On this day, September 7, 1996, The last time the State of Oregon Executed a criminal was 56-year-old Douglas Franklin Wright, a man who admitted killing three homeless men and a 10-year-old boy he lured off the streets. He was executed by lethal injection during Oregon Governor John Kitzahber's first administration.
Also on this day, September 7, 2020, supporters of President Trump and counter-protesters clashed in the city of Salem. Earlier that day, vehicles waving flags for Trump, and in support of police, gathered at about noon at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City.
“Parents deserve clear, honest information about how schools are performing”
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) is calling for urgent reform in how Oregon’s school performance report cards are presented. A recent report highlighted a significant lack of transparency in these report cards, making it difficult for parents to understand the true educational performance of their children.
The Oregon Department of Education is Directed by Charlene Williams, but Oregon's governor, Tina Kotek is the Superintendent of Public Instruction, according to the Oregon Constitution.
“Parents deserve clear, honest information about how schools are performing,” said Leader Bonham. “The current lack of transparency in our school performance report cards undermines their ability to make informed decisions about their children’s education. We need to ensure that these report cards provide a true and accurate picture of school performance so that all families can be empowered to support their children’s educational journey.”
Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City), member of the Senate Education Committee, also weighed in on the issue. “Transparency in school performance reporting is crucial for accountability and improvement. Our goal should be to make sure that parents and communities have the information they need to advocate for better educational outcomes. It’s time for parents and local school boards to demand better reporting standards that truly reflect the quality of education our children are receiving.”
According to a recent release, Senate Republicans are committed to advocating for reforms that will enhance the transparency and reliability of school performance report cards, ensuring that every student in Oregon has access to a quality education.
The private sector is not fairing as rosy as the forecast indicates
How long will it take for Oregon voters to see that leadership has propped up the economy to save their jobs. The Revenue Forecast for September shows inflation is still above target levels but the insufficient growth indicates private industries continue to struggle to keep doors open, according to Josh Lehner, Economist.
Every employment increase was government or government related. The highest increase was in Health Services followed by State Government. Only Transportation Equipment in the private sector reported a 0.7 employment gain.
In Lehner's final report he attempts to be encouraging, “The labor market is expected to improve as well following the past year where slower hiring has led to a rising unemployment rate, despite layoffs remaining low. While imminent recession fears appear misplaced, the longer high interest rates remain, the probability of recession rises as economic growth slows… For now, the economic forecast remains essentially unchanged compared to recent outlooks.”
The forecast report is mostly laced with “potential” platitudes to cover the leadership’s agenda. The “data could be the first indication that Oregon’s patterns of growth have shifted out of the pandemic era lull, and back toward something more like the typical expansion. However, they could also be more noise than signal. Only time will tell.”
“Looking ahead to the 2025-27 biennium, available resources are revised lower by $66 million compared to the previous forecast. Increases in corporate, estate, and interest earnings are not enough to fully offset the larger personal kicker being paid out. That said, when looking at the state budget and the combined resources of 2023-25 and 2025-27 the General Fund forecast is raised $610 million.
Another indication that the private sector is not fairing as rosy as the forecast is that “consumption-based tax collections for the corporate activity tax, the lottery, and recreational marijuana in the current 2023-25 biennium are lowered at a combined $27 million (-0.5%) compared to the prior forecast, and lowered a similar $34 million (-0.6%) in the upcoming 2025-27 biennium.”
The forecast can be viewed as a “state of the government” address. It doesn’t speak for three-fourths of the state where wheat is being piled on the ground as there is no overseas market, stores are closing, shelves are thinning, and people moving. Since 2010, the population under age 19 dropped 22.882. Even though the ages for bearing children increased, Oregon’s policies on abortion and push towards transgender is impacting Oregon’s future prosperity.
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
Senator Brian Boquist (R-Independence, candidate for State Treasurer) stated that at the State Economist revenue forecast meeting, it was said that “20-25% was closer to the real inflation needed to balance state budgets. Oregon's budget is well over $100 billion. I see nobody who works for a living that can afford 25% more in taxes for state government to get another $25 billion. None. What about you?”
Boquist continues, “It is election season. Are you better off today than two or four years ago? Is your grocery bill lower? Is your power bill lower? Do you even have insurance anymore? Is your rent or mortgage lower today? Do you want to pay unrealized capital gains tax on your house? Can you afford to pay extra to the US Government for say corporate profits or Ukraine pensions or Israeli weapons? If you don’t want the status quo of five decades of decline in Oregon, then speak with your vote and encourage others to vote as well. It is a citizen’s duty if you want a free country.”
Lehner indicates a lot of what happens in Oregon is resting on what the federal government does. If that is true, Oregon is in for a shock if Donald Trump wins and Oregon is unprepared to brake ties to the federal IRS, which he has slated for elimination.
Offshore wind farms could lead to significant disruptions in coastal communities
Members of the “Oregonians Against Wind Turbines” PAC have successfully convinced the commissioners of Coos and Curry County to put an advisory vote on the ballot for the upcoming November General Election. This marks the first time in the nation that a county has decided to seek voter opinion on a wind energy project in their area.
On August 06, 2024, the Coos County Board of Commissioners passed a measure to place an advisory question on the ballot, asking voters if they wanted the board to oppose the offshore wind energy project. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has established two call areas off the coast of southern Oregon available for lease.
The wind turbine advisory question on the November General Election ballot reads:
“Should County Commissioners work to oppose the installation of a 95 square mile, deep floating wind farm off our coast?”
A ‘YES’ vote means voters want Coos County Commissioners to work in opposition to the Offshore Wind Energy Project, while a ‘NO’ vote means voters do not want the Commissioners to oppose it.
In a significant turn of events, Coos County Commissioner John Sweet, who initially stated he would vote against placing an advisory question on the ballot, changed his mind after listening to passionate public comments. This decision was seen as a testament to the power of civic engagement.
The following day, on August 07, 2024, the Curry County Board of Commissioners passed a similar measure to put an advisory question on the November ballot.
The Curry County ballot question reads:
“Should offshore floating wind turbine development along the Curry County, Oregon coast be stopped?”
A ‘YES’ vote means voters want the wind turbine development to be stopped, while a ‘NO’ vote indicates support for the offshore wind turbine development.
Despite unanimous support from the Curry County Commissioners, the Chair of the Board highlighted concerns raised by Ryan Nelson, a political and legislative representative with Labors International Union of North America Local 737. According to Nelson, the county has no legal authority to ban an offshore wind project, as the areas under consideration are entirely within federal waters. This could lead to costly legal challenges should the measure be referred and passed by voters.
Economic Impact
The development and operation of offshore wind farms present significant challenges. The turbines, costing billions of dollars, will be constructed by foreign workers outside the USA. This could replace local permanent jobs with temporary construction jobs filled by workers from outside the area. U.S. taxpayers will bear the financial burden, with locals unable to use the energy generated by the turbines. Additionally, the higher costs associated with offshore floating turbines could result in increased energy prices, affecting low-income households and small businesses.
OAWT describes the impacts of offshore turbines.
Environmental Impacts
There are several environmental concerns associated with offshore floating wind turbines:
Destruction of marine ecosystems
Decline in populations of whales, porpoises, dolphins, and crabs
Reduction in coastal biodiversity
Negative changes in wind, wave, and atmospheric patterns
Habitat destruction and disruption of the food chain
Electromagnetic field effects from power cables
Pollution of seawater, beaches, and the food chain from toxic materials
Noise pollution
Increased navigation risks
Social & Cultural Impacts
Offshore wind farms could lead to significant disruptions in coastal communities:
The fishing industry may suffer due to restricted access to fishing grounds and habitat disruption.
The visual impact of turbines could harm tourism.
Eminent domain could threaten public and private land, affecting social and cultural heritage.
The towering structures will mar the natural beauty of coastal areas.
“We cannot keep doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results”
House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) and state Representatives Ed Diehl (R-Stayton) and E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) are calling for legislative action to improve wildfire prevention and suppression efforts next session. Oregon has recently experienced severe wildfires, covering over 1.5 million acres - the largest area in the United States.
“Lives, property, and livestock are lost when fires ravage our state. This is the direct consequence of bad policy. The legislature should make a good-faith, bipartisan effort to reform its forestry management approach to better balance safety and concern for the environment. Doing so will benefit all those who live under the risk of wildfires,” said Leader Helfrich.
The representatives identified four core policies that need to change to make Oregon a safer state:
The Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) has prevented responsible logging in much of the state. Managing Oregon’s forests does not mean ignoring them until they are on fire. The legislature should reform the HCP to allow responsible economic use and undo its overly aggressive expansion.
Oregon's war on the timber industry must end. The logging industry plays a vital role in clearing out deadwood and decreasing the severity of fires. Seven sawmills have closed this year due to anti-business policies. Republicans support reforming burdensome regulations while treating the lumber industry as partners in conservation.
Oregon must invest in more early warning and prevention resources and increase our support to firefighters. Oregon Republicans previously introduced bills to promote and protect firefighting efforts. These bills included HB 2491 (2023) which would prohibit volunteer firefighters from being held civilly liable for good faith firefighting efforts and HB 2953 (2023) which would allow the state forester to fight fires on federal lands within Oregon. Neither bill received a public hearing during the 2023 session, and Republicans plan to re-introduce the legislation in 2025.
Some of the wildfires in this state have started because of homeless encampments that do not engage in safe practices in vulnerable areas. Now that the Supreme Court has allowed states to ban camping on public grounds, the legislature must reverse 2021's HB 3115 and strictly prohibit these encampments. The state should also take common-sense safety steps like those described in 2023’s HB 2940, which requires state agencies to comply with regulations we already require private entities to follow for fire safety.
Reschke and Diehl added the following statements:
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 all support responsible environmental practices that protect our forests for future generations," said Rep. Reschke. "But these fires are the result of 40 years of bad policy choices that have gone past conservation and put the lives of Oregonians at risk, not modern living improvements. It's simply not true that we have to allow deadwood to pile up, constantly increase land use restrictions to protect our environment, or allow dangerous homeless encampments in vulnerable areas."
"The fires that have ravaged our state were the largest in the country, and put Oregonians and regional firefighters needlessly at risk," said Rep. Diehl. "We cannot keep doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. My district is still recovering from the effects of the 2020 wildfire season, and bad policy is compounding our problems instead of solving them."
DeSpain urges DOJ to look into federally-funded BOLI grants
Oregon Fourth Congressional District Candidate Monique DeSpain sent a letter to the US Attorney for Oregon to urge the US Department of Justice to review a recent TV interview with Congresswoman Val Hoyle for other possible pay-to-play schemes and illegal grant activity with employers in Oregon.
Hoyle described her relationship with Oregon employers as similar to that which she had with La Mota’s executives, despite La Mota having eleven employee complaints before BOLI at the time while owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes, facing dozens of lawsuits for debts owed to creditors, and still making sizable donations to elected officials, including
Hoyle.
“Val Hoyle explained in her recent TV interview that the way she communicated with and assisted La Mota was the same as how she dealt with all other employers in Oregon. I am urging the US DOJ to review Hoyle’s statements and the BOLI communications they’ve subpoenaed for evidence of illicit pay-to-play activity with other employers, similar to Hoyle's activity currently being investigated,” said DeSpain. “Congresswoman Hoyle was clear that she believes that receiving donations and strong-arming illegal grants for employers is just fine, even when employees of those businesses have active complaints against them with Hoyle’s agency.”
On January 29th, the US Department of Justice issued a subpoena to BOLI for “all records” related to the illegal grant ENDVR received, a grant for which email records show Hoyle was the “key organizer” ensuring it was awarded. The subpoena was issued just five days after DeSpain’s January 24th press conference launching WhatsValHiding.com and DeSpain’s letter to the US Attorney for the District of Oregon Natalie K. Wight, calling on Ms. Wight to expand her investigation to include Hoyle and her activities.
For eleven months after leaving BOLI in 2023, Congresswoman Hoyle denied BOLI access to key public records on her personal cell phone, which media outlets have referenced in bringing Hoyle’s illicit activities to public attention - activities that are now the subject of the federal investigation.
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
“As a retired Air Force Colonel who conducted investigations in the JAG Corps for 20 years, I will continue to speak up and call out corrupt, bad actors like Val Hoyle who are standing in the way of addressing voters' top priorities. After voters deploy me to Congress this November, I will use my independent voice to deliver bold, commonsense solutions for the struggling, hard-working people of the Fourth District.”
Sixth event of Stand Your Ground to be held September 14
The popular Oregon event, Gathering of the Eagles, is making it’s fifteenth production after Ames Curtright first sponsored it at his airfield. After a brief break, his wife, Dama Curtright carried on his legacy at the airfield hanger. It’s the sixth year the Oregon Liberty Coalition has sponsored Gathering of the Eagles combining it with their event. In 2018 Gathering of the Eagles partnered with Oregon Liberty Coalition’s Rally Around the Flag to bring about the "Stand Your Ground" rallies in memory of Ames Curtright. Stand Your Ground was what Ames Curtright stood for based on one of his favorite Bible verses: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 NIV.
This year’s Gathering of the Eagles will be held September 14, 2024, with the theme of Regaining Election Integrity. Morning training is designed to increase effectiveness on becoming a powerful social media influencer and how to do a personal get out the vote campaign.
The afternoon will address Measure 117 by Ranked Choice Voting expert Phil Izon, Alaska Ranked-Choice Education Association, will discuss the drawbacks to ranked-choice voting and how it does away with the constitutional option for in-person voting.
Jeff O’Donnell, “The Lone Raccoon” on Telegram, is on Mike Lindell’s team and will show how Oregon elections were stolen in vote by mail data, and how it is being manipulated.
Joe Hoft, Gateway Pundit, will expose the Secretary of State’s witch hunt on censorship. Hoft has a lawsuit in the U.S. Supreme Court against government censoring speech that is similar to an Oregon case.
Ames Curtright liked to quote as a standard for freedom of speech, Fisher Ames, author of the First Amendment. “Should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a schoolbook? Its morals are pure, its examples are captivating and noble….In no Book is there so good English, so pure and so elegant, and by teaching all the same they will speak alike, and the Bible will justly remain the standard of language as well as of faith.”
Corral Creek Band is scheduled to play throughout the day. They perform Bluegrass style music around the Northwest with homespun humor that draws the audience in.
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
SkyMed will hold a reception at the conclusion of the event with music by Nashville singer Brandon Hartt, a up and coming Nashville County Music artist.
As a private event, registration is required. The event will also be available with the purchase of livestream.
“Out-of-state wealthy interests are trying to dupe Oregonians”
Fourth District Congressional Candidate Monique DeSpain has announced her opposition to the state ballot Measure 118 that would impose the largest tax increase in Oregon history in the form of a 3% tax on the gross receipts, not just profits, of any corporation with Oregon sales of more than $25 million a year in order to send an annual check of $750 to individuals residing in Oregon for at least 200 days. The scheme, known as Universal Basic Income, has been tried and abandoned as a failure in several countries in recent years and has been funded overwhelmingly by wealthy California-based individuals and organizations, led by venture capitalist and UBI activist Josh Jones.
“I oppose the inflationary and economically destructive Measure 118 and urge voters to defeat it on the ballot this November,” stated DeSpain. “Once again, out-of-state wealthy interests are trying to dupe Oregonians into being experimented on by an expensive, damaging, radical policy. We’ve seen this movie before with the catastrophe of Measure 110, and we know it ends in disaster for working people and families. It’s time to take the ‘kick me’ sign off of our state and instead unite to pursue effective, commonsense policies for a prosperous and affordable economy for all Oregonians.”
In addition to opposition from business groups whose members would be impacted, the measure has also received opposition from across the political spectrum for its expected inflationary consequences for Oregon consumers and a forecasted reduction in government tax revenues available for funding schools, other essential services, and the state’s healthcare infrastructure. It faces particularly strong opposition from grocery retailers who typically operate on 1-3% profit margins, which would be wiped out by the 3% tax and very likely result in leading grocers closing stores and raising prices to stave off financial losses.
“The bottom line with Measure 118 is that it will cause inflation to go up and businesses to flee or go bankrupt,” said DeSpain. “With the urgent crises gripping our state and nation of unsecured borders, declining public safety, spiraling drug addiction, rising homelessness, and a crushing inflation all fueled by other failed policy experiments, the last thing citizens of the Fourth District of Oregon need right now is a failed socialist income redistribution idea adding another crisis to the list.”
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
“Speaking out on behalf of the Fourth District against Measure 118 is what real leadership looks like. For years, career politicians like Congresswoman Val Hoyle have rubberstamped one disastrous policy after another, and voters have had enough,” added DeSpain. “As a retired Air Force Colonel, a fighter for crime victims, and the mother of twin sons, I am ready to deploy to Congress to bring my independent leadership to fight for Oregon’s voiceless in Washington, D.C.”
This past May, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee moved Val Hoyle to its “Frontline” list of vulnerable incumbents, a powerful sign of Hoyle’s weakness versus the strong challenge being offered by GOP nominee DeSpain. Last week, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) named Monique DeSpain to their Young Guns Program, recognizing her campaign as one of the best and strongest in the country and making OR-04 a key flip opportunity for national Republicans. DeSpain has challenged Hoyle to six debates in six counties in the 4th District, to which Hoyle has so far failed to agree.
This highly destructive wood-boring pest targets ash, white fringe trees, and olive trees
A year ago Oregon State University Extension Service encouraged homeowners to not take down their ash trees before they are infested bu the Emerald ash borer or unless the insect has been detected nearby. Homeowners have the option of using a systemic pesticide to keep the insects at bay, but once the beetles arrive, pesticides won’t kill them.
Now it has become real for four counties. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has detected the Emerald ash borer (EAB) and expanded the EAB Quarantine Alert to Yamhill, Marion, and Clackamas counties. This brings the number of counties with EAB populations to four, including Washington County, where APHIS first confirmed EAB in Oregon in June 2022.
This highly destructive wood-boring pest targets ash, white fringe trees, and olive trees. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has expanded the quarantine per the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR 603-052-1075) on ash, white fringe trees, and olive tree material in these counties.
The four counties are on permanent quarantine status for ash, olive, and white fringe tree. They must remain within the quarantined counties, and wood waste must be processed as regulated.
The Oregon Department of Forestry warns that the establishment of Emerald Ash Borers will likely devastate ash woodlands and riparian zones where native Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia) is a dominate species. These trees provide important shade, food and habitat resources in riparian areas where soils can be poorly draining and where seasonally high water tables can exclude other tree species.
Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), a member of the olive family (Oleaceae), is one of 16 species of ash in the United States. It is the only ash species that is native to the Pacific Northwest; however, ornamental ash species from other parts of the country and world are commonly used in landscaping in Salem, including: white ash (F. americana), flowering ash (F. ornus), Raywood ash (F. oxycarpa), green ash (F. pennsylvanica), European ash (F. execelsior), black ash (F. nigra), and velvet ash (F. velutina).
City of Salem staff is moving quickly to implement Emerald ash borer management plans after ODA confirmed detection of the Emerald ash borer in Marion County on August 28, 2024. The loss of ash trees caused by EAB infestations could lead to a reduction in urban tree canopy, an increase in invasive plants taking hold within communities, and loss of shade and habitat along streams, to name just a few of the anticipated impacts.
Milan Davis, Salem’s Urban Forester said, “We are collaborating with the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Department of Agriculture and have plans in place to start implementing preservation strategies this coming spring and to complete an overall management strategy to protect urban tree canopy against EAB for years to come.”
Since the first observation of the Emerald ash borer in Oregon on June 30, 2022, Salem officials have been working on a plan for responding to the arrival of this aggressive tree pest in order to slow its spread and preserve Salem's tree canopy.
The quarantine does not allow the movement of tree materials from ash, olive and white-fringe trees outside the county unless they meet certain conditions. Live plant material is eligible for compliance agreements with the Oregon Department of Agriculture if one of the following conditions is met:
Diameter at the base of the plants is less than 0.75 inches
Plants were grown in a screenhouse approved by the ODA
Plants have been properly treated with an approved insecticide
Debark wood and remove at least 1 inch of underlying wood
Grind or chip to 1 inch or less
Heat wood to a minimum of 140°F for at least 60 minutes
Bury under at least 12 inches of topsoil
Incinerate wood materials
Secondary processing to produce wood by-products (i.e. paper)
Other methods specified within a compliance agreement with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
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
Suggested care for Ash trees includes keeping trees from stress:
Water your trees in the dry months and maintain a layer of woodchips or mulch around the base of your trees.
Avoid pruning, especially during high EAB activity (April through October). Pruning can send signals to insects that a tree is in stress. A professional arborist can also provide guidance on other things you can do to improve the health of your trees.
If planting new trees on your property, carefully inspect plant materials before purchasing. Avoid planting new ash trees.
Enroll in OSU Extension's Oregon Forest Pest Detector Program to learn more about recognizing and reporting signs and symptoms of high-priority, invasive forest pests like EAB.
“If the OEA is actively involved with the DSA, it raises serious questions about their commitment to neutrality”
As students across Oregon begin a new school year, Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) is demanding accountability and transparency from the state's largest teachers’ union, the Oregon Education Association, led by Union President Reed Scott-Schwalbach. Concerns have surfaced regarding the OEA's potential ties with the Democrat Socialists of America, a radical group that openly supports pro-Hamas rhetoric. Following the discovery that OEA was regularly hosting DSA’s monthly meetings at their headquarters, DSA proclaimed via social media that “Oregon's educator unions and DSA are in a committed relationship”.
“The OEA represents over 41,000 teachers across Oregon, and their actions have a significant impact on the education of our children,” said Leader Bonham. “If the OEA is actively involved with the Democrat Socialists of America, who have been openly pro-terrorist, it raises serious questions about their commitment to neutrality in our classrooms. Oregon’s parents and students deserve to know where the OEA stands and how its affiliations may influence the education system.”
Oregon's public education system is already struggling to deliver positive outcomes for students, with many falling behind in critical subjects like reading, math, and science. Rather than being distracted by extreme political ideologies, the OEA should be fully focused on improving educational outcomes and supporting teachers in their mission to provide a quality education to every student.
“Our education system is at a critical juncture, and we cannot afford to have it sidetracked by political partisanship,” Bonham continued. “Oregon's children deserve a public education system that is transparent, accountable, and dedicated to their academic success. The OEA must be transparent with its affiliations to ensure that the focus remains where it belongs—on the students.”
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
As the new school year begins, Leader Bonham is calling on the OEA to publicly clarify its position, disclose any affiliations with extremist groups, and reaffirm its commitment to impartiality and the best interests of Oregon's students and teachers. He also encourages parents, teachers, and community members to demand transparency and hold the education system accountable to prevent any undue influence from radical political agendas.
“We need to make smart choices now to avoid more difficult decisions down the road”
The latest revenue forecast reveals that Oregon's economic situation remains precarious, with stagnant growth, persistent inflation, and rising costs posing ongoing challenges for the state. Despite modest revenue increases, the forecast underscores the need for cautious budgeting and prudent spending as the state faces significant economic uncertainty.
“This forecast is another clear warning that we must exercise fiscal restraint,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “Oregon families are already feeling the squeeze from high costs, and it's imperative that we don't add to their burden by overspending.”
The forecast, while showing slight improvements in revenue projections, highlights the continued pressure from inflation and the impact of rising costs on state finances. Senate Republicans caution against relying on these modest gains to justify increased spending, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing essential services, and addressing the long-term financial health of the state.
“Now is not the time to get complacent,” added Senator Lynn Findley (R-Vale), who sits on the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. “We need to focus on sustainable budgeting practices that protect Oregonians from the uncertainty of the future. Our priority should be ensuring that we have the resources to support critical needs without overburdening 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
Senate Republicans also reiterated their call for a comprehensive review of state spending to identify areas where efficiencies can be found. With the state facing ongoing challenges, they argue that now is the time to reassess priorities and make tough decisions to ensure Oregon's economic stability.
“Every dollar spent must be scrutinized to ensure it's serving the best interests of Oregonians,” Bonham added. “We need to make smart choices now to avoid more difficult decisions down the road.”
In response to the August revenue forecast, House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) offered the following remarks.
“This forecast shows that government and government-adjacent bureaucracies are expanding while private industries struggle to keep up. Meanwhile, inflation remains higher than national averages. Many in the current majority will call for new taxes next session, which will make these problems worse. The legislature should resist the push for new taxes both to ease the cost burden for families and to unleash Oregon’s private sector potential,” said Leader Helfrich.
The year 2021 was pivotal in Oregon when voters lost control over maintaining voter rolls. The Oregon legislature passed HB 2681 to suspend cleaning voter rolls, sponsored by Representative Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis), running for Attorney General. No one will be taken off the active voter rolls even if their address is wrong or they have not voted for any period of time.
The bloating of voter rolls will increasingly cost taxpayers a lot more to send out ballots to addresses that are no longer accurate for that voter. A Rasmussen Poll from a national telephone and online survey found that 75% of likely U.S. voters believe voters should be required to show photo identification such as a driver’s license before being allowed to vote. Only 21% are opposed to such a requirement.
Eight states have enacted voter ID laws since the 2020 election, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures: Arkansas, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio and Wyoming. The US Supreme Court recently added Arizona to the list allowing them to reinstate proof of American citizenship for voter registration.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced last week that since signing Senate Bill 1 into law in 2021, Texas has removed over one million people from the state’s voter rolls, including people who moved out-of-state, are deceased, and are noncitizens. That removal process has been, and will continue to be, ongoing.
While other states are working towards election integrity, Oregon is making it easier for illegal voting by a self-certification of citizenship, and never cleaning voter rolls. Oregon’s Secretary of State was notified earlier this year in a “pre-suit” to come into compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
In 2018, the Supreme Court confirmed that removals are mandatory in Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Inst., 138 S. Ct. 1833, 1841-42 (2018).
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 has approximately one-fifth the registered votes that Texas has, and comparing their results, Oregon could see removal of 1,300 noncitizens, 1,200 voters with felony convictions, 91,400 deceased people, 92,600 unresponsive suspended voters, 26,800 confirming they have moved, 13,000 failing to respond to notice, 3,800 requests to cancel their registration, for a total of 230,000 potential removals. Texas further strengthened the law by increasing the penalty for illegal voting, including voting by noncitizens, to a second-degree felony.
In contrast, Oregon passed HB 4133 (2022) allowing the last 4 digits of Social Security number for online voter registration, and HB 2107 (2023) that expanded Oregon’s Automatic Voter Registration system to the Oregon Health Plan to register users of that system to be automatically registered as voter.
It didn’t stop there, SB 166 claims to protect voter privacy, but it prevents observers from getting the ballot images to discover fraud and assist in cleaning voter rolls. This bill could make the cast vote record cost up to $700,000 in some counties. The ballot is a public document for rule of the people.
Improvements are aimed at protecting agricultural workers and their families from potential hazards
Oregon OSHA is proposing significant changes to its safety and health rules for housing that employers provide to workers, most often in agricultural settings. The proposed rule changes are part of a comprehensive package of program enhancements aimed at protecting agricultural workers and their families and boosting employer compliance.
The division's agricultural labor housing (ALH) rule proposal is going through the public hearing and comment process before it is adopted. The proposed rules address the potential hazards in employer-provided housing. Oregon OSHA regulates such facilities from the perspective of workplace safety and health.
The rule proposal is part of a comprehensive set of reforms on how the division addresses ALH. Those reforms, which are in addition to the rule proposal, would be incorporated as part of the budget and other administrative processes. Altogether, the reform package includes:
Rule changes that would substantially raise the protective standards for indoor and outdoor facilities that employers must include when they provide housing.
Technical assistance to support the Oregon Department of Agriculture in providing $5 million in grant funds to growers for existing on-farm housing compliance with the rule change, and additional funding for infrastructure improvements once the existing grant funding is exhausted.
Development of a new, annual self-certification requirement for employers that would be pursued through a budget proposal during the 2025 legislative session. If approved, it would complement future enhancements to the registration system by including more detailed information about each location's amenities.
Establishment of a new seasonal ALH surveyor program to increase Oregon OSHA's ability to evaluate conditions at housing locations. The surveyor program would deploy seven seasonal surveyors to evaluate site conditions, attempt to gain compliance, and refer a site to Oregon OSHA's enforcement program if needed.
Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA commented: “Our comprehensive approach to ALH reflects the fact that this rule proposal must be accompanied by additional, program-level steps to bolster the safety and health of who we know are among our most vulnerable workers and families. And with all of these proposed changes, we are focusing on increasing protective measures while maintaining a stable operating environment for employers."
Andrew Stolfi, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, of which Oregon OSHA is a division states: “Worker protection is at the core of our mission. We know that we cannot achieve our mission simply by issuing regulations, which is why we are proposing a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to protecting some of our most vulnerable workers. We look forward to receiving public comment on these proposals."
Public hearings on the ALH rule proposal will follow a public comment period, which may be submitted by email at OSHA.rulemaking@dcbs.oregon.gov. The deadline for submitting comments and the public hearing schedule will be posted online on Oregon OSHA's proposed rule and the agricultural labor housing webpages.
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 proposal's language – available for review online in more detail – includes delayed effective dates for certain provisions, recognizing the need for time to prepare for the changes. The table shows the proposal broken down by category and year of implementation:
Registration deadline is January 2025 to remove exception that housing provided for nonfood crops were not required to register, submit water testing results, and require sites in Initial registration to have no hazardous conditions.
Facility Grounds proposed exterior/walkway lighting by January 2025 and remove livestock care exception by 2026.
Laundry proposed tubs, trays and laundry machines and separate cleaning for contaminated clothes by 2026.
Water testing results in language of occupants, and add arsenic and nitrates to well water testing frequency implemented by 2025. By 2026 require water pressure to be at least 20 psi.
Bathing facilities with locking shower stalls by 2026, and private changing rooms by 2027.
Toilets to include solid doors and handwashing with paper towels by 2025. Facilities must have 200 feet and provide 1:10 ratio for each gender
Kitchens need protected food storage by 2025, and gas vented burners by 2026, and enclosed kitchens with plumbed sinks with hot and cold water by 2027.
Housing must have mattresses with cleanable covers, and add safety measures including reporting diseases by 2025. Heating and cooling and electrical outlets in sleeping areas, and lockable storage by 2026. By 2027, provide at least 50 square feet per bed in sleeping rooms with bunk beds.
Oregon OSHA's announcement of the package of reforms follows a challenging multi-year, comprehensive review of its existing ALH requirements that included using a rulemaking advisory committee. The division garnered input from growers, agricultural associations, housing operators, and employee representative groups. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.
Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers deploy to the Kosovo Force Mission
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek led a Mobilization Ceremony for the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) at the Salem Armory. The Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers will be deploying to the Kosovo Force (KFOR) Mission. The 41st IBCT will be returning to the U.S European Command as part of a 28-country alliance to maintain a safe and secure environment across the region.
During the ceremony, members of the 41st IBCT were honored as they prepared for their deployment, which is part of KFOR’s 34th rotation. Established to end the Kosovo War, KFOR was authorized to deploy an international peacekeeping force to Kosovo, a mission crucial for maintaining regional security and stability. The brigade’s support will include security forces, logisticians, medical professionals, intelligence analysts, and a command team. In keeping with the National Security Strategy, the 41st IBCT KFOR mission will provide stability, safety and security, as part of a NATO international peacekeeping force.
“I am honored to be with you to mark the deployment of the 41st to support the United States European Command’s Kosovo Force Mission,” Governor Kotek said. “Whether the mission is to protect democracy and peace abroad or protect Oregonians from wildfire here at home, the Oregon National Guard’s Citizen-Soldiers are ‘always ready, always there.’ Serving as your Commander-in-Chief is one of the honors of my lifetime.”
As Governor, Kotek is the Commander-in-Chief of the Oregon National Guard when it is activated for state emergencies or domestic purposes. However, when the Oregon National Guard is deployed overseas, the Commander-in-Chief is the United States Commander-in-Chief, which typically is the President. Must has been said who the Oregon National Guard will report to, but according to military law, it won't be the Biden Administration.
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
Col. Peter Helzer, Commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, spoke about the deployment’s significance before the ceremony. “The 41st IBCT brings a robust set of capabilities to support the people of Kosovo. From security to medical and logistical support, Oregonians will contribute to the stability and security of the region as part of the NATO effort.”
The 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team continues its long legacy of service, tracing its lineage back to the 41st Infantry Division that served in World War I and performed the longest overseas service of any division in the U.S., in the Pacific during World War II.
To view the ceremony visit the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s Facebook page.
“Oregon is in Trouble, D.C. Politicians are to Blame”
Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District Candidate Monique DeSpain announced the launch of her second TV ad spot of her campaign targeting general election voters. The ad is running on broadcast and cable TV, OTT/disconnected cable, and Digital platforms.
“Oregon is in trouble, and voters know things have gotten worse. The career politician currently representing them, Val Hoyle, has ignored their top concerns and has rubber-stamped the disastrous policies making our communities unaffordable and unsafe while she dodges federal investigations into her pay-to-play scandal,” said DeSpain.
“I’m not a career politician, and I will be an independent voice who will bring bold new leadership to Congress,” added DeSpain. “I served our country for 30 years in the Air Force, and I’m ready to serve again to fight for the common sense solutions the people of Oregon’s 4th District need and deserve.”
In late July, DeSpain was named to the National Republican Congressional Committee Young Guns Program, which recognizes a handful of the strongest Republican challenger campaigns in the country. This past May, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee moved Val Hoyle to its “frontline” list of vulnerable incumbents, a powerful sign of Hoyle’s weakness versus the strong challenge being offered by GOP nominee DeSpain. DeSpain has challenged Hoyle to six debates in six counties in the 4th District, to which Hoyle has so far failed to agree. Two weeks ago, DeSpain launched her first TV ad highlighting voters from all walks of life who have had enough of career politicians.
“The net effect of HB 2005 is to criminalize the core aspects of the self-manufacture of firearms”
Alawsuit has been filed in Federal Court to overturn a recent firearms restriction. In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed HB 2005 which bans many home made firearms and firearm parts. The suit names current Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and current Superintendent of the Oregon State Police Casey Codding as defendants. The plaintiffs in the suit are Dallin Montgomery, Nick Holdway, Kevin Walters, Oregon Firearms Federation, and Firearms Policy Coalition. All three individual plaintiffs have concealed carry licenses and own firearms described in the bill.
According to the complaint, "The net effect of HB 2005 is to criminalize the core aspects of the self-manufacture of firearms."
The complaint goes on to describe the history of home made firearms. "Throughout American history, people have been free to personally manufacture, construct, and/or assemble arms for lawful purposes, including self-defense in the home. In defiance of this historical tradition, Oregon’s Bans completely and categorically prohibit individuals not prohibited from exercising their Second Amendment protected
rights from possessing, acquiring, and self-manufacturing firearms that are of types, functions, and designs, and are themselves, commonly owned and possessed firearms—self-made firearms that do not bear a manufacturer’s serial number, as well as the component parts used to build such arms—by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes."
As the bill was making its way through the legislature, Oregon House Republicans pledged to support legal action against HB 2005. According to Oregon Firearms Federation Director Kevin Starrett "Oregon’s House Republicans pulled a “bait and switch” and extorted money from their members with a false promise of funding a lawsuit against the bill they helped pass. Since then they have pretended it never happened and just don’t want to talk about it." OFF is asking for donations to help defray the costs of legal action.
The complaint summarizes the reasoning behind the suit. "Because Plaintiffs’ proposed course of conduct is covered by the Second Amendment’s plain text, it the Constitution “presumptively protects” their conduct. It is thus the State’s burden to “affirmatively prove that its firearms regulation is part of the historical tradition that delimits the outer bounds of the right to keep and bear arms.” (“[W]e are not obliged to sift the historical materials for evidence to sustain New York’s statute. That is respondents’ burden.”). Oregon cannot meet this burden. There is no well-established and representative historical tradition of banning the self-manufacture of arms that are in common use for lawful purposes or banning the self-manufacture of such arms.
“You’ll be paying more with higher prices on everything”
Oregon Representative E Warner Reschke (R-Crater Lake) answers: “What is Measure 118?”
“Measure 118 will be one of several ballot measures on your ballot this November. Put simply, Measure 118 is a tax, another tax. Whenever a new tax is introduced into Oregon’s economy, it means you will pay more for the things you buy, period.
“Measure 118 tries to fool you by claiming you’ll get a check from the government. “Pass 118 and get money,” is the pitch. Sounds great, right? But Measure 118 is the classic bait & switch. As my Dad used to say, “There is no such thing as a free lunch, someone always pays.” In this case, that is you — you’ll be paying more with higher prices on everything."
How Measure 118 Works
“Measure 118 is like going to your favorite cafe to buy a coffee for $5. Pass Ballot Measure 118 and you could get money back from the government, but now the coffee’s price will increase and could be $8, or higher. But it won’t just be coffee’s price going up — everything will go up! What’s worse is Measure 118 is not just a tax, but a tax on a tax!
“Measure 118 will tax businesses on their gross revenue, not their profits. That means you won’t be taxed directly, but indirectly through higher prices everywhere. When your gas station, your utilities, your grocery store, your coffee shop, your home improvement store, your doctor’s office, your delivery service (Door Dash, Amazon, Fed Ex, UPS, etc), your bank, your cell phone service, your home and auto insurance, your beer or wine, your prescriptions and your fast food restaurant all have their taxes go up, they pass that cost along to you. Furthermore, if they use electricity or fuel to keep the lights and get supplies to their location, those additional costs will also get passed along to you.
“This tax is called a gross receipts tax; it is the worst kind of tax for businesses because even if the business is losing money, it will incur these new tax costs directly or indirectly — and pass them along to you.
“Gross receipts taxes discourage businesses from coming to Oregon, for start-ups to find their footing and for current businesses to expand. That means fewer jobs in Oregon; that means less opportunities for Oregonians. That’s why both Democrat and Republican lawmakers are opposed to Measure 118.
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
“As Oregonians try to recover from high inflation, Measure 118 will breathe new life into further increasing prices on nearly everything you buy. Don’t Be Fooled. Oregonians Don’t Deserve Higher Prices!”
Hoyle Signs Old Growth Pledge, Ignores Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce and Prevent Annual Wildfires
As dozens of wildfires burn, smoke spreads, and emergencies are declared, fourth District Candidate for Congress Monique DeSpain criticized incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle’s leadership failure to deliver wildfire prevention after nearly two years in Congress. Oregon's fourth Congressional District contains Eugene and the Southern Oregon Coast region.
“Another year brings us another season of choking on smoke from wildfires. Everyone supports doing more to fight these fires, but voters in the Fourth District have had enough of the excuses for failing to diminish and end these annual wildfire emergencies, which are both predictable and preventable,” stated DeSpain. “In a district that is 85% forestland, of which half of it is federally-managed and
where so many of these fires burn out of control every year, our current federal representative, Congresswoman Val Hoyle, hasn’t led in delivering the urgent, proactive, transformative solutions that we need. I will.”
HR 8790 Fix Our Forests Act is comprehensive, bipartisan legislation designed to restore forest health, increase resiliency to catastrophic wildfires, and protect communities by expediting environmental analyses, reducing frivolous lawsuits, and increasing the pace and scale of forest
restoration projects. The Act presents desperately needed solutions that would expedite progress under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on
National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and on Tribal lands to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, and for
other purposes.
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
“I am at heart an environmentalist who values our state's beautiful natural ecosystems and its abundant resources. I know that what is happening now, and for the last several years, is not good for the environment nor for any of us living creatures who live in or near our forests. The truth is; either we act now to harvest the timber and underbrush, which serves as a powerful fuel load for
these wildfires, or we breathe the timber later as wildfire smoke every year. We must act now to improve overall forest health, which would have the added positive benefit of producing revenue for our local economies and communities that are desperate for law enforcement, school funding, and other basic community resources. This is why I will work with anyone from any party starting on Day
One by supporting bipartisan bills like H.R. 8790, the Fix Our Forests Act,” added DeSpain.
“As a retired Air Force Colonel, a fighter for crime victims, and the mother of twin sons, I won’t wait 19 months into my term of office to make wildfire prevention through active forest co-management a priority,” added DeSpain. “Career politicians like Val Hoyle have given us the forest policies we have
now that have led to these annual wildfire disasters. She’s even doubled down on failure by signing a pledge to extreme special interest groups vowing to block better forest management policies on more Oregon federal land. I will be an independent voice for our 4th District who will focus on delivering concrete results using proven, effective solutions. Deploy me to Congress, and let's make it happen.”
This past May, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee moved Val Hoyle to its “Frontline” list of vulnerable incumbents, a powerful sign of Hoyle’s weakness versus the strong challenge being offered by GOP nominee DeSpain. Last week, the National Republican Congressional Committee named Monique DeSpain to their Young Guns Program, recognizing her campaign as one of the best in the country and making OR-04 a key flip opportunity for national Republicans. DeSpain has challenged Hoyle to six debates in six counties in the 4th District, to which Hoyle has so far failed to
agree.
Oregon's U.S. District 5 covers Linn County, most of Clackamas County, Deschutes County, and parts of Multnomah and Marion Counties. Oregon Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R) is being challenged by Janelle Bynum (D), Sonja Feintech (L), Kurt Hauth (C) and Andrea Thorn Townsend (PG) for the Fifth District spot.
Chavez-DeRemer has accomplished a lot in her first term in Congress. Currently she is focused on obtaining more Federal resources for Oregon firefighters. But, now she has surprised Oregonians by joining a handful of House Republicans supporting Biden’s $370 billion Green New Deal bill, because it brings tax dollars to their districts. Perhaps her constituents will see the benefit.
Chavez-DeRemer signed onto a letter to Speaker Johnson with 17 other House Republicans asking him not to repeal the energy tax credits that are part of the Green New Deal. They argue that eliminating the credits would jeopardize the investments they've made because of the bill's promised payments.
Steve Forbes’ team commented, “Sorry. Private companies are not entitled to billions of dollars of taxpayer money for worthless projects. And members of Congress have a duty to protect the public purse – not raid it.”
Chavez-DeRemer, former mayor of Happy Valley and first Republican congresswoman to represent Oregon, was named a 2024 Hero of Main Street by the National Retail Federation. The recognition is given to lawmakers who work to advance policies that help create a vibrant and healthy retail sector. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, and contributes over $27 billion in Oregon’s economy. Chavez-DeRemer is a cosponsor of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to protect retailers from this criminal activity, which has cost $720,000 for every $1 billion in sales.
Chavez-DeRemer also introduced the Tolling Transparency Act and the No Tolls on Oregon Roads Act. The bill, HR 4820, passed the House in November but was unfinished business at the close of the session.
Chavez-DeRemer’s biggest contender with like principles is likely to be Sonja Feintech, the Libertarian candidate serving as the party’s Public Policy Council Secretary. Feintech is a mother, farmer, business owner and butcher. She has been labeled as a “fighting warhawk” as the former Political Action Director of FreeOregon, and is out to end the warfare state. The fight isn’t new to her. She stood against COVID tyranny and has fought against oppressive government policies.
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
State Representative Janelle Bynum, Democratic candidate, has been dubbed by the New York Times as a “Democrat who could make history — and help her party win back the House.” She is an electrical engineer, small business owner, and state legislator and mom, and is running to become the first Black person to ever represent Oregon on the federal level. As a state representative, Bynum has been a vocal supporter of police reform and of liberalizing drug laws, which is turning against her in Oregon’s re-criminalizing drugs.
Pacific Power announced it is lowering its rate increase request for 2025 from 17.9% to 11.9% overall. For residential customers, that’s a drop from 21.6% to 14.9%. This is a significant reduction relative to the original rate requested in February, and an overall reduction in the company’s rate increase request from $322.3 million to $214.5 million.
The overall proposed average rate increase for residential customers of 14.9% using 950 kilowatt-hours per month would see a $21.49 increase on their monthly power bill. This is closer aligned to Portland General Electric (PGE) request for a 10.9% rate increase.
PacifiCorp states, “Like all utilities in the West, we are managing significantly higher insurance costs due to increased wildfire risk and activity in the region. We have also increased our own insurance coverage to ensure we can continue responsibly managing our energy system for our customers.”
All utilities were affected on April 24, 2023 when a jury verdict found PacifiCorp liable for damages for negligently failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers during a windstorm over Labor Day weekend, despite warnings from top fire officials, and for its power lines being responsible for multiple blazes. That fire killed nine people, burned more than 1,875 square miles and destroyed upward of 5,000 homes and other structures leaving billions of dollars in damages. The case highlights the legal and financial risks utilities take if they fail to take proper precautions in a hotter, drier climate.
After the verdicts were handed down, PacifiCorp filed a request with Oregon’s public utility commission asking to potentially defer the costs linked to the lawsuit. The jury awarded around $90 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in the case, and damages for a broader class that included about 2,500 properties, totaling nearly $180 million.
In its filing, PacifiCorp said the application would enable it “to preserve its ability to seek recovery in the future” in case potential future class-action damages “impact the financial stability of the company.” Such a move “would result in higher costs to customers.” They are building hundreds of miles of new lines to improve resiliency to mitigate wildfire risks. Wildfire mitigation includes vegetation management, removing dead trees around lines, and forecasting weather disruptions.
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 Oregon’s Citizens’ Utility Board sees the rate hikes as massive investments in infrastructure and creating a slush fund for potential wildfire payouts in the future. The board wants PUC to cap rate increases at 7% plus the rate of inflation, or 10% annually, whichever is lower.
No matter how you look at it, rate payers are assuming the cost of a well-meaning jury that forced infrastructure improvements. Government policies are also leading to economic struggles for countless Oregonians who are forced to keep up with inflation while their sources of income do not. While utilities are forced to incorporate expensive wind and solar energy, and even though Vice President Harris has declared she is for fracking, Oregon still wants to ban the cheapest energy. Natural gas has dropped to the lowest price in 20 years, which is also needed to produce electricity. And, Oregon still hasn’t addressed what Casper, Wyoming, is now facing with 870 windmill blades in their landfill that are indestructible and non-recyclable.
Oregon House Republican Caucus sent a letter to US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Friday, Aug. 2, in support of a federal disaster declaration to offset certain agriculture losses and damages from wildfires.
The letter supports a request by Governor Tina Kotek to designate the event a disaster, thereby unlocking emergency funds through conservation, hay and grazing, and livestock assistance programs. The letter also supports the governor’s request to expand grazing on federal lands and improve access to weed-free forage. More than a million acres have burned in Oregon, more than any other state.
All areas statewide are already eligible to apply for hazard mitigation assistance. Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties are currently eligible for the Individual Assistance (IA) program, providing grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs. Survivors can register for disaster assistance by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or using the FEMA app.
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
Stay informed by calling 211 or visiting wildfire.oregon.gov, which includes the latest information and resources available to those affected by wildfires.
Fueled by failure of two unmanaged homeless camps and lack of attention to taxpayers’ concerns
The unofficial results of a special election held July 30, recalled three Cottage Grove City Councilors, Mike Fleck, Chalice Savage and Alex Dreher. The results are the second attempt by political action committee, Save The Grove, to conduct a recall election.
The group members claim the targeted councilors were not acting in the public’s best interest. The failure of the two unmanaged homeless camps and a perceived lack of attention to taxpayers’ concerns fueled two efforts in the past eight months to recall Cottage Grove city councilors.
Cottage Grove 912 Vice-Chair Chris Wagner commented, "The recall process was used because council actions led to an intolerable homeless situation here in the city where the homeless population exploded leading to a drastic increase in crime and worsening living conditions for residents who live near the new unmanaged camps the city set up. Resident concerns about their situation were ignored by councilors,
who refused to take action to correct the situation or even acknowledge that there was a problem.
"The recall was also based on dubious spending actions the council took, chief one being to spend around $70,000 on a process to hire a new city manager when we already had a capable and willing person on city staff ready to step into the position."
Mike Fleck expressed his disappointment. “The recall process is supposed to be used to remove elected officials that have done something wrong, not for political reasons. That’s what the regular elections are for.” To 27-percent of voters, it was more than political.
Alex Dreher defended her position stating. "The real disappointment is the division this has caused in the community. The chaos of the recall lost us $2 million in homeless services that St. Vincent de Paul was going to bring to our city. If you really want to move people out of homelessness, and prevent people from coming here because we have entirely unmanaged camps, $2 million and some structured programs goes a long way. I am concerned that we will be denied other grants and state money because our own community basically turned this down.
Wagner responded, “This recall process has been active since February 2024 following a failed recall attempt in the fall of 2023. It was ongoing when St. Vincent entered the scene so they were not blind-sided by the recall. It may be added that whatever millions of dollars St Vincent might get to run a homeless shelter in Cottage Grove are going to St. Vincent, not to the residents of Cottage Grove or the city. There is also no guarantee that St. Vincent would not try to import more homeless to Cottage Grove if they felt their shelter had "extra capacity" available.”
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
According to the City’s charter, a council vacancy is filled by the three remaining councilors and mayor. The appointee must be a resident of the same ward as the predecessor, unless the predecessor was a Councilor-At-Large. The appointees’ term of office will run to the next general election (Nov 5), at which time a candidate will be elected to serve the remaining term.
Councilor Jon Stinnett remarked, “This recall is not going to save our town because our town does not need saving. Our town needs to come together and bring all available resources and ideas together to find a solution. It’s been the way this community has addressed problems for well over a century. Cottage Grove always rises to meet its challenges.”
Affordable housing development proposes one answer for housing crisis
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's answer to affordable housing is encompassed in a 6-acre 87 home new development in Medford called New Spirit Village. The new housing development had its grand opening dedicated to fire-victim families in Southern Oregon.
New Spirit Village is a creative re-thinking on the development of affordable housing. The development is the vision of the Thalden Foundation to help wildfire victims get out of hotels and campgrounds. “While this one project of 87 homes will not solve the housing crisis in the U S, or even in Southern Oregon, it can serve as a prototype for building affordable communities because it encompasses so much more than just a new building type. Rather, it is a whole new approach that creates the opportunity for a way out of multi-generational poverty.”
Governor Kotek said, “My administration is laser focused on our state’s housing crisis because we know that having safe, affordable housing is the foundation for Oregonians building healthy and full lives. Part of the solution must include permanent housing for Oregonians who lost their homes because of wildfires. The innovative approach taken here at New Spirit Village represents exactly the kind of creative thinking and community-mindedness that we need to tackle a challenge of this magnitude.”
After the 2020 Almeda Wildfire, Kathryn and Barry Thalden dedicated a significant portion of The Thalden Foundation funds to the construction of New Spirit Village, and more than 20 community service organizations joined in the planning and development. Funding for the project included a State of Oregon LIFT Grant of $4,300,000, as well as private funds from United Way, PacificCorp Foundation, and the Oregon Community Foundation.
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
Construction at New Spirit Village began in March 2024, and once complete, will have 87 single family one, two, and three-bedroom homes. The price of homes will be below $195,000 for a one-bedroom and below $249,000 for a three-bedroom in an area where the average home price is $463,000.
The village is within two blocks of shopping, including drug store and grocery stores, and is one block from bus transportation. The cobble stone drive through goes up to front doors for high-density housing. Immediately next to the site is the 8-acre Lewis Park, with its walking trails, wooded creek, and athletic field and courts.
Establishes structure for management of and participation in the Oregon Main Street Network
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on proposed updates to the Oregon Main Street Network rule to include Oregon Main Street. (OAR 736-056-0000 through 736-056-0080).
Downtowns are traditionally the heart of a community – the social, economic, and civic center. Many of our downtowns in Oregon are “diamonds in the rough" that need a little polishing to sparkle once again. Others are vibrant and want to maintain their competitive advantage. Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant Program and funding was passed by the Oregon legislature in 2015, but never added to or made a part of ORS chapter 390 (ORS 390.262 and 390.264). The program intends to help communities wherever they are in their downtown revitalization efforts.
What is most noticeable is the proposed rules may be in violation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council (1984), allowing agencies to exercise significant discretion in interpreting laws, while courts played a limited role in reviewing those interpretations.
The proposed rules implements the Main Street Approach™ trademarked and managed by Main Street America, a third party, national nonprofit that isn’t mentioned in the enabling statute. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department holds an annual agreement with Main Street America to be the official statewide coordinating program, also not mentioned in the enabling statute.
Oregon Main Street provides training and technical assistance to communities participating in the Main Street Track of the Oregon Main Street Network and allows for access to the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant which funds building improvement projects that spur economic development for all Network communities (available once per biennium in odd years).
The proposed rule will include parameters for participation in the Oregon Main Street Network, describe how resources will be provided to participating organizations and establish primary structure for management of and participation in the Oregon Main Street Network. The proposed rules provides for representation, but lacks a requirement that participants must live or operate in the greater main street area.
Communities with population over 5,000 are obligated to hire a full-time executive managerial position or part-time if less in order to qualify for the program and a grant. How long will a grant pay for that position before taxpayers are obligated?
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
OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. August 31, 2024, and they can be made online, at a public hearing, in writing or via email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov or OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.
Mail: OPRD, attn: Helena Kesch, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
Virtual Public Hearing: 1 p.m. August 26th. Must register in advance to receive conference link.
Individuals who require special accommodations for the meeting should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at Helena.KESCH@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.
OR-04 is becoming a top flip opportunity in the nation
The National Republican Congressional Committee named Monique DeSpain to their Young Guns Program, recognizing her campaign as one of the best in the country and making OR-04 a key flip opportunity for national Republicans.
“I am honored to be named to the NRCC’s Young Guns Program as one of the nation’s strongest challengers in my campaign to unseat corrupt incumbent career politician Congresswoman Val Hoyle,” stated DeSpain. “Val Hoyle has been a rubber stamp for all the worst policies coming out of Washington, D.C., and is under federal investigation for a pay-to-play scheme in Oregon. Voters are in desperate need of an authentic servant leader who will listen to and represent them with transparency and integrity and enact real and lasting policies that address their top concerns.”
The NRCC’s Young Guns program recognizes a handful of the strongest Republican challenger campaigns in the country. The campaigns selected have met rigorous benchmarks demonstrating strength in campaign organization, fundraising, communications, and grassroots engagement. This past May, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee moved Val Hoyle to its “frontline” list of vulnerable incumbents, a powerful sign of Hoyle’s weakness versus the strong challenge being offered by GOP nominee DeSpain. She has challenged Hoyle to six debates in six counties in the 4th District, to which Hoyle has so far failed to agree.
The newly redistricted CD4 contains the counties of Lincoln, Benton, Lane, parts of Douglas, Coos and Curry.
“As a retired Air Force Colonel, a fighter for crime victims, and the mother of twin sons, I will pursue bold, commonsense solutions to secure our borders, end the fentanyl crisis, restore an affordable economy, and bring the transparency and accountability to government that voters deserve this November,” added DeSpain.
“A breach of their right to not have law enforcement rifle through their personal information in search of a crime”
Alawsuit has been filed by Oregon plaintiffs in federal court against the federal government, naming Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen regarding the constitutionality of the Corporate Transparency Act. The plaintiffs are seven Oregon business owners.
Buried deep in over 1,500 pages of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 ("NDAA") are fifteen pages of regulatory statue call the Corporate Transparency Act The "Sense of Congress" is that the CTA is necessary because "more than 2,000,000 corporations and limited liability companies are being formed under the laws of the States each year" and that most States do not set about to require or collect information about the beneficial owners of such entities. Congress further notes that "malign actors use the types of entities being regulated by the CTA for a litany of criminal activities including "money laundering, the financing of terrorism, proliferation financing, serious tax fraud, human and drug trafficking, counterfeiting, piracy, securities fraud, and acts of foreign corruption."
While there is no dispute that these issues are serious and of genuine concern, rather than make investments into already-existing Federal agencies whose mission is to bring these types of criminals to justice, or make budget allocations to States to address these types of crimes at a local level by helping local law enforcement enforce existing State law, the CTA instead designs a complex statutory and regulatory scheme, replete with eye-popping civil and criminal penalties, which starts from a premise that all businesses subject to the CTA should be and will be suspect of these kinds of criminal activities at the outset of an entity's formation.
Developed from a premise that all covered entities should be suspected by law enforcement of engaging in the types of criminal activities that Congress seeks to uncover, the finished work product of the CTA will result in a vast database containing the personally identifiable and "sensitive" information of the covered entities subject to the CTA's requirements. This database, which is designed to give law enforcement agencies unfettered access to the information contained therein, will be managed by the United States Department of Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
Such a collection and aggregation of the individualized and "sensitive information of law-abiding Oregonians like Plaintiffs, in furtherance of providing that information for unwarranted law enforcement purposes, is in opposite of the protections afforded Plaintiffs and others under the First, Fourth, Fifth, and Ninth Amendments. The CTA is a serious breach of Plaintiffs' rights to privacy, their right to not have law enforcement rifle through their personal information in search of a crime for which there is otherwise no reasonable suspicion or probable cause to search, and the right of Plaintiffs to not self-incriminate to the government.
For Plaintiffs, challenging the CTA is not merely an exercise of objecting to another government regulation and more red tape on small businesses. While Plaintiffs most certainly will be burdened by the financial cost of compliance, including the financial costs of trying to ensure Plaintiffs have followed ever step to a "T" and do so every single time a change occurs in their covered entity, the financial cost is only one of several burdens. The cost of compliance includes protecting themselves from the actual threat of civil and criminal penalties when there is no due process and no safe harbor in the law. But most problematic is that cost of compliance includes an unwarranted and unreasonable invasion of Plaintiff's privacy and it does so in violation of their civil rights.
The plaintiffs are accepting contributions to offset their legal costs.
EPA awards Oregon $197M from the federal CPRG program
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has awarded Oregon $197 million from the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. This is the largest award announced in the Pacific Northwest. The EPA’s CPRG program provides $5 billion in grants to states, local governments, Tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution.
Authorized under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act, this two-phase program provided $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants and is now announcing approximately $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants. The CPRG implementation grants are designed to fund measures contained in climate action plans developed under CPRG planning grants.
Governor Kotek said, “Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a critical strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change. When I was Speaker of the House, I fought for ambitious GHG reduction goals. This investment is not only an affirmation of Oregon’s collective efforts to combat climate change, but a significant down payment on our ability to meet our reduction goals with a statewide approach. I want to thank Oregon’s congressional delegation for their partnership in making this key investment happen.”
“Every community is feeling the impacts of climate change, from heat waves and drought conditions to increased wildfire smoke and severe winter storms. We must act collaboratively to reduce carbon emissions and to address the adverse impacts on people’s health and our economic prosperity,” said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “Through the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is partnering with states and local communities to make the largest investments ever in green buildings, clean energy transportation, and climate justice, and the State of Oregon continues to lead the way.”
“Governor Kotek and our state agencies have demonstrated outstanding leadership in securing this highly competitive federal grant,” Meredith Connolly, Director of Policy and Strategy for Climate Solutions said. “This level of funding will enable investments in every corner of Oregon, making clean energy solutions more affordable, our air cleaner, and our economy greener. By transitioning to electric cars, buses, trucks, and heat pumps - all powered by renewable energy - we are also increasing our communities’ long-term resilience in the face of rising wildfire threats and extreme heat. Our organization along with many others stand ready to support the state’s implementation to ensure a swift reduction of climate pollution, with a strong focus on benefiting frontline communities and lower-income Oregonians across the state.”
Oregon will use this federal grant to implement the measures identified in Oregon’s Priority Climate Action Plan. The prioritized measures fall into three categories that are among the largest contributors to Oregon’s GHG emissions: transportation, residential and commercial buildings, and the handling of waste and materials. The workplan lays out 12 critical measures that will accelerate Oregon’s emission reduction efforts for a vibrant environment, for the health of communities across the state, and for a more sustainable future.
Transportation accounts for at least 35% of state emissions. Incentivizing zero-emission vehicles in all classes will achieve significant reductions in GHGs. Co-benefits include improved public health in communities that are nearest to transportation corridors by lowering tailpipe emissions of criteria and toxic air pollutants such as diesel particulate matter. However, the net zero is the measurement only of the exhaust pipe.
Residential and Commercial Buildings account for about a third of the state’s GHG emissions. Incentives are proposed to improve the efficiency of existing and new buildings, promote the transition to clean equipment and appliances, and increase building weatherization. Co-benefits include improved indoor air quality, including protection from wildfire smoke, and reduced energy cost burdens due to more
efficient homes and buildings.
Waste and Materials are also major contributors of GHGs. Oregon’s consumption-based emissions inventory (CBEI) identifies 51 MMT CO2e of additional emissions that are not a part of Oregon’s sector-based inventory. Incentives addressing waste and materials focus on some
of the largest emissions categories in the CBEI, including embodied carbon in the built environment and emissions associated with food. Reducing these emissions, along with significant sources of landfill methane, offers multiple co-benefits and will demonstrate for the nation opportunities to address sources that are more difficult, but still necessary, to abate in ways that are responsive to community needs.
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
Waste and Material proposals should be of most concern to residence. Fifteen-minute cities are being explored and this proposal focuses on space-efficient housing, embodied carbon and consumption-based emissions of households. A DEQ study found the operational and embodied carbon impacts of extra-small homes (defined as 1149 SF in the study) are reduced by 20 to 40 percent compared to medium-sized homes. Case studies of building reuse where cites embodied GHG emissions reduced 40 to 75 percent in reuse of existing buildings compared to new construction.
Another concern is food waste as the single largest source of methane generation in landfills, accounting for 58% methane generation (EPA). Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas – 28 times as potent as carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Is this their way of replacing natural foods? No mention was made of developing more trash incinerators that produce electricity. Opened in 1986, Covanta Energy is the backbone of Marion County's waste management system, diverting 90 percent of the county's trash from landfills and putting it to use creating electricity.
Amid the projects of how emission reduction will benefit quality of health, it never compares it to quality of life. It also lacks an evaluation of how and how much emissions are reduced for the cost and effort.
How many programs are long-term needing additional funding when the grant runs out? Oregon is already in a school crsis when school districts used Covid temporary funds to fund regular services and then the money ran out. Is this a repeat?
Settlement Board allocates $13 million in opioid settlement funds
Oregon is one of 35 state receiving an allocation of $13.08 million out of at least $55 billion awarded to states and localities from opioid-related lawsuits. by the Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Board (Settlement Board) will expand and strengthen the state’s access to substance use disorder treatment and services through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and jails. The funding was awarded to OHA, which will administer the allocations. The Board’s decision can be viewed in a recording of its July 10 meeting.
The Board approved Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) recommendations July 10. The allocation, which Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will administer, will improve access to medication for opioid use disorder and treatment services by providing:
Up to $3.9 million to fund:
Two mobile or non-mobile medication units in Clackamas County serving Oregon City and rural Clackamas County.
An opioid treatment program or a mobile or non-mobile medication unit in Multnomah County serving the geographic areas of the county with the highest unmet need.
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
Up to $9.1 million to fund a total of seven opioid treatment programs or mobile or non-mobile medication units, specifically:
Two in Northeastern Oregon.
One in the Mid-Gorge region.
One in Klamath County.
Two in underserved coastal areas.
One in eastern Lane County.
To be eligible for funding, a mobile or non-mobile medication unit or an opioid treatment program must be currently certified by OHA.
Up to $250,000 to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) to provide technical assistance to jails and to foster collaboration between opioid treatment providers and jails.
Prior to awarding any funding, OHA must engage the partners listed in the ADPC proposal and provide a proposed timeline and implementation plan to the Board for approval no later than Sept. 1, 2024. The drawback that was evident during the pandemic, when a windfall of funds are used to establish programs, it creates a future tax obligation to continue. School districts are suffering over poor decisions, will this be a repeat of a lesson not learned?
Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their role in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, nearly $600 million will be awarded to Oregon over the course of 18 years. Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).
The state’s share is deposited as it becomes available into the Opioid Settlement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery (OSPTR) Fund. This fund is controlled by the 18-member OSPTR Board. Next meeting is August 7, 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm by zoom.
“Yesterday Val Hoyle just added to her horrendous record in Congress by refusing to vote to hold Kamala Harris accountable for her abject leadership failure to fix the crisis at the border,” stated DeSpain. “Given her full-throated endorsement of Harris for President, does Val Hoyle also proudly endorse the Vice President’s comparing ICE to the KKK and calling to get rid of it?”
Vice President Harris took on the lead role to address the crisis at the border on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration in 2021 and has since presided over record levels of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorist infiltration into the country. As a result, 4th District communities, along with those across the nation, have been flooded with deadly fentanyl and meth, skyrocketing addiction and homelessness, and surging crime, while bringing law enforcement and public services to their knees.
“We already knew Val Hoyle supports the open border, but now she is 100% in support of the person running for President who was supposed to make things better, but delivered a whole series of national security, public safety, and addiction crises at our border instead. Voters of the 4th District have had enough of Val’s “movement through the border,” said DeSpain. “I will work tirelessly to secure our borders, stop the flow of deadly drugs, support law enforcement, and restore our safe streets and neighborhoods.”
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’s time for voters to hear a real debate between Congresswoman Hoyle and me. I have challenged her to six debates in six counties in the 4th District so voters can hear directly from both of us what we stand for and why their current member of Congress has voted repeatedly against their interests in Washington, D.C.,” said DeSpain.
States are required by federal law to report data concerning their removal programs
Tom Fitton, President of Judicial Watch released the notice letter sent to the Oregon secretary of state on behalf of itself, the Constitution Party of Oregon and an Oregon registered voter, notifying them of evident violations of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993, based on their failure to remove inactive voters from their registration rolls. The notice letter to Oregon serves as a “pre-suit” notice.
The NVRA requires states to “conduct a general program that makes a reasonable effort to remove” from the official voter rolls “the names of ineligible voters” who have died or changed residence. Among other things, the NVRA requires registrations to be cancelled when voters fail to respond to address confirmation notices and then fail to vote in the next two general federal elections. In 2018, the Supreme Court confirmed that such removals are mandatory (Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Inst., 138 S. Ct. 1833, 1841-42 (2018))
The letter states:
According to your state’s responses to the EAC’s [federal government’s Election Assistance Commission] survey, 19 Oregon counties reported removing zero voter registrations from November 2020 to November 2022 pursuant to Section 8(d)(1)(B) of the NVRA for failing to respond to a Confirmation Notice and failing to vote in two consecutive general federal elections. Another 10 counties reported just a handful of such removals during the same two-year period.
Furthermore, not a single one of Oregon’s 36 counties reported any data whatsoever to the EAC regarding inactive registrations. Instead, in the relevant column where the data should have been, the survey response for each of Oregon’s counties merely stated, “Data not available.”
Oregon’s non-compliance with the NVRA is further illustrated by the unusually high registration rates observed in several of its counties. Comparing the data your state reported to the EAC regarding the total registrations for each county to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent five-year estimates of the numbers of resident citizens over the age of eighteen suggests that eight Oregon counties have more voter registrations than citizens of voting age. Several federal courts have determined that such high registration rates are sufficient grounds for alleging a failure to comply with the NVRA’s requirement to make reasonable efforts to remove voters by reason of death or change of address.
“Dirty election rolls can mean dirty elections,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “With a presidential election less than four months away, it is vital that Oregon get about the business of cleaning its voter registration rolls of ineligible voters to eliminate any cloud of doubt over the legitimacy of its balloting.”
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
Judicial Watch is a national leader in voting integrity and voting rights. As part of its work, Judicial Watch assembled a team of highly experienced voting rights attorneys who stopped discriminatory elections in Hawaii, and cleaned up voter rolls in across the country. These similar cases should give Oregon voters hope:
A hearing recently held challenges a Mississippi election law permitting absentee ballots to be received as late as five business days after Election Day.
In May 2024, Judicial Watch and the Libertarian Party of California sued California to clean up its voter rolls. The suit asks the court to compel California to make “a reasonable effort to remove the registrations of ineligible registrants from the voter rolls” as required by federal law (Judicial Watch Inc. and the Libertarian Party of CA v. Shirley Weber et al. (No. 2:24-cv-3750))
In December 2023, Judicial Watch sent three other notice letters to election officials in the District of Columbia, California, and Illinois, notifying them of evident violations of the NVRA, based on their failure to remove inactive voters from their registration rolls. In response, Washington D.C. officially admitted that they had not complied with the NVRA, and promptly removed 65,544 outdated names from the voting rolls, promised to remove 37,962 more, and designated another 73,522 registrations as “inactive.”
In July 2023 Judicial Watch filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief , supporting the decision of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, which struck down Maine’s policy restricting the use and distribution of the state’s voter registration list (Public Interest Legal Foundation v. Shenna Bellows (No. 23-1361). According to a national study conducted by Judicial Watch in 2020, Maine’s statewide registration rate was 101% of eligible voters.
Judicial Watch in July 2023 settled a federal election integrity lawsuit on behalf of the Illinois Conservative Union against the state of Illinois, the Illinois State Board of Elections, and its director, which now grants access to the current centralized statewide list of registered voters for the state for the past 15 elections.
In April 2023, Pennsylvania settled with Judicial Watch and admitted in court filings that it removed 178,258 ineligible registrations in response to communications from Judicial Watch. The settlement commits Pennsylvania and five of its counties to extensive public reporting of statistics regarding their ongoing voter roll clean-up efforts for the next five years.
In March 2023, Judicial Watch filed a federal lawsuit against the Illinois State Board of Elections and its Executive Director, Bernadette Matthews, over their failure to clean Illinois’ voter rolls and to produce election-related records as required by federal law.
In March 2023, Colorado agreed to settle a Judicial Watch NVRA lawsuit alleging that Colorado failed to remove ineligible voters from its rolls. The settlement agreement requires Colorado to provide Judicial Watch with the most recent voter roll data for each Colorado county each year for six years.
In February 2023, Los Angeles County confirmed the removal of 1,207,613 ineligible voters from its rolls since last year, under the terms of a settlement agreement in a federal lawsuit Judicial Watch filed in 2017.
Judicial Watch settled a federal election integrity lawsuit against New York City after the city removed 441,083 ineligible names from the voter rolls and promised to take reasonable steps going forward to clean its voter registration lists.
Kentucky also removed hundreds of thousands of old registrations after it entered into a consent decree to end another Judicial Watch lawsuit.
In February 2022, Judicial Watch settled a voter roll clean-up lawsuit against North Carolina and two of its counties after North Carolina removed over 430,000 inactive registrations from its voter rolls.
In March 2022, a Maryland court ruled in favor of Judicial Watch’s challenge to the Democratic state legislature’s “extreme”
congressional-districts gerrymander.
States are required by federal law to report data concerning their removal programs to the federal Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Every few years the EAC publishes this data as part of a report it provides to Congress. The most recent report and accompanying datasets were released in June of this year.
How much will marine reserves be affected by increased ocean noise?
Oregon legislature passed HB 4132 (2024), which is designed to protect marine life along Oregon’s coast. This bill focuses on Oregon’s five marine reserves, which are coastal waters dedicated to scientific research and conservation. HB 4132 requires the state to outline ways to continue protecting these coastal waters from developments and other threats to marine life. It provides the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife with funding to do this work.
For relatively low cost ($1 million/biennium), HB 4132 provides support to build a state-of-the-art Marine Reserves Program. It will allow more robust monitoring, adaptive management, and ocean resiliency in the face of a changing climate to support biodiversity and our economically important fisheries.
A "marine reserve" defines an area within coastal waters dedicated to scientific research and conservation, where ocean development and removal of marine life is prohibited. A "marine protected area" refers to coastal waters directly next to a marine reserve, which have site-specific rules that allow some fishing activities while prohibiting development. Oregon currently has five marine reserves that have been officially designated for ocean areas along the coast. These marine reserves are managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which handles planning and oversight of scientific research as well as monitoring within the reserves.
The five established marine reserves are:
Cape Falcon - Established in 2016, the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve is the northernmost reserve, just off of Oswald West State Park, near Manzanita. This site includes a marine reserve plus two Marine Protected Areas.
Cascade Head - The Cascade Head Marine Reserve is located off the central Oregon coast, stretching between the Cascade Head headland and Lincoln City. The site includes a marine reserve surrounded by three Marine Protected Areas and was established in 2014.
Cape Perpetua - Oregon’s largest marine reserve is the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve, established in 2014 between Yachats and Florence on the central Oregon coast. This area comprises a marine reserve, two Marine Protected Areas, and a Seabird Protection Area.
Otter Rock - The Otter Rock Marine Reserve is on the central Oregon coast, near the unincorporated town of Otter Rock. As Oregon’s smallest marine reserve, it spans 1.2 square miles and was established in 2012.
Redfish Rocks - The Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve, established in 2012, is positioned between Rocky Point and Coal Point, just south of Port Orford. This area includes a Marine Protected Area to the west.
It isn't without opponents claiming the plan “will shut down poor people’s access to natural sustainable fishing. This has nothing to do with helping the ecology, it’s simply a communistic shut down of access to food.” They further object to when “Jimmy Carter changed the laws so the Japanese and Chinese can come into USA waters and take as many Salmon as they want and government continues to tax us to death for Salmon Enhancement.”
The open question is the effect of the noise from ocean windmill farms on ecosystems and marine life. From the book, Ocean Noise and Marine Mammals, “When underwater objects vibrate, they create sound-pressure waves that can disturb the natural behavior and habitats of marine animals.”
Some of the effects on marine life includes:
Loud sound waves can cause internal injuries in fish and, in the long term, physical malformations and increased infertility.
Shrimp and mussels are also affected, with growth disturbances, reduced fertility, and associated low reproduction rates.
Animals may flee their habitats, stopping their hunt for food and using up their reserves, which can have cascading effects on entire populations.
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 speed of sound in water is faster than air and travels significantly farther, allowing them to travel thousands of miles at 1,500 meters per second. They may vary with water temperature, salinity, and the source of the sound frequency.
The dominant physical mechanisms of naturally occurring sound in the ocean occur at or near the ocean surface. Most are associated with wind fields acting on the surface and the resulting surface wave activity. Even offshore wind farms have a big impact on underwater pollution. From their construction to their deployment, offshore wind farms, with their turbines and metallic foundations, generate noise and vibrations below the sea surface (called “anthropogenic noise” because it is unnatural and human-made) that disturb marine life and flora, especially for the underwater mammals that rely on sound (like echolocation or vocalization) to survive in the ocean. The impacts of underwater noise pollution on marine life can vary from species to species and long-term effects are yet to be confirmed.
Ocean windmill farms underwater power cables carry the renewable energy from the offshore wind farms to the mainland grid emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs.) These artificial magnetic fields can interfere with, and even mask, the natural EMFs present in the ocean.
Established daily ocean activity has more than doubled in 25 years increasing 0.55 dB per year. This increase was attributed to commercial shipping, namely a doubling of the number of ships. Noise measurements was also made on a receiver on the continental slope of Point Sur, California, that caused and increased noise from 100 to 400 Hz that they have no satisfactory explanation for.
Ocean noise is increasing and potentially five-times due to climate change. Climate change will create areas with amplified noise levels from human-generated noise, such as windmills. These hotspots could impact essential activities of marine life.
"Market-based approaches are the only solution to these service issues."
Many West Coast homeowners are receiving notice that their homeowner’s insurance is being canceled or increased.
"This is devastating," says Senator Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). "The average American can barely afford their current home payments let alone increases averaging hundreds of dollars a month.
"Like any industry, the home insurance industry is at a crossroads. With increasing fires due to poor land management for the past decade, the government jumping to overregulate and the lack of market reserves - insurance companies are either pulling out of states or charging impossible premiums. No one is winning in this current market.
"Attempts to create a government-run insurance plan have been met with homeowner complaints about poor service, rising costs and threats of getting kicked off the plan. Government-run programs quickly learn, what private companies already know - providing services efficiently is a tall order with a lot of nuances.
"As the West Coast moves toward more thoughtful land management practices, states need to put in the work to attract types of companies to the market, not seek to overregulate and create government-run alternatives.
"Market-based approaches are the only solution to these service issues. States need to roll up their sleeves and seek to find regional approaches to insurance coverage. Businesses need to be incentivized to learn the nuances of each area and to come up with new technological advances to make homes safer. Further, the nation needs to streamline insurance regulations to reduce cost pass-throughs to consumers.
"Private industry in partnership with government entities will always provide the best service for a consumer. Home insurance is no different. Learn more about free market insurance concepts here."
Three years after the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, many homeowners were still blocked by regulations to rebuild and their homeowners insurance was running out. If the state worked for the people, as it was designed, the market would work more effectively.
Boosts funding by estimated $515 million over current service level to address K-12 education funding
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek unveiled a proposal to boost the current service level (CSL) for the State School Fund by an estimated $515 million above the original CSL calculation for the 2025-27 biennium. Representatives from the Governor’s Office, Oregon Department of Education (ODE), and the Chief Financial Office (CFO) presented this information to the legislative Joint Task Force On Statewide Educator Salary Schedules last Wednesday. This estimate will be updated prior to the 2025 legislative session.
The State School Fund (SSF) is the primary source of state funding for K-12 public education. Current service level is the amount of money needed in the upcoming biennium to continue existing authorized programs.
“Across the country, school districts are facing budget shortages caused by the expiration of federal pandemic relief dollars, declining enrollment, increasing costs due to inflation, and many other factors,” Governor Kotek said. “In response to the way these issues are impacting Oregon students, educators and administrators, I committed to reviewing and updating the methods of how the State funds public schools.
“We are working to be a stronger, more accurate and predictable funder of K-12 public education across Oregon. This effort is part of my priority to ensure we are moving the needle on improving education outcomes for our students, from improving early literacy rates to preventing learning loss to increasing graduation rates. And, ultimately it’s about more than just resources – it’s about the specific outcomes.”
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 Governor is directing agencies to take three steps in order to increase funding:
Budget Distribution - 49/51 Split: For the last decade, the State of Oregon has budgeted SSF distributions to school districts on a 50/50 split over a two-year period (meaning districts received 50% of funds in year 1 and 50% of funds in year 2). This proposal changes the distribution to a 49/51 split.
This will increase the CSL calculation for the next biennium because CSL is built off the funding available in the second year, which increases when districts receive 51% in the second year, compared to 50% previously.
The change will also support school districts in planning to cover rising costs that occur in the second year of the biennium after the SSF has already been set.
Preliminary Estimate: $217 million increase in the CSL for the 2025-27 biennium.
Compensation Costs: The State’s method to account for compensation costs of teachers, administrators, and classified staff is based on a model that looks back at 20 years of historical data. This model has proven to be very accurate (more than 98%) in calculating actual compensation costs, based on the information school districts submit to ODE. That also means the State has historically been within 2 percentage points of being completely accurate.
The Governor’s direction to close the gap between projected compensation costs and actual compensation costs over the last 10 years – instead of 20 years – will increase the SSF CSL. The 10-year period gives us more accurate and more recent data than 20 years. This one-time increase will reflect an even more precise compensation projection and leads to the largest funding increase in the proposal. It’s also important to note that this change will roll forward into future two-year budget cycles.
Preliminary Estimate: $240 million increase in the CSL for the 2025-27 biennium.
Local Property Tax Revenue: SSF funding to districts represent a combination of local revenue (34%) and state revenue (66%). The State’s historical practice doesn’t include fluctuations in local property tax revenue in the second year of the biennium. This limits the State’s ability to accurately account for the level of resources available for our schools.
Going forward, the Governor has directed State agencies to account for annual information for projected local revenue, with the goal of increasing accuracy and precision.
Preliminary Estimate: $55 million increase in the CSL for the 2025-27 biennium.
“I am honored to help advance Governor Kotek’s environmental agenda and have a particular interest in the climate protection program”
At their most recent meeting, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission designated Matt Donegan as the commission chair. The commission is the governing body for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, responsible for reviewing and adopting agency policies and rules.
Donegan said, "I am honored to be designated chair of the commission to provide leadership service to DEQ and to Oregon.” “Although I am new to the commission and have a lot to learn from DEQ staff and from my fellow and former commissioners, I bring experience having chaired other state boards and commissions and I believe very strongly in the mission of the agency,” he said.
“I am honored to help advance Governor Kotek’s environmental agenda and have a particular interest in the climate protection program. The climate crisis has reached a tipping point, and I am eager to see Oregon protect its citizens and assert leadership on this critical issue,” said Donegan.
Donegan is a leader in building public-private partnerships to address the wildfire crisis caused by climate change. In 2019, he was appointed to chair Oregon’s Wildfire Response Council to evaluate the state’s system of response to large fires. It was a two-year effort during which he convened federal, state, and local government officials, scientists and environmental groups, and business and industry groups to develop recommendations for the future of Oregon’s wildfire response infrastructure. The Council’s recommendations served as the basis for recent wildfire legislation.
"I am pleased with the commission’s vote to designate Matt Donegan as chair of the EQC and grateful for his willingness to serve Oregon in this critical leadership role," said Leah Feldon, DEQ Director. "He brings extensive policy and leadership experience working within various environmental spheres, which will be a valuable resource to the agency as we continue to develop innovative, equitable and resilient environmental policies and regulations,” she said.
Donegan currently serves on the Lewis and Clark College Sustainability Board and as a fellow for the Oregon Business Council. His prior state service includes chairing both the Governor’s Council on Wildfire Response and the Oregon State Board of Higher Education. He was also a founding member of the Oregon Global Warming Commission, the Oregon Innovation Council and the Oregon Education Investment Board, and has served on various other private and non-profit boards and commissions.
[[AD_SLUGG9]]
Oregon’s Senate approved Governor Kotek’s nominations of Donegan and Karen Moynahan to the commission on May 31, 2024. Their terms began July 1, 2024.
As of July 2024, five boards are inoperable due to volunteer board member vacancies across 14 counties
As global tensions rise and military recruitment faces challenges, the Oregon National Guard is playing a vital role in supporting the Selective Service System, ensuring the state remains prepared for potential national emergencies.
The Selective Service System, an independent agency within the executive branch, is responsible for rapidly providing personnel to the military in a fair and equitable manner if the President and Congress authorize conscription. While the United States has maintained an all-volunteer force for decades, the system remains a crucial component of national defense readiness.
"The Selective Service is a vital pillar in our national defense posture," said Michael Kalberg, Oregon's State Director for the Selective Service System. "Even though it may be overlooked by some, it's an important component of our government."
In Oregon, the Selective Service State Headquarters is located at the Salem Armory on 17th St. The state's mission includes maintaining staffing for local draft boards, preparing to activate a fully operational state headquarters if needed, and supporting the ongoing registration of 18-year-old males.
Lt. Col. Robert Earhart, the Selective Service Reserve Service Member for Oregon, explained the system's role: "Most people are familiar with the draft during World War Two through Vietnam. It's been a volunteer force for the past several decades, so the draft has not been going on. But every state needs to have an apparatus in place in case the President and Congress reinitiate conscription."
The Oregon National Guard provides critical support to the Selective Service mission. This partnership includes sharing facilities, logistical support, and personnel. In addition to occupying space at the Salem Armory, National Guard Armory facilities and administrative equipment would be made available for temporary operations in the event of activation.
"We've had a lot of success in Oregon over the last 50 years, and this office has been functional," Earhart said. "A lot of great people have come through, and a lot of great volunteers helping us along the way."
However, the system faces challenges, particularly in rural areas. Oregon is divided into 18 local boards, with nine single-county boards and nine multi-county boards. As of July 2024, five boards are inoperable due to volunteer board member vacancies across 14 counties.
"We have vacancies quite a few vacancies around the state," Earhart noted. To reach board capacity, "I could probably fill another 30 slots."
These local boards play a crucial role in the Selective Service process. In the event of a draft, board members would review and decide on draftee claims for exemptions, postponements, or deferments from military service.
"It's a big responsibility because you hold someone's future in your hands," Earhart explained. "It's a matter of trust, logic, and an understanding of the story being told to you."
The time commitment for board members is minimal during peacetime — approximately five hours in the first year and two hours annually thereafter. However, their role becomes expanded and critical if a draft is reinstated.
Kalberg emphasized the unique challenges Oregon faces in maintaining the Selective Service System. "Oregon is not a high-visibility military state. We don't have a lot of military footprint [in Oregon]," he said. For that reason, probably in particular, Oregonians have never had a history of high registration compliance when young men turn 18."
Despite these challenges, recent efforts to bolster the system have shown promise. Earhart has been conducting outreach with agency partners, the governor's office, county commissioners, and service organizations like the VFW and American Legion, which has resulted in several new volunteers in the pipeline.
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 Selective Service is also adapting to potential changes on the national level. Congress is considering bills that could expand registration requirements, such as the automatic registration of 18-year-old males and including women in the draft. If passed, these changes would significantly increase the workload for local boards.
"If mandated, it'll be an interesting reaction," Kalberg said. "We're not worried about it, but we do need to get the numbers on the paper, get [board members] trained, and get them ready."
As geopolitical pressures mount and military recruiting struggles to meet its quotas, the importance of the Selective Service System has been identified as a backstop for national defense. Dr. Kathleen Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense, recently stated, "I don't want people to think the all-volunteer force is sort of alone when the United States must make major decisions. They do not stand alone."
The Oregon National Guard and Selective Service System are actively seeking volunteers to serve on local boards, particularly in rural areas. Interested citizens can apply online to "Get Involved." Eligible individuals must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and willing to undergo training and dedicate time to this crucial role in national preparedness.
"We're looking for dedicated individuals who want to serve their community and country in this important capacity," Earhart said. "It's a unique opportunity to play a vital role in our national defense structure."
For more information on volunteering or the Selective Service System in Oregon, you can contact Lt. Col. Robert Earhart, SSS Reserve Service Member, at 503-779-9473 or rearhart@sss.gov.
“Political violence has no place in American politics”
Oregon House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) and Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) have called on Gov. Tina Kotek to remove Cass McLeod-Skinner from her position as director for the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners over her amplification of comments supporting the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.
McLeod-Skinner reposted a social media post that expressed disappointment that the shooter had not succeeded in murdering the former president and current Republican nominee for President of the United States.
In a letter to Governor Kotek, Helfrich and Bonham said the following:
“Political violence has no place in American politics. Certainly, those who believe that it does should not be in positions of authority in Oregon state government. With her amplification of pro-assassination messages, Cass McLeod-Skinner has demonstrated that she is unfit for the position she holds with the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Gov. Kotek rightly denounced violence in the aftermath of the shooting, and now she has an opportunity to put her words into action by removing McLeod-Skinner from her position to signal that such dangerous rhetoric is unacceptable.”
According to the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners website, Cass McLeod-Skinner has been the Executive Director for the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners since 2014. Cass came to the OBCE with a background in public health and public service, having held positions as General Counsel and Health Equity Officer for Trillium Community Health Plan and Chair of the Board of Commissioners for Oregon’s Liquor Control Commission. Her spouse is Jamie McLeod-Skinner who lost to Janelle Bynum in a race for the current Democratic nomination for Oregon's 5th Congressional District.
US Fish and Wildlife Service Releases Plan to Protect At-Risk Spotted Owls
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing its final environmental impact statement analyzing proposed barred owl management alternatives to protect northern and California spotted owls in Washington, Oregon and California from invasive barred owls. The Service’s preferred alternative is the implementation of a proposed Barred Owl Management Strategy, which would result in the annual removal of less than one-half of 1% of the current North American barred owl population.
According to USFW, Northern spotted owl populations are rapidly declining due to competition with invasive barred owls and habitat loss. California spotted owls, which are proposed for ESA listing, face a similar risk as barred owl populations continue to move south into their range.
“Barred owl management is not about one owl versus another,” said Service Oregon Office state supervisor Kessina Lee. “Without actively managing barred owls, northern spotted owls will likely go extinct in all or the majority of their range, despite decades of collaborative conservation efforts.”
If the proposed strategy is adopted and fully implemented, lethal removal of barred owls by trained professionals would occur in less than half of the areas where spotted and invasive barred owls co-exist within the northern spotted owl’s range; and would limit their invasion into the California spotted owl’s range. Public hunting of barred owls is not allowed under the proposed strategy and lead ammunition will not be used for any lethal removal actions.
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
“Barred owl removal, like all invasive species management, is not something the Service takes lightly,” said Lee. “The Service has a legal responsibility to do all it can to prevent the extinction of the federally listed northern spotted owl and support its recovery, while also addressing significant threats to California spotted owls.”
Barred owls are native to eastern North America but started moving west of the Mississippi River at the beginning of the 20th century. This expansion was likely due to human-induced changes in the Great Plains and northern boreal forest. As a result, barred owls now surpass northern spotted owls in numbers across most of California, Oregon, and Washington.
If the proposed strategy is adopted, the Service would receive a permit under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service could then designate interested Tribes, federal and state agencies, companies, or specific landowners to implement barred owl management on their lands if actions are consistent with the strategy, conditions of the permit, and state laws and policies. Those who implement the strategy will be accountable for annual monitoring and reporting.
The final EIS and proposed strategy reflect the input received throughout the scoping and public comment process, as well as feedback from cooperating agencies and Tribes. The Service expects to announce a final record of decision on the proposed strategy at least 30 days after the formal publication of the final EIS in the Federal Register.
More information is available on the Service’s barred owl management website, including the draft and final EIS, proposed strategy and frequently asked questions. The final EIS will be available in the coming days in the Federal Register and at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2022-0074.
“Over-the-top partisan rhetoric about fake "threats to democracy" have contributed to this”
In response to the attempted assassination of President Trump today in Pennsylvania, House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) offered the following statement.
“Our prayers are with President Trump. Democrats not only need to denounce this despicable act of violence, they must also consider how their over-the-top partisan rhetoric about fake "threats to democracy" have contributed to this,” said Helfrich. “We settle disputes in this country with our votes, not violence.”
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) also issued a statement.
“Today, we should all be reminded that violence has absolutely no place in our political discourse. It threatens our country and the principles upon which it was built. This violent attack is not just an assault on one individual but on our collective values. This moment transcends political affiliations and ideologies,” said Leader Bonham.
Bonham called for bipartisan unity in the face of such threats, urging all Oregonians to come together in condemnation of this act. “Let us honor our commitment to preserving the integrity of our republic and ensure it remains a beacon of freedom and justice for all. As Americans, we must stand united against any form of violence or intimidation.”
“We extend our prayers to President Trump and his loved ones during this difficult time. We also offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives in this heinous attack.”
Effective July 15, Oregon Senator Elizabeth Steiner is ending her time as one of the Ways and Means Co-Chairs to focus on campaigning for Oregon State Treasurer. She has served as co-chair since 2019. Steiner is using her time on the committee as reason to vote for her for Oregon's Treasurer.
The Joint Ways and Means Committee is responsible to appropriate and passing all budget related items in the Oregon Legislature. Steiner claims to be "Oregon's chief budget writer" as the Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. She says her job has been to decide the funding for each of the components for agencies and any other state expenditures with the constitutional requirement to have a balanced budget. This includes passing agency budgets, policy bills that have a money component, and capital construction projects that utilize bonds.
Dr. Elizabeth Steiner identifies her candidacy for State Treasurer, “as a physician, a mom, and one of Oregon’s chief budget writers, I’ve seen firsthand how investing in preventive care, saving for education, and balancing a budget can make all the difference for hard-working families.”
Steiner is a Democrat from Northwest Portland who was first appointed to the Oregon Senate in late 2011. If elected Oregon State Treasurer, she would be the first woman in history to hold the office.
KGW interviewed Steiner about investments and the agenda to block fossil fuel investments. "This is one of those 'truth lies in between' questions," Steiner offered. "Which is to say, I strongly support making Oregon and the whole world cleaner and greener and cooler and reversing the impact of climate change. That means helping companies that are big polluters move toward cleaner technology. One of the ways you do that is to use your power as a shareholder — and the treasury is a big shareholder in a lot of these companies — to push them to make these green investments. And there are plenty of examples nationwide of investors pushing brown companies to move towards green technologies."
When asked if that's more effective than disinvesting, Steiner responded, "Yeah. Here's the problem. If you invest solely in green companies, they don't have a lot of room to cut their emissions. But if you invest in brown companies and push them to move toward clean technology, even a relatively small reduction in their emissions makes a big difference in the world. And so I think we need to think about that. It's also hard if — as treasury does for the pension fund — you invest in index funds, for example, and you don't get to pick every stock that's in there. You don't get to say, 'Well, I'll only invest in this fund if you pull out all the fossil fuel investments.'"
Her reference to “brown” companies refers to high-emitting companies. Research by Yale concludes that the sustainable investing practice of divesting high-emitting companies (referred to as “brown” firms) in favor of low-emitting companies (referred to as “green” firms) is counterproductive to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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
Despite Steiner's campaign philosophy, she was a sponsor of HB 4083, which requires the State Treasurer to stop investing moneys in companies that deal in thermal coal. It directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to make efforts to eliminate certain investments in thermal coal companies, except if it is transitioning to clean energy. The council may adopt rules to reflect guidelines of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change regarding necessary decreases in greenhouse gas emissions. This allows the State Treasurer to politicize investments and go outside the legislative authority to establish rules, which now may be in violation of the Supreme Court Chevron decision.
Steiner says she wants to build a stronger Oregon, which she views as investing in the health of our families, kids, and communities. “Over 30 years of experience as a doctor has given me a deep understanding of how agencies can better work together in our state government to improve the health of Oregonians, offer students a great education, and ensure our communities, families, and economy can thrive.”
Steiner's goals for budgeting is often confused with understanding investment options and assessing risks. As Treasurer, there is a fiduciary responsibility to invest in the best interest of Oregonians for sustainable growth, and not political goals. The voter will decide between Steiner and Senator Brian Boquist, the Republican candidate.
HR 8281 would prevent illegal aliens from voting in US elections
Republican candidate Monique DeSpain reacted to Val Hoyle’s vote opposing HR 8281, which would require individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections, effectively prohibiting non-citizens, particularly millions of illegal migrants, from being able to vote in federal elections this November.
“Yesterday, Val Hoyle voted against the bipartisan, commonsense HR 8281 Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections,” stated DeSpain. “Most Americans assume this isn’t even possible. However, with more than ten million illegal migrants that Val says we need moving across our borders and flooding into states lacking adequate safeguards against non-citizens registering to vote, this bill would eliminate this possibility and ensure voters can have faith in our elections to which they are entitled.”
Earlier this year, Val Hoyle went to El Paso, TX, and praised open borders while lecturing her constituents who asked her, “Why don’t you just shut down the border?” explaining that “We need to have movement through the border and how much we need the workforce.” Seven weeks later, Texas National Guard Troops at an El Paso, TX checkpoint were overrun and assaulted by foreign military-aged males forcing their way into our country. In another bid to manipulate and distort our election system, Hoyle a href='https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2024/roll193.xml'>voted in early May against HR 7109, the Equal Representation Act, which would have identified the massive influx of millions and millions of illegal migrants entering the U.S. during the Biden Administration while conducting the next U.S. Census and would have prohibited including illegal migrants to distort the next congressional district reapportionment by benefiting sanctuary cities and states. A few weeks ago, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee moved Val Hoyle to its “frontline” list of vulnerable incumbents.
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
“As if Val’s numerous shocking votes in favor of open borders that are enabling unlimited illegal immigration, human smuggling, fentanyl trafficking, and terrorist infiltration weren’t enough, today’s vote has exposed her plan to flood ballot boxes with illegal votes to reelect vulnerable incumbents like herself,” said DeSpain. “Now that her party bosses have put her on the list of incumbents most in jeopardy of defeat in 2024, she may actually need untraceable voting by illegal immigrants to salvage her reelection chances.”
“Once again, Congresswoman Hoyle has offered no explanation for her horrendous voting record. That’s why I have challenged her to six debates in six counties in the 4th District so voters can hear directly from both of us what we stand for and why their current member of Congress has voted repeatedly against their interests,” said DeSpain. “Perhaps Val knows that if voters get to hear a real debate, they will vote to retire her this November and deploy me to Congress so she never gets the chance to inflict fundamental damage to our democracy.”
Oregon continues to be used as a testing ground for radical ideas
The United States has dropped out of the top 10 in the global competitiveness rankings for the first time, according to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking. The ranking, which is based on a variety of factors including economic performance, government policies, and business environment, has been released annually since 1989.
Biden Economics has been experiencing a decline in competitiveness over the past few years, due to various factors such as:
Social cohesion - increasing polarization and a lack of social cohesion, which can make it difficult for the country to adapt to changing circumstances.
Adaptability and agility - slow to adapt to changes in the global economy and has been slow to respond to emerging challenges.
Government and business efficiency - slow-moving legislative process and inefficient government bureaucracy, which can make it difficult for businesses to operate effectively.
The decline in competitiveness has significant implications for states. How the U.S. addresses the underlying issues and take steps to improve its competitiveness will affect Oregon significantly. As the U.S. declines in competitiveness, it leads to loss of state’s influence in global markets with a reduced ability for Oregon to sustain its international trade policies. Lack of competitiveness most likely will lead to economic stagnation that reduces the ability to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
BRICS was started because of economic sanctions, which has resulted in a forced marriage of Russia to China, Oregon’s largest export partner, with sales in 2021 totaling $10.6 billion, a third of all the state’s exports is with China. A decline in competitiveness will make it more difficult for businesses to compete with countries that are more competitive and have a more favorable business environment.
Economic sanctions on Russia has accelerated the demise of the dollar. Recently, the U.S. Treasury slapped an economic sanction on companies and financial institutions that do business with Russia. Poking at the bear when he has nuclear ships off the coast of Miami could be dangers. Biden put a pinch on imports of natural resources, aluminum, gas needed for manufacturing, and fertilizer needed for crops that are all imported from Russia, which directly affects Oregon's economy.
The chart is also an indication that forcing U.S. Employers to hire based on a DEI agenda rather than the quality of work is eroding in moral decay. Economist Dr. Elliott says, “Of course we aren’t going to be in the top 10 with that theology. I call it a theology because this DEI mantra is a religion to them… We are celebrating being the opposite of God in this country and that isn’t good for the economy… Biden is dedollarizing America by his policies.”
The housing market is suffering from supply and demand destroying the balance, and projected to be worst than it has ever been. Rentals are going up, caused by banks undercapitalized by 55 trillion for each Goldman Sacs and Chase with two others close behind. Hedge fund managers are selling off faster than during covid, wages are down, unemployment is up, taxes are up, interest rates and cost of borrowing is up that puts housing in a squeeze. Governor Kotek's housing goals may be a lost cause if banks aren't able to make loans, coupled with the need to import lumber due to the restrictions on harvesting by the Oregon State Land Board.
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
If Biden continues pushing the Democrat agenda, we can expect Putin to retaliate. This isn’t a Biden’s agenda, he is simply the current face being used. It doesn’t matter who is president, if they are a Democrat, the policies won’t change. Democrat states follow the same agenda. Oregon's leadership is in step with Democrat policies and repeatedly uses Oregon as a testing ground for some of these radicle ideas.
In 2019, Oregonians held in opposition to cap and trade when legislative bill HB 2020 was proposed. In a last minute effort, Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) proposed sweeping amendments as the most vocal cap-and-trade skeptic. Johnson was removed as co-chair of the Ways and Means Committee in a power play to vote the bill out of committee. After passing the House, the Senate walked out to prevent a vote. The bill died, but not cap-and-trade. Governor Brown circumvented the legislative process with Executive Order 20-04, which was directed at state agencies but contained much broader provisions sharply curbing greenhouse gas emissions that exceeded the bill. It opened the door to further legislation and rules on emission standards that is now a step towards eliminating natural gas in SB 98, and regulation of hydropower impacting water usage for small farms in SB 85.
Even though Oregonians have defeated a sales tax nine times, it may have cost less than all the hidden sales taxes and fees that have been passed piece-by-piece, including gas tax, cell phone tax, grocery bag fees, lodging taxes, corporate access Tax (CAT), carbon credit markups, to name a few. As one of the highest taxed states, Ernst & Young found that Oregon’s state and local business tax burden has increased by 45% since 2019. Oregon's regulatory environment contributes to losing it's reputation for being business friendly and lead to a 2.0% reduction in new business filings last year. Oregon's recovery depends on voters, and the need to break from current policies.
Lawmakers use children to further their political agenda
Alex Baumhardt writes in Oregon Capital Chronicle, “More than three dozen Congressional Democrats, led by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, are hoping to help revive a landmark lawsuit against the U.S. government by 21 young Americans – including 11 Oregonians – over continued federal support for fossil fuel production and a failure to urgently mitigate the worst effects of climate change, violating the plaintiffs’ right to a livable environment.”
Juliana v. United States, named after Julia Olson, Executive Director and Chief Legal Counsel at Our Children's Trust, is now the longest running suit first filed in the U.S. District Court in Eugene nearly 10 years ago. At the time, the youth behind the suit were between eight- and 18-years old. Olson filed a request in the Ninth Circuit to rehear the case, followed by the backing of Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Illinois Democrat, filing an “amicus brief” or “friend of the court brief” urging the court to grant it. The filing included 39 other signers including Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and Oregon Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Val Hoyle, according to the Chronicle.
Fossil fuel companies, the U.S. Department of Justice, former President Donald Trump and Republican states attorneys general have filed court documents against the Juliana case. It was deemed effectively dead in May, when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco agreed with the U.S. Department of Justice to dismiss the case.
It seems like the intent is to get the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Olson argued the decision to dismiss was hasty and wrongly denied oral arguments by the plaintiffs rather than issuing an opinion, effectively denying the plaintiffs their right to an appeal. The Ninth Circuit held that ordering the federal government to adopt “a comprehensive scheme to decrease fossil fuel emissions and combat climate change” would exceed a federal court’s remedial authority set in Article III.
Harvard Law Review suggests that Juliana, filed by Our Children’s Trust, is attempting to go where other environmental cases have failed by drawing on common law tort theories. The Juliana case contends the Constitution guarantees an unenumerated fundamental right to a “stable climate system.” They argued that the United States had “continued to permit, authorize, and subsidize fossil fuel extraction . . . [and] consumption” despite these activities’ contributions to global warming. This choice, it continued, had “infringed on” the Trust’s “constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property.”
Judge Hurwitz of the Ninth Circuit wrote, “To have standing under Article III, a plaintiff must have (1) a concrete and particularized injury that (2) is caused by . . . challenged conduct and (3) is likely redressable by a favorable judicial decision . . .Thus, the Trust’s standing turned on redressability: “whether the plaintiffs’ claimed injuries [were] redressable by an Article III court.” The judges found “such relief . . . beyond [its] constitutional power.”
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 amicus brief argues, “Since youth cannot vote, they depend upon each branch of government to act in their best interests when exercising authority. Sadly, at this time, each branch is betraying the intergenerational trust bestowed upon them for ‘our Posterity’ in the face of the climate crisis.” It seems that lawmakers have a vested interest in using children to further their political agenda.
The CDC defines child abuse and neglect as Adverse Childhood Experiences, which can dramatically impact a person’s life experience and health. To use children to front an agenda that isn’t feasible can only be identified as cruel. Studies show that around 30% of Oregon’s carbon drifts in from China, the largest emitter releasing 11.4 billion metric tons of carbon emissions in 2022. Their misguided direction is looming as pitiful when it could have been productive. What if they would have sued to stop chemtrails, which Tennessee has now done and residence are reporting good health benefits. What if they would have sued to stop poisonous fluoride additives to the water system, which is taking hold in some jurisdictions.
What have these children learned from this exercise? How to capitalize on your fears. Money is limitless if you can tie into a cause whether good or bad. Consequences don’t matter. That constitutional right means not having any fears. One thing they still seem to not understand is that the courts are limited in its power to create law.
Oregonians are encouraged to conserve energy and reduce consumption
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide extreme heat emergency in preparation for high temperatures, both day and night, forecasted through Tuesday. Temperatures across Oregon are expected to reach near record-breaking levels, with the Portland metro area, Willamette Valley, and parts of Southern Oregon expected to hit temperatures in the triple digits. The heat risk levels and what they mean for individuals can be found on the National Weather Service’s Heat Risk map.
“Extreme weather events are now the new normal for Oregon. Right now, state and local governments are on a path to strengthen our preparedness and response, not only this year but for the years to come,” Governor Kotek said. Oregonians are watching whether that will mean some modification in energy goal to meet the higher level of consumption.
Oregonians are encouraged to conserve energy and reduce consumption to the extent possible to avoid power disruptions and reduce the strain on our energy grid, such as avoiding the use of major appliances during peak morning and evening energy demand periods. In addition, high heat can also be a catalyst for wildfires, so Oregonians are encouraged to practice extreme caution and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
“The need for emergency declarations should decrease over time if we continue on this path – including ensuring more Oregonians have air conditioning in the summer months and heat in the winter months, that our electrical grid is modern and resilient, that communities have public spaces and green places that provide relief, and where families have a plan to stay safe and help others to do the same in severe weather."
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has activated the state Emergency Coordination Center in response to the heatwave. Multiple partners including the Oregon Health Authority, the Oregon Department of Human Services office of Resilience and Emergency Management, the Oregon State Medical Examiner, the Oregon Public Utility Commission and the American Red Cross are working with local and tribal emergency managers as they prepare to open cooling centers. State agencies are providing support and resources where requested. The state Emergency Coordination Center will meet throughout the heatwave to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
State, local and tribal agencies continue to respond to requests for emergency cooling shelters, transportation assistance, distribution of life-sustaining supplies including water and medical services. The extreme heat will also put a significant strain on Oregon’s energy grid and critical infrastructure, posing a risk to utility outages and equipment and transportation disruptions.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) will coordinate access to and use of personnel and equipment of all state agencies necessary to assess, alleviate, respond to, mitigate, or recover from conditions caused by this emergency. The agency will also coordinate all essential protective measures in support of identified disaster areas to protect lives, property, and the environment.
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
If you believe you are being subjected to excessive prices for bottled water or other essential consumer goods, or lodging due to this emergency, you are encouraged to report violations to the Oregon Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Services, which has the authority to investigate unlawful trade practices.
The Oregon Health Authority is also encouraging people to take steps to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion as advisories predicting triple-digit temperatures are in effect through the weekend and early next week. Oregonians can find more information about local cooling centers from 211. Information about how to keep your animal safe in the heat can be found here.
Sign up for OR-alert and get lifesaving alerts and instructions during emergencies to help you and others stay safe in Oregon.
The Manulife Investment Management fund purchased 55,000 acres of timberland in Oregon’s Douglas, Coos, and Curry counties, stretching from Reedsport in the north to Gold Beach in the south. This acquisition is part of the company’s efforts to expand its presence in the region and provide sustainable working forests and farmlands.
The company already manages over 660,000 acres of working forest in Oregon, making it Oregon’s second-largest manager of private timberland. Out done only by Weyerhaeuser, which owns more than 1.5 million acres of western Oregon’s 6.5 million acres of private forestland. Manulife Forest Management Inc. will oversee the daily operations of the coastal range properties, with about 7,200 acres in Douglas County, located near Reedsport. The 55,000 acres of forests in Southwest Oregon will allow greater access for recreation, and investments in harvest carbon offsets.
The investment objective of Manulife’s strategy is to provide investors with an opportunity to invest in timberlands which will be managed to create carbon credits through enhanced sustainable forest management practices which is designed to add to the stored carbon in the forest. The fund intends to earn competitive returns for investors by selling carbon credits, charging for recreation use, and limited timber harvests to capture potential climate benefits.
The Fund is not registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and only sold to “qualified purchasers.” The Fund seeks to include investors from other than the U.S. such as the EU that want to invest in forest carbon credits or offsets.
The carbon credit market operates like a hidden tax that drives up the costs for companies that can’t reduce their unavoidable emissions and have to buy offsetting credits so they can operate, and so elite investors get a high rate of return. This racket is spreading as a worldwide investment option funded by consumers. Manulife wants their offsetting credits to represent actual changes in managing timber harvesting. However, offsetting credit does nothing to reduce emissions, and if sold outside of Oregon, it's a direct steel from consumers to fund investors.
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 acquisition is part of the company’s efforts to manage sustainable working forests and farmlands, providing both economic and ecological benefits. From the 55,000 acres, approximately 85% of it will be harvested over the next 40-50 years. The other 15% is in regulatory and voluntary set-asides primarily buffers on streams and other features to protect water and conserve wildlife habitat," according to Jeff DeRoss, Manulife Forest Management Manager for Western Oregon.
As of October 2023, Manulife Investment Management’s $11.3 billion timberland investment portfolio spans 5.4 million acres in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Brazil. One hundred percent of its portfolio is certified as sustainable by independent third-party forest certification standards.
The College of Forestry at OSU plans to harvest 60 acres near Cronemiller Lake in the McDonald-Dunn Forest called the Woodpecker Harvest, but is being challenged by Corvallis residents. The harvest is on hold for review of the 2005 plan to challenge the classification of old-growth as 160 years and older.
In the meantime, public forests are under continuous attack from conservationist and environmentalist. The Elliott State Forest, about 82,500 acres, also near Reedsport, is back in the hands of the State Lands Commission trying to push through a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that will reduce harvesting to unmanageable levels.
The most impact to the forest industry remains the Endangered Species Act and the development of HCP. State Forester Cal Mukumoto recommended supporting the HCP draft to the Board of Forestry. Opposition groups are making a case for some revisions to revitalize the timber industry for the support of rural communities. The state still expects to finalize the HCP by the end of the year, then get federal input in 2025.
July 4th - the day of the Declaration of Independence. Remember, ‘taxation without representation’ was a cry then that may apply today as well. Nobody then would have dreamed of carbon taxes by executive order, but they did foresee taxation without representation. What grassroots and patriotism looked like in 1776:
Five legislative signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
The Boston Tea Party and the Coercive Acts galvanized the colonists, leading to the First Continental Congress in 1774. The Boston Tea Party was a protest against British taxation and tyranny, and it helped to formulate a larger movement of the colonists in their fight for independence that culminated in the Declaration of Independence.
As with the Boston Tea Party, it seems the ‘prized’ tea is being thrown overboard, but does Oregon have an Independence Day coming?
The Oregonian reported that Oregon’s exports dropped by more than $6 billion last year, an astonishing 20% plunge that wiped out two years of historic gains. Even though 2023 saw a decrease, Oregon goods exports were $27.7 billion, it was an increase of 49 percent ($9.3 billion) from its export level in 2012. So why the decrease? “Consumers are pulling back. You see that translated into the export numbers, for sure,” said Damon Runberg, economist with Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. Then how can Oregon’s revenue forecast for government spending be up if consumer spending is down?
Runberg says there is reason to be optimistic with the development of Oregon’s semiconductor industry. Intel is planning a multibillion-dollar expansion along with other chip companies also set to expand. But, will Oregon voters crush this industry with a proposed 3% gross receipts tax if IP 17 passes in November?
An indication the consumers are pulling back, the Oregonian reports that Nike shares fell 20% as the latest sign of severe turbulence at Oregon’s biggest company. Nike claims it has anticipated a drop in annual sales, thanks to competition from newer competitors, are now worrying investors. Nike stock had its worst day on record losing $28 billion. With a 20% drop in Oregon exports, and Nike losing $28 billion, just what does Oregon’s government revenue forecast interpretation by Democrat politicians mean by Oregonians are doing better than ever? Nike is projecting they will regain the market lose by 2030 based on the past 10 years of the stock’s average growth record. But should a state rely on a high risk forecast?
Oregon is also hit by the Biden Administration banning exports by an Oregon freight-forwarder, USGoBuy, as a warning shot to the industry. The Wall Street Journal reports that an Oregon freight-forwarder was hit with an export ban in what officials said was a warning to companies to heed restrictions on the shipment of sensitive technologies to countries the U.S. considers threats to national security. USGoBuy is placed under a three-year export ban after an audit turned up 176 violations to a settlement over riflescopes the company shipped to China and the emirates.
It isn't just exports dragging Oregon's economy down. The Biden administration has announced a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) that are carbon-reducing and net zero, as part of a broader effort to protect US manufacturers and jobs. This move is intended to prevent a flood of low-cost, heavily subsidized EVs from China from entering the US market. The tariff is expected to increase the cost of Chinese-made EVs in the US market, making U.S. EVs more competitive with foreign-made EVs. Have they not read that several major automakers, including General Motors, Ford, and Tesla, have announced plans to scale back or delay their EV production goals?
How will this affect Oregon? Tariffs are usually retaliatory and China is by far Oregon’s largest export partner, with sales in 2021 totaling $10.6 billion, a third of all the state’s exports.
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
Senator Brian Boquist (R-Polk and Treasurer candidate) stated, "As young Oregon voters look at government inflation they know whom to blame. Young Oregonians know why they cannot afford a house. Young Oregonians know the definition of indentured servitude. If there is a November election, and if there is not a major change, then the economy will drive the Millennial Revelation into high speed collision with the debt ridden failing government police state and corporate oligarchs. This is a recipe for change none of us should want, let alone would a State Senator like myself even survive, as all of present government officials will be swept away, if history is a lesson."
America is still on its First Republic. On July 7th, the Fifth Republic of France will hold elections. Revisionists have repeated “Democracy” so many times that America is being pulled away from its Republic. Will millennials and younger voters bring us back to our first love or form the Second American Republic?
The 142nd Wing out of the Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland, Ore., will conduct Independence Day flyovers for ceremonies and parades at locations throughout Oregon.
The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,300 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region. The 142nd Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border through their Aerospace Control Alert mission as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequalled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.
Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle fighter jets are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the following community locations at, or around, the designated times on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
10:35 a.m. Corbett, Ore.
10:39 a.m. Ridgefield, Wash.
10:43 a.m. Clatskanie, Ore.
10:47 a.m. Warrenton, Ore.
10:50 a.m. Manzanita, Ore.
10:51 a.m. Rockaway Beach, Ore.
10:55 a.m. Neskowin, Ore.
11:00 a.m. Turner, Ore.
11:01 a.m. Salem, Ore.
11:03 a.m. Mt. Angel, Ore.
11:05 a.m. St. Paul, Ore.
11:08 a.m. Lake Oswego, Ore.
11:09 a.m. Happy Valley, Ore.
11:12 a.m. Molalla, Ore.
11:14 a.m. Mill City, Ore.
11:26 a.m. Condon, Ore.
11:34 a.m. The Dalles, Ore.
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 passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 400 mph airspeed. Flights could be canceled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.
The Oregon Air National Guard has been an integral part of the nation's air defense since 1941.
Solving homelessness doesn’t include sidewalk tents
The U.S. Supreme Court released its ruling in the Grants Pass v. Johnson case, a decision that some say stands as a victory for the rule of law and the well-being of our communities. This decision recognizes the critical need for local governments to manage public spaces effectively, ensuring safety and order for all citizens.
The Court's ruling supports the City of Grants Pass's right to enforce ordinances that prevent public spaces from becoming unsafe and unsanitary. By upholding these regulations, the Court has validated the efforts of municipalities to protect their communities while safeguarding the safety and dignity of people experiencing homelessness.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, in a recent KGW interview, emphasized the need for legislative action: “Unless the legislature decides to revisit the law that HB 3115 enacted, no one in Portland is going to see sweeping policy changes after the Supreme Court issues its decision.”
HB 3115 (2021) was a reactionary piece of legislation by Democrats in response to a misguided court opinion by the Ninth Circuit. This law has suffocated local jurisdictions' efforts to keep their communities safe. It is essential that the Legislature acts promptly to ensure state laws align with the Supreme Court's decision, allowing for sensible, community-focused solutions that maintain public safety and health without infringing on individual rights.
“Despite the Supreme Court’s common sense ruling, Democrats’ 'Right to Camp' law will continue to hamper local governments' ability to address homelessness effectively,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “The Legislature should immediately provide clarity to our local governments as they work to reduce homelessness in their communities by taking action on HB 3115. This time, cities and counties that are most affected should be at the table, leading the discussions on what is best for their local jurisdictions. We stand ready to pass legislation that balances the interests of all residents – whether they are in a home or seeking shelter, utilizing both compassion and pragmatism to ensure our public spaces are safe, clean, and accessible for everyone.”
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 doesn’t seem to matter that our sidewalks and parks are crowded with homeless tents. Democrats passed HB 3115 along partisan lines, and Democrat leaders continue to defend their right to litter our cities. The Supreme Court ruling did not address the housing and homelessness crisis, but limits the state in mandating how communities deal with their homeless.
Senator Kayse Jama (D - Portland), chair of the Senate Housing and Development Committee, and Representative Pam Marsh (D - Ashland), chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, statement on how this decision will impact housing policy in Oregon:
“Our goal remains making sure every Oregonian has access to safe, affordable housing so no one has to resort to sleeping on the streets. Homelessness will be solved by building more housing, supporting shelters and programs to get people on the path out of homelessness.
Jama continues, "Local jurisdictions have a duty to maintain livability for everyone in their communities – and, there needs to be a reasonable balance between those concerns and the reality that too many Oregonians don’t have anywhere safe to sleep. Today's Supreme Court ruling does nothing to solve the housing and homelessness crisis in Oregon. The legislature remains focused on addressing the root causes of homelessness, increasing the housing supply, and funding programs that help get people on a path out of houselessness.”
The Oregon legislature passed the Emergency Housing Stability and Production Package earlier this year, which made a $376 investment in expanding affordable housing and support for shelters. They enacted policies to distribute the $2 billion housing package passed in 2023. All that investment may have eliminated a few homeless encampments by building pod villages and subsidizing housing for the hundreds of homeless individuals. The pod villages are intended to provide temporary housing for the homeless that would otherwise occupy encampments.
However, the placement of the pod villages in family neighborhoods, concerns local residents citing potential safety issues and disruptions to the community.
Escaping the notice of the local media, Portland has been running about 40 degrees F colder this year than three years ago. Portland reached 116 F on June 28, 2021, smashing the previous record high for any date of 107 F. The reason for the extreme heat was simple. Strong high pressure inland created a strong offshore flow, bringing hot air from Eastern Oregon and Washington into the Willamette Valley. As soon as that weather pattern broke down and cool Pacific Ocean air returned, we cooled way down. It was 116 F at Portland Airport at 5 pm on the 28th, but only 73 F at 11 pm that evening.
Climate alarmism ran rampant during those days. KOIN 6 Chief Meteorologist Natasha Stenbock called the high temperatures, “Portland’s new normal.” Former Oregon State Climatologist Kathie Dello said, “If we don’t do anything about climate change, 2021 will be one of Portland’s coolest summers.” Current Oregon State Climatologist Larry W. O'Neill added, “The fact that it was so strong, that is an indication I think, of climate change contributing to it.”
In contrast, here is what, a principal research scientist for the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Roy Spencer, had to say at the time. “Despite the near-normal global average temperatures, the USA Lower 48 temperature anomaly of +1.44 deg. C was the warmest in the [June] 43 year satellite record, ahead of +1.15 deg. C in 1988. In contrast, the Antarctic region (poleward of 60 S latitude) experienced its 2nd coldest June (-1.25 deg. C below the 30-year baseline), behind -1.34 deg. C in June, 2017.”
For Portland, it was all a matter of the wind speed and direction. When the wind normally blows off the ocean, we are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But when the wind reverses direction, we can get spectacularly different weather.
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
By the way, with a high temperature of 118 F, The Dalles, Oregon broke the all-time highest temperature record for Washington State on June 28th, 2021. How is that possible? The Dalles weather station is located across the Columbia River at their small airport in Washington State. Oregon did not break its all-time high of 119 F set on August 10, 1898 in Pendleton. And the hottest ever temperature for the USA is 134 F set in Death Valley on July 10, 1913. These very old records still stand.
NW Natural produces clean hydrogen that captures solid carbon
NW Natural released a report from Business Wire that a new poll shows that about 3 in 4 voters believe natural gas is essential. In addition, a large majority of voters from counties including Multnomah, Clackamas, Lane, Marion, Washington and Clark are opposed to natural gas bans. The polling was conducted for NW Natural by DHM Research, an independent leading public opinion research firm, showing that 72% of voters oppose banning natural gas for new homes and buildings. The number of voters who share that opinion has increased by 9 percent since the first poll conducted in 2019.
The poll also shows voters are increasingly concerned about power outages, with 81% of respondents saying we need both electricity and natural gas to reliably meet our energy needs.
NW Natural recently released a report that details how important having two systems was during the massive winter storm that impacted the region in January. During the highest energy use hour on Jan. 13, 2024, NW Natural delivered 55% more energy than local electric providers, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, combined.
Over the past five years, public opinion polls in NW Natural’s service territory have shown that voters overwhelmingly reject natural gas bans. It’s a consumer sentiment that has steadily grown as voters’ attention is more focused on what they believe are pressing concerns, such as homelessness.
DHM Research conducted polling from February 7 – March 10, 2024, with voters in NW Natural’s service territory, which includes the Willamette Valley, most of coastal Oregon, Clark County, Washington, and the Columbia Gorge. The service territory results are scientifically valid and have a margin of error of +/- 2.1%.
This polling came in time for NW Natural and Modern Hydrogen's unveiling of a new project that is producing clean hydrogen while capturing solid carbon. Innovative methane pyrolysis technology, which is online at NW Natural’s Central Portland facility, produces clean hydrogen and captures solid carbon in a process called methane pyrolysis, using equipment designed by Modern Hydrogen.
Solid carbon being captured from this process is collected and incorporated into Modern Hydrogen’s proprietary, performance-enhancing asphalt products. These are used in applications such as paving and road repair projects—including a section of asphalt surrounding the equipment installation at NW Natural’s facility.
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
Hydrogen generated on site is blended with natural gas and delivered via existing energy infrastructure. This three-year pilot project is the latest effort by NW Natural to explore potential hydrogen applications. This includes extensive testing at our Sherwood Operations and Training facility, demonstrating the safety and performance of hydrogen blends ranging from 5 to 20 percent in natural gas systems and equipment.
NW Natural is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on multiple fronts, reimagining the role of the natural gas system and the fuel that they deliver. This includes pursuing a combination of decarbonization measures that include energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon offsets, and carbon capture. Replacing conventional natural gas over time with alternatives like renewable natural gas and clean hydrogen is central to achieving that vision.
NW Natural CEO David Anderson said, “Today we’re looking to renewable natural gas, clean hydrogen, carbon capture and other ways to decarbonize our system. People are eager for solutions that can be put into action today, and we’re proud to play our part.”
In 2023, the Oregon legislature passed a bill called the "Climate Resilience Package," which prohibits the use of natural gas in new structures, including residential and commercial buildings, as well as new infrastructure projects. This means that new buildings and developments will be required to use alternative energy sources, such as electricity or renewable energy systems. The bill is expected to have a significant impact on the construction industry in Oregon, but will it reduce carbon emissions? By promoting the use of alternative energy sources, there is no debate it will increase the cost of energy for everyone while contributing to energy instability.
Opportunity to comment on Medium Heavy-Duty Zero Emissions Vehicles Rebate rules
In 2023, Oregon Representative Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) was chief sponsor of House Bill 3409, along with 28 other Democrats, which included 24 directives related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Among them the bill directs the Oregon Environmental Quality (DEQ) Commission to establish a rebate program for purchase or lease of qualifying medium or heavy duty zero-emission vehicles.
Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) account for just 5% of vehicles on the road in the United States, yet they are responsible for 21% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). They explored how the conversion of diesel MHDVs would evolve over time to result in a 65% reduction in emissions by 2050. Adding incentives, it can increase to a 70% reduction.
In Oregon, MHDVs are currently responsible for an estimated 9.3 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually—approximately 42% of all greenhouse gases from the on-road vehicle fleet. This new rebate program will provide critical support for Oregon's transportation fleets to transition to zero emissions technologies and reduce these emissions statewide.
HB 3409 provides $3 million in revenue for the new Zero-Emission MHDV Incentive Fund and authorizes DEQ to establish a program for providing rebates for the purchase or lease of qualifying vehicles for use in Oregon. That’s $3 million of taxpayer dollars for a 5% possible jump on emission reduction in 25 years. There is probably no chance of reaching even 50% as the probability grows that Mount St. Helens will erupt again.
DEQ proposes to complete rulemaking for the rebate program to specify details including application requirements, rebate allocation criteria, other requirements included in the statute, and program elements to alleviate disproportionate air pollution burdens among frontline communities.
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 rule will also incorporate 2024 Legislative changes that were made to the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program. The changes include creating a new fund for dedicated Charge Ahead funding and removing the ability to stack the Standard and Charge Ahead Rebates. Instead, it creates a new rebate level for Charge Ahead applicants purchasing or leasing a new vehicle.
DEQ will consider comments received by 4 p.m., on July 22, 2024. A public hearing, will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 1 p.m. For viewing details go here.
Anyone can submit comments and questions about this rulemaking. Send comments by email to: MHDZEV.2024@DEQ.oregon.gov. By mail, send to Oregon DEQ, Attn: Gerik Kransky, 700 NE Multnomah St., Room 600, Portland, OR 97232-4100.
DEQ plans to present the final proposal, including any modifications made in response to public comments to the Environmental Quality Commission for a decision at its September 26-27 meeting.
The Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary (OOIDSS) is a 2.5 million-acre protected area in Lake County, Oregon, which is the largest Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world. Located in a remote and sparsely populated area of southeastern Oregon, this sanctuary is a haven for astronomers, photographers, and anyone eager to gaze upon the unspoiled beauty of the cosmos.
The area is known for its breathtaking night sky viewing experiences, with minimal light pollution allowing for unparalleled stargazing opportunities. The 2.5-million-acre sanctuary about one-half the size of New Jersey, and is part of a larger project aiming to encompass 11.4-million-acres of contiguous, protected night sky, making it over twice the size of New Jersey.
Within the OOIDSS are the unincorporated communities of Adel, Plush, and Summer Lake, the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, a portion of the Fremont-Winema National Forest, nearly 1.7 million acres of land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Summer Lake Wildlife Area, nearly 80,000 acres of state-owned rangeland, and the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway.
The OOIDSS is the certification given by DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization that works to “protect the night” for the benefit of people and wildlife by advancing responsible outdoor lighting. The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001, as a non-regulatory and voluntary program to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education.
As Oregon rural counties are looking for opportunities to replace the income from the cut in timber sales, the OOIDSS could partially fill-in by increasing tourism. Bob Hackett, Executive Director of Travel Southern Oregon said, “This four-year collaboration brings together so many of the elements we try to achieve in regenerative tourism. It not only elevates the destination experience for visitors to Lake County and opens up opportunities for local businesses, but it also helps agencies and residents steward their lands in ways that celebrate a legacy of starry night skies for generations to come.”
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’s a high desert area characterized by sage scrub and abrupt changes in topography that alternates between narrow faulted mountain chains and flat, arid valleys and basins. Within this unique geography of geological wonders is priority habitat for an array of wildlife, including American pronghorn, bighorn sheep, sage grouse, white-tailed jack rabbit, and migratory birds navigating the Pacific Flyway. The region is also culturally significant and is home to a 13,000-year-old human occupation site. Dispersed within the OOIDSS are hot springs, wild horses, private rangelands, ranches, and cattle.
The DarkSky Oregon chapter has established a network of continuously recording Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) in Oregon to measure skyglow. Skyglow is literally the measurement of the glowing sky at night, due to both man-made artificial light and natural light. The project’s primary aim is to quantitatively measure, interpret, and share skyglow measurements in Oregon to better understand the current level of light pollution in comparison to other regions and to document any changes over a five-year period. The skyglow data will help to inform action toward healthier and safer communities with less light pollution.
Atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover, haze, and air pollution such as wildfires, chemtrails, and CO2 can also limit visibility in night skies. Some controllable and some are natures processing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released information of an emerging criminal tactic used to further defraud cryptocurrency scam victims.
Using social media or other messaging platforms, fraudsters posing as lawyers representing fictitious law firms may contact scam victims and offer their services, claiming to have the authorization to investigate fund recovery cases. To validate the contact, the “lawyers” claim they are working with, or have received information on, the scam victim’s case from the FBI, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or other government agency. In some instances, scam victims have contacted fraudsters on fake websites, which appear legitimate, hoping to recover their funds.
To further the recovery scam, the “lawyers” may:
Request victims verify their identities by providing personal identifying information or banking information to get their money back;
Request victims provide a judgment amount they are seeking from the initial fraudster;
Request victims pay a portion of initial fees up front with balance due when funds are recovered;
Direct victims to make payments for back taxes and other fees to recover their funds; or
Reference actual financial institutions and money exchanges, to build credibility and further their schemes.
Between February 2023 and February 2024, cryptocurrency scam victims who were further exploited by fictitious law firms reported losses totaling over $9.9 million, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Tips to Protect Yourself
Be wary of advertisements for cryptocurrency recovery services. Research the advertised company and beware if the company uses vague language, has a minimal online presence, and makes promises regarding an ability to recover funds.
If an unknown individual contacts you and claims to be able to recover stolen cryptocurrency, do not release any financial or personal identifying information and do not send money.
Law enforcement does not charge victims a fee for investigating crimes. If someone claims an affiliation with the FBI, contact your local FBI field office to confirm.
If you believe you have been a victim of a cryptocurrency scheme or other fraudulent scheme, file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. It is helpful to include:
Information regarding how the individual initially contacted you and how they identified themselves. Include identifying information such as name, phone number, address, email address, and username.
Financial transaction information such as date, type of payment, amount, account numbers involved (to include cryptocurrency address), name and address of the receiving financial institution, and receiving cryptocurrency addresses.
“I am challenging Congresswoman Val Hoyle to six debates between August and October”
Republican 4th District Congressional candidate Monique DeSpain has challenged scandal-plagued incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle to six debates, one in each of the major counties in the district with at least three televised and the rest streamed online live or broadcast on the radio, to provide all voters across OR-04 the radical transparency and accountability they deserve when selecting their next Member of Congress.
“I am challenging Congresswoman Val Hoyle to six debates between August and October,” said DeSpain. “Val Hoyle has been the least transparent, least accountable Representative this district has seen in a long time. Whether it is her radical voting record for open borders and skyrocketing inflation or hiding her public records from investigators looking into her unethical actions, it is time Val faces the voters and explains this atrocious record. These debates will give voters a chance to hear and compare Val’s disastrous record of corruption and shilling for DC special interests with my track record of bringing people together to solve tough problems and my bold vision for securing our border and communities, restoring economic prosperity, and holding government accountable - starting with Val Hoyle herself.”
“Whether it is her radical voting record for open borders and skyrocketing inflation or hiding her public records from investigators looking into her unethical actions, it is time Val faces the voters and explains this atrocious record,” Monique DeSpain
“During her time so far in Congress, Career politician Val Hoyle has consistently rubberstamped every catastrophic policy and instance of bad behavior by the Biden Administration at great detriment to the hard-working families and businesses of our district,” added DeSpain. “Voters have had enough, leading her own party bosses to recently list her as one of the incumbents most in jeopardy of defeat in 2024. Now the voters get to deliver the final measure of accountability this November by retiring Val Hoyle and deploying me to Congress.”
Self-proclaimed organizer, Antonio Gisbert, moved to Oregon and organized a team to turn Oregon into a socialist utopia. He founded Oregon People’s Rebate and filed initiative petition 17 for the 2024 ballot. IP 17 will rebate about $750 to every Oregonian, every year. This would mean putting about $3,000 in the pockets of a family of four, funded by increasing the minimum tax rate to 3% on gross receipts for big corporations over $25 million of Oregon revenue. This is on sales, and not profit, which means it would tax companies that are not making a profit.
Gisbert initially attempted his idea in 2016 as measure 97, which aimed to increase taxes on certain businesses with annual sales exceeding $25 million. That tax rate was 2.5% of the businesses’ gross receipts, used to fund education, healthcare and senior services. It was defeated by voters 59% to 41%, but it didn’t go unnoticed by the 2019 legislature.
The legislature passed House Bill 3427 adopting the corporate activity tax (CAT), also based on sales at 0.57 percent in excess of $1 million sales. Restaurants and pharmacies, particularly, have closed siting the CAT tax as the reason. Every time Oregon threatens such concepts, Nike and Intel threaten to leave the state until the Governor gives them a special deal.
Gisbert took the failure of measure 97 as a base. He found that everyone agreed that big corporations don’t pay their fair share of taxes, that people don’t feel government would use millions of new dollars effectively, and that voters bought into the argument that businesses would leave the state. Gisbert set out to capitalize on his findings. He argues that there is no reason businesses would raise prices if taxes were increase and directed back to citizens to purchase more. He also argues that businesses will come to Oregon if families have more to spend.
Gisbert claims that giving people money reduces poverty by 15%, but admits that it is an untested number. The inspiration was the Alaska oil dividend that is paid into a fund and interest is paid to residence, which is around $1200 annually. He points out that when Portland gets their rebate, it will become $1.4 billion wealthier and it will have the same effect on smaller communities.
Gisbert says “It is us investing in ourselves… Money in a capitalistic society will help you make all other problems less big.” But, whose money is it really? Redistribution of wealth has failed where this was tried as Universal Basic Income. Universal Basic Income was tried in very progressive nations such as Canada and Finland, it failed, and it was repealed.
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
Under IP 17, virtually anyone living in Oregon for 200 days can claim the rebate, even a dead person. Some measure features:
"Eligibility year" means the calendar year in which the individual qualifies for the Oregon Rebate by residing in this state in the aggregate more than 200 days.
"Rebate year" means the first calendar year following the eligibility year.
Moneys not distributed as a rebate for the reasons described… shall be used to provide additional funding for services for senior citizens, health care, public early childhood education and public kindergarten through grade 12 education.
Is this measure a continuation of Governor Kotek doling out cash as a pilot program that gives out free $1,000 to homeless young people on a monthly basis? Liberals and the media define handing out money as a measure of success, but handing out doesn't measure results. Oregon needs growth, but handing out benefits to attract growth isn’t the best practice standards Oregonians want. The more free money that is handled out, the more homeless people there will be, forcing taxpayers to fund subsidies.
Initiative Petition 17 and Gisbert are counting on voter desperation and greed to sell their Marxist concept. They have turned in 130,000 signatures to verify 117,173 needed to could qualify for the November ballot.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation honoring June 19, 2024 as Juneteenth across Oregon. In 2021, the Oregon legislature passed HB 2168 to officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, the same year it became a federal holiday. Governor Kotek joined the Willamette Heritage Center, Oregon Black Pioneers, and Just Walk Salem Keizer for their annual Juneteenth In Freedom’s Footsteps Walk.
“On Juneteenth, we remember our history and honor the resilience of the Black community,” Governor Kotek said. “We must continue to work to end racial injustice and ensure equity, inclusion, and opportunity for Black Oregonians. It was wonderful to join Oregon Black Pioneers and the Willamette Heritage Center for their Salem Juneteenth Community History Walk honoring Rev. Daniel Jones, an unwavering leader in Oregon.”
The Rev. Daniel Jones was born in 1830 in Reading, Pennsylvania to a father who had escaped his enslavers in Maryland. As a teenager Rev. Jones became a ‘49er and sought his fortune in California’s gold fields. He eventually made his way to Jacksonville, Oregon, and met and married his wife Anne. The family relocated to Salem, where he somehow found time to run a barbershop, attend Willamette University’s college preparatory school, help found a school, become ordained, and plant a church where he made several Emancipation Day speeches. When he was transferred by the Church to New Jersey and Kentucky, he continued to represent Oregon, becoming its delegate to several national Civil Rights conferences.
The talk in the state capitol would have you believe that Oregon’s racist history is all consuming and there is a continuing injustice. Rev. Daniel Jones is one example of why all Oregonians join to celebrate “Juneteenth Independence Day.” The Juneteenth flag tells the story of freedom. It features a star symbolizing the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states, surrounded by a bursting outline inspired by a nova, representing a new beginning for African Americans. That new beginning was June 19, 1865. The flag is raised in celebrations across the country, marking the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of freedom for African Americans.
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
"Juneteenth is like a second Fourth of July for Black Americans," said Zachary Stocks, Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers. "It's a day for us to remember our enslaved ancestors, and to celebrate the anniversary of when freedom came to Black people nationwide."
The Willamette Heritage Center, Oregon Black Pioneers and Just Walk Salem Keizer host an annual community history walking tour every Juneteenth Holiday. The vision for this event, which started in 2023, was to bring people together to walk as a community and follow in the footsteps of local families whose lives were impacted by emancipation. The walks tell family stories by visiting the physical locations in which they lived, worked, worshiped, and commemorated the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“Semiautomatic rifle equipped with a bump stock is not a machinegun”
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the bump stock ban on June 14, 2024, in Garland v. Cargill.
In 2017, Trump directed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to enact a ban in reaction to the massacre at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. Gun rights proponents declared the act an unconstitutional power grab that created thousands of felons out of thin air without legislative support. The use of bump stocks in that horrible crime is highly suspect even after months of investigation.
Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in the opinion for the court, “We hold that a semiautomatic rifle equipped with a bump stock is not a ‘machinegun’ because it cannot fire more than one shot by a single function of the trigger. And, even if it could, it would not do so ‘automatically.’ ATF therefore exceeded its statutory authority by issuing a Rule that classifies bump stocks as machineguns.”
Oregon Firearms Federation (OFF) reports this as the third major pro-rights victory in two days including the court victory against Biden’s rule to close ‘gun show loophole’ as efforts to entrap any gun owner who transferred a firearm.
OFF praises this victory as common sense. “Given that the dedicated public servants over at ATF have actually determined that a shoelace is a machine gun this is a tremendous victory for sanity, common sense, and the all too rare notion that words actually mean something. Remember, the bump stock ban did not say bump stocks identified as machine guns. It said they were machine guns.”
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 firearms community has long argued over the value of bump stocks and some have expressed the opinion that they are pointless gadgets that serve no useful purpose. Some even felt that their prohibition was no big deal,” OFF disagrees. “ While the only real purpose they may serve is turning money into noise, if bureaucrats, even the President of the United States, can arbitrarily change the meaning of words, nothing is safe. It is a short distance between saying sliding plastic parts are machine guns to saying AR-15’s are machine guns. In fact, we have seen this very issue arise with the just overturned ban on stabilizing braces, the reinvention of what defines a ‘firearm’ for the purpose of mandatory registration.”
The ruling on this case is a good indication of where the Supreme Court is at today. Whether it will remain the same for the case against Oregon’s SB 554 passed in 2021, remains to be seen. This law levies fines for failure to report a stolen gun with a serial number – you can be held responsible for any crime committed with guns that have been stolen from you, and your liability when you lawfully transfer a firearm is exponentially higher. In addition, under this law, you need to keep any gun you are not carrying locked up and useless, your rights to allow a minor to use one of your firearms are now extremely restricted and complicated by conflicting language, and you may no longer carry a firearm with a concealed handgun license in the Portland Airport Terminal, in the state capitol building and the grounds of any school that chooses to make its property off limits. There remains ongoing debate over contradicting language within the bill and what proponents said it would do.
“This Is War” reflects 20 years after deployment to Iraq
In 2007, the documentary "This is War" captured the harrowing experiences of an Oregon National Guard unit deployed to Iraq, where they faced some of the war's heaviest fighting. As the 20th anniversary of the 2004 deployment approaches, it's a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers and the successes and struggles they've encountered since then.
"This is War" follows the journey of the Oregon National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, known as the "Grim Reapers," during their deployment to Iraq. The film provides an intimate look at the challenges and dangers these soldiers face as they navigate the complexities of war.
Gary Mortensen, President of Stoller Wine Group and the filmmaker behind "This is War," was inspired to create the documentary after witnessing the experiences of National Guard soldiers who leave behind their families, jobs, and more to serve their country. Mortensen's goal was to shed light on the sacrifices made by these men and women and to honor their bravery in the face of adversity.
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
In an interview, Mortensen reflected on the film's impact and the journeys of the soldiers it portrayed.
"The 20th anniversary of the deployment depicted in 'This is War' is an important reminder of the resilience and dedication of our National Guard members," he said. "Since the documentary was released, many of these soldiers have experienced both triumphs and challenges."
The documentary captured moments of intense combat, camaraderie, and the soldiers' profound sense of duty. It also highlighted the toll that war takes on individuals and their families and the importance of community support in times of need.
As we mark two decades since the deployment depicted in "This is War," it serves as a tribute to the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Oregon National Guard and all those who have served their country. It reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who answered the call to duty in the face of adversity.
Preparing teachers with essential knowledge to teach reading and writing
Governor Tina Kotek established the Early Literacy Educator Preparation Council through Executive Order 23-12 in May 2023 to strengthen the preparation of teachers and school administrators to instruct elementary students on reading and writing.
“These recommendations are a significant step forward,” Governor Kotek said. “I appreciate that the council has not just layered on new requirements. They have also tried to streamline existing standards and build on the things we’ve had and continue to be important, like dyslexia standards.”
“We must always do what’s in the best interest of our children,” said Rep. Boomer Wright (R-Coos Bay), who served on the council. “These recommendations represent a way to support teachers and principals to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to do what we’re asking them to do for students. And to make sure that happens well, we also need to set up the right level of resources and support for our educator preparation programs to meet the new expectations the Council has recommended.”
The recommendations were broken into three sections: educator preparation program (EPP) approval standards, implementation recommendations, and educator licensing standards recommendations. The final council recommendations on educator preparation program approval standards include:
Combining Reading Instruction Standards with Dyslexia Standards into one cohesive standard. This will streamline standards that are focused on teaching reading and writing.
Creating new Literacy Standards that combine targeted existing standards providing additional detail that aligns with Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework and the models of reading designed to guide the preparation of Kindergarten through 5th Grade teachers and administrators on evidence-based practices for teaching literacy.
It may be disappointed to some to know that CRT and “identity” instruction remains in the curriculum regardless of the science on brain development and best practices claims. Research proves that cursive writing is an essential component for cognitive development, including improved brain function, memory, and problem-solving skills. Oregon math levels dramatically dropped after removing cursive from the curriculum. Cursive writing strengthens cross-hemisphere connections in the brain, which are essential for language development, reading, and writing, and activates areas not involved in keyboarding. Still, the council ignores viable studies.
Key takeaways from the implementation recommendations include:
Phase in the proposed recommendations so that all Oregon EPPs are implementing new standards by the fall of the 2026-27 academic year.
State support for Oregon EPPs to adapt to the new standards.
Ensuring that all educators, including experienced teachers and graduates of out-of-state EPPs, are supported and held accountable for meeting high standards for literacy instruction.
Investing in the implementation infrastructure needed to enable consistent, research-aligned implementation of new standards in educator preparation and in schools.
Key takeaways from the recommendations on educator licensing standards include:
Preliminary licensure requirements for all newly licensed educators should take effect in 2027.
Consider funding and capacity needs, develop processes for how all educators can demonstrate competency of standards, and minimize economic barriers to certification.
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 council was directed to create recommendations to the Governor and the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). TSPC has already begun considering the Council’s recommendations. Was the purpose of the council to improve literacy in K-5, or train teachers to comply?
"I have been honored to serve on this council alongside an outstanding group of individuals with one goal in mind: improving literacy outcomes for all of Oregon's children,” said Ronda Fritz, council co-chair and Associate Professor at Eastern Oregon University. “We were able to move the standards for Oregon's teacher preparation programs to reflect what science tells us about how children learn to read as well as the content and methods that are critical for ensuring proficient readers. I believe these standards will give educator preparation programs a clear roadmap for designing courses and programs that will produce teachers with the essential knowledge and skills to create proficient readers and writers."
The investigation into Democrat donations still lingers
In a newsletter, Senator Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) said, "I am here to point out that the very people seeking to dismantle the criminal justice system through early release, shutting down prisons, reducing accountability and pushing diversion for almost every crime are turning out to be huge supporters of our criminal justice system this month."
Oregon’s Democratic leadership unsuccessfully re-elect the soft-on-crime, Soros-backed Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt.
Bonham continued, “Every “justice is served” and “no one is above the law” commentary from progressives as we head into November should serve as a shameless reminder of the hypocrisy that is alive and well in society today. And if we learned anything from this most recent District Attorney race in our state, it is that people are tired of the hypocrisy and do not believe we are better off than we were four years ago at any level.”
The Oregon Department of Justice is testing the waters of hypocrisy. A year ago the DOJ announced they were reviewing a potential criminal investigation into the Democrat Party’s failure to report a Las Vegas-based donor who gave $500,000 to the Democratic Party of Oregon under a false name of Prime Trust in the final weeks of the 2022 election that secured at least one win. The donor turned out to be Nishad Singh, an executive at the disgraced cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Oregon Roundup reported that Singh's contribution was arranged and facilitated by the fundraising consultant Senator Ron Wyden for the benefit of more than 20 Democrat candidates.
Bonham reported that “election officials with close ties to the Democratic Party tried to quietly handle the issue by prematurely announcing that no investigation was going to happen, while quietly making them pay a fine that was ambiguously reduced by over $20K.”
While officials tried to distance themselves from this fine reduction and potential cover-up attempt, a request for a continued criminal investigation was sent to the Attorney General. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum then recused herself from the criminal investigation -- as the Democratic Party gave nearly $115,000 to her campaign fund since 2012, according to state campaign finance records.
An assistant attorney general representing the elections division wrote a legal memo stating the Democrat party “deprived the public of knowing who was contributing enormous sums of money to their party leading into a general election when election transparency is most pivotal for Oregon voters.”
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
Under Oregon law, it is a Class C felony to make or accept a campaign contribution under a false name. This month, we have heard many progressives state that “no one is above the law”.
The accountability is particularly meaningful in the Secretary of State race and who will keep this investigation under wraps and hidden from the public.
Late last year Linn County Commissioners proposed a Code Amendment PD23-0670. The issue concerns Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) for which the commissioners had approved a one-mile setback from neighboring properties that contained dwellings. The action came because a company wants to establish a large CAFO in the Scio area that would produce millions of chickens annually.
“Linn County is one of Oregon’s most important agricultural hubs, and we have a longstanding tradition of protecting our right to farm,” reports Families for Affordable Food. “Dairy farms, feedlots, chicken barns and other operations have operated safely and within the law for many years in Linn County.”
Chicken farmers in Oregon are saying that over 1 million chickens were killed because of Bird Flu last year. They are asking why, at the same time, during an egg shortage were signs posted over the limited and expensive eggs at Winco that stated you can't get Bird Flu from eggs or chicken meat when it is cooked.
Linn County Commissioners Chair Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker agreed to reopen a code text amendment process which they defined at a December 2023 meeting. The Planning Commission recommended a three-quarter mile setback and the original proposed text suggested a half-mile setback, so how did they end up with a one-mile setback? In reopening the issue, they want to include more stakeholders — such as cattle and swine breeders.
Notice was given for a hearing on June 11, then on June 18, 2024 the board will reconvene at 10 am to deliberate and make a decision. The public hearing is limited to written testimony only, which can be submitted through Families for Affordable Food website.
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 proposed amendments are to implement portions of SB 85 (2023) relating to the establishment of new large CAFO operations. However, the bill authorizes governing body of city or county to implement a setback or buffer but does not require a buffer between CAFO and adjacent land parcels. The bill reads:
“may require the new large confined animal feeding operation to include a setback or buffer, composed of a natural or created vegetative barrier, berm or terrain, in the production area of the new large confined animal feeding operation, if the parcel of land on which the new large confined animal feeding operation would be located is adjacent to a parcel on which:
A residential structure is lawfuly sited; or
A structure that was lawfully sited when constructed, but no longer conforms with or is allowed under new or changed land use requirements, is sited.
If it was the intent of the legislature to require a buffer zone, the bill won’t have said “may require.” At the rate of farming animals being destroyed, it won’t be long before the next pandemic will be over malnutrition and hypoproteinemia. If this misreading of the law is implemented in Linn County with Republican commissioners, then it will be used to weaponize all bureaucracies.
IP 54, Oregon Crimefighting Act, found not to convey changes to the law
Oregon Supreme Court again points out that the Attorney General performed poorly crafting a ballot title. Chung v. Rosenblum, docket 5070965, involves a review of the Attorney General’s certified ballot title for Initiative Petition 54 (2024) (IP 54), which was challenged by the petitioners, Sandy Chung and Yvonne Garcia.
IP 54, also known as the "Oregon Crimefighting Act," proposes significant changes to the pretrial release system for individuals charged with felonies and Class A misdemeanors in Oregon. The Act also empowers local governments to pass ordinances to fight local crime and requires the state to pay for jail space for those charged with felonies and Class A misdemeanors who need to be held until trial.
The Attorney General prepared a draft ballot title for IP 54 and, after considering public comments, modified the draft and certified the final ballot title. The petitioners, who had submitted comments on the draft, challenged the certified ballot title, arguing that the summary did not comply with the requirements set out in ORS 250.035(2)(d).
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 Oregon Supreme Court reviewed the ballot title to determine whether it substantially complied with the requirements. The court agreed with the petitioners that the summary was deficient. The court wrote:
Petitioners contend that the summary in the certified ballot title for IP 54 does not comply with that standard because it neither sufficiently nor accurately describes the proposed measure’s impacts, which, they contend, “will result in a total revamp of exist-ing law and practice in several significant areas,” most notably, the law governing pretrial release and bail. They relatedly identify specific aspects of both current law and IP 54 that the summary either omits or—they contend—inaccurately describes. The Attorney General responds that the summary substantially complies with ORS 250.035(2)(d) because it uses the available limited words to both tell the voters about current law pertaining to pretrial release and then describe the substantive changes that IP 54 would make.
The court found that the summary did not adequately convey the breadth of the changes that IP 54 would effectuate, particularly in relation to pretrial release decisions at arraignment. The court concluded that the summary must be modified to clarify that IP 54 would override existing law and to provide a more accurate description of the changes that IP 54 would make to the current law governing pretrial release at arraignment. The court referred the ballot title back to the Attorney General for modification.
This measure just became more crucial since the Ninth Circuit Court just told Oregon to provide a public defender within seven days or release them. It was acknowledged by the dissenting Judge Patrick Bumatay that these are hardened criminals, "they are accused of rape, kidnap, strangulation (and) assaulting (cops).” The shortage of defense attorneys is a result of Democrat's changing the law that required an attorney to take impoverished cases.
Oregon Health Authority is not stepping up to the plate
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled June 5 that a lawsuit brought by four hospital systems against the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) was wrongfully dismissed.
Legacy Health, PeaceHealth, Providence Health & Services, and St. Charles Health System filed the lawsuit in September 2022 because the OHA is failing to fulfill its duty to provide adequate access to care for people experiencing severe mental illness. With today’s ruling, the case now returns to the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, where it can continue through the legal process.
The appellate court heard oral arguments on May 8 in Seattle. In the oral arguments, counsel for OHA conceded that the lack of resources for civilly committed individuals is a “long standing, challenging problem that Oregon faces.” Ninth Circuit Judge William Fletcher responded that “it’s a challenge because Oregon is not stepping up to the plate.” In the argument, counsel for OHA further conceded that it has an obligation to make to an appropriate placement of civilly committed persons.
Over two years after this case was filed, legislators passed HB 4002, which removes barriers and establishes programs and policies aimed at improving access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. It also establishes a criminal justice framework for possession or delivery of controlled substances designed to encourage treatment over penalties such as jail or probation. Legislative days this past week discussed the enforcement portion of the legislation. To date it is unclear what OHA has done to establish what the bill requires to help behavioral health issues and establish a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) program located in same geographic region as community mental health program (CMHP) to enter into collaboration agreements.
Governor Kotek also seems to be ignoring the OHA report released earlier this year, which admits that there is a severe shortage of capacity needed to treat individuals in need of both acute and long-term behavioral health treatment across Oregon. Along with the lawsuit and HB 4002, Kotek should answer to why there is a lack of access to behavioral health units for individuals experiencing an acute mental health crisis.
Melissa Eckstein, President, Unity Center for Behavioral Health said, “We’re pleased with the court’s decision, and we’re optimistic that this lawsuit will result in a much-needed course correction from the OHA. We originally took this action because the State of Oregon consistently violates the civil rights of vulnerable Oregonians by refusing to provide care intended to restore their freedom.”
Combined, the four hospital organizations operate more than half of the state’s psychiatric beds, which are designed only for short-term acute care. However, civilly committed patients in need of long-term treatment are not being transferred from the hospitals to more appropriate facilities as the law requires. Instead, many of these patients are forced to remain for weeks, months or longer in highly restrictive acute care settings without a treatment plan tailored to meet their mental health care needs.
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
“Community hospitals are not equipped, staffed or designed to provide long-term mental health care,” said Alicia Beymer, Chief Administrative Officer, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. “Despite the previous dismissal of our case, we felt duty-bound to appeal on behalf of the many vulnerable patients who are being denied appropriate care.”
“The court’s ruling allows us to continue pursuing legal action to ensure that there is a functional mental health system in Oregon,” said Robin Henderson, Chief Executive, Providence Behavioral Health. “Such a system and continuum of care must include secure residential treatment facilities, as well as effective community-based services to meet the various needs of this vulnerable patient population. Oregonians won’t be able to fully realize this system until the state begins living up to its legally mandated role.”
Is government the cause, the solution, or in the way?
Republican candidate for Oregon's 4th Congressional seat Monique DeSpain responded to Val Hoyle’s vote opposing HR 8580, which would fund Veterans Affairs and critical military programs while ending the current use of the Veteran Administration to pay for free healthcare for illegal migrants.
“Today, Val Hoyle chose partisan politics and illegal migrants over our precious military veterans to whom our nation owes so much,” stated DeSpain. “As a veteran and a retired Air Force Colonel who is deeply concerned by the clear and present national security crisis at the border, I am appalled by Val Hoyle’s thoroughly egregious vote to greenlight the Biden Administration’s looting of VA resources to pay for the chaotic border invasion that President Biden caused, and Congresswoman Hoyle repeatedly enabled.”
In her first term as our Representative, Val Hoyle has voted against fully funding veterans’ health care and benefits and voted to block pay raises for active-duty military personnel in July 2023. Earlier this year, Val Hoyle went to El Paso, TX, and praised open borders while lecturing her constituents who asked her, “Why don’t you just shut down the border?” explaining that “We need to have movement through the border and how much we need the workforce.” Seven weeks later, Texas National Guard Troops at an El Paso, TX checkpoint were overrun and assaulted by foreign military-aged males forcing their way into our country. These are the people Val wants to allow access to our limited veteran resources. In a slap to law enforcement, Hoyle recently voted against H.R.7343, the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act. Last week, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee moved Val Hoyle to its “frontline” list of vulnerable incumbents.
“After spending her entire time in Congress voting against any effort to hold the Biden Administration accountable for its catastrophic border policy and even lecturing her constituents that we ‘need this movement through the border,’ now she has voted to take resources Congress reserved for veterans, and instead she wants to fund free healthcare for illegal migrants invited by President Biden’s border policy,” said DeSpain.
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
“However, Val’s vote is worse than rubberstamping bad behavior by the Biden Administration. It is a real stab in the backs of my veteran brothers and sisters waiting to access often unreasonably delayed health treatments to which they are entitled - a dereliction of duty to our veteran constituents,” added DeSpain. “Our veterans and active duty should be at the top of our priority list, but Val has put them at the back of the line. They won’t forget. Neither will I, nor will the voters.”
“Val has cast numerous shocking votes at the expense of the citizens of our district, which has exposed who her true priority is - her radical special interest ‘open borders’ masters in Washington D.C.,” said DeSpain. “Now Val’s gone too far by victimizing our veterans. Blatantly corrupt, self-serving, hyperpartisan career politician Val Hoyle is at the heart of the dysfunction in our Nation’s Capitol. Perhaps it’s no surprise that her party bosses have put her on the list of incumbents most in jeopardy of defeat in 2024.”
“As a retired Air Force Colonel and lawyer, I know what fighting for our country and our communities looks like,” said DeSpain. “I am ready to deploy to Congress to make sure my 53,000 fellow 4th District veterans are the priority while still securing our borders by all means necessary and ending the public safety crisis of fentanyl, meth, human smuggling, and crime gripping the 4th District. It all starts with retiring Val Hoyle this November.”
Oregon made national news again – and not in a good way. A disturbing incident in Oregon has raised concerns about public indecency laws. A video of a father’s interaction with a Bend police officer went viral on social media after the man complained about a naked man approaching his 2-year-old son and the officer informed him it was legal.
The father shielded his child’s eyes and called 911, expecting swift action against the individual for indecent exposure. However, the responding officer surprised him by stating it is only a crime for an adult to expose his or her private parts to a minor when there is a sexual element to the act. But there is no law against the actual nudity exposure.
The video on tiktok shows a father asking officer Jeremy Avery with the Bend Police Department to explain why an arrest could not be made after his young child encountered a naked adult on the family’s private property.
The post has over 800,000 views waking people up to how the “letter of the law” is used to give freedom to perversion, but is ignored when people deserve freedom of speech and religion. Many replies asked who determines what gratification is.
Oregon law regarding naked exposure is outlined in ORS 163.465, which states that a person commits the crime of public indecency if, while in or in view of a public place, they perform an act that is intended to arouse or satisfy the sexual desire of any person. Indecent exposure is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,250.
What is considered public indecency? According to ORS 163.465, public indecency includes:
Exposing one’s genitals with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desire of any person.
Performing an act of sexual intercourse in a public place.
Engaging in any other act of sexual conduct in a public place.
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
While Oregon law does not explicitly prohibit public nudity, some cities and counties in Oregon have established their own laws regarding public nudity. Ordinances have been adopted, for example: Portland has a law that prohibits indecent exposure, which includes exposing one’s genitals in a public place. Lane County has a law that prohibits public nudity, except for certain events and activities that are specifically permitted.
Portland and Lane County have had incidents in the passed to instigate an ordinance. The wider the incidents the more likely state legislators will propose a law. Officer Jeremy Avery did concede that trespassing was a crime in Bend, although public nakedness was not.
Small doctor-owned clinics are being bought up by large corporations and private equity firms
Oregon Representative Ben Bowman (D-Tualatin) participated on a panel at a Salem City Club event about the rapid trend of corporations and private equity firms acquiring local medical practices. He writes, “In the last 10 years, there has been a 100,000% increase in private capital invested into primary care. The scale of that increase alone should give us all pause.”
Bowman reports, “Across our state and the country at large, small doctor-owned clinics are being bought up by large corporations and private equity firms. When you replace a locally-based physician owner with a private equity firm there are serious, negative consequences. Prices go up, quality of care declines, injuries increase, and physicians burn out. In short, worse care at higher prices.
We are seeing the harm of not acting in real-time.”
Bloomberg writer, Angelica Peebles, says, “Several large companies are also making a push towards primary care in an effort to control access to more expensive specialists and influence patients' treatments over time. For example, CVS Health plans to put doctors in up to 350 of its retail pharmacies…Walgreens Boots Alliance last year purchased a controlling stake in the primary care clinic chain VillageMD, which it previously partnered with to open new primary care clinics across the United States…health insurers are expanding their primary care capacities. UnitedHealth Group's Optum unit now has more than 60,000 physicians, around half of whom are in primary care… Humana plans to open 26 new primary clinics under its CenterWell brand this year and will add between 30 to 50 more annually.
According to Peebles, this interest in primary care is partly motivated by a shift in how medical care is paid for. Private health plans, as well as government programs like Medicare, are increasingly turning towards value-based payment, which links doctors' pay to patients' health outcomes, rather than volume-based payment. This change may increase the risk that profit motivation could eventually outweigh patients' best interests.
Bowman wants to bring legislation in 2025 that will address this growing problem. He sites thousands of patients in Eugene received letters informing them that their local clinic, the Oregon Medical Group, could no longer provide care for them. They would have to find a new doctor.
Independent Health News reports that UnitedHealth’s vehicle for growth – and more profits – is its Optum Health division. Observers say the consolidation could improve the quality of care — or lead to higher prices as the corporate owners exploit their greater control.
Since the purchase of Oregon Medical Group, close to 30 physicians have left the clinic and, due to the contracts they signed with United Health, were forced to either retire from the practice of medicine or leave the community they had made their home. Those leaving the clinic reported that UnitedHealth’s focus on efficiency and profit left them feeling disillusioned and unable to provide the best care for their patients.
Bowman also reports that Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations (CCO), are having very important and very-under-the-radar conversation going on around the Oregon Health Plan and CCO’s model serving Medicaid population. The goal of Oregon’s CCO model is to provide a coordinated service delivery model to promote physical, behavioral, and oral health.
CCO’s were established in 2012 and is thought to have bent the cost curve. The second round of “procurement” in 2020, CCOs were given contracts and performance metrics setting the goals for the entities that provide care to low-income families. The behind closed-door meetings are for a third round of procurement. This will likely be the largest procurement process the state has ever done according to Bowman. It involves investing millions of dollars to ensure Oregonians are well cared for, and how it is distributed, and what benchmarks are set for the entities who are awarded contracts.
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
Bowman releases his goals for legislation to enact the next procurement process:
Ensuring every Oregonian has access to a basic level of quality health care.
Incentivizing upstream investments in health that lower the cost of providing medical care in the long run.
Providing stability that ensures CCOs are rooted in the communities they serve.
Providing flexibility so that CCOs are able to innovate and build local partnerships that better serve the needs of the people they serve.
Ensuring there are clear accountability measures directly connected to the health outcomes of people and populations.
These sound oddly familiar to the Oregon State University 2023 Health Care Workforce Needs Assessment report done in accordance with HB 3261 for the Oregon Health Authority. It exposed a severe health care crisis and higher than expected, partially from burnout after the pandemic. The report recommended improved support for health care professionals, expand telehealth and integrated care models, and increase the use of community-based care providers like health interpreters and peer wellness specialists to connect on a more personal level with their local communities. Had this report been acted on, would the small doctor-owned clinics been saved?
Since voters passed the right to health care, Governor Kotek hasn’t supported the universal health care board proposed cost of $2 million plan. She says it’s costly and cited potential duplications. Kotek has prioritized behavioral healthcare in response to HB 4002. Oregonians shouldn’t be surprised that UnitedHealth is positioning their clinics to meet Kotek demands on cost reduction while expanding free care to non-insured non-residents, covered treatment for reproductive care (abortions and transitioning), the need for specialized behavioral health physicians, and the projected CCO procurement process to cover universal healthcare. It all adds up to unsustainable budgets and higher taxes.
A more disciplined approach to the budget would lessen the burden on taxpayers and improve economic stability
Oregon's June revenue forecast released by the Office of Economic Analysis indicates, despite big surpluses, significant economic challenges are ahead due to stagnant growth and high inflation. Republican leaders call for adopting a more disciplined approach to the state’s finances would help lessen the burden on taxpayers and improve economic stability.
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) said, “Across the state, Oregon families are having to tighten their budgets and make difficult choices as rising costs due to high inflation outpace their earnings. It’s time the state does the same. The latest revenue forecast indicates that the state has continued to take more than enough of our hard-earned tax dollars. The Legislature – like many of our friends and neighbors – must learn to live within its means.”
“As we navigate through this period of high inflation, rising costs, and stagnant growth, our caucus will continue to advocate for budgetary restraint to ensure the long-term viability of essential services. The Oregon Legislature must act. Soaring energy prices are an example of an inflationary pressure we can actually do something about. Through fiscal accountability and responsible spending, Senate Republicans offer policy
solutions that would provide tangible relief to working Oregonians and protect the financial well-being of all Oregon families.”
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
Inflation's effect on Oregonians doesn't seem to matter to Governor Tina Kotek. Government greed is the cause for inflation, and Kotek just keeps spending. Recently she proposed a $40 million investment to sustain container service at Port of Portland’s Terminal 6. This includes $35 million from her 2025-2027 budget that includes a $20 million invested into a capital program that supports ports with active container service. It is unclear where this money would go since it appears that Port of Portland Terminal 6 is the primary and could be the only container port in Oregon. The other $15 million will be dedicated to initial state funding for costs associated with the Lower Columbia River Channel Management Plan. However, only $5 million that she is requesting from the legislative Emergency Board will go to directly resolve the shortage at Terminal 6.
Kotek response on the forecast, “Oregon’s economy continues to be stable and productive. We have made meaningful progress on issues of top concern for Oregonians and worked to move our economy in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to partner with the legislature to focus on meeting people’s needs in every part of the state, from housing to safe schools to behavioral health services.”
“Make sure you’ve renewed your registration and put the decals on your boat correctly, or you could face a $265 citation.”
The Oregon State Marine Board, chaired by Laura Jackson, in partnership with 31 county sheriff’s offices and the Oregon State Police, will be looking for expired boat registrations and required equipment compliance on state waterways as part of “Operation Ship Shape.”
“Boat operators are required to have current registration decals on the bow of their boats and carry the Certificate of Number on board,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “Make sure you’ve renewed your registration and put the decals on your boat correctly, or you could face a $265 citation.”
Any boat powered by a motor – electric, gas, diesel, and all sailboats 12 feet and longer must be currently registered when on the water, even when docked or moored. This includes any kayaks and drift boats with an electric motor. Paulsen added, “Each current boat registration brings in additional federal funds which go back to boaters for program services.”
Motorboat registrations are valid for two calendar years and expire on December 31st of the second year. The cost for registration is $5.95 per foot rounded up, plus $5.
Paddlers with boats 10 feet and longer must carry a Waterway Access Permit. Three permit options are available: One week for $5, one calendar year for $17, and two calendar years for $30.
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
Boaters can renew their registration or purchase Waterway Access Permits through the agency’s Boat Oregon Store for the fastest service. After completing their online transaction, boaters with motorized boats can print off a temporary permit. Waterway Access Permits can be printed directly after purchase. Multiple purchases can be made under one online transaction. The agency’s online store has a $1.50 portal provider fee. If you need assistance online, please contact the Marine Board at marine.board@boat.oregon.gov or call 503-378-8587. There's also an online help page acclimating new users to the store.
Marine officers will also be looking for the required safety equipment. “Life jackets are the most important safety equipment boaters must carry, and there must be enough on board that fit every passenger,” Paulsen adds. “We’ve seen three years of declines in boating fatalities and want this year to be the safest on record. In 2023, 11 out of 13 victims were not wearing a life jacket, so find a life jacket you’ll wear for the type of boating you’re doing.”
For any titling and registration questions, visit Boat.Oregon.gov and click on the Title & Registration tab at the top of the page.
A K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal substances
Four Oregon State Police traffic stops along Interstate 5 have yielded significant drug seizures in the last month. Oregon State Troopers seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, PCP, and other illegal drugs bound for Oregon streets. The targeted operations are a collaboration among Oregon State Police patrol, K-9, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Investigation Team, and Criminal Apprehension through Patrol Enforcement programs.
OSP Capt. Kyle Kennedy said, “Oregon State Police is diligently working to stop the flow of illegal drugs to our communities. Fentanyl continues to have devasting effects on Oregon’s communities, and we hope the constant pressure will deter and prevent the transportation of illegal drugs to and through our state.”
On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 9:50 a.m., an OSP K-9 trooper stopped a vehicle on I-5 in Linn County for a traffic violation. During contact with the driver, the trooper suspected possible criminal activity. A K-9 was deployed around the outside of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of illegal substances. During a search of the vehicle, the trooper located 10,000 pills suspected to be laced with fentanyl in the vehicle’s trunk.
On May 14, 2024, at 1:13 p.m., an Oregon State Trooper from the Salem Patrol Office stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 near milepost 256 in Marion County. During the stop, the trooper observed contraband in the vehicle and suspicious behavior by the vehicle occupants.
During a consent search of the vehicle, the trooper located 4.6 pounds of fentanyl, 1 pound of PCP, 84 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 14.2 grams of cocaine.
The driver, Edgar Izaguirre Torres (33), whose city of residence is unknown, and the passenger, Marvin Fabian Oseguera Escoto (19) of Auburn, WA, were arrested for distribution of a controlled substance. Once the investigation is complete, additional charges will be referred to the prosecuting agency.
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
Oseguera Escoto was additionally arrested on a California warrant for distribution of a controlled substance.
On May 21, 2024, at 8:40 a.m., an OSP K-9 Trooper stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 northbound at milepost 148. The trooper contacted the vehicle occupants and noticed signs of criminal activity. The driver and passenger fled from the vehicle on foot. The trooper caught and detained both suspects a short distance from the vehicle.
The K-9 was deployed around the outside of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of illegal substances. A search warrant was granted, and 42,000 suspected fentanyl-laced pills and approximately 8 pounds of fentanyl powder were found inside the vehicle.
The driver, Lauro Parra Moreno (25) of Pittsburgh, CA, was arrested for misdemeanor elude, criminal trespass II, Possession of a controlled substance II, and Delivery of a controlled substance I. The passenger, Jesus Acosta Parra (20), of Pittsburgh, CA, was arrested for criminal trespass II, delivery of a controlled substance II, and possession of a controlled substance II.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available for release at this time.
On May 23, 2024, at approximately 11 a.m., an Oregon State Police K-9 Trooper stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 near milepost 225 in Linn County. The vehicle was occupied by an adult couple and their 6-month-old infant.
During a consent search of the vehicle, the trooper located 136 grams (about one-third of a pound) of fentanyl powder and mannitol, which is a common cutting agent for fentanyl. The fentanyl was located in the trunk of the vehicle near the baby’s formula and clothing.
The driver, Meslin Danexi Gamez Barrientos (30) of Oakland, CA, was arrested for possession and delivery of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a minor. The passenger, Maryori Estefani Ochoa Chapas (30) of Oakland, CA, was arrested for possession and delivery of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a minor.
The infant was placed in protective custody by the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Best interest means Oregon has a moral and upright standard
Julia Shumway wrote a good article in the Capital Chronicle on the Primary Republican election results and the shifting of styles. She writes, “No Senate Democrats faced primaries, and control of the chamber isn’t expected to change.” That may be the impression she gets from interviewing the defeated, coupled with a low turnout. But, don't forget, the largest block of voters have yet to weigh in.
The GOP senate is faced with more challenging races only because Democrat Senate president Rob Wagner barred several GOP senators from running for reelection by his biased application of policies – approving leave for Democrats that wasn’t approved for Republicans. Two of them gave notice of retirement.
What seemed to influence her article is political consultant Bryan Iverson, losing his campaign for Rep. Christine Goodwin to Noah Robinson, whom he called an “obstructionist” candidate. Iverson said, “In the Republican primaries, at least in southern Oregon, you see victories by the same hard-right-leaning candidates and not the everyday Republicans.” Maybe his campaign put Goodwin in a devious light, setting up a questionably phony residence, and creating a last-minute pro-gun organization to sway voters was more “obstructionist” than the opponent.
Iverson told Capital Chronicle, Josephine County – or at least the Republicans in the area who showed up to vote – made it clear they wanted a different style of candidate. “They want that brand of Republicans that are just obstructionist, basically. I think that they were pushing for that from the get-go, and that’s obviously how it turned out. That’s not what Chris wanted to represent, she wanted to represent those people and have a different way of going about it than I think Noah would, but that’s not what the people wanted.”
What Iverson complained about in District 2 certainly wasn’t the case in District 1 – where the “everyday Republicans” carried the status quo vote. David Brock Smith and challenger Todd Vaughn was the most visibly ugly campaign Oregon has seen in a long time. It was started by Brock Smith when he refused to respond to radio host Rob Taylor on his relation with a California donor who has ties to China. The implication angered Brock Smith, and he still hasn’t fully explained his relationship. He was then asked to justify his flip-flopping on the ocean windmill farm proposed off the coast of Coos County. The combination spearheaded an ugly campaign out to destroy each other leaving voters to figure out the truth amidst all the accusations. Brock Smith won by 57% of the vote, but you can be sure voters are watching whether he will flip again and support ocean windmill farms.
Iverson’s “obstructionist” candidate might define Diane Linthicum who beat Klamath County Commissioner Dave Henslee. Henslee seems to think that it’s all about the money. He said of Diane, “She completely supports Dennis Linthicum’s voting record, and in my opinion, his voting record hasn’t benefited our district. I was running for people and for our district, and to try to move the needle and do some really positive things for District 28, and unfortunately, the voters didn’t see it the same way I did.”
Henslee’s view is precisely why the vote for Greater Idaho is now 13 counties strong. They are tired of metro legislators being focused only on their districts and not looking out for the best interest. For the best interest of all Oregon, there needs to be a moral and upright standard for the entire state. In that there is no compromise. Dennis Linthicum would not lower his moral values to compromise even at the threat of his position.
Former House Republican Leader Mike McLane won District 30 to replace retiring Sen. Lynn Findley and is looking forward to meeting with Senator Daniel Bonham and Senate President Rob Wagner on policy decisions. He says, “During my time as a judge, I saw in the courtroom the consequences of policy passed in Salem, and it just shaped in me a view that perfection is often the enemy of the good.” His ultimate goal is to get something that works.
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
Todd Nash, Wallowa County Commissioner, won District 29 to replace retiring Sen. Bill Hansell representing northeast Oregon. His plans to meet with natural resource groups including the Oregon Farm Bureau and the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, may label him as an “obstructionist” according to Iverson. The attack that Democrat leadership is hurling at small farms will affect everyone, and voters can’t afford to ignore.
Other Senate races will have a steep battle against Democrat opponents, but more often than not, “obstructionist” candidates have received more voter attention from nonaffiliates than the status quo. It is the reason they chose not to register with a party. If voters remember that, “obstructionist” candidates will do well.
District 5: Dick Anderson(R) vs. Jo Beaudreau(D)
District 12: Bruce Staff (R) vs. Scott Hooper (D)
District 14: Shane Bolton (R) vs. Kate Lieber (D)
District 18: Brian Pierson (R) vs. Wlnsvey Campos (D)
District 22: Michael Saperstein (R ) vs Lew Frederick (D)
District 25: Raymond Love (R) vs. Chris Gorsek (D)
District 27: Michael Summers (R) vs. Anthony Broadman (D)
The public is invited to testify at each of the 12 stops
In March, public pushback caused Governor Tina Kotek to tell ODOT to halt tolling plans until January 2026. The Joint Committee on Transportation to the rescue with a plan to appease public opinion, they scheduled 12 meetings throughout the state. They announced that Portland Community College will be the venue for the first meeting of the Transportation Safety and Sustainability Outreach Tour.
"Safe, sustainable, multimodal transportation systems are of critical importance to local, regional, and even international travel and commerce between urban and rural communities," said Rep. Susan McLain (D-Hillsboro, Forest Grove and Cornelius), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “We’re working to ensure that all communities, all families, and all businesses are provided with choices that are safe, resilient, and sufficient to meet transportation needs.”
Sen. Chris Gorsek (D-Troutdale), co-chairs of the Joint Committee said, "Each stop on this tour is going to give us a greater perspective of the transportation needs in Oregon and how best to tackle the structural challenges we are facing."
The first public hearing will be held on June 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Portland Community College Cascade Campus Moriarty Auditorium at 705 N. Killingsworth Street. It will also be available via livestream. Members of the public interested in testifying can register in person starting 30 minutes before the meeting begins. The committee will also hear remote testimony if time permits, if registered, and written testimony can be submitted via email to JCT.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov.
Preceding the meeting, members of the committee will take a guided trip of transportation facilities in the Portland metro area at noon, and hold a roundtable discussion at 2:30 p.m., which will help them understand the transportation needs of that region through the expertise and lived experience of local partners and officials. A full agenda of the day with registration information.
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 objective of the tour is to gain perspectives and gather information to inform legislators as they develop a plan in the 2025 session to maintain critical infrastructure, complete work on major projects, and guarantee the safety and diversity of transportation systems across the state.
Tour locations and dates (venues to be announced later):
Downtown Portland - Tuesday, June 4
Tillamook - Tuesday, June 18
Albany - Tuesday, July 16
Eugene - Wednesday, July 17
Coos Bay - Wednesday, August 7
Medford - Thursday, August 8
Ontario - Wednesday, August 28
Hermiston - Thursday August 29
Bend - Thursday, September 12
The Dalles - Friday, September 13
Happy Valley - Thursday, September 26
Hillsboro - Friday, September 27
The committee is vice-chaired by Sen. Brian Boquist (R - rural Polk and Yamhill counties) and Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R - Albany, Millersburg, and Tangent). The full membership of the committee can be viewed on olis.oregonlegislature.gov.
Cutting DEI could salvage Oregon’s education system
The Oregon Association of Scholars, an affiliate of the National Association of Scholars, released Issue Brief 13 examining the costs and reach of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bureaucracies at the three largest public universities in Oregon.
The brief reports that public universities, Oregon State (OSU), Portland State (PSU), and University of Oregon (UO), in 2020 were spending an average of $1.7 million per year in annual costs for salary and benefits for DEI Vice Presidents and an average of 19 full-time staff for each DEI office. The DEI offices for all three universities expanded their investment to a shocking $7,255,758. This has contributed to nearly $3,000 increase in tuition costs for the same period. The brief asks “the question of what the universities, the students, potential employers, and the people of Oregon are getting out of these large investments and the concomitant hyper-intense institutional focus.”
A Heritage Foundation study measured an average of 4.6 exclusive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) personnel are at major public state universities for every 100 faculty members. The study reported that DEI staff and departments urge students to embrace radical leftwing ideologies, including that people should be treated differently due to their race. The study showed DEI bureaucracies are better understood as an academic version of a political commissariat that articulates and enforces an ideological orthodoxy on campus.
In a U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, the ruling chipped away at all DEI-based discrimination. The orthodoxy tends to make many groups of people feel unwelcome, promotes division, and encourages conformity rather than diversity on various social and political issues. Lawyers tried to argue that there is ‘good discrimination’ and ‘bad discrimination’, that white people should be purposely disadvantaged to pave the way for diversity. The lawyers stated that the court's decision will complicate DEI programs and limit their ability to discriminate against white men.
The financial costs are substantial and on their own raise questions of the utility and necessity of the DEI apparatuses, particularly with the high and continually growing costs of college. There are also questions and issues far beyond the financial costs that should cause the public and the universities to seriously consider a need to down-size or eliminate the DEI bureaucracies and its framework. Heritage analysts found that student surveys exposed the worse campus climates they have measured.
The brief states, “As the costs of college tuition continue to grow, mostly unabated, any expense that is not essential to the operation of a university, whether as a research institution or teaching students to develop knowledge and skills in their areas of study, should be heavily scrutinized. The cost of these DEI leviathans is far greater than the financial one. The loss of public trust in institutions, while difficult to quantify, is very real and the bean-counting style fixation on the distribution of identity characteristics in what should be serious institutions of inquiry and scholarship only further erodes public confidence. The level of influence of DEI dogmatism and its champions raises the serious question of if the universities themselves have wandered from the legislatively defined purposes for which they were established.”
The public university system does not exist to pursue partisan political goals or whatever mission a university may wish to adopt. “Our universities, which are supposed to serve as strongholds of rational inquiry, the unapologetic pursuit of truth, and the abrogation of fads, appear to have thrown caution and evidentiary standards to the wind as they repurposed hitherto world-class institutions in furtherance of the dogmas of “Critical Social Justice”.”
There are laws that set their overall mission and goals and the fundamental shift in direction made by DEI ideology does not align with their defined purpose. The brief states that the ideological framework that underlies DEI flows out of Neo-Marxist doctrine of Critical Race Theory (CRT), which is being pushed into K-12 schools, and fundamentally at odds with traditional civil rights discourse and the enlightenment-based ethos which is supposed to be at the heart of the university. It is not possible for a university to simultaneously embrace a framework that calls for fundamental changes to our social and political systems and remain aligned with the goal of creating an educated citizenry that can support responsible roles in a democratic society.
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
Additionally the brief states, there is no solid evidentiary basis that DEI implemented at the lowest level through training produces positive results. Some research has shown that they have the opposite effect of what they are advertised to do and actually increase prejudices and social tensions. A fundamental change in institutional direction at a university should be based on firmly established evidence, not untested ideological fads. Oregonian’s have a deep connection to our public universities and these institutions should honor that by returning to their core mission.
The brief concludes that these are public universities which receive taxpayer funding from the people of Oregon while claiming to serve broad, non-sectarian, interests. Alas, it is difficult to see these agendas as anything but serving narrow political ends through the implementation of unevidenced practices.
Universities tend to drive the agenda for public schools in preparation for higher education. The Heritage Foundation’s Education Freedom Report Card reported waste in the growth of non-teaching staff, particularly “chief diversity officers.” In public schools, Oregon employs 0.76 teachers for every non-teacher.
The Oregon Business Industry brief reported that Oregon funds education at an above-average level, yet student test scores are among the nation's worst." In the above average funding that doesn't account for the added CAT tax, businesses invest heavily in education and want their tax dollars spent effectively. "The disconnect between educational funding and performance is a competitive double-whammy for the state. Raising taxes on businesses substantially has eroded Oregon’s competitiveness. A continued failure to parlay this additional revenue into educational quality will erode its competitiveness further, and businesses will respond by avoiding or leaving Oregon. This will cost the state jobs, tax revenue and prosperity."
Teacher salaries are also above average, still teacher unions blame low academic results on underpaid teachers. Bending to union demands awarding above average pay raises has put school districts in the awkward position of needing deep cuts. Cutting DEI at all levels could go a long way to salvaging Oregon’s education system and benefit the economy.
In honor of great men and women who gave their all
The 142nd Wing out of Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Oregon will conduct Memorial Day flyovers for ceremonies at locations throughout northwest Oregon and southwest Washington.
The 142nd Wing Base employs 1,500 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region. The 142nd Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border through their Aerospace Control Alert mission as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequaled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.
“We support the Memorial Day flyovers to honor the great men and women who have given their all in defense of this great nation,” said Lt. Col. Brad Young, 142nd Wing instructor pilot and 142nd Operations Support Squadron Commander. “We hope that conducting the requested flyovers from community organizations is additive to their ceremonies commemorating those who have lost their lives in service to this nation.”
The F-15 Eagle fighter jets are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the following community locations at, or around, the designated times on Monday, 27 May:
10:25 a.m. Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Ore.
10:38 a.m. Wasco, Ore.
10:51 a.m. Forest Lawn Cemetery, Gresham, Ore.
10:53 a.m. Glenmoore Gracious Living, Happy Valley, Ore.
11:03 a.m. Timber Linn Memorial Park, Albany, Ore.
11:05 a.m. Corvalis, Ore.
11:15 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, Beaverton, Ore.
11:16 a.m. Fir Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Hillsboro, Ore.
11:17 a.m. Forest View Cemetery, Forest Grove, Ore.
11:17 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, North Plains, Ore.
11:21 a.m. Vancouver National Historic Reserve, Vancouver, Wash.
11:38 a.m. Depoe Bay, Ore.
All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 400 mph airspeed. Flights could be canceled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.
Photo Caption: Oregon Air National Guard F-15C Eagles, assigned to the 142nd Fighter Wing prepare for an afternoon training mission as part of dissimilar aircraft combat training (DACT) on Aug. 13, 2019, at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. The Oregon Airmen are training with U.S. Navy F-18F Super Hornet from VFA-41 squadron, based out of Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., during two-weeks of DACT exercises. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)
Oregon District 2 Representative Cliff Bentz is the only Oregon legislator to vote "nay" on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to temporarily halt enforcement of its new rule re-defining who is considered to be "engaged in the business” of dealing firearms under federal law.
"The new ATF rule states that individuals are engaged in firearms-related business requiring licensure if the ATF determines they are acting 'predominantly to earn a profit'.” The old rules allowed private individuals to loan firearms to friends and family members or to sell their firearms to individuals without necessarily having to transact through a licensed firearms dealer.
Pro-gun states (not Oregon) argued the new rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). They contend that it goes beyond the executive branch agency’s authorization from Congress to set regulations.
The federal government argued that it derived the authority using the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) in June 2022. They say the definition includes firearms-related business as activity where the intent is to earn a profit. If “intent” is all that is required, then ATF can determine anything they want it to mean. The court will hear further arguments on June 2.
In the meantime, a county in Arizona is being sued over its plans to impose $1,000 fines on victims of crimes when their stolen firearm is used in a crime, and they fail to report it fast enough to authorities.
These two cases are wrapped up in Oregon’s SB 554 passed in 2021. This law levies fines for failure to report a stolen gun with a serial number – you can be held responsible for any crime committed with guns that have been stolen from you, and your liability when you lawfully transfer a firearm is exponentially higher. In addition, under this law, you need to keep any gun you are not carrying locked up and useless, your rights to allow a minor to use one of your firearms are now extremely restricted and complicated by conflicting language, and you may no longer carry a firearm with a concealed handgun license in the Portland Airport Terminal, in the state capitol building and the grounds of any school that chooses to make its property off limits. There remains ongoing debate over contradicting language within the bill and what proponents said it would do.
SB 554 was passed during antifa and black lives matter riots, which clearly was not about “lawful self-defense.” When legislators embellished local communities with six million federal dollars through the bribery of Tina Kotek, Republican lawmakers caved and locked up their firearms and told you to do the same. Voters can't depend on courts to correct poor voting choices or that courts will protect second amendment rights.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, under the direction of Leah Feldon, has announced it has opened a waiting list for the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program. Applicants who purchase or lease eligible vehicles through June 3, 2024, still have up to six months from the date of that purchase or lease to apply for state rebates. However, high demand and limited funding mean approved applicants are now placed on a waiting list to receive rebates in early spring 2025.
Electric vehicles purchased or leased before April 3, 2024, or on or after June 4, 2024, do not qualify for state rebates, but may still qualify for federal tax credits. They will not be placed on a waiting list for rebates at a later date.
DEQ offers two rebates. Oregon residents, businesses, non-profits and government agencies may apply for one or both of the following:
Standard Rebate: Up to $2,500 for the purchase or lease of a new eligible battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new eligible zero-emission ?motorcycle. This rebate is open to all applicants.
Charge Ahead Rebate: Up to $7,500 for the purchase or lease of a new eligible battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or $5,000 for the purchase or lease of a used eligible battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. This rebate is open to low- and moderate-income households with a total household income of less than 400% of the federal poverty guideline. To determine Charge Ahead Rebate eligibility, check DEQ’s Income Eligibility Calculator.
“The good news is we are seeing more people than ever accessing the program, especially for our Charge Ahead Rebate for low- and moderate-income households," said DEQ Transportation Strategies Section Manager Rachel Sakata. "The overwhelming response to the electric vehicle rebate program shows a strong desire among those living in Oregon to embrace cleaner transportation, highlighting the need for continued and expanded support. We acknowledge the brief open window and being placed on the waiting list for next spring are problems for many who want to make the transition from a gas to an electric vehicle now. We are working with our state, local and federal partners to find ways to continue to support this critical work.”
Several state agencies and public electric utilities offer savings on EV purchases or charging infrastructure. The Go Electric Oregon website lists available incentives and provides helpful information for potential electric vehicle buyers and lessees.
Small garden farms are closing over required water permits
The attack on small farms first came to light when Sarah King’s small dairy ran foul of Oregon Department of Agriculture’s reinterpretation of confined animal feeding operations. Oregon has a special permitting process that typically applies to housing hundreds and even thousands of animals, as mismanaging water can have a serious impact on the local environment. For years, the state did not interpret these regulations as applying to small farms like Sarah’s. But now Oregon wants to regulate small farms like large commercial dairies.
The Institute for Justice reported that the change in interpretation to the law came from large commercial dairies insisting that small dairies somehow have a “competitive advantage” over big ones—that is, that they don’t have to install expensive infrastructure to manage waste. IJ is supporting four small farmers in a lawsuit in Sarah King v. Oregon Department of Agriculture filed on January 24, 2024, to save small dairy farms from large commercial farm requirements.
As the lawsuit plays out, the COFA is on hold while trying to work out a solution. In the meantime, they take aim at small garden farmers that supply farmers markets and neighbors with fresh produce. You would think they learned from COFA that consequences make the Governor look bad, or maybe it was Kotek’s idea to expand the target.
The news started to spread when 24 farmers in District 2, covering Southern Willamette Valley, received letters. Now District 1 is receiving the same letter requiring them to file for a commercial water permit. These small farms cannot produce gardens without water, which means the state is shutting them down despite their refusal to acknowledge it.
Oregon has slowly been changing from a small business state to a large commercial controlled state. While the legislature bends over backward towards diversity and equity for minorities, it now appears to be a front for grooming them for large commercial jobs since small business opportunities are drying up in over regulation.
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
Mike McCord, head of Northwest Water District said, “officials use aerial photography, complaints from neighbors, and in-the-field observation to find potential violations. New funding in 2021 allowed the state to hire more staff for enforcement.” Was this funding intended to be used against hard working Oregonians while illegal cartel operations are stealing lots of water?
Illegal cartel operations ran the stream dry in the small town of Williams drying up wells. Oregon produces 1,200 pounds of legal cannabis per year. Cannabis is the most water-intensive crop grown in Oregon, so why aren't illegal operations their target? A formula derived from canvassing numerous cannabis cultivators suggests that one gallon of water per day is needed to produce one pound of cured cannabis flower buds. An average one-eighth acre, 100 pounds of plants, would use 24,000 gallons per growing season.
It comes down to water rights. For a water permit, there is no small amount permit for garden farms. Permits are geared towards large commercial operations. A ground permit for water is over $3,000, plus a costly study proving sufficient water levels even though most are using wells.
Oregon is 35 in rain precipitation and 27 in population use so there shouldn’t be the shortage, but Oregon hasn’t done a study to know what the best practices should be. Under the proposed new rules, the state requires the applicant to provide the proof that “groundwater levels are stable enough in their area to support a new permit, meaning if an applicant is unable to provide enough data on whether groundwater levels in the area are stable, the application will likely get denied.” This changes a five-year policy of automatically permitting even if data is uncertain, to a default ‘no’ if water levels are not proved to be sufficient.
These studies are beyond the financial ability for small farmers with a couple of animals or a half-acre garden even if water levels are known to be more than sufficient. Big corporations can easily self-certify with their experts, ultimately creating a monopoly by wiping out small and mid-size farms.
Greg Kupillas, hydrogeologist at Oregon Ground Water Association, a trade group representing commercial scale water users said, “the rules will stunt economic development.” Is it productive to give environmental groups control? If Governor Kotek cared about small farmers, why does she not change the course of the proposed rules?
Oregon Legislative Referral 403 (HB 2004)is a referral to voters to consider Ranked-Choice Voting at the upcoming November 2024 General Election. The petitioner, James Sasinowski, challenged the ballot title, asserting non-compliance with requirements set out in ORS 250.035(2). LR 403 would amend ORS chapter 254 to require ranked choice voting for certain elections and would permit local governments to adopt ranked-choice voting in their elections.
The ballot title for LR 403 was prepared by a joint legislative committee and filed with the Secretary of State. Sasinowski challenged all parts of the ballot title, arguing that the word "majority" was used inaccurately and without proper context. He contended that "majority of votes" suggests that a candidate has received the majority of total votes cast, but in operation, ranked-choice voting can produce a winner who does not receive that type of "majority" vote.
The Oregon Supreme Court, in docket case S070879, agreed with Sasinowski in part. The court found that the caption of the ballot title for LR 403 did not reasonably identify the subject matter of the measure and required modification. The court also agreed that the "yes" result statement in the ballot title for LR 403 did not substantially comply with ORS 250.035(2)(b) and required modification. However, the court disagreed with the petitioner that the "no" result statement and the summary in the ballot title for LR 403 required modification. The court concluded that the caption and "yes" result statement in the joint legislative committee’s ballot title for LR 403 required modification and referred the ballot title to the Attorney General for modification.
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
Judge Garrett summarizes how ranked-choice voting will work. “As defined in LR 403, ranked-choice voting would permit—but not require—a voter to rank on their ballot multiple candidates and write-in candidates, in order of the voter’s preference. Each cast ballot would be counted as one vote for each voter’s “highest-ranked active candidate.” Ballots then would be tallied in rounds; if an active candidate were to receive a majority of votes cast in the first round, then that candidate would be elected (or nominated, as applicable). Id. § 4(2)(a), (b)(A). But, if no active candidate were to amass a majority of votes, then (1) the candidate with the fewest votes would be defeated (and so no longer would be an active candidate); (2) the votes that had been counted for that defeated candidate would be “transferred to each ballot’s next highest-ranked active candidate”; and (3) a new round of tallying would begin. Id. § 4(2)(b)(B). That same process would continue until an active candidate amassed a majority of votes in a final round of tallying. Id.”
The question of what “majority” means is the majority of votes counted for active candidates in the final round of tallying, as opposed to the majority of total votes cast. In each round of tabulation some voters won't receive equal voting rights eliminating their second, third, etc. votes from being counted. The more candidates that run for a seat, the more likely a second or third choice candidate could win.
“Round” means an instance of the sequence of voting tabulation. This goes directly back to the case of Washington County vs. Tim Sippel in which Washington County was joined by Attorney General, Ellen Rosenblum, and the Secretary of State Shemia Fagan to prevent the release of the voting SQL zip files saying the public has no interest or need to know. The SQL files are the tests run on the machine's tabulation prior to the elections to see that the machines are operating correctly. It takes data from various tables it has access to, and it can manipulate that data to come up with an answer according to its protocol.
The 2024 legislature took it in their hands to remove public certification tests on voting machines in SB 1538, which went into effect March 27, 2024. The Gartner evaluation stated the system was not qualified to meet the standards to be used for the 2024 election, but here we are, voting on LR 403 with no way to test or challenge a system completely dependent on computer tabulators. The voters need answers and a voting system that works fairly and not a run around to avoid transparency.
The declining test scores are only the canary in the coal mine
Editor's note: This is the third of a multi-part series on the role of DEI in the decline of public education
Previous parts in this series described the systems in place to hold back excellence. The result of all this is crystal clear: workers and students will lower their effort levels to match those at the lowest level. Teachers and employers will adjust their grading and performance reviews to hide differences -- first to satisfy the ideologues, and then to hide the declining output.
It gets worse. The instruction doesn’t just decline as student effort declines, which would happen naturally -- why should a teacher break themselves trying to get performance out of students who are just not motivated? But there are now many teachers who are products of the college indoctrination mentioned above, who are motivated to pass on their poisonous ideology by teaching that the country is systemically racist and corrupt, and that the youth must join and support them in tearing it down. They instruct that there is no need to work or act responsibly because the system is rigged and they will fail anyway, and since all of the younger generation will probably die of climate change within their lifetimes, there really isn’t any reason to do anything but destroy everything. This indoctrination takes the place of instruction in the sciences, languages and arts that was previously practiced.
Again this is only a subset of teachers. But they exist, they are teaching, and this poisoning of the dreams and the self-worth of the youth is the most vile thing I have seen in my life.
It gets even worse. The equality demanded does not just apply to performance. It also applies to behavior.
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
In previous times, students who were disruptive were removed from the classroom so as to not interfere with the learning of the rest. They were put in more controlled environments as either detention or instruction with a higher teacher to student ratio and more control of behavior. If they were found to be a physical danger to others they were suspended or expelled. Now, these corrective measures are not allowed if there is any appearance that they are affecting one identifiable group of students more than other groups, particularly when that group is identifiable by race.
So students have learned that if they can claim racial discrimination they can not only demand grades above what they have objectively earned, they can get away with any level of destructive behavior because if there is any indication that a school is punishing, detaining, suspending or expelling members of one race more than others, lawsuits will follow and compliant judges await to award damages. These damages flow to the parents of the destructive student, awarding the very parental failure that created the problem and incentivizing other parents and students to act destructively in order to reap monetary reward.
The tools available to those who would practice this destructive plunder are intentionally increased. In the most recent years, gender identification has joined race as a class which can be discriminated against. The Portland (Oregon) Public Schools bargaining agreement reached after the one-month teachers’ strike of November 2023 requires school officials to consider a disruptive student's race, gender identity, and sexual orientation when crafting that student's disciplinary plan. That plan "must take into consideration the impact of issues related to the student's trauma, race, gender identity/presentation, sexual orientation...and restorative justice as appropriate for the student." Restorative justice calls for the aggressor and the victim to be both treated as victims, virtually eliminating consequences.
The new disciplinary policy also eliminates mandatory suspensions for students who threaten or harm others—now, those students may only be removed from their classroom, not from school altogether.
So now all a kid has to do is claim minority status on the basis of gender ideology, and they cannot be punished or excluded no matter what. They can choose not to work and can engage in any behavior whatsoever, without consequence.
Kids will be kids, and they will take advantage of this. Not all of them, but enough to ruin it for the others.
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 result is that not only have students learned that extra effort will not be rewarded with better grades and low effort will not be met with failing grades, and not only have their minds been poisoned with an apocalyptic ideology, they have learned that they will get away with previously inexcusable behavior from swearing at teachers to destroying property and up to and including actual physical violence. So they yell, swear, turn over furniture and destroy the learning environment for the other students who do want to learn and for the teachers who just want to teach. The teachers become weary of trying to control kids in their classes when they know their efforts will not be followed by corrective measures by the administration, and slowly accept the chaos as the new norm or leave the teaching profession.
The declining test scores are only the canary in the coal mine.
“They charge any opposition with racism or discrimination”
Editor's note: This is the second of a multi-part series on the role of DEI in the decline of public education
The ideology alluded to in part one of this series doesn’t accept actual diversity in student achievement. For many reasons originating from their own experiences and resulting emotional states, there are those who don’t just feel it is unfair that some will not do as well as others, they in fact feel deeply emotionally troubled that there are differences in outcomes, standards of living and quality of life.
For most of human history these people had no way to rectify their discomfort and had to simply live with it. But that changed with the civil rights laws of the 1960’s. These laws were indeed benevolent in their intent, aiming to right the wrongs which had been perpetrated on minority communities, particularly African-Americans. Though slavery had been abolished five generations earlier, discrimination based on race had continued in some parts of the U.S. and Americans had decided it was time to ensure this came to an end everywhere. The civil rights laws of the 1960’s intended to guarantee everyone an equal opportunity regardless of race, creed, color or sex.
If they had only had this effect, all would have been well.
Unfortunately there were those who saw this as an opportunity to leverage the law to further their personal ideology. They saw that they could use these laws to not only guarantee equal opportunity, but to force equal outcomes, thus assuaging their personal emotional needs. They would claim that wherever differences appeared in workers’ pay, it was not due to differences in performance of the worker but was rather evidence of discrimination. They would claim that where there were differences in workers’ performance reviews it was not due to differences in performance, but discrimination. And wherever there were differences in students’ grades, this had to be discrimination.
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
For a time, they failed when evidence was presented that the pay or the grades were in fact based on objective evidence of differences in effort and performance. But rather than accept that, they set about changing the people who were making those determinations, whether they were employers or teachers. They also set about changing who the judges were who would ultimately decide the inevitable court cases. They first took over the universities and law schools, carefully recruiting like-minded individuals and placing them in positions to indoctrinate impressionable young adults by instructing that the world is only just when everyone enjoys success, regardless of any difference in ability or effort.
These young adults became employers, teachers and judges decades later. They also became parents. This is where we find ourselves today. Though they are a subset of people, their views a minority, they have a presence in both the community as parents and within school administration and staff. They also now have the law on their side, which they continue to change to more quickly serve their ideology anywhere that voters are either apathetic or ideologically aligned with them.
Opposing them is very difficult as they charge any opposition with racism and/or discrimination, which immediately brings about feelings of guilt and can even win in court with scant evidence of any actual discrimination, due to judges whose interpretation of the law and its intent is compromised by their own personal ideology.
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 way this manifests in schools is that students who would have previously failed must be given passing grades. More insidiously, those who previously excelled must be prevented from doing so because their success also creates a contrast. There is actually a movement to eliminate ‘talented and gifted’ school programs. This defies common sense; we all benefit from having the inventors and leaders of tomorrow turbo-charged by being challenged to their potential. But the emotional needs of the ideologues is stronger than their logic: this benefit to all can only be allowed if it occurs within a system where everyone benefits equally at every stage and in every place. That being impossible because people will always be different, excelling will simply not be allowed.
With these systems in place, the desire to work harder and excel is squashed. Why work harder when everyone will get the same grade, and the same pay?
US Supreme Court rules 9-0 in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis in a landmark decision that undercut all DEI-based discrimination, putting a wedge in the progressive’s agenda. The US Supreme Court ruled that a St. Louis police sergeant can sue over a job transfer she claims was discriminatory lays the foundation for legal action against employers who push discrimination against white people in job hiring, work assignment and promotion. Those “diversity-preferred” job postings, the practice of passing over whites for promotions, discriminatory job transfers, pushing unfair diversity trainings, etc., all of these are now legally actionable.
Lawyers tried to argue that there is ‘good discrimination’ and ‘bad discrimination’, that white people should be purposely disadvantaged to pave the way for diversity. The lawyers claimed that this case will complicate DEI programs and limit their ability to discriminate against white men.
The Supreme Court overruled these claims, re-asserting that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. The court also established a ‘low standard’ for bringing discrimination cases. The victim need not suffer ‘actual harm,’ only show “some harm” under the terms of their employment, and that harm need not be “material, substantial or serious.” The decision makes it much easier for workers to sue over discriminatory practices.
Oregon's efforts to diversify its teaching workforce date back to 1991 with passage of the Minority Teacher Act, renamed the Educator Equity Act in 2015. In 2013, the number of minority teachers, including administrators, employed by school and education service districts would be approximately proportionate to the number of minority students enrolled in the state's schools was added. According to the 2019 Educator Equity Report, in the 2018-2019 school year, over 38 percent of Oregon's K-12 students were considered ethnically diverse, while only 10 percent of its teachers were.
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
HB 4031, passed in 2022, adds state goals to match diverse Department of Education employees with the percentage of diverse students. To accomplish these goals, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission awards scholarships of $10,000 to culturally and linguistically diverse teacher candidates to use at approved educator preparation providers. The state's educator preparation providers are instructed to train on CRT and sexual orientation.
The equity agenda of state leadership is stifling the education process and dumbing down students in their effort to push an unfair diversity agenda that is now legally actionable. This is a big win for equality.
Government waste compounded by the schools being a monopoly
Editor's note: This is the first of a multi-part series on the role of DEI in the decline of public education
Education has been on the decline in the U.S. for some decades now. School districts and teachers unions demand ever more cash even while academic scores continue to decline.
There are two main causes. The smaller of the two is simple economics; government waste compounded by the schools being a monopoly. It’s simply human nature to be less careful with someone else’s money than with your own, so there will naturally be inefficiency in schools as there is throughout government because it runs on OPM – other peoples’ money. There will also be fraud when public treasury funds are available to plunderers and those lacking a moral compass will take advantage whenever they can. Moreover, the fact that the neighborhood public school is a monopoly -- the only choice for many families, allows it to slack off on performance while retaining the guarantee of continued funding.
If this were the only cause, the correction would not be so daunting. External forces made up of the community of taxpayers and parents naturally applies pressure for performance, and within the schools are teachers who knew they were going into a line of work that would not make them rich and they did so anyway because they love kids and love to teach. These pressures can to a degree counteract the greed and carelessness of some administration and union leaders.
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 larger cause is much harder to correct as it has been carefully planned and placed and isn’t made up of just a few people whose actions are more easily discovered, but is rather an ideology that has infected the minds of millions, including members of both the community and the school apparatus -- unions, administrators and even some teachers. The discussion of this ideology is for another time and place. Here we will focus only on its effect on schools.
In addition to the inefficiency and the carelessness, this ideology creates an additional pressure to directly lower performance. Further, this pressure comes from all sides. Thankfully from a minority of those on all sides but it is very difficult to counteract because it is constructed to appear benevolent. Those opposing it are made to feel guilt, a powerful human emotion. So it has continued to spread.
Throughout human history, educators have been keenly aware that students come to them with a spectrum of abilities and desires. Some are voracious learners who excel while demanding ever more challenge. Most are somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, doing what is assigned but lacking focus as they try to find and define where their strengths and interests lie. Then there are those who want to learn but struggle with various barriers from cognitive issues such as dyslexia to emotional factors, and finally there are those with more serious issues who cannot be convinced to care about their own future or well-being and are not able to put forth any effort.
Educators have developed systems to meet each type of learner with a program designed to address their particular place and learning style, with the goal of providing the greatest overall benefit to all students. The fast learners are challenged, keeping them focused and on a path toward being the inventors and leaders of tomorrow. The average are assisted with identifying their strengths and encouraged to find their focus and passion. Those with disabilities are provided the specialized assistance to help them overcome their barriers and to feel the beauty of the satisfaction of achievement.
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
Those who do not wish to learn are helped as much as possible, but correcting their mental-emotional state, which took years to form in dysfunctional and even sometimes abusive households, is a truly monumental task and requires a skill set quite outside the realm of what educators do. It moves into the realm of the psychologist. Schools do in fact employ psychologists, but correcting issues which took years to form would similarly take years to resolve, is so time consuming that it would require a 1x1 ratio of psychologists to students with issues, and doing so while the pressures of the home continue to exacerbate the issue is simply not possible.
As nice as the thought is that we can “fix” these kids, it’s simply not possible. The best a school psychologist can do is to help the child feel some self-worth and somehow convince the child to focus on the long-term. But as the area of the brain responsible for this type of thinking does not fully form until sometime in the 20’s, the psychologist faces a truly daunting task.
So, inherent in the system is the understanding that there will always be some A students, some C students and some F students. This is the nature of the human race and cannot be altered with anything less than a massive investment of resources that no one is willing or able to make.
Secretary of State remains silent over ballot delays
Oregon House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) is calling for the Secretary of State to appear before the Rules Committee for a hearing on May 31 to answer questions about the chain of custody issues surrounding the return of
completed ballots.
Earlier this week, county clerks and the Secretary of State (SOS) engaged with the US Postal Service to
determine why the USPS held up completed, mail-in ballots instead of turning them into the elections offices. Despite multiple inquiries, the SOS has failed to answer precisely how many ballots were affected, how many counties were affected, and what election
officials are doing to prevent the problem from happening in the future.
“Oregonians deserve to have full faith and trust in our elections system, and it is the
Secretary of State’s job to establish and maintain that faith and trust,” said Helfrich.
“However, as of this writing, the Secretary of State’s office has yet to share precise
details of both the problems that occurred and the planned remedy. The people of
Oregon deserve answers in full view of the public to these fundamental questions.”
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 following letter was sent to House Democrat leadership.
Dear Speaker Fahey and Chair Bowman:
As Vice-Chair of the House Rules Committee, I am requesting that you invite the Oregon
Secretary of State to the committee hearing on Friday, May 31, 2024. In light of the recent
issues arising over completed ballots not being delivered to county elections offices by the
United States Postal Service, I feel it is necessary to hear directly from the Secretary of State.
Oregonians deserve to have full faith and trust in our elections system, and it is the Secretary of
State’s job to establish and maintain that faith and trust. Even today, as I write this letter, the
Secretary of State is using the hashtag #TrustedInfo2024 on social media. However, as of this
writing, the Secretary of State’s office has yet to share any details or plan to prevent these same
delays in the November general election. How can we trust their silence?
In a recent Oregon Public Broadcasting article, Molly Woon, the state’s elections director said
“In no uncertain terms, they [USPS representatives] have said, ‘We will fix this. This should not
be happening.’ We continue to have complete faith in the vote-by-mail system.” I look forward to
hearing how the SOS and USPS will fix this. Unless I hear a specific plan to prevent similar
delays, I find it hard to blindly have the same “complete faith” in the vote-by-mail system.
At a bare minimum, we wish to hear answers to the following questions:
How many ballots were affected and which counties experienced delays?
Specifically, what actions were taken to remedy the current situation?
How will the SOS ensure these same delays don’t occur for the November election?
I look forward to receiving an update from the Secretary of State during a House Rules
Committee hearing.
Despite the pullback of auto manufacturers producing electric vehicles; east coast wind projects face cancelation and delays due to a supply chain crunch and high interest rates; and with all the environmental trash that windmills and solar panels create, including fowl carnage, Oregon leadership keeps pushing electric energy while eliminating fossil fuels, which is needed to produce electricity.
Portland General Electric (PGE) has filed a general rate increase to electricity rates. PGE provides electric service to approximately 920,000 Oregon customers. The filing requests an increase of overall revenues by $202 million or approximately 7.4% for all customer types combined. If approved, residential single-family customers using an average of 886 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month would see a bill increase of $11.33 (7.2%). For a residential customer in a multi-family home using an average of 590 kWh per month, bills would increase by $8.23. Oregon’s bread and butter small businesses are scheduled for the largest increase of 9.4%, large commercial rate increase is 7.4% and industrial rate increase is 4.2%. Actual percentage increases will vary depending on customer type and usage.
PGE identifies several reasons driving the general rate case filing, including investments in local battery energy storage projects for enhanced reliability and resilience during peak demand, transmission, and distribution to allow dependable energy flow as demand grows, and upgrades to technology and generation facilities for increased resilience and long-term, dependable power.
PGE’s general rate case filing is undergoing a nearly year-long review and will be fully investigated on behalf of electricity customers by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC), the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, and others. PUC is hosting a virtual event for the public to comment on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 6-7 p.m.
PDT, provides the opportunity to speak directly to the commissioners about the proposed rate increase. Customers may also submit comments in writing or by phone through June 14, 2024. This public comment event is part of the investigation, which will conclude in December when the Commissioners rule on the request. The Commissioners may approve or modify PGE’s request and will only approve rate increases if fully justified by the company. New rates, if approved, are expected to go into effect January 1, 2025.
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
Comment via Zoom or phone on Thursday, May 16 from 6-7 p.m. PDT. Access the Zoom link and phone-in details. Submit comments directly to the PUC by June 14, 2024 by using an online form and guidelines or email PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov. Mail comments to: Oregon Public Utility Commission, Attn: AHD – UE 435, PO Box 1088, Salem OR 97308-1088.
To stay informed throughout this case, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify Docket No. UE 435 in the request.
The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. Attempt is to use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law.
USPS claims they are inept at counting bulk mailing
Oregon House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) disclosed that ballots are being held by the United States Postal Service (USPS) instead of being returned to county elections offices. USPS is an executive branch agency of the federal government overseen by a Democrat president.
The USPS told county elections officials Wednesday that the ballots were being held because the USPS wanted a firm count on how much to bill for each ballot since Oregon Democrats voted to use business mail to pay for returning ballots. Are they really saying they take this action for all business bulk mail? How many elections have we had pre-paid return envelops and this is a new development? The issue has affected numerous counties in Oregon, though, the full extent is still being determined.
Confusion over another Democrat-passed law – one to extend routine ballot acceptance beyond Election Day – is also contributing to the situation, according to internal election sources. As a result, potentially thousands of ballots have been held from election offices. County elections officials are seeking answers, and a call between them and the Secretary of State’s Office has been set for Thursday morning regarding this problem.
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
“Voters deserve to have the utmost confidence in our elections, yet situations like this show how vulnerable our system is. Disruptions in the chain of custody – especially at this magnitude – are
outrageous and unacceptable. This is the direct result of Democrat leaders meddling with election laws and failing to properly oversee ballot returns. Oregonians are entitled to immediate answers from their government about how this could happen and what is being done to protect the integrity of the election,” said Helfrich.
Some counties have a track-you-vote website that will verify receipt of your ballot. To avoid federal interference, place a stamp on your ballot. It not only bypasses those being help up, but it saves the state the postage charge.
In the realm of political discourse, the emergence of candidates like James Hieb and Todd Vaughn represents a pivotal moment for the Republican Party, particularly in Oregon. Their candidacies bring to light the essential role dissent plays within political parties, serving not only as a catalyst for change but also as a testament to the self-governing values that underpin our political system.
James Hieb and Todd Vaughn are "America First Conservatives." The "America First" Republicans, underscore a broader ideological battle within the Oregon GOP. Their platforms, centered on upholding the oaths to both the United States and Oregon Constitutions, prioritizing Oregonians' needs, and combating leftist infiltration in legislative politics, highlight the ideological divides within the party.
The differences between the establishment Republicans and the grassroots to most would be seemingly subtle, but it comes down to a candidate’s willingness to compromise values versus their loyalty to the purity of their political beliefs.
For instance, Hieb's opposition to Measure 110, his stance on repealing the Corporate Activity Tax, opposing tolling on freeways, retaining fossil fuel energy infrastructure, opposing the Green New Deal, support of the Second Amendment, and election integrity measures, all signify a clear demarcation from more moderate or establishment Republican viewpoints.
Former governor candidate Christine Drazan, who is a champion of the party establishment, is challenging State Representative James Hieb in the primary. Her critics characterize her as a "RINO" (Republican in Name Only) due to her support for policies viewed as left-leaning, including her voting in favor of the "Menstrual Dignity Act" and her backing of Black Lives Matter rhetoric, which further amplifies the debate on the direction of the Republican Party.
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
Todd Vaughn's opposition to corruption, cronyism, and lies, alongside his dedication to private stewardship, responsible forestry, and the protection of our natural resources, positions him as a candidate deeply connected to the concerns of rural Oregonians. Another distinguishing characteristic of Vaughn’s grassroots politics is his advocacy for fiscal responsibility, limited government, and recognition of the rights of the individual.
Vaughn is challenging the appointed incumbent in Senate District 1, David Brock Smith. Smith is a career politician who has willingly accepted donations from a San Franciscan Democrat who allegedly has committed voter fraud in California and Oregon since 2012. He has attempted a cover-up on a bill he sponsored, HB3375, which facilitated and fast-tracked the state’s goal of having three gigawatts of wind energy produced off the coast of Oregon by 2030. Smith has tried to deceive the public of his real intentions and re-write his record by claiming he has always opposed these types of green energy schemes. He votes a third of the time with the Democrats destroying any illusion that he is a conservative Republican.
The party’s internal conflict is not merely a power struggle, but a reflection of the broader debate over what it means to be a Republican in today's political climate.
The significance of these primary races extends beyond the fate of two candidates, one who is being challenged by an establishment candidate and one who is challenging an establishment candidate. It is indicative of the ongoing struggle to define the core principles of the Republican Party. The rise of grassroots movements and "America First" conservatives like Hieb and Vaughn suggests a growing disillusionment with the party leadership and a desire for representatives who echo the base's call for candidates that exemplify foundational conservative values and an uncompromising stand against the leftist agenda.
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
Encouraging open debate and discussion within the party is not just beneficial but necessary for its evolution and vitality. Dissent can lead to a reinvigorated party aligning more with its members' values and aspirations. It fosters a culture where diverse viewpoints are not only tolerated but should be embraced as a means of achieving a more robust and principled political entity.
Unfortunately, intimidation and retaliation are the recourse for anyone threatening or just questioning the authority of the establishment Republicans who are entrenched in the party’s leadership, which has divided the party into factions making it nearly impossible to work as a successful cohesive organization.
The GOP stands at a crossroads, with the outcome of races like those in Oregon serving as a barometer for the party's future direction. Will it choose to cling to the status quo, or will it seize the opportunity to redefine itself in a way that resonates with the broader conservative base?
History will show the odds are against party reformation, which could be the demise of its future. The establishment's incessant need for control will continue to alienate younger voters discouraging their participation leading to a destructive battle of attrition.
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the role of dissent, as exemplified by the candidacies of James Hieb and Todd Vaughn, will be instrumental in shaping the party's path forward. It is a struggle for the soul of the GOP, particularly in states like Oregon, which is emblematic of the larger ideological battles shaping our country's future.
By navigating these internal divides combined with self-reflection, the Oregon Republican Party has the chance to emerge as a unified force,
grounded in principle, yet open to the changes necessary to thrive in an ever-changing political landscape.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rob Taylor has been an activist for over 30 years and was the Winner of the 2024 Don McIntire Award for Excellence in Grassroots Political Activism. His podcast is located at www.RobTaylorReport or on Rumble and YouTube.
“Oregonians pay into unemployment. These are their dollars”
The Oregon Employment Department’s failure to implement Frances Online has meant Oregonians are without critical jobless benefits for weeks and sometimes months. Now a group of House and Senate Republicans has sent a letter to Governor Kotek urging her administration, in coordination with the Oregon Employment Department, to layout a detailed plan of action – beyond the normal increases to staffing – complete with aggressive increases in agency performance targets at set deadlines, as well as how the agency will achieve them.
“Oregonians pay into unemployment. These are their dollars, and it should be unacceptable to us that a state agency would even have a three-week target of delaying those dollars getting into the hands of those who need them, let alone the several months some are forced to wait,” said Representative Jami Cate (R-Lebanon).
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
“As inflation continues to send prices soaring, struggling families on unemployment have been left in the lurch by their state government. This is unacceptable. The administration must correct these delays immediately so that people dependent on these resources to survive can get them,” said Representative Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River).
The letter reads as follows:
Dear Governor Kotek,
In the digital age, government agencies have increasingly relied on online platforms to improve the efficient delivery of services to citizens, making the continued challenges of the Oregon Employment Department (OED) to implement Frances Online a source of stark frustration to Oregonians. Frances Online was billed as an opportunity to streamline unemployment claims, enhance user experience, reduce processing times, and minimize errors. The unfortunate reality is that the OED is continuing to fail our citizens when they need these funds the most.
To many of us in the Legislature, it seems as though state agencies continue to grow and multiply. Time and again, agency failures are met with increased budgets and additional FTE. While the expansion of government services can be necessary to meet peoples’ needs in times of crisis, the lack of identifying the catalysts for breakdowns in efficiency and instilling the accountability necessary to get agencies back on track, raises serious doubts about how citizens’ hard-earned dollars are being spent – as is the case with the Employment Department.
Oregonians deserve assurance that their contributions to a state-run program meant to sustain them during a period of job loss will do just that. But today, federal data shows nearly a third of unemployed residents are forced to wait at least three weeks to get their jobless benefits paid. This staggering figure indicates a steep decline in timely payments, which is a troubling downward trend that began a year ago. In extreme cases, our offices have heard from constituents that have waited several months since filing claims to receive payments.
The Oregon Employment Department's failure to process claims in a timely manner has profound and immediate impacts on the financial hardship of workers across the state as they face economic uncertainty due to periods of job loss. Even the OED’s stated goal of processing claims in three weeks puts citizens at an increased risk of utility shutoffs, food insecurity, and houselessness. With soaring inflation and housing costs, too many Oregonians are forced to live paycheck to paycheck and disrupting that tenuous balance by delaying their benefit claims by even three weeks can be too much for them to bear while supporting their families. We see this in our inboxes from constituents every single day.
These processing failures also extend beyond individual hardships. Public trust in our government institutions is essential for fostering cooperation and civic engagement. The failure to deliver on promises of an efficient service provision erodes this trust, casting doubt on the OED's competence and accountability. In a time of increasing state agency turmoil, it is critically important that OED, in coordination with the Governor’s office, face these issues head-on—taking fast and effective steps to correct them.
We implore you to prioritize restoring the public’s trust in the OED by publicly releasing a detailed plan of action—beyond the normal increases to staffing—complete with aggressive increases in agency performance targets at set deadlines, as well as how the agency will achieve them. The backlog of cases at the department must be cleared, and a better strategy for communicating with claimants implemented. Oregonians need to see a shift in ethos in our state agencies, with a restoration of putting customer service first from every level of leadership. Citizens need to see true transparency in delivering results of equitable access to unemployment benefits, and an upholding of the OED’s mandate of supporting Oregon’s workforce.
We appreciate your attention to this urgent matter of improving such a vital state agency and look forward to your response.
The letter was signed by the Republicans leaders of both the House and Senate.
“There is no big shifts in public sentiment around the governor”
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's approval rating is the lowest at 45% among governors. Is it deserved?
John Horvick, senior vice president at DHM Research, told Capital Chatter that” Generally speaking, governors in Oregon haven’t been popular for a long time. There’s no big shifts, I think, in public sentiment around the governor. Tina Kotek inherited the societal residue of her fellow progressive Democrat, Gov. Kate Brown." Kotek may have better priorities in homelessness and housing, behavioral health and addiction, and early childhood and education, but Horvick said of Kotek’s work, “people aren’t seeing that translated into material conditions in their lives or changes in homelessness or housing affordability.”
If Kotek really inherited Governor Brown’s unpopularity, how did she get elected? Kotek was Speaker of the House for nine years and shares in Brown's criticism for not having a clear vision or being a strong leader. Kotek's staff has viewed her as micromanaging, and is said to show no real interest outside her priorities. That is evident according to the way she runs the State Land Board as a dictator. Even though nearly 100% of testimony was against the State Forestry Board managing the Elliott Forest, the request for more time for consideration was willfully ignored.
Kotek attempted to create a job for her First Spouse in the Governor’s Office, and ignored all the signs of opposition, until her staff resignations brought media criticisms. By then her pullback was too late to prevent scrutiny.
It was under Kotek's leadership that legislature passed Motor Voter, officially making Oregon a sanctuary state. She over road voters giving illegals drivers license, striped law enforcement of funding and weapons to control riots, and continues to ignore slave camps.
Protests and riots aren’t new in Oregon. Governor Brown allowed a cop hating campaign develop into defunding, and told enforcement to stand down. What is Kotek doing? There is an increased move towards censoring against election misinformation and hate crimes when it goes against her policies. However, hate censorship at PSU and U of O is going unchecked. A recent poll shows that Portland area voters overwhelmingly disapprove of how local governments are tackling crime. Activity continues as late as Saturday with an attempt to occupy another building at PSU. At U of O, students are joining the big campout not even knowing what they are protesting.
Shemia Fagan’s resignation also exposed over 20 elected politicians who took money from La Mota. Kotek received $68,365 in 2020 according to Willamette Weekly. It also came out that La Mote owners allegedly owes government agencies and vendors millions that was ignored under Kotek’s watch. Kotek knew about Fagan, so why wouldn’t she know about La Mota’s connection to cartels?
Kotek is also responsible for former Secretary of State Fagan contracting with foreign run KNOWiNK. It cost nearly $10 million to connect all Oregon Election Tabulators to an Intranet server Microsoft Azure, which allows anyone with a password to connect to it and change the election data. Oregon's elections are not safe because of this vulnerability. Kotek had to know the Gartner Report found this system inadequate to operate for the 2024 election for her to authorize Fagan to sign the contract. Voters need to ask why $10 million is being spent on a system that blocks the constitutional option to vote in-person.
The Governor Brown appointed Supreme Court isn’t placating to Kotek and ordered Terri Lee Brown released after Kotek illegally imprisoned her by revoking her commuted sentence. Brown’s release was revoked even after she had already finished her sentence when Kotek took action. She completed a five-year sentence for two counts of mail theft, serving the last eight months under post-prison supervision. The Oregon Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Kotek’s actions were unlawful since Brown had completed her sentence.
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
Kotek’s advisory council floated possible massive tax increases in order to move Kotek’s agenda forward. They want people to be able to afford homes, so they recommended increasing income taxes, increase property taxes, double fuel taxes, and levy a sales tax. But increasing taxes will also reduces spendable income for housing.
Kotek’s advisory council is a-typical of why Oregon governors have not been popular for a long time. In order for Kotek to keep pace and excel where others haven’t, she has taken the same course. Oregonians see government as growing out of proportion to what government is meant to do.
Inheriting poor government policies isn’t a good excuse for low approval if the same strategy is continued. Until a governor is willing to cut and consolidate government, Oregonians seem set to continue to have low governor approval.
In recognition of National Missing Children’s Day, May 25, 2024, the Oregon State Police Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse is holding an event at the north end of Capitol Mall Park in Salem. Oregon State Police (OSP) representatives and partner agencies will be on hand with activities and giveaways to provide resources for parents, guardians, and caregivers. The event is from 11 AM to 2 PM at Center Street NE between Winter and Capitol Streets.
As of May 8, there remains 11 missing children in Oregon in 2024. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children lists 61 Oregon children still actively missing. It is often thought that abductions is a metro problem. However, only 4 of the 11 were in Portland.
The event will include informational booths from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Safe Oregon, OSP’s Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse, and Marion County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue. Attendees can pick up free identification and DNA kits, visit with a police search and rescue K-9, and tour OSP’s new command vehicle.
Julie Willard, OSP’s Missing Children/Adults Clearinghouse coordinator, said, “National Missing Children’s Day is an opportunity to remember the thousands of children who go missing each year. We work to educate parents about how to keep their kids safe, and we teach children about the “4 Rules for Personal Safety” that they can learn about on Kid Smartz."
Kid Smartz is a child safety program that educates and empowers grades K-5 to practice safer behaviors. Please visit the Kid Smartz website for more information.
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25, 1983, the first National Missing Children’s Day in memory of Etan Patz, a 6-year-old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979. Etan’s killer was convicted in February 2017, but the case remains active because his body has never been recovered.
National Missing Children's Day is dedicated to encourage parents, guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority. The commemoration serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families.
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
AMBER Alerts is one way to get a rapid response. The AMBER Plan is a voluntary, cooperative partnership between law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to send a rapid alert to the public when a child has been abducted and it is believed that the child's life is in grave danger. The program was created in 1996 in response to public outrage when 9-year-old Amber Hagerman was kidnapped and brutally murdered while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas.
AMBER stands for America’s Missing Broadcast Emergency Response. The AMBER Alert system has had a significant impact in recovering missing children. According to the statistics, as of December 31, 2023, 1,200 children were successfully recovered through the AMBER Alert system, and 180 children were rescued due to wireless emergency alerts. Additionally, a 2021 study found that Amber Alerts were often successful in familial abduction cases, but less effective in cases where a child was abducted by a stranger. OSP hopes awareness will help with prevention, and that’s the purpose of this event.
Monique is the only candidate to receive law enforcement endorsements
Oregon Republican candidate Monique DeSpain has been reported for criticizing Rep. Val Hoyle for stating the southern border must be open. DeSpain is running against Amy Ryan Courser and Jeff Kubler in the Republican Primary for the Fourth Congressional District. The winner will face Val Hoyle in the General Election. DeSpain is making public safety a top priority. She states, "No common sense person can deny we have a crisis at our borders that will not be controlled if we do not secure our border. Our open border is both a serious national security threat to our survival as a country and an intentional humanitarian crisis of profound suffering for hundreds of thousands."
She has garnered the support of key law enforcement endorsements, making her the only candidate in the race to receive endorsements from law enforcement officials.
“I am humbled by the outpouring of support from retired and current law enforcement from every corner of our District, representing 478 years of service,” said DeSpain.
“Public safety is the number one responsibility of our government. Today, too many career politicians have abandoned this sober responsibility in favor of radically transforming our criminal justice system to one where law enforcement is defunded, criminals are rewarded, and crime
victims are left abused and forgotten. Citizens are seeing their neighborhoods overwhelmed by crime, homelessness, and drug trafficking,” added DeSpain. “Every day, we read headlines of record drug busts of enough fentanyl to kill millions right here in our 4th District. We hear of devastated families mourning personal loss. Their loss is one of the 100 thousand overdose deaths a year. We see homeless encampments consuming parks and neighborhoods right here in our district. And we hear reports that hundreds of known terrorists have entered our country”
“As a retired Air Force Colonel and lawyer, I know what fighting for our country and and our communities looks like. I'm running for Congress to reverse the policies damaging our communities and harming people, and to restore the livability we all deserve. I will be a Member of Congress who prioritizes public safety and fights crime, starting with a secure, controlled border. Our law enforcement and our communities in the 4th District need reinforcements in Washington, D.C.,” said DeSpain. “In Congress, I will ensure our law enforcement has the authority and resources they need to keep us safe.”
“Monique brings the passion, experience, and sensibility needed to solve complex challenges. I noticed that she asks the right questions, relentlessly pursues the answers, and brings a fresh perspective that is often sorely lacking in the halls of government,” said Representative Ed Diehl.
Crime Victims United President Steve Doell said, “Monique DeSpain is the kind of fighter for public safety, law enforcement, and crime victims that we need in Washington, D.C. With Monique serving the 4th District in Congress, we can turn the tide and restore the rule of law, bring back safe neighborhoods, and once again see crime victims protected as they deserve to be.”
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 following is a list of Monique DeSpain’s public safety endorsements:
Doug Marteeny - Linn County District Attorney
John Kilcullen - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, not Retired
Mike Bedacht - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Detective, not Retired
Ron Ridings - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant, not Retired
Ben Sunderland - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Captain, Retired
David Walp - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, Retired
Larry Schrenk - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant, Retired
Byron Trapp - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff, Retired
Joni Mogstad - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant, Retired
Todd Farmer - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, Retired
Jerry Smith - Springfield Police Dept. Chief of Police, Retired
Bill DeForest - Springfield Police Dept. Chief of Police, Retired
Bruce Cummings - Springfield Police Dept., Retired
Scott Thomas - Eugene Police Dept., Retired
Sam Kamkar - Eugene Police Dept. Captain and Oregon State Police, Retired
Bill Childers - Eugene Police Dept., Retired
Gary Olson - Eugene Police Dept. Detective, Retired
Mike Grover - Cottage Grove Police Dept., Retired
Ken Matlack - Morrow County Sheriff, Retired
In addition, Monique has received letters of support from:
Gabe Fabrizio - Coos County Sheriff
John Ward - Curry County Sheriff
Michelle Duncan - Linn County Sheriff
Monique DeSpain is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, mother of twin boys, and public policy advocate
who resides in Eugene, Oregon. She is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Oregon’s 4th
Congressional District in a bid to unseat incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle in 2024 and bring
about a safer, more prosperous Oregon. Go to her campaign website to see her full campaign.
“You don’t want a materialist, you don’t want an atheist, you don’t want a Muslim”
State Representative E. Werner Reschke will appear before the House Committee on Conduct to defend himself for remarks he made during an interview with a Christian broadcaster. A conduct report, produced by an independent investigator outlines the facts upon which the complaint is based.
It is the policy of the Legislature to keep the name of the person making the complaint anonymous, and it is not known if the person making the complaint is an employee of the legislature. Freedom From Religion Foundation President Annie Laurie Gaylor has sent a letter to Representative Reschke asking that he apologize or resign.
Jason Rapert: Tell people about why you think it’s important that Christians should be involved in government and voting and be a part of the authority in our country. What drew you as a Christian to do it and what would you tell those people that are listening today?
Rep. Reschke: What drew me to it was primarily looking at our history and the men and women who were part of that history in building this nation. Whether it’s George Washington, whether it was Madison, whether it was Abraham Lincoln, whether it was Ronald Reagan, who was the first president I got to vote for. I think, you know, you just go back through history and you look at men and the struggles
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
that they faced and the faith that they had and those are the type of people that you want in government making tough decisions during tough times. You don’t want a materialist, you don’t want an atheist, you don’t want a Muslim, you don’t want, you want somebody who understands what truth is and understands the nature of man, the nature of government and the nature of God.
Jason Rapert: Yea
Rep. Reschke: If you don’t understand those things, you’re going to get things wrong and in Oregon that’s a classic example, we have a lot of people who are godless, unfortunately, leading the way and it’s the blind leading the blind.
Jason Rapert: Yea
The Committee will meet on Monday, May 13 at 13:30 PM. The meeting will be held virtually and will be open to the public on the OLIS website. Testimony will only be taken from invited persons.
Mobilization, Marksmen and Governors fight for authority
A week after Oregon's Governor Kotek joined 52 other Governors of states and territories sent the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, strong opposition to a legislative proposal that disregarded gubernatorial authority over the National Guard, the Oregon National Guard held a pre-deployment Yellow Ribbon event. Approximately 2,000 Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade, headquartered in Clackamas, are scheduled to deploy to Kosovo, Egypt; the Horn of Africa; and Syria starting summer through next spring.
The Governors objected to a one-time transfer of 14 National Guard units to the Space Force moving 1,000 Guardsmen from six states, excluding Oregon. The Governors said it is imperative they retain the authority and even proposed that states have their own military space forces, which Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall rejected and didn’t understand the fuse over a few hundred people in a handful of states. Two governors didn’t participate, Florida’s Ron DeSantis and Texas’ Greg Abbott.
"Oregon National Guard members proudly serve the communities they live in during state emergencies and also serve the nation in defense of our interests overseas," said Oregon Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold at the Yellow Ribbon event. "That's what makes us the Service of Choice."
The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program connects National Guard members with resources throughout the deployment cycle through events for service members and their loved ones.
"Deployments are difficult for everyone, especially in the Guard since we don't have a base with all the resources and all our families in one place," said Col. Peter Helzer, commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He also noted the challenge of completing an intensive Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana, right before mobilizing. "That exercise will be key in ensuring we are ready for any challenge we may face while deployed."
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 National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment scout sniper section in Ashland sent a three-member team to the Winston P. Wilson Small Arms Championship. Sgt. Trahern Fox, Sgt. Kevin Martin, and Spc. John Adamson were first-time competitors at the National Guard’s most prestigious and grueling rifle and pistol marksmanship event. Their fourth member had a family emergency that prevented the team’s chances at the championship, but the three Oregonians were undeterred in their goal of personal growth.
When finalized, their scores would memorialize new shooting milestones with rifles and pistols. But the trio’s greatest prize was incalculable – fortified skills to elevate their scout sniper section’s operational lethality.
While disappointed to lose their fourth shooter, the Oregonians focused on the invaluable skills they’d absorbed. The Marksmanship Training Center’s rifle and pistol experience will burn bright when passed from Camp Robinson’s ranges to their scout sniper section’s training.
“Boosting housing production by embracing bold solutions”
Vice-chairs of the Senate and House Committees on Housing Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) attended a ceremonial signing for a bipartisan housing package which came out of the 2024 Legislative Session: SB 1530, SB 1537, SB 1564, and HB 4134. The bills aim to boost housing production, fund critical infrastructure in communities across the state, develop an innovative revolving loan fund, and address workforce housing levels. The signing took place at the site of the Native American Youth and Family Center in Portland.
“We know Oregon is grappling with a severe housing crisis that affects individuals, families, and entire communities across the state. Because of it, many of my constituents experience skyrocketing rents and an acute shortage of inexpensive housing options every day. We must quickly build out of this crisis by unleashing builders, land, and resources for infrastructure. I am pleased with the bipartisan package we were able to pass earlier this year to begin increasing housing production, but my hope is that it remains a top priority for the Legislature in sessions to come,” said Senator Anderson.
“Rural Oregon faces unique challenges such as limited job opportunities, outmigration of young residents, and insufficient housing options. We have to get serious about expanding housing production so these communities can attract and retain a workforce, stimulate economic growth by supporting local businesses and services, and ensure families and individuals have safe and inexpensive housing options close to their workplaces,” said Representative Breese-Iverson. “From this housing package, I will be glad to see dollars flow to rural Oregon so communities with aging and at-capacity infrastructure can allow for growth.”
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
One of the key priorities for Senate Republicans is boosting housing production by embracing bold solutions rather than the failed policies that have handcuffed cities, overregulated builders, and stifled development for decades.
for some, this package is a case of a government created problem which begs a government solution. Celeste Walker of Grants Pass who provided testimony to the Senate Committee On Housing and Development said, "At the very least, [the bill summary] is referring to Oregon’s Climate Friendly Areas (also known as 15 minute cities) of which I am opposed to, as should everyone. SB 1530 allots $15 million to this project. This is a way to corral people into a very small area and thus eventually control every aspect of our lives. Look up the city of Grants Pass 71 page report on Climate Friendly Areas. Be wary when they say "We're from the government and we're here to help"! It’s a hard no!
Sixteen Oregon Republican legislators and candidates visited Yuma, Arizona, at the border and meet with Arizona lawmakers in Phoenix. They were invited in response to lawmakers sending a letter to Texas Governor Abbott earlier this year supporting his stance against the Biden administration over Abbot closing the border. The letter led to connections in Arizona and the invitation. They participated in a tour of the border in Yuma led by Jonathan Lines, a Yuma County supervisor and former chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.
Hannah Howell, executive director of the House Democrats’ campaign arm, and Senate Democratic Leadership Fund, Oliver Muggli, coordinated their comments panning the visit as a campaign stunt. “Oregonians expect their elected officials to be focused on our people in our state, not playing MAGA politics a thousand miles away. This is a cheap election-year stunt that does nothing except show how deeply out-of-touch Republican politicians are with Oregon priorities.” They point to “rising prices and safety and homelessness”, of which all are directly related to the border crisis.
Representative Court Boice (R-Gold Beach) ties the border crisis with consequences to our quality of life in Oregon. “The cartels are in control of our borders, that’s a fact. Criminals, human trafficking, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and please may we never forget the child trafficking. Not all, but many very bad people are invading from 157 countries – individuals with unhindered access to our country. The impact on our kids, our medical, our law enforcement, our education and our communities is staggering!”
In 2006, the Occupy Wall Street riots gave way to organized groups like Antifa, BLM, BAMN and sleep camps that Democrat leadership allowed, and even welcomed. In 2019, the Democrat legislature majority defied Oregon voters and gave illegals drivers license. Then in 2022 they passed SB 1510 stripping law enforcement of funds and weapons to control riots. That was after the Kerby, Oregon, slave camp was busted with 250 slaves forcing the legislature to acknowledge that Oregon has slave camps run by cartels. They were convinced to allocate $21 million that went towards busting eight slave camps in one county. Democrats show no interest in replenishing this fund to continue fighting cartels.
Governor Kate Brown took unvetted refugees from the Middle East, and many ended up in Sheridan state prison. Then she shut down two state prisons and released 1,000 more violent offenders on our streets.
Illegals have poured into the state through open borders exploiting them for fentanyl mules and sex trafficking and many are gathered into slave camps. Housing in motels was opened at taxpayer expense while Oregonians lost homes during the pandemic. In 2022, Democrats gave free medical care to anyone in the world coming to Oregon.
In 2023, former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan exposed La Mota's giving to 20 elected politicians and is still being researched as a cartel front. Senator Wyden gave Oregon Democrat Party FTX money that went unreported.
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
Boice said he learned a great deal from this 2-day trip. "We saw more than substantial evidence that the Joe Biden 'Open Borders' is allowing the most pervasive and invasive criminals and cartels to enter our country and state unchallenged, which is accelerating the drug, human, sex and child trafficking problems. It’s heartbreaking. Certainly the trip was worthwhile in planning and preparing Oregon legislation and critical work toward security and enforcement for the 2025 Full Session."
Boice states, “There simply is no question that there are currently some very, very bad people coming here that hate us and want to do incredible harm to us and everything we love. The power and ruthlessness of the cartels cannot be overstated! It is absurd for all political parties not to come together at least on this!”
No one denies that Oregon has seen a crime explosion from open borders. The fact that law enforcement have to wear masks to protect their identity at the border or may end up dead or their families kidnapped and tortured should be a wakeup sign for Oregonians that leadership is putting us at risk with policies that give free access to Oregon benefits, and are doing very little to secure our safety.
Those visiting the border included: Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, Sen. Fred Girod, R-Silverton, Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville, Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, Rep. Court Boice, R-Gold Beach, Rep. Virgle Osborne, R-Roseburg, Rep. Boomer Wright, R-Coos Bay, Rep. Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville, Rep. Christine Goodwin, R-Canyonville, Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass, Bruce Starr, Senate candidate from Dundee, Michael Summers, Senate candidate from Redmond, Keri Lopez, House candidate from Redmond.
Governor Kotek issues statement in response to criminal activity in Portland
The situation at Portland State University (PSU) is part of a larger national movement of protests and occupations at universities across the United States, sparked by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the university’s ties to companies with connections to Israel. The protests began on Thursday, April 25, 2024, and continues spreading into Portland. Protesters occupied the university’s Millar Library fleeing after Portland police surrounded the building leaving behind graffiti on walls and furniture and a supply of make-shift weaponry.
The protesters are demanding that PSU take action to support the Palestinian cause, including releasing a statement condemning the violence in Gaza, cutting ties with Boeing having connections to Israel, and including Palestine in the university’s ethnic studies requirements. They have also demanded that the university drop charges against students who have been arrested during the protests.
The university responded to demands by offering to provide financial support for anti-racist efforts and adding Palestinian works to the university’s Race and Ethnic Studies requirements. They also temporarily cut ties with Boeing. However, it appears the protestors aren't paid to negotiate. The Soros activists are being paid $2400 to cause chaos, and surveys show only 20% are students. In downtown Portland, they have set off fireworks, windows were broken and property was spray-painted during a march on Wednesday, according to Portland Police Bureau. On Thursday, 15 police cars were set on fire at the Bureau's training facility.
PSU cancelled classes for a few days but has reopened, except for the library. The Portland Police Bureau was called in to assist with the de-escalation, and at least 12 people have been arrested. However, those in the library were allowed to leave peaceably.
Campus students, even those sympathizing with the cause, are asking them all to leave. One student said, "There is so much destruction on the campus and in the library, all students will have to pay for it." Cutting Boeing donations is also not beneficial to students.
Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to criminal activity in Portland:
”I fully condemn the criminal actions taken Thursday morning that resulted in the burning of 15 Portland Police Bureau cars, endangering first responders and the surrounding community. I have absolutely no tolerance for discriminatory harassment, violence, or property damage. This includes the acts of vandalism seen this week at the Portland State University library and against nearby businesses. These actions are in direct opposition to Oregon values and threaten working people, families, businesses, and our community as a whole. The Oregon State Police have launched a response on the outer perimeter of Portland State University. The state is prepared to exercise the full extent of the law.”
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
Cause hungry Pro-Palestinian protesters have spread to the University of Oregon, and Lewis & Clark College. The popup camp outside of Knight Library at U of O has grown to 100 tents and is a mixed bag. Several groups that include Students Justice for Palestine, Jewish Voices for Peace, Grads for Palestine, and Young Democratic Socialists of America organized the camp, and seem to be on a "peace" mission organizing activities for the squatters. The protesters also want to see statements and actions from the U of O to affirm the safety of Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and Jewish students. Although, they do demand an end to businesses supporting ties with Israel.
In response to a letter from Portland State University (PSU) President revealing failed negotiations to end the occupation of the University library, Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) issued the following statement.
“PSU’s president hasn’t learned the biggest lesson from the past few years: you can’t appease the mob. It only encourages more chaos in the future,” said Helfrich. “These students and outsiders chose to commit crimes. We need decisive action now; let law enforcement do their jobs and end the occupation of the library. People who intimidate others and deface public property need to be held accountable.”
“All systems of AI are biased in some dimension no matter what you do”
The Oregon Open Learning team at the Oregon Department of Education includes those involved in the effort to support Oregon educators with learning about, adopting and implementing generative AI related tools and lessons into their instruction.
Open Educational Resources (OER) are an ideal way to build, access, revise, curate and implement new AI-related learning opportunities for both educators and their students. They have started the Oregon Artificial Intelligence group that already has over 80 AI-related resources for teachers to use in their classrooms.
Since AI is here to stay, it's going to be important for our schools to teach students how to use it safely, responsibly and effectively. They provided a test run asking both Microsoft Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT:
Explain why you think (1) it's important for K12 classroom educators to learn about and teach about the use of generative AI tools with their students, (2) what are the most important skills specific to generative AI teachers should have and (3) what important safeguards teachers should teach to their students when using generative AI tools themselves. Use a conversational tone so someone without a deep understanding of AI can easily comprehend your output and keep it to fewer than 200 words.
Copilots response:
Sure thing! Here’s the lowdown:
Why it’s key: Think of generative AI as a new member of the classroom. It’s a tool that can help with learning, creating, and even thinking in new ways. For teachers, knowing about AI is like having a superpower—they can guide students to use this power wisely and creatively.
Top skills for teachers:
AI Savvy: They should know how AI works and what it can do.
Ethical Compass: Teachers need to navigate the tricky waters of AI ethics, importantly understanding privacy and fairness.
Learning Mindset: AI’s always changing, so staying curious and up-to-date is a must.
Student safeguards:
Critical Lens: Students should learn to look at AI’s answers with a bit of skepticism and do their own fact-checking.
Privacy First: They need to know what info to keep to themselves when chatting with AI.
Bias Detective: Understanding that AI might not always be neutral helps students use it more thoughtfully.
In short, AI’s a big deal, and getting the hang of it now is like getting a head start in a race. Teachers can pass the baton of knowledge and caution to their students, prepping them for a tech-smart future.
ChatGPT (3.5) response:
Sure! So, here's the scoop!
It's crucial for K12 teachers to dive into generative AI with their students because it's shaping our world big time! Think about it: from chatbots to creative writing assistants, these tools are everywhere. Teaching kids about them helps them understand the tech they'll be encountering throughout their lives.
When it comes to skills, teachers using generative AI need to be rock stars at explaining complex concepts in simple terms. They should also be wizards at guiding students to think critically about the ethical and social impacts of AI.
Safety first, always! Teachers should make sure students know to use these tools responsibly. That means understanding things like plagiarism and the importance of fact-checking. Plus, they should stress the importance of not sharing personal info with AI systems.
In a nutshell, diving into generative AI isn't just about staying ahead in tech—it's about empowering students to navigate a world where AI plays a big role while also staying safe and savvy.
One of the featured open educational resources is a video on Ethics of AI Bias for classroom use, which delves into the human problems brought out by issues in artificial intelligence, specifically with respect to bias. It is set in a college classroom of five students taking a deep dive into making AI unbiased. They somewhat conclude that AI overrides choice when not used appropriately, and possibly without knowing it. “Those that build and therefore control AI, will build AI systems for their own benefit… All systems of AI are biased in some dimension no matter what you do.”
Interestingly, their answer to an unbiased AI is capitalism, which they call transparency so consumers can buy well-developed systems that are unbiased, and the market weeds out the bad actors. However, that may be shifting the bias according to the purchaser’s point of view.
Let’s face it, AI has been around from the beginning of the Internet, sorting and directing our searches to what influences us with a bent toward corporate thinking. It confirms our thinking and drives the left and right further apart until “unite” became the campaign that set up sides, which separates even more. Then they introduce Serie and her siblings. She collected all your favorites and what will influence you. Now Google wants to take it to the next level by incorporating all it learned about you into AI to think for you as your brain substitute, making us hybrids, boiling you like a frog in a pot, never knowing what is happening.
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
Michael Rectenwald, Ph D, wrote the Great Reset and the Struggle for Liberty; and Google Archipelago, The Digital Gulag and the Simulation of Freedom. He is running for U.S. President for the Libertarian Party, not to win, but to expose where freedom has gone. He says wokeness is a totalitarian idea on how to control the whole being. Government is the source of most problems – housing, education, economy. They are creating their reality for you. AI will be creating our “lived” experience. He says, "with AI in the hands of the state, it’s a recipe for total and complete totalitarian rule", and writes how AI is going to displace people’s cognitive functions. "We are outsourcing our brain functions to AI so much so that we won’t have the executive functions as people did in the past. If the brain isn’t exercised, it will atrophy like any other muscle."
Browsers are becoming more transparent identifying information generated by AI, but it still takes the human brain to identify errors and biases. If AI stimulates thinking to assess and determine what is right as truth and what is wrong with the wrong, then students can advance their thinking.
After resignations started pouring in over Governor Tina Kotek hiring her spouse, the Governor has issued a statement regarding the role of the First Spouse. Should Oregonians be concerned?
“Fellow Oregonians, I want you to know that my focus is doing the best job possible for you and your families. I take responsibility for not being more thoughtful in my approach to exploring the role of the First Spouse. I am sorry for the way this conversation between my office and you has started.
“I was honored to be elected as Governor, so that I could bring clarity and energy to tackling the state’s biggest challenges. My administration, since Day One, has held that True North, prioritizing the state’s homelessness and housing crisis, the inadequate system of mental health and addiction care across the state, and the need to improve educational outcomes for children with a focus on early literacy and summer learning. We have much to do together to achieve our shared goals, and with these priorities and a renewed focus on strengthening how state government does its work, I believe we have made progress and will continue to make progress.
“My job as Governor is to see the entire playing field. Whether it is deepening my understanding of the needs of our entire state by visiting all 36 counties in my first year, collaborating with lawmakers to pass critical new laws and investments, focusing on the future success of the Portland Central City, or responding to the inquiries of individuals who contact my office – no topic is too small or too big when it comes to serving Oregonians.
“First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson has been by my side for 20 years. The First Lady and I share a profound commitment to standing up for the most vulnerable among us, fighting for a more just world, and making sure we leave this world better than we found it. She is a social worker, someone with lived experience with mental health and recovery and someone who has throughout her career helped lift up the stories of others to make meaningful change. As a family, the First Lady and I jointly and intentionally decided that she not return to employment or have any outside income as to avoid any perceived or actual conflict of interest. And her work as First Lady is also unpaid and is on a volunteer basis. As a family, we have traversed Oregon on the campaign trail and on the One Oregon Listening Tour, reaffirming our faith that nothing is impossible if Oregonians work together.
“In my short time as Governor, I have considered how Oregon can emulate other states that rely on the time and talent of a First Spouse who has no financial interest or benefit in state government.
“There is no road map in Oregon for defining the role of a First Spouse, who is a 'public official' under Oregon law. I make all policy and personnel decisions for my office. I have sought guidance from the National Governors Association and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC). I am committed to defining the role of the First Spouse with respect to what we learn from OGEC, not only on behalf of this administration but future administrations as well.
“After listening to and reflecting on the concerns of Oregonians who have contacted my office, as well as the advice of staff, I want to be clear about these things: There will not be an Office of the First Spouse. There will not be a position of Chief of Staff to the First Spouse. Other than staff that is assigned to support the First Lady in her official duties, no state staff will report to her or be supervised by her.
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
“My office is also assembling a First Spouse Manual to spell out policies and procedures related to that role, including protocols for addressing any staff concerns or complaints. The First Spouse manual is in progress and is one of the reasons Meliah Masiba was brought on as a temporary advisor to my office. She reports to Chief of Staff Chris Warner. You can read her job description here.
“Between now and when we learn more from OGEC, the First Lady will continue to accompany me and attend events representing the Governor’s Office, such as Tribal visits and ceremonial events, and she will listen to Oregonians about the issues most impacting them, especially in the area of mental health and addiction.
“Your trust is important to me. I will continue to work hard to solve problems so that every Oregonian can have what they need.”
“Placing somebody into housing, paying their rent is usually a less costly alternative”
A new Alternative Shelter Evaluation Report from Portland State University’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative indicates that alternative shelters provide better outcomes for people experiencing homelessness than traditional shelters. The research, conducted by HRAC on behalf of Multnomah County’s Joint Office of Homeless Services, analyzed the cost, participant experiences, and client outcomes in village-style and motel shelters as compared to more traditional congregate shelters.
"This research shows that motel and village shelters, which provide private living spaces that support the autonomy, dignity, and safety of clients, lead to better experiences and more positive outcomes than congregate shelters," said Jacen Greene, HRAC assistant director.
Village and motel shelter models have grown in recent years as an alternative to traditional shelters. In Portland, several villages have been constructed by community members and local agencies to better support the houseless population. This report shows that the village model is not only more desirable to people experiencing homelessness, but can be less expensive in some circumstances to build than congregate shelters. The success rate for moving an individual into housing is also higher than at traditional shelters.
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
“Alternative shelters provide participants with levels of privacy, autonomy, and safety that are not always present in congregate shelters,” according to the report. “These factors helped participants feel like they could pause, breathe, and work toward their goals."
As compared to other shelter models, villages have the lowest capital costs per unit when the land is free (as has been the case for villages in Portland), but are more expensive than motel or congregate shelters if land costs and pod replacements are factored in. Motel shelters are often faster to set up and are more flexible in terms of conversion to housing, but can be difficult to set up due to supply. In evaluating cost, HRAC found that moving a person into housing and providing supportive services — like rental assistance or vouchers — is comparable to the cost of providing a congregate shelter bed, and costs less than alternative shelters.
"We found that placing somebody into housing, paying their rent, and providing supportive services is usually a less costly alternative than any type of temporary shelter, and is the only approach that actually ends homelessness," Greene said. While much funding is available for homeless alternatives, critics point out that relatively little of the money goes to actually provide housing.
These findings provide guidance to determine which type of shelter is most appropriate based on the circumstances of the population being served. An effective shelter strategy should:
Utilize shelter types with individual, private rooms
Size shelters to a smaller total number of units
Center equity in services and programming
Include identity-supportive shelters and/or programming
Locate shelters close to essential services and amenities
Consider long-term shelter costs and site usage/conversion potential in planning
Incorporate input and feedback from people with lived experience of homelessness
“Ultimately, any shelter strategy should be viewed as a temporary stopgap until enough housing can be provided to address current and forecasted needs,” according to the report. “Someone in a shelter is still experiencing homelessness, and the only true solution to homelessness is to ensure that people who are housed are able to remain there, and people who are unhoused are placed in housing as soon as possible.”
House Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA 1) of the U.S. House of Representatives announced his endorsement of Republican candidate Monique DeSpain to represent Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District.
“As a retired Air Force Colonel, attorney, and single mother, Monique DeSpain knows what it means to roll up her sleeves and get things done. She will fight to secure our border, rebuild our economy, reduce crime, and support law enforcement. Unlike her democrat opponent, Monique will deliver for the people of Oregon and I am proud to endorse her in her race for Congress in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District,” said Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
“It’s my distinct honor to have the endorsement of Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise in my campaign to unseat corrupt career politician Val Hoyle and bring my commonsense, accountability focused, problem-solving leadership to Congress on behalf of the people of Oregon’s 4th District,” said Monique DeSpain.
Oregon's 4th Congressional district includes Benton, Coos, Curry, Northern Douglas, Lane, and Lincoln Counties. The largest city in the district is Eugene.
“Leader Scalise is a fighter who, despite having to battle back from a near-fatal gunshot wound and fighting off cancer, he continues to fight for the American people every day,” added DeSpain. “Demonstrated grit and determination are required to deliver victory in all our personal and public fights. I understand what it means to fight for my family, my clients, and my country. Results are what counts. I’ve served my country for 30 years in the Air Force, stood up to the Governor on behalf of crime victims, and raised my twin boys as conservatives right in the heart of progressive Eugene. Voters are ready to end five decades of failure, neglect, and waste at the hands of career
politicians and deploy me, a political outsider, to fight for them in D.C.”
Protesters move to colleges and target Portland again
April 15th brought out protesters blocking I-5 south of Eugene. They weren't protesting tax day, they were united countrywide protesting against the theft of their lands and livelihood and protesting the theft of 1,976 acres of land in the Jordan Valley to be used for development projects for hundreds of settlement housing units. The Palestinians make up 21 percent of the population and own 1,065,156 acres.
In other places the same day they shutdown the bridge in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as well as an access road for the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.
As a result of the demonstration in Eugene, 52 people were arrested for disorderly conduct. Two individuals were additionally charged with conspiracy and theft 2. Six vehicles were towed from the scene, and all suspects are in custody at the Lane County Jail. The incident required 121 law enforcement responding agencies and the use of 10 transport or emergency vehicles.
This doesn't seem to have satisfied the instigators. They have now moved on to college campuses taking over Columbia University, Harvard, New York University, and University of California has cancelled it commencement ceremonies due to protesters. Andy Ngo, an Oregon independent journalist, says they are targeting Portland State University reporting one of the militant 2020 BLM-Antifa rioters, Danialle James, has called for protesters.
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
Columbia University has been the epicenter of student protests for over a week, especially after the university's president, Minouche Shafik, called in the New York City Police Department and more than 100 students were arrested. The student protesters have called on universities to cut financial ties to Israel and Israeli companies, however, Columbia's biggest donor is a Jewish businessman who threatens to withdraw funding if the president doesn't get the protest under control. President Shafik is hemmed in after Speaker Mike Johnson suggested he resign.
Earlier the Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic on Airport Way to PDX, blocked the freeway in Northwest Portland, harassed a pro-Israel supporter on the street in Portland, vandalized Portland music hall for hosting a pro-Israel musician, busted a faith-unity window display, and painted graffiti on windows and walls. Just as Portland was recovering, career protesters are paid to keep the city in unrest and fear.
Breitbart now exposes that the groups organizing college campus protests is funded by George Soros and others. One group is Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). The U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR) is also funded by the Soros-founded organization Open Society Foundations, which gives between $2,880 and $3,660 for its campus-based ‘fellows’ in return for spending eight hours a week organizing campaigns led by Palestinian organizations. Students joining the protest that were interviewed, couldn't say what the protest was about. Portland State University appears not to have either of these student groups, so are they just an easy target? How must protection can students expect from the police?
The U.S. Supreme Court rules 9-0 in a landmark decision that undercut all DEI-based discrimination, sending Oregon's policies into question. The US Supreme Court ruled that a St. Louis police sergeant can sue over a job transfer she claims was discriminatory lays the foundation for legal action against employers who push discrimination against white people in job hiring, work assignment and promotion. Those “diversity-preferred” job postings, the practice of passing over whites for promotions, discriminatory job transfers, pushing unfair diversity trainings, etc., all of these are now legally actionable.
Lawyers tried to argue that there is ‘good discrimination’ and ‘bad discrimination’, that white people should be purposely disadvantaged to pave the way for diversity. The lawyers stated that the decision will complicate DEI programs and limit their ability to discriminate against white men.
The Supreme Court discredited these claims, re-asserting that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. The court also established a relatively ‘low standard’ for bringing discrimination cases. The victim need not suffer ‘actual harm.’ An employee only must show “some harm” under the terms of their employment, and that harm need not be “material, substantial or serious.” The decision makes it much easier for workers to sue over discriminatory practices. This is a big win for equality if lawyers don't run wild.
Oregon has been chipping away at equality for several decades replacing it with equity for underserved and underprivileged. Every bill and every program passed, no matter how equality driven it is, leadership is obsessed with releasing statements that ties the outcomes to filling gaps for the underserved, underprivileged. That has been seen anywhere from safety issues, availability of healthcare, high-speed internet access, education agendas teaching white privilege, to jobs and affordable housing.
It has been nearly a year since the Supreme Court ruled on Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College and University of North Carolina, concluding that these colleges including many private colleges in Oregon, violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Justice Neil Gorsuch, in his concurring opinion, notes that "the trial records reveal that both schools routinely discriminate on the basis of race when choosing new students -- exactly what the law forbids."
A Heritage Foundation study measured how many Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) “instructors” there are at major public state universities. The study reported that DEI staff and departments urge students to embrace radical leftwing ideologies, including that people should be treated differently due to their race. The study showed DEI bureaucracies are better understood as an academic version of a political commissariat that articulates and enforces an ideological orthodoxy on campus.
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
As the Supreme Court continues to verify, the orthodoxy tends to make many groups of people feel unwelcome, promotes division, and encourages conformity rather than diversity on various social and political issues. Heritage analysts found that surveys of students reported the worse campus climates they have measured. Oregon’s universities averaged 4.6 exclusive DEI personnel for every 100 faculty members.
ORS 342.437, Minority Teacher Act, established diversity goals for Oregon’s educator workforce for the number of minority teachers, including administrators, employed by school and education service districts to be approximately proportionate to the number of minority students enrolled in the state's schools. In addition, HB 4031 added that the Higher Education Coordinating Commission may award scholarships of $10,000 to culturally and linguistically diverse teacher candidates to use at approved educator preparation providers for the purpose of advancing the goal to employ diverse educators in a percentage of diverse students. These state educator preparation providers are instructed to train on CRT and sexual orientation. Does such a policy based on race and color violate the court's ruling?
According to the U.S. Supreme Court, it appears Oregon needs a serious look at who they are really discriminating against.
Did a supporter vote in two different states in 2018?
Oregon State Senator David Brock Smith has been reported to have received campaign contributions from Thomas Tuttle, a resident of California who is now allegedly living in Gold Beach, Oregon.
Records indicate that since 2016, Tuttle has made significant donations to Senator Smith's political action committee, Friends of David Brock Smith. These contributions total approximately $150,000, which includes donations both from Tuttle in
2016,
2018,
2020,
2022,
2023, and posthumously in
2018 from his deceased wife. Tuttle's donations have been consistent annually, including in non-election years.
Concern has been raised regarding Tuttle's voter registration status. Allegations suggest that Tuttle may have been registered as a voter in both San Francisco, California, with the Democratic Party, and in Curry County, Oregon, with the Independent Party. Questions have been raised about the legality of this dual registration and participation in elections of both states.
Tuttle is the co-founder of Newport Asia, an investment management firm that invests in Asia, including China and India. He has conducted numerous investment seminars on investing in Asia and is frequently quoted in business publications and news programs.
It is crucial to note that, according to the Oregon Secretary of State, it is not against Oregon law to vote in different state primaries that do not occur on the same date. The matter in question pertains to the possible simultaneous participation in the November 6, 2018, general election for both states. However, the statute of limitations for investigating this has expired, and thus, no official investigation will be pursued.
The Oregon Secretary of State's office clarified that, while specific allegations have been made, the statute of limitations impedes any new investigation into the 2018 general election voting matter. Additionally, Oregon election law does not preclude candidates from accepting financial contributions from out-of-state residents.
Upon follow-up, the Curry County Clerk confirmed that Tuttle is currently eligible to be registered to vote in Curry County. Tuttle's voter registration status in California has been terminated accordingly.
In light of the collected information, Senator David Brock Smith faces inquiries regarding his knowledge of his campaign contributor's actions and his decision to accept the contributions under the circumstances presented. Senator Smith, recognized for his advocacy for fair elections, has not publicly addressed the queries on this matter.
The recount of the allegations and available responses in this article were intended professionally and objectively to emphasize the importance of factual accuracy and due process. It is equally important to acknowledge that allegations remain unproven until due legal process determines otherwise.
Response from the Oregon Secretary of State:
January 22, 2024
Re: Elections Division Case No. 23-471
This is to acknowledge receipt of your investigation request. You alleged that Thomas Tuttle violated ORS 260.715 by voting in both Oregon and California in multiple elections and financially contributing to an Oregon candidate.
ORS 260.715(4) prohibits voting more than once at the same election, in Oregon and in another state and states:
…a person may not vote or attempt to vote in an election held in this state and in another state on the same date.
The information you submitted indicates Mr. Tuttle may have voted in both states for the November 6, 2018, general election, however, the statute of limitations has lapsed, and we are unable to open an investigation into this matter. Further, the other elections Mr. Tuttle appears to have voted in did not fall on the same date.
If you have evidence that Mr. Tuttle does not meet the qualifications to be registered to vote in Oregon, you may contact the county clerk to initiate a challenge under ORS 254.415.
Lastly, even if Mr. Tuttle is a resident of another state, Oregon election law does not prohibit a candidate from receiving contributions from out of state residents.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Darcy
Compliance Specialist
Oregon Secretary of State | Elections Division
Response from the Curry County Clerk:
Shelley Denney
Monday, April 8, 2024 11:15 AM
Subject: RE: Case # 23-471 Closing Declination Taylor 01222024
Good morning,
It appears that Thomas Tuttle is no longer a registered voter in the State of California and is therefore is eligible to be registered in Curry County. I can discuss his voting in both states with the SOS however based on the email below I am not certain they will do anything since the statue of limitations is up for them to investigate.
Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Regards,
Shelley Denney, C.C.C.
Curry County Clerk
About the Author: Rob Taylor has been an activist for over 30 years and was the Winner of the 2024 Don Mcintire Award for Excellence in Grassroots Political Activism. His podcast can be found on Rumble and YouTube at the Rob Taylor Report.
Oregon Representative Charlie Conrad (R-Eastern Lane County) has taken grief over his vote for HB 2002, which allows girls of any age to obtain an abortion without her parents’ knowledge.
Having spent his working career in enforcement, Conrad must have known that backlash was coming because he immediately filed a vote explanation stating, "I voted "No" on advancing this bill to the floor due to my concerns about providing reproductive health care to minors, particularly children under 15 years old, without the involvement of their parents." Somehow he put aside the probability of liberal health care providers taking advantage of the loophole when he talked to providers that wouldn't take such action without consulting parents.
Conrad continues to defend his vote saying, "We need a government comprised of people working together, not in opposition, to solve the issues plaguing us today – in short, those who embrace and practice the once vaunted Oregon Way." Conrad has been criticized for voting for HB 2279, which repeals residency requirement in Oregon's Death with Dignity Act paving the way for out-of-state patients. He also voted with Democrats on critical enforcement bills relating to paramilitary activity and domestic terrorism, HB 2572 and HB 2772 among others.
In a letter to supporters, Oregon Right to Life Executive Director Lois Anderson said, "When Conrad voted to expand abortion last year under the radical bill HB 2002, we knew he had to learn his radical positions have consequences. And so we worked hard to find a stellar, pro-life candidate who could challenge Conrad’s seat in HD 12."
"It’s hard not to get excited when you find a candidate like Darin Harbick," Anderson said. "Not only is Darin a successful businessman, devoted husband and father, and involved member of his community, but he is also a faithful pro-life advocate."
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
Harbick is a self-made businessman founding several businesses located in the Upper McKenzie Valley. He currently co-owns Harbick’s Inc., a logging/dump truck business, with his son. While managing his businesses, he served 14 years on the McKenzie School board, the Lane County Tourism board, and coached high school and college women’s basketball. Harbick says, "The most rewarding business is our faith-based residential treatment home which serves people who suffer with mental illness."
Harbick currently holds a 27 point lead over Conrad, primarily over HB 2002. After the vote, Lane County Republican Party passed a resolution and issued a letter requesting Representative Charlie Conrad resign citing his voting record and listed ten grievances of how his vote does not align with their stated values affecting children and parents. Now it will be up to voters to determine which will advance to the General Election. Currently there are no challenger, but minor parties have not held their primaries.
Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City), member of the Senate Education Committee, also weighed in on the issue. “Transparency in school performance reporting is crucial for accountability and improvement. Our goal should be to make sure that parents and communities have the information they need to advocate for better educational outcomes. It’s time for parents and local school boards to demand better reporting standards that truly reflect the quality of education our children are receiving.”
In Lehner's final report he attempts to be encouraging, “The labor market is expected to improve as well following the past year where slower hiring has led to a rising unemployment rate, despite layoffs remaining low. While imminent recession fears appear misplaced, the longer high interest rates remain, the probability of recession rises as economic growth slows… For now, the economic forecast remains essentially unchanged compared to recent outlooks.”
“Looking ahead to the 2025-27 biennium, available resources are revised lower by $66 million compared to the previous forecast. Increases in corporate, estate, and interest earnings are not enough to fully offset the larger personal kicker being paid out. That said, when looking at the state budget and the combined resources of 2023-25 and 2025-27 the General Fund forecast is raised $610 million.
There are several environmental concerns associated with offshore floating wind turbines:
Corral Creek Band is scheduled to play throughout the day. They perform Bluegrass style music around the Northwest with homespun humor that draws the audience in.
SkyMed will hold a reception at the conclusion of the event with music by Nashville singer Brandon Hartt, a up and coming Nashville County Music artist.
rights from possessing, acquiring, and self-manufacturing firearms that are of types, functions, and designs, and are themselves, commonly owned and possessed firearms—self-made firearms that do not bear a manufacturer’s serial number, as well as the component parts used to build such arms—by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes."
Widely recognized as a vulnerable Democrat in her reelection campaign, Congresswoman Hoyle has announced that she is skipping the Democratic National Convention later in August in order to remain in Oregon because “Wildfires are getting worse out here and working this is her priority right now.” This statement falls in stark contrast to her signing of an Old Growth Pledge in support of the Biden Administration's plan to further limit the removal of dead trees on federal lands.
The NRCC’s Young Guns program recognizes a handful of the strongest Republican challenger campaigns in the country. The campaigns selected have met rigorous benchmarks demonstrating strength in campaign organization, fundraising, communications, and grassroots engagement. This past May, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee moved Val Hoyle to its “frontline” list of vulnerable incumbents, a powerful sign of Hoyle’s weakness versus the strong challenge being offered by GOP nominee DeSpain. She has challenged Hoyle to six debates in six counties in the 4th District, to which Hoyle has so far failed to agree.
“Political violence has no place in American politics. Certainly, those who believe that it does should not be in positions of authority in Oregon state government. With her amplification of pro-assassination messages, Cass McLeod-Skinner has demonstrated that she is unfit for the position she holds with the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Gov. Kotek rightly denounced violence in the aftermath of the shooting, and now she has an opportunity to put her words into action by removing McLeod-Skinner from her position to signal that such dangerous rhetoric is unacceptable.”
The chart is also an indication that forcing U.S. Employers to hire based on a DEI agenda rather than the quality of work is eroding in moral decay. Economist Dr. Elliott says, “Of course we aren’t going to be in the top 10 with that theology. I call it a theology because this DEI mantra is a religion to them… We are celebrating being the opposite of God in this country and that isn’t good for the economy… Biden is dedollarizing America by his policies.”
In contrast, here is what, a principal research scientist for the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Roy Spencer, had to say at the time. “Despite the near-normal global average temperatures, the USA Lower 48 temperature anomaly of +1.44 deg. C was the warmest in the [June] 43 year satellite record, ahead of +1.15 deg. C in 1988. In contrast, the Antarctic region (poleward of 60 S latitude) experienced its 2nd coldest June (-1.25 deg. C below the 30-year baseline), behind -1.34 deg. C in June, 2017.”
The Juneteenth flag tells the story of freedom. It features a star symbolizing the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states, surrounded by a bursting outline inspired by a nova, representing a new beginning for African Americans. That new beginning was June 19, 1865. The flag is raised in celebrations across the country, marking the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of freedom for African Americans.
And, even if it could, it would not do so ‘automatically.’ ATF therefore exceeded its statutory authority by issuing a Rule that classifies bump stocks as machineguns.”
Marine officers will also be looking for the required safety equipment. “Life jackets are the most important safety equipment boaters must carry, and there must be enough on board that fit every passenger,” Paulsen adds. “We’ve seen three years of declines in boating fatalities and want this year to be the safest on record. In 2023, 11 out of 13 victims were not wearing a life jacket, so find a life jacket you’ll wear for the type of boating you’re doing.”
During a consent search of the vehicle, the trooper located 136 grams (about one-third of a pound) of fentanyl powder and mannitol, which is a common cutting agent for fentanyl. The fentanyl was located in the trunk of the vehicle near the baby’s formula and clothing.
The question of what “majority” means is the majority of votes counted for active candidates in the final round of tallying, as opposed to the majority of total votes cast. In each round of tabulation some voters won't receive equal voting rights eliminating their second, third, etc. votes from being counted. The more candidates that run for a seat, the more likely a second or third choice candidate could win.
Oregon's 4th Congressional district includes Benton, Coos, Curry, Northern Douglas, Lane, and Lincoln Counties. The largest city in the district is Eugene.
In a letter to supporters, Oregon Right to Life Executive Director Lois Anderson said, "When Conrad voted to expand abortion last year under the radical bill HB 2002, we knew he had to learn his radical positions have consequences. And so we worked hard to find a stellar, pro-life candidate who could challenge Conrad’s seat in HD 12."
