the bill intended to implement Measure 114, HB 3075 has 2,870 testimonies in opposition and 794 in support. That’s 72% in opposition they cannot overcome. The date of this writing, SB 243 has 90% opposition.

SB 243 is an omnibus gun ban bill combining the Democrat’s agenda for gun restrictions into one bill. These are the areas it covers and the bills it incorporates with the percentage in opposition.

• (HB 3076 62%/SB 429 98%) Imposes a punitive three-day waiting period on firearm purchases, stalling law-abiding citizens desperate for protection—especially victims of abuse or stalking—while piling pointless delays on those already vetted by Oregon’s strict background checks.
• (SB 696 99%) Prohibits anyone to possess, purchase, receive, transport, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, or transfer a rapid fire activator – Class B felony, possession is Class A misdemeanor, exemption if registered with federal law machine gun.
• (SB 697 98%) Russell Paul Evans Act prohibits possession or owning under 18 of a firearm for any reason, except temporarily transfer by a parent. Strips 18-to-20-year-olds of their constitutional right to buy firearms, relegating them to a short list of outdated long guns while banning handguns entirely, leaving young adults defenseless and shattering rural traditions. Prohibits under 21 from selling, deliver or transferring any firearm.
• (SB 698 98%) Ban unloaded firearms from vast swathes of public buildings, and vague “adjacent grounds”, such as hospitals, public building, schools, residence of any state official, and anywhere a sign is posted, except if there is an adopted policy for concealed carry and post on their website. Disarming permit holders creates soft targets for shooters, and sowing confusion with unclear boundaries.

Even though the amendment has not been introduced, the hearing was planted with unrelated stories meant to move emotions, but lacked intelligent reasoning. How can legislators care about safety when they want to disarm citizens while at the same time, they want to let more criminals go free (HB 2640) and extend sanctuary to sex offenders (SB 820 and SB 821).

Between 2019 and 2023, Oregon recorded 3,125 firearm-related deaths, 77% of which were suicides. At the same time, Oregon ranks among the worst states for mental health treatment access despite having one of the highest rates of mental illness. Rather than tackling these core issues, SB 243 imposes more restrictions that will do little to stop crime or reduce suicides.

Adding to the concerns, the process has been an abuse of power. A 23-page amendment with sweeping new gun control measures was dropped just one day before the public hearing, replacing what was originally a half-page study bill. This last-minute maneuver denies Oregonians the transparency and input they deserve, and it’s a growing problem.

“This is no way to govern. Dropping a massive gun control amendment at the last minute, without public scrutiny, is an insult to Oregonians,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “On top of that, this bill punishes law-abiding citizens while ignoring the reality that most gun deaths in Oregon are suicides, not homicides. Instead of ineffective restrictions, we should be addressing the root causes—mental health and violent crime.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“Oregon already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, yet gun deaths continue to rise,” said Senator Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), vice-chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Meanwhile, states like New Hampshire, with far fewer gun restrictions, experience lower firearm deaths per capita. The data is clear: this bill won’t make Oregon safer.”

“This is yet another example of urban legislators forcing restrictions on law-abiding gun owners in rural Oregon while ignoring the real problems behind gun deaths,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford), a member of the Joint Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee. “Oregon’s mental health crisis is being ignored in favor of ineffective gun control policies that won’t stop criminals or reduce suicides.”

Track this bill at Oregon Citizens Lobby Alerts. Testimony can be submitted until March 29 at 3pm.




--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-27 13:11:26

Last Update: 2025-03-27 22:58:59

Oregon Senate Democrats passed Senate Bill 916 along partisan lines, and rejected a common-sense minority report that would have protected small businesses, schools, hospitals, and taxpayers from being forced to subsidize private labor disputes.

Under SB 916, striking workers, including public employees, will now be eligible to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks, making Oregon the first state in the nation to take this extreme step. While only New York and New Jersey allow striking workers to receive unemployment benefits, no state has ever applied this policy to public employees until now.

“Unemployment benefits were never meant to bankroll labor strikes,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “This bill rewrites the rules to reward political allies at the direct expense of small businesses, healthcare facilities, and schools, many of which are already struggling with workforce shortages and rising costs. Democrats had the opportunity to support a balanced alternative that ensured fairness and financial responsibility, but instead, they pushed through a bill that prioritizes special interests over working Oregonians.”

The minority report, which Senate Republicans proposed, would have required a four-week waiting period before striking workers could receive benefits, ensured repayment of funds with interest, and required unions to maintain adequate strike funds before members could access taxpayer-supported benefits. It also reinforced long-standing Oregon law prohibiting public employees from striking, mirroring Taylor’s Law in New York. Instead, Senate Democrats rejected these protections and voted to make Oregon an outlier in the country.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

"Employers have the upper hand over workers when it comes to pay, scheduling, and job conditions,” said Senator James I. Manning, Jr. (D - Eugene, Veneta, Elmira), a co-chief sponsor of the bill. “The right to strike, negotiate, and collectively bargain is the most powerful instrument the workforce has for offsetting this imbalance; Senate Bill 916 levels the playing field and helps maintain that right.”

“This isn’t just bad policy, it’s unfair to every Oregonian who is expected to show up for work every day,” said Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook). “A strike is a choice, not an unforeseen layoff or business closure. People who voluntarily walk off the job should not be entitled to the same benefits as those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.”

It is not unlike Measure 113, which voters passed in 2022 limiting legislators unexcused absences to 10 days. The consequence is that they can not run for reelection in the next election. Voters insist they show up to work to do the people's business. Shouldn't state employees be held to the same standard?

The bill assumes that the labor unions representing striking workers who received UI benefits will repay all the benefit payments over time. However, Oregon Employment (OED) is of the opinion that some of the provisions in the measure could place OED out of conformity with federal law governing Unemployment Insurance (UI). If Oregon were to be found non-conforming with federal law, Oregon employers would lose federal credits for UI tax paying employers. OED estimates that non-conformity would result in additional UI taxes of $1.16 billion per biennium paid by Oregon’s UI tax paying employers.

Senate Republicans unanimously voted no on this costly measure. Isn't it leadership's responsibility to make sure bills do not conflict with federal requirements before putting the state in jeopardy? SB 916 now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives for further consideration.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-25 21:56:09

Last Update: 2025-03-25 23:39:56

Oregon House Bill 3166 will replace the general election with ranked choice voting. Perhaps Representatives John Lively (D-Springfield) and Paul Evans (D-Monmouth), chief sponsors, are trying to deceive voters by not mentioning it in the bill summary. Instead, they focus on primary changes naming it a ‘unified primary,’ otherwise known as an ‘open primary.’

However, voters are seeing through the word games and are looking at it as an end run around their vote. Voters voted down ranked choice voting for primary elections by nearly 60% in 2024 and 90% of current testimony are voicing their objection to this bill. It’s presumptuous to think voters would accept the process for the general election when they clearly rejected it for the primary in 2024.

HB 3166 would require all candidates be on the same primary ballot for partisan and nonpartisan offices, regardless of political party affiliation or nonaffiliates. All candidates would appear on the same unified primary election ballot, with the top five candidates receiving the most votes advancing to the general election ballot. It does not apply to candidates for President and Vice President of the United States.

Even the national Open Primaries group does not support the method proposed in HB 3611. Perhaps the sponsors don’t recall that it was their party that introduced primary elections in the early 20th century. Prior to this, candidates were often selected in back-room deals by party bosses or through congressional caucuses, without much public involvement.

It was the tumultuous Democratic National Convention in 1968, which called for more open nominating process led to reforms that strengthened the role of primaries. Primaries are an electoral reform designed to give the people greater control over the selection of candidates in their party. Section 38 of HB 3611 is a throwback to selection by party bosses or caucuses.

Minor parities should object because it requires them to compete in the primary in order to be in the general election. With the numbers in the two major parties and nonaffiliates, it would take a strong candidate to make it to the general election. Currently, qualified minor parties can nominate a candidate for the general election by holding a primary convention. The bill changes their convention to who they endorse for the primary.

The primary election was designed for major parties to select the candidate they would send to the general election. It became an issue when Oregon adopted automatic voter registration in 2015, which includes provisions for nonaffiliated voters. Because the process doesn’t require confirmation of the registration, which populates the nonaffiliate voter rolls, they have grown to be equal to a majority party without the option to vote in the primary. Both major parties have refused to allow them to vote in their primaries, possibly swaying the parties election.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The most egregious to voters is Section 40 of HB 3611, which adopts ranked choice voting for the general election for the five top candidates from the primary open election. The bill doesn’t include the process, but leaves it to the Secretary of State to determine the process by rule. Clearly a violation of the U.S. Supreme Court Chevron decision, which directs government not to delegate their powers.

The bill further moves the primary election day to the second Tuesday in March for Presidential elections, but appears to allow the Secretary of State to change the date to not later than the first day of September.

There isn't a state that has tried ranked-choice voting, that one or more elections produced a false win and some took months to discover. This will never give Oregonians confidence in their voting system. If you’re an offended voter, email the House Committee on Rules and Legislators.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-24 13:57:25

Last Update: 2025-03-25 00:33:07

Oregon Senator Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) introduced a reform in lawmaking before the Senate Committee on Rules. Senate Bill 1006, a bipartisan effort led by Thatcher, upholds the separation of powers and reaffirms that only the Legislature has the authority to propose laws. The bill would prohibit state agencies, statewide elected officials, and other entities from directly introducing legislation, requiring all proposed laws to go through a legislator or legislative committee.

“The Oregon Constitution is clear: the Legislature is the only branch of government responsible for making laws,” said Senator Thatcher. “The executive and judicial branches play critical roles in enforcing and interpreting laws but writing them is not their job. Yet, for too long, they have been enabled to bypass the system, introducing legislation without any direct accountability to the people. This practice undermines the role of the Legislature and, ultimately, the voice of the people. SB 1006 is about restoring the proper balance of power and ensuring that Oregonians’ elected lawmakers determine the laws that govern our state.”

Oregon is one of seven states that allow non-legislative entities and unelected bureaucrats to draft Bill measures. Oregon is the only State that allows them to directly introduce bills without a Legislative member. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 40 states specifically prohibit it. In this legislative session alone, 266 bills have been introduced by the state’s executive and judicial branches—a number significantly higher than the bills introduced by most individual legislators. SB 1006 would strengthen accountability, transparency, and the fundamental principles of representative government.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Oregon legislature has drifted from the rule of law, and reels their authority onto citizens forgetting who they represent. Last session it came to a head that a constitutional law passed in 1979, which requires bill summaries must result in a score of at least 60 on the Flesch readability test, equivalent to an 8th-grade reading level, was being ignored. The Oregon Constitution further requires that every legislative act be plainly worded, avoiding technical terms as far as practicable. After weeks of refusing to comply, they have now come up with a “Digest” short statement that complies, but lacks the true nature of the bill, and the true summary remains unscored and out of compliance. By ignoring citizens in the legislative process signals a disrespect for the law and their oath of office.

The Oregon Constitution must be adhered to when drafting and passing legislation. This ensures that any new laws are consistent with the state's foundational legal framework. To pass a law and for the Governor to sign a law that has questionable compliance with the constitution is a disservice to citizens and obstruction of law. Oregon’s lax adherence to separation of powers has made the obstruction of law easier and more prevalent. It has cost citizens millions in lawsuits, when challenged.

The public may submit testimony by 1pm on March 21. Keep tracking this bill on Oregon Citizens Lobby.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-23 13:48:47

Last Update: 2025-03-23 15:41:40

The Oregon Joint Committee on Ways and Means will tour the state for six public hearings to hear directly from Oregonians regarding the 2025-2027 budget. Oregonians are encouraged to sign up to testify about which projects and programs the state should prioritize this budget cycle.

Legislators are constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget every two years. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget framework stresses fiscal responsibility, protects core services, and maintains flexibility during an uncertain economic time. Approximately 32% of the current state budget is supported by federal funds. The framework also contemplates scenarios where actions by the federal administration impact Oregon's economy and budget.

Senator Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means says, "This framework is a starting point. Oregon's economy remains stable, but with limited resources and federal uncertainty legislators will have to make tough choices about which projects and programs to fund, and ensure those choices are aligned with Oregon values."

The framework continues current service levels for existing programs, including fully funding the governor's request for $11.4 billion into the State School Fund for K-12 education, assuming the adoption of oversight and accountability measures.

It includes $150 million for responding to wildfires or other natural disasters, as well as $100 million to the Emergency Fund to maintain a nimble budget that can respond to unforeseeable events.

The framework additionally includes $271.9 million in good governance, targeted reductions, largely through eliminating long-term vacant positions.

The net fiscal position of the state is $987.2 million before any one-time investments into key areas legislators are reviewing this session, including affordable housing, homelessness prevention, early literacy, behavioral health care, child care, and community safety.

The information used in the creation of this framework is from the March revenue forecast and economic outlook; the final budget will be based on the May forecast. It is set amid uncertain economic headwinds from the federal government, including trade wars and the potential of a looming recession.

"Oregon's budget is designed to leverage federal funds to help more Oregonians, not plug federal funding holes," said Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "We are facing significant uncertainty from the federal administration and must demonstrate fiscal responsibility during these times."

The federal uncertainty comes from the conflict Oregon’s sanctuary state policies has with the security measures the federal government is taking to rid the country of criminals. The state is also going against the policy to stop mutilation of children. Because Governor Kotek refuses to cooperate with security measures and protection of children, the state is facing a reduction in federal funding.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

This year will be the first time since at least 2005 a community budget hearing has occurred on tribal lands when the committee visits Warm Springs on April 4.

The dates and locations of the community budget hearings are:

Gresham | Saturday, March 22 (10:00am – 12:00pm)
Mt. Hood Community College, College Theater
26000 S.E. Stark Street, Gresham, OR 97030
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Astoria | Friday, March 28 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Liberty Theatre Astoria
1203 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR 97103
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Warm Springs | Friday, April 4 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Old Warm Springs Elementary School
1112 Wasco Street, Warm Springs, OR 97761
Members of the public can register to testify here.

La Grande | Friday, April 11 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building #339
1 University Boulevard, La Grande, OR 97850
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Salem, Statewide Virtual Testimony Prioritized
Wednesday, April 16 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Oregon State Capitol Building, Hearing Room F
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Klamath Falls | Friday, April 25 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Klamath Community College, Building 4 Commons
7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Members of the public can register to testify here.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-23 13:39:49

Last Update: 2025-03-23 15:41:05

Over the last nine months, more than fifty healthcare, public safety, and government organizations convened as part of an ‘EMS Modernization’ workgroup, led by State Representative Dacia Grayber (D-SW Portland) and sponsor of HB 3572. The result is an Emergency Medical Services Workforce & Funding package that provides $9 million in short-term workforce solutions, enables greater flexibility in redistributing ambulance resources around the state, and sets a long-term strategic path for a healthy EMS sector in Oregon.

“Like many sectors, EMS is in a workforce crisis,” says Representative Grayber. “The difference with this crisis is that when you call 9-1-1, it might mean that nobody’s coming”.

In 2024, HB 4081 passed authorizing the EMS Modernization Task Force to address inefficiencies and low ratings in Oregon’s emergency medical system. It has recently made headlines in Fossil, Ore, where the area currently has no full-time EMS resources, and is being covered by neighboring communities by Spray Ambulance. Spray had 13 active medical responders in 2020, prior to the pandemic, and now has a skeleton crew of only six regular volunteers.

A Philanthropy News Digest study found the pandemic has caused volunteerism to drop significantly. But to build up a volunteer system, there needs to be trained EMTs. The consequences of 2020, under Governor Kate Brown’s executive order, 30,800 workers in healthcare services filed for unemployment according to the state’s employment records. The state’s healthcare is still struggling to recover from residual effects and bad policies that continue to deter volunteers.

"Emergency services are a fundamental responsibility of government. I am deeply concerned to see rural fire and ambulance services operating at unsustainable deficits. That’s why I am standing alongside Rep. Grayber and first responders across the state in championing a comprehensive, bipartisan solution. Oregonians—particularly our rural seniors—are relying on us to address this critical issue without delay.” said Rep. Breese Iverson (R-Prineville).

The EMS Modernization Act implemented many of the systemic reforms originally devised by a 2010 Task Force, and passed the legislature with overwhelming support in 2024. However, the bill didn’t come with any funding.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

House Bill 3572, and its companion bill HB 3380, are set to change that. These bills include:

• $9 million in short-term workforce solutions, including subsidizing the cost of paramedic licenses, rural paramedic student loan forgiveness, an increase in the Rural EMS Volunteer tax credit, allowing alternatives to Oregon’s two-year associate degree requirements, and a regional innovation fund for local workforce pilot programs.
• The creation of an EMS Mobilization Plan that will allow for a more efficient distribution of ambulance resources around the state when surge capacity is needed.
• The creation of a Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Oregon EMS, providing recommendations for long-term stability and health of the EMS sector.
• Administrative funding to fully staff the State EMS Program.

House Bill 3572 and 3380 are scheduled for Public Hearings on March 20th, and testimony can be submitted until March 22 by 3pm. to the House Committee on Behavioral Health & Healthcare.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-22 13:48:18

Last Update: 2025-03-22 23:42:43

Oregon Senate Committee on Education pushed forward on SB 1098, which aims to keep obscene and sexually explicit books on the shelves of school libraries by “prohibiting discrimination” when selecting or retaining school library materials. House Republicans say this is wrong.

In the work session, Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction) presented -1 amendment that would put the decision of library materials in the hands of the local school board as to what is acceptable to that district. Chair Lew Frederick's (D-NE Portland) rebuttal was to say school districts are influenced by outsiders implying they can't be trusted, therefore they need state oversight by the Department of Education. He continued by saying there is no requirement for the child to pick those books that are offensive. Robinson thought they should error on the side of caution and focus on getting children to read and give parents confidence in what they pick from the library won't be offensive. Then Frederick turned to racial concerns that discrimination happens no matter what the case. He doesn't want books separated out because of ethic positions.

“If a book on our school library shelves does not meet the standard to be read aloud on the House floor, it should not meet the standard for our schools,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “Discernment is not discrimination. Common sense is not censorship. I urge this body to do everything it can to restore decency in our schools.”

“House rules say a person may not use indecent or profane language during a debate. By gaveling down a member for reading the language from a book available in school libraries, this body is admitting the language is indecent or profane, which we have been told would not be allowed in our schools” said Rep. Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg). “It must be one or other. We can’t have both.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“It is the job of locally elected school boards and parents to determine what is appropriate for our children to read, not the state,” said Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Stayton). “If this bill passes, we are failing Oregon families by eroding their trust in our education system.”

This bill pass out of committee along partisan lines With Frederick, the sponsor of the bill, as carrier on the Senate floor. Parents are encouraged to defend their position as school board members and write your legislator. The deadline to file for school board position is March 20.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-17 18:46:57

Last Update: 2025-03-18 23:48:18