Congressman DeFazio,

Thank you for your recent support of my efforts to ensure federal Economic Impact Payments are shielded from state taxes. I currently have legislation being drafted that would keep this relief money in the pockets of working Oregonians.

As you have identified, this is an important step to fulfilling the intent of the federal legislation that helped millions of Oregon families during the pandemic.

While our parties differ, we serve many of the same constituents. It is my hope that we can work together to get this legislation passed this session for the good of our constituents, and Oregonians more broadly. For a family of four, $300 can make a big difference for working families who are struggling to make ends meet. Yet under the current law, these families will be sending that much of their stimulus check to the state government.

Tax season is quickly approaching and given procedural roadblocks that will keep this legislation from going to effect before taxpayers must pay last year's taxes, I am including provisions in the law that would allow affected Oregonians to either amend this year's taxes or file for a credit next year. Of course, any future payments should also be exempt.

To that end, I would respectfully request that once the bill is assigned to a committee, that you would testify in support of its passage. You were involved in the bipartisan crafting of the federal legislation that sent the much needed relief to Oregon families, and I believe your insights and support would be important to this effort. Again, thank you for your support on this issue and for your service to our state.

I look forward to working together in bi-partisan ways to help Oregonians begin their long road to recovery from this pandemic.