The Oregon Department of Transportation has released the Oregon National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan. The plan also includes results from our online survey of current and prospective EV drivers, and charging station site hosts.

The federal Joint Office of Energy and Transportation requires states to submit plans for allocating the federal funding by August 1, 2022. The funding comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which is part of the 2021 federal infrastructure law. Oregon will receive $52 million over five years for EV charging infrastructure along major roads throughout the state.

The ODOT Climate Office developed the state plan based on published federal guidance, and input from EV stakeholders gathered March – July 2022. The Climate Office worked with the Oregon Department of Energy and a consultant team -- Kittelson & Associates and RMI -- to complete the plan.

ODOT submitted the plan to the Joint Office on July 15, 2022. The office will review and approve state plans no later than September 30, 2022, but may request changes to states' plans before approval. According to the plan, "Oregon is all in on transportation electrification and is supporting a rapid scale-up of EV charging infrastructure in the state. ODOT is committed to charging infrastructure over and above the NEVI funds-plus-match, providing over $100 million total toward EV charging infrastructure. Oregon is well-positioned to build out charging infrastructure and target the highest-need locations because of its recent Transportation Electrification Infrastructure Needs Analysis report, submitted to Governor Kate Brown in July 2021.

The federal NEVI funding is part of ODOT's larger $100 million commitment to EV infrastructure over the next five years.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-19 18:49:13

According to a new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report, health care costs grew at least 49% per person across insurance markets between 2013-2019 in Oregon, outpacing national health care cost growth during the same time period. By market, Medicare costs per person grew 58%, commercial market costs per person grew 45%, and Medicaid costs per person grew the slowest at 32%.

Rising prescription drug costs and the cost of professional services were stated as some of the primary factors driving health care cost increases, according to the OHA.

Between 2013-2019, Oregon’s health care costs grew faster than income. While per person health care costs grew 49%, per person income grew 31.5% and average wages grew 21.6%.

The report shows that for people in Oregon with commercial, employer-sponsored insurance, the cost of the average annual deductible and insurance premiums combined in 2019 was 10.1% of median income.

OHA Director Patrick Allen said, “The effects of rising health costs have a direct impact on the well-being of people, families and our communities. When health care costs grow faster than income and the cost of living, they squeeze the budgets of families and businesses”.

The report documents cost growth across six major service categories and identifies which types of services are responsible for most of the cost growth in each market. Between 2013 and 2019, per person pharmacy costs grew the most (116%).

Inpatient services have the highest per person costs and grew by 22% over the six years.

In the commercial market, professional services contributed the most to overall cost growth between 2013 and 2019. Pharmacy, emergency department, professional services and outpatient services grew by more than 60% from 2013 to 2019, with pharmacy costs growing the most at 93%.

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In the Medicare market, pharmacy costs grew by 185% from 2013 to 2019, far outpacing any other service category in any of the three markets. Pharmacy costs were the main driver of Medicare cost growth in this time period, increasing from $794 to $2,261 per person.

In the Medicaid market, professional services and pharmacy contributed the most to overall cost growth between 2013 and 2019. The Medicaid market saw less growth across service categories compared to the commercial market. Service categories in the Medicaid market also had lower per person costs, with the exception of inpatient services.

Between 2012-2017, Oregon costs under section 1115 Medicaid waiver agreement with the federal government were at a rate of growth of 3.4%.

The cost categories measured under Oregon’s 1115 waiver are a subset of the costs included in the 2013-2019 health cost growth report.

Oregon’s 1115 waiver supposedly focuses on limiting cost inflation for core Medicaid benefits paid by federal and state governments.

The calculation of cost growth under the waiver does not include categories such as increases in payments to hospitals for uncompensated care, graduate medical education, emergency care for non-citizens, the cost of behavioral health prescription medication and other costs.

State health officials released a fact sheet that outlines different types of health cost calculations.

This shows that While Medicaid costs per person grew by 32%, between 2013-2019, Medicare costs per person grew 58%, nearly double.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-19 09:30:17

Last Update: 2022-07-19 10:46:50

People who are looking for a job that provides vital community services and offers a competitive salary and benefits, can visit the DMV job fair at our DMV Headquarters in Salem this Friday, July 22.

This event will feature openings at these DMV offices:

• North Salem
• South Salem
• Albany
• Corvallis
• Dallas
• McMinnville
• Stayton
• Woodburn

The fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at DMV Headquarters, 1905 Lana Ave. NE.

This is an opportunity to ask current employees questions about a career at DMV and its potential for advancement. Computers will be available at the fair to fill out an application in Workday.

Applicants who don't already have a Workday account need to be sure to bring a resume so they can complete a job application.

Applicants can also find and apply for DMV jobs anytime from anywhere at www.odotjobs.com – at the top of the page, click Company and Department of Transportation to see all ODOT job listings. Check for jobs regularly. The DMV staggers job postings, plus staff retire or move to different offices, so new openings are posted frequently.

"DMV helps nearly every Oregonian," DMV Administrator Amy Joyce said. "Join us in serving your neighbors and your community."

DMV will hold more job fairs across Oregon this summer as part of efforts to speed the hiring process amid a statewide staffing shortage.

They seek people who we are looking for

• Two years of customer service experience
• Three months of handling money and making change
• Training and experience using computers
• Oregon state government provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law.

DMV is a division of the Oregon Department of Transportation, and ODOT embraces diversity and inclusion through our values, strategic planning, and actions. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to and learning from each other, and providing opportunities for professional enrichment, we are better able to serve those around us.

The DMV offers their employees work/life balance, comprehensive medical, dental and vision plan options, retirement benefits, continued professional development and training, and more.

"DMV is more than driver licenses and car registration," Joyce said. "We are integral to the voter registration process, we help raise millions of dollars for veterans and nonprofits through special license plates, and nearly every person who signed up as a potential organ donor got there through the DMV."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-18 20:07:43

Last Update: 2022-07-18 20:33:45

The Baker County Oregon Board of Commissioners and the City of Unity City Council will be meeting for Commission Session on July 20, 2022 and August 3, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Courthouse at 1995 Third Street, Baker City, Oregon.

There will be a public hearing to receive testimony on the proposed County Ordinance No. 2022-04: An Ordinance Declaring a Ban on Psilocybin Product Manufacturers and Psilocybin Service Center Operators within Unincorporated Baker County, with Referral to Electors.

The Commissioners, siting as the City Council for the City of Unity will also receive testimony on the proposed City of Unity Ordinance No. 2022-02 An Ordinance Declaring a Ban on Psilocybin Product Manufacturers and Psilocybin Service Center Operators within the City of Unity, with Referral to Electors

A copy of the proposed ordinances can be found online or by contacting the Commissioners’ Office at 541-523-8200.

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Members of the public can join the meeting in person or by using the link provided on the County’s website.

A complete agenda will be posted on the County’s website.

Baker County operates under an EEO policy and complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act..


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-18 20:05:52

Last Update: 2022-07-18 20:16:33

The Road User Fee Task Force will meet July 26, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. via video call and teleconference. To join the meeting, call 1-971-277-1965; at the prompt, enter this access code: 669 121 37#. Task Force's objective is to develop a design for revenue collection for Oregon’s roads and highways that will replace the current system for revenue collection, which is a per-gallon fuel tax. The replacement will almost certainly be some sort of per-mile tax.

The task force will discuss the development of road usage charge legislation which is being proposed for the upcoming legislative session. It will also consider the financial impacts of road use charges on urban and rural households, including an analysis of Oregon and how it compares to other participating states.

According to the announcement put out by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Road User Fee Task Force members value information and feedback from the public. People who wish to speak or write to the task force on any topic - including items not on the current agenda - are encouraged sign up to provide testimony by emailing the request to OfficeInnovation@odot.oregon.gov.

The task force reserves the first minutes of each meeting for public testimony. For more options and instructions for providing testimony,


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-18 19:51:31

Salem, Oregon's plan to relocate 40 micro-shelters to 1210 Center St. from its current location on Portland Road, will move forward after the Marion County Circuit Court signed a judgment of dismissal in the Writ of Review. This means the City will now prepare the vacant lot for the transitional housing development.

“We are very pleased to see this next phase of the Center Street location moving forward,” said Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett “Micro-shelters, like this one, are key to getting people into long-term, stable housing. It’s this transitional period that we, and our community partners, have found tremendous success in getting people the assistance they need.”

Micro-shelter sites supposedly provide temporary and secure housing with 24-hour security, on-site staff, restrooms, meals, peer support, trash services, and connections to local service providers and programs.

On-site staff assist with medical needs, job applications, and searches for long-term housing.

The new “Village of Hope” location will be managed by the nonprofit partner organization, Church at the Park, which currently manages the Portland Road location.

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"I'm beyond thrilled that the ‘Village of Hope’ will be relocating to the Center Street location,” said Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton, who represents Ward 1 in Salem. “The citizens of Salem have repeatedly told us that addressing homelessness is the top priority."

There are already two micro-shelter sites located throughout the city, with two more locations in consideration for future use.

You can learn more about micro-shelters online, or you can contact Gretchen Bennett, Salem's Unsheltered Residents and Houselessness Liaison at 503-540-2371.

The City of Salem says that they encourage anyone experiencing housing issues to contact social service providers to help identify any available resources and housing solutions in the community.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-17 10:03:16

Last Update: 2022-07-17 10:25:59

The City of Gresham, Oregon's police department, faced with significant staff shortages, has made what they are calling a difficult decision to pause the School Resource Officer (SRO) program with Centennial, Gresham-Barlow and Reynolds school districts.

Gresham Police is working to fill 19 sworn officer vacancies and plans to re-deploy officers currently assigned to the SRO program to patrol positions.

"While this was a very difficult decision because we understand the value of our school resource officers to the community, it is what’s necessary at this time to increase our ability to respond to emergencies,” said Police Chief Travis Gullberg. “Knowing it takes upwards of 18 months to onboard a new officer, we need to be realistic about our ability to fulfill our contracts with our school partners. Recruiting and retaining officers is a top priority, and we hope to announce the return of the SRO program as soon as staffing allows.”

The City currently receives grant funding from the State of Oregon to help operate a new Youth Services division, which contracts with local, culturally competent community based organizations (CBOs) for outreach, intervention and youth violence prevention efforts.

The city says that while the Youth Services team can’t offer security services, they are working with school district partners to help provide outreach services for students.

For districts that are interested, the City will begin discussions with CBOs and school district partners to explore creative strategies as they continue to focus on violence prevention.

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Gresham says that When Gresham Police staffing stabilizes, the City plans to work with districts to reinstate the SRO program.

Gresham City Council already invested $5.2 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds in the police department to provide hiring bonuses, training, add non-sworn staff to assist with officer workload, and launch a pilot Community Service Specialist program to handle non-emergent calls.

With part of that funding, the police department is hiring a dedicated emergency services recruiter, offering referral bonuses, and working with the state of Oregon to try to reduce some of the onboarding barriers faced when hiring new officers.

In August, Gresham City Council will consider the adoption of a three-year City financial plan that includes an additional $6 million investment in the police department.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-16 15:59:10

Last Update: 2022-07-16 16:17:32

A new universal three-digit dialing code for suicide prevention and mental health crisis — 988 — is now live after taking effect nationwide on Saturday, July 16, 2022. SAMSHA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) will administer the new "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline," according to an announcement put out by the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs, directed by Kelly Fitzpatrick.

The previous toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) will remain also active and will connect callers to the new 988 Lifeline.

The 988 Lifeline is designed to become a simple alternative to both 911 and the existing 1-800 number. One of the goals of the new number is to reduce the use of 911 for suicide and mental health crises because it can result in inadequate or inappropriate intervention by police, or unnecessary hospitalization or incarceration. Calling 988 instead will direct the caller to representatives specifically trained in the management of suicide risk and other mental health crises.

This new, simplified tool is critical for the support networks and caregivers of veterans and service members, who experience higher rates of suicide across all ages and demographics than the civilian population. To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and press "1" to be routed to that resource.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can access TTY by dialing 711 then 1-800-273-8255 or using their preferred relay service. Lifeline is in the process of expanding to video phone service. Interpretation through Language Line Solutions is also available in over 250 languages. Lifeline also offers services through chat and text (in English only).

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For more information, please see the following resources:

• SAMSHA, "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline"
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline general information
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, "988 Planning Grants: A funding opportunity by Vibrant Emotional Health and the Lifeline to plan for the implementation of 988"

Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City Vibrant Emotional Health, through a special funding opportunity, seeks to collaborate with public health and mental health agencies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to plan for the development of appropriate infrastructure and operations necessary for the full implementation of 988. Vibrant runs innovative community programs for people at all stages of life, and state-of-the-art crisis lines.

In July 2022, 988 will become the national three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, replacing the current phone number of 1-800-283-TALK (8255). As the administrator of the Lifeline since its inception in 2005, Vibrant Emotional Health knows that a national three-digit phone number can improve access to vital crisis services, improve the efficacy of suicide prevention efforts, and reduce the stigma about mental health and getting help.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-16 09:50:31

Last Update: 2022-07-16 10:20:13

In the middle of his campaign for reelection, Senator Ron Wyden may find himself defending the River Democracy Act, the subject of a lawsuit. Senator Wyden introduced S. 192, known as the “River Democracy Act” with Senator Jeff Merkley. The legislation designated nearly 4,700 miles of rivers, streams, creeks, gulches, draws and unnamed tributaries in Oregon as “wild and scenic.”

On June 22, 2022, Western Resources Legal Center filed a Civil Right - Freedom Of Information Act lawsuit against United States Department of Agriculture. Federal land managers are being accused of failing to release documents about the controversial River Democracy Act violating the Freedom of Information Act.

The controversial land grab applies to half-mile buffer zones along designated segments. It could impact public access, water resource management, forest and vegetation management, ranching and grazing, mining and other uses on an estimated 3 million acres of public lands.

It is Western Resources Legal Center’s intent to provide farmers and ranchers that rely on public land for their livelihood, with information to better explain the River Democracy Act.

The WRLC requested information backing government official’s testimony at the hearing on S. 192. The lawsuit indicates testimony included that the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management had documents analyzing potential impacts of the added waterways, the river miles and acres, and effect and methods of enforcement. They suggested a comprehensive river management plan for implementation.

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After eight months of delay, exceeding all legally mandated deadlines, WRLC concluded they believe the government is seeking to hide records from the public and question where the information came from used in their testimony. Prior to the passage of S. 192, Senator Merkley was asked about streams flowing through highly mineralized areas by Ken Alexander of Unity. Merkley said, “What that does is it prevents any future mining or prospecting on those rivers and I’m concerned about the process going ahead of how you’re going to investigate what rivers really belong in this bill.”

Merkley passed the buck claiming Wyden compiled the areas based on nominations he received from residents across the state. It seems that the commercial river guides and stewards promoted some 15,000 river nominations. They state on their website, “The River Democracy Act includes many important tributaries of the Wild and Scenic Illinois River, acknowledging its significance as a botanical and wild fish stronghold. It furthers this long-term effort by withdrawing the delicate serpentine source wetlands surrounding the Illinois from mining.”

What isn’t clear is whether all these miles qualify as a National Wild and Scenic River. To qualify, waterways must be within public land, free-flowing and contain noteworthy characteristics that make them unique. The Wild and Scenic Act thus labels these traits “Outstanding and Remarkable Values” that can include cultural history, geology, recreation, botany, water quality, etc. It is further classified in degrees of accessibility on foot and primitive. The River Democracy Act goes beyond preservation by enhancing Southern Oregon’s river productivity, encourages restoration projects and land acquisitions by doubling the protection zone around river segments to a half-mile impacting public access.

Environmentalist have been at odds with miners for decades. The River Democracy Act takes Oregon’s battle to the federal level. It isn’t that Wyden and Merkley were not aware their bill prohibits future mining within these zones. Oregon is the only producer of emery in the U.S. and a major producer of diatomite, perlite, bentonite, gemstones, and zeolites. Oregon’s mineral industries provide essential goods and services, from the construction materials needed to build and maintain our communities and roads to energy sources that power our day‐to‐day lives.

What information did Wyden and Merkley authorize to pass the River Democracy Act? Why does it take a court case to find out? The case was filed in U.S. District Courts, Oregon District Court. The Judge overseeing this case is Jeffrey Armistead. The case status is Pending.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-15 14:52:26

Last Update: 2022-07-15 17:39:43

The measures to be voted on in the November election have been determined. They include two referrals by the legislature and two measures placed on the ballot by citizens' initiative. As provided by the Oregon Constitution, committees are being formed to create explanatory statements.

Initial appointments have been made to the explanatory statement committees for ballot measures to be voted on at the General Election. Chief petitioners appointed two members to the committee and the Secretary of State appointed two other committee members. The four appointees are responsible for selecting a fifth committee member.

For each ballot measure to be voted on at the General Election, the explanatory statement committee is responsible for preparing an impartial, simple, and understandable statement explaining the measure, not to exceed 500 words. Upon completion of this task the statement is filed with the Secretary of State Elections Division, so that a public hearing on the statement may be scheduled. If a statement receives comments during the public hearing, the explanatory statement committee must meet to review comments and consider revisions to the statement.

The Legislative Policy and Research Office staff will conduct remote meetings with the explanatory statement committee to select fifth members, and subsequently hold meetings with the committee to write and possibly revise statements. You may observe the committee deliberations live via the Oregon State legislative website.

The committee is not required to take public testimony at each meeting, but the Secretary of State’s Office will hold a public comment meeting on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, from 1 - 3 p.m.

Initiative 14 - Amends Constitution: Legislators with ten unexcused absences from floor sessions disqualified from holding next term of office
Members: Sen. Dennis Linthicum, Joe Baessler, Bruce Gilley, Tan Perkins
Meeting to Elect Fifth Member: 10:30-11:00a.m., Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Initiative 17 - Requires permit to acquire firearms; police maintain permit/firearm database; criminally prohibits certain ammunition magazines
Members: Elizabeth McKanna, Margaret Olney, Leonard Williamson, HK Kahng
Meeting to Elect Fifth Member: 2:00-2:30 p.m., Monday, July 18, 2022
Drafting meeting: 3:00-5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Reconsideration meeting: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., Friday, August 5, 2022

Referral 401 - Amends Constitution: State must ensure affordable healthcare access, balanced against requirement to fund schools, other essential services
Members: Sen. Tim Knopp, Sen. Rob Wagner, Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, Rep. Barbara Smith Warner

Referral 402 - Amends Constitution: Removes language allowing slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime
Members: Sen. Rob Wagner, Rep. Barbara Smith Warner, David Wall



--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-15 13:53:15

Last Update: 2022-07-15 14:52:26

The Oregon public is invited to attend a virtual hearing on the draft amendment to the Oregon Highway Plan that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) says will guide the state in using tolling as a way to raise funds for transportation system improvements.

ODOT has provided some details for the hearing, which include:

• It is to be held on July 20th, at 1 p.m.
  
  
• You should sign up ahead of time to make comments.
  
  
• Details for joining the Zoom in are on the website.
  
  
• A comment form is linked from the website and also available here.
  
  
• The draft amendment is on the website: OHP Policy Amendment Draft for Public Review.
  
  
• You can also send an email with comments.

The comment period is open until August 1.

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The Oregon Highway Plan has an existing policy section on tolling.

This draft policy amendment proposes an update to that section, which is "Goal No. 6: Tolling." ODOT says that the draft amendment is intended to modernize the state’s pricing and tolling policy.

They say it defines terms, such as congestion pricing, and it offers guidance for the use of revenue and setting rates (but it does not set rates). It also supposedly provides the Oregon Transportation Commission with clearer direction for decision making. There are 15 policies in the draft amendment, each with actions to guide implementing the policy.

ODOT insists that this amendment is not about whether or not the state should toll roads, and that it will provide guidance for doing so if the state decides to use tolling.

Public input will inform potential revisions to the plan amendment.

ODOT says that their goal is to have a final version ready for adoption later this year.

The Oregon Highway Plan is the state’s primary highway guide, establishing a 20-year vision and strategic framework for Oregon’s road system. The current plan was approved by the commission in 1999 and has been modified numerous times, including in 2012 to add the current section on tolling.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2022-07-13 20:51:50

Last Update: 2022-07-13 21:24:29

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has released a new online tool that will give the public greater access to water quality monitoring data. The Pesticide Stewardship Partnerships Data Viewer is an interactive tool that displays monitoring data collected by Oregon's Pesticide Stewardship Partnerships, a voluntary program co-managed by DEQ and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Oregonians who want to know what pesticides are in their local streams can now easily access monitoring results through data viewer. "The development and release of this new tool directly supports DEQ's efforts to improve transparency and provide easy access to environmental data," says Jennifer Wigal, DEQ's Water Quality Administrator

The tool provides access to current and historic pesticide water quality data that DEQ and the Department of Agriculture use to inform the management of the program, which monitors for more than 130 chemicals in Oregon surface waters.

Users can view the data in different formats to meet their needs, such as data for a particular pesticide they are interested in, data from a specific location and/or specific time-period, or a summary of all pesticide detections and measured concentrations across PSP basins. The tool also includes an interactive map, which displays where the water samples are collected, the areas that may be contributing pesticides to each sample location, and generalized land uses (e.g., agriculture, urban or forest) to help users better understand the monitoring data.

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"Orchardists in the Hood River Basin have done amazing work in the last two decades to use pesticides responsibly and reduce concentrations in local streams," said Brian Nakamura, President of Nakamura Orchards and Board Chair of the Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District. "We want members of the public to be able to view the pesticide data and to increase awareness of the work that's been done to protect water quality."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-12 17:17:07