The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission took advantage of Governor Tina Kotek’s directive to make state tax compliance a requirement for the agency, by proposing to raise the surcharge tax.

The May 18 meeting dealt with issues that arose over OLCC former employees gaining preferred access to rare liquor products by creating a series of new policies restricting employee access.

Republican leadership has called for an investigation into various activites of OLCC, including land purchased, and have requested Democrat leaders create a Joint Oversight and Accountability Committee. However, all such requests are going into a dark hole.

Now OLCC is proposing to double the current “temporary” surcharge of fifty cents first enacted in the 2009-2011 budget cycle and has continued ever since. The proposal would increase the current fifty cent surcharge on each bottle of distilled spirits to one dollar per bottle. On top of that surcharge, Governor Kotek's budget for 2023-25 includes a line item for an additional fifty-cent surcharge on distilled spirits which is estimated to raise $45.2 million for the general fund.

Restaurants are still recovering from the pandemic when inflation hit. Many have closed their doors permanently. Oregon restaurants support local distillers, and these cost increases trickle down to the consumer, which they can’t afford to lose. You can watch the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) testimony on how this tax increase will hurt small bars and restaurants the most at a time when the Governor and the OLCC Commission should be supporting them.

The increase is proposed to provide funds for mental health and addictions, but the funds go into the general fund and has no guarantee of use. If the funds are needed, shouldn’t the legislature make the proposal as they did with the current surcharge, ORLA asked.

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“We are a very [substance] abusive state,” said OLCC Chair Marvin Révoal. “As we move forward your comments will be well received and accepted. We are not trying to convince one another as to what to do. We’re going to continue this [public] process because it’s very important.”

The Commissioners heard initial testimony at their April 20 and May 18 Commission meetings, and will accept written comments through June 5, 2023. To submit written comments; visit ORLA's Take Action page.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-05-19 14:32:55

Last Update: 2023-05-19 16:38:55

In April, Oregon Gervais School District Superintendent, Dandy Stevens, wrote to the community that Gervais School District filed a lawsuit on March 30, 2023 against several social media giants.

Stevens writes, “In the last year, many of us have observed employees or former employees of various social media platforms testify before Congress subcommittees on how teens are targeted by these platforms using very sophisticated algorithms designed to constantly engage and even provoke our youth.”

The Gervais School District is suing Meta, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Google and YouTube claiming social media hurts their students’ self-esteem and mental health encouraging engagement in destructive or vandalism aimed at district property, targeting of teachers and fellow students with follow-up posts meant to shame and cyberbully individuals. The lawsuit claims their “techniques are both particularly effective and harmful to the youth audience.”

“Additionally,” Stevens writes, “because of the extent and often extreme bullying, the district has seen an increase in the mental health issues of students in relation to body image, social standing, self-esteem, and friend groups to name a few. This requires significant time by counselors, teachers and administrators to address these situations which include working with parents on situations they are often not aware are occurring. Dealing with these issues takes time and financial resources away from the general operations of our buildings.”

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Stevens states they have two goals with this lawsuit. “The first is that we want social media platforms to make changes in how they design their programs and platforms so that the negative targeting of our youth, which often results in mental health and safety issues, stops. It is a constant barrage on our youth that is difficult for them to navigate in a healthy way. The other goal is that the district is seeking to bridge the gap between the resources we are having to use and the budget we have available.”

The district was approached about being a part of this litigation by attorneys Keller Rohrback LLP based in Seattle, the district felt it had the documentation and evidence to support that social media companies are causing harm to students. It will cost the district nothing if they lose, and any monies gained, the district will seek input on the spending priorities.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-05-19 11:07:47

Last Update: 2023-05-18 21:28:30

As ten Republican Oregon State Senators have reached the ten day limit on the Oregon Constitution's limit for unexcused absences that forbids them from holding office in the next term, Senate President Rob Wagner has taken to the floor to describe the crisis.

Article IV, Section 15 of the Oregon Constitution says:

Punishment and expulsion of members. Either house may punish its members for disorderly behavior, and may with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member; but not a second time for the same cause. Failure to attend, without permission or excuse, ten or more legislative floor sessions called to transact business during a regular or special legislative session shall be deemed disorderly behavior and shall disqualify the member from holding office as a Senator or Representative for the term following the election after the member's current term is completed.

The second sentence in that section was amended to the Oregon Constitution by the voters in 2022. Democratic legislators proposed it as an amendment to the Oregon Constitution for the purpose of removing a strategic tool used by the minority Republicans.

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Following his announcement of the lack of a quorum, Senate President Wagner gave a short speech berating the missing Republican Senators, saying,

"Today is another extremely challenging day for Oregon...Certain Senators continue to disrespect our democracy...It has been made clear: This walkout is about shutting down debate on this floor and stopping bills that the people of Oregon say they want. Chief among them is our bill to protect access to reproductive health care."

Republican Senators David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) and Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) have not been participating in the walkout. Senator Fred Girod (R-Lyons) is not yet at the ten day threshold because he has been excused for medical reasons.

Oregon Firearms Federation Director Kevin Starrett, saw this moment as a victory for Republicans noting, "The Democrats love to drone on about the rights of minorities and pat themselves on the back for their demands for “equity and inclusion.” But in the end, they are transparent frauds. The far left “OPB” was right. The Democrats, in their zeal for retribution, screwed up. They now have zero leverage. The Senate Republicans have demonstrated amazing courage and selflessness and now the Democrats are wetting themselves."

Starrett supports the walkout, as there is anti-firearms legislation pending, which would not pass if the walkout were to continue.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-19 09:50:20

Last Update: 2023-05-19 11:05:29

In recognition of National Police Week and in response to Oregon’s drug crisis, House Republicans attempted to withdraw four pieces of legislation to prioritize public safety and Measure 110 reform. Democratic committee chairs never advanced these bills in committee. The Democratic majority -- under the leadership of Majority Leader Julie Fahey -- voted each bill down on the floor, despite bipartisan support on three of the four votes.

A recent poll among Oregonians revealed that:

• 63% of respondents would support a tweak to Measure 110 to reinstate criminal punishments for the possession of illegal drugs while continuing funding for drug addiction services.
• 65% of respondents felt that Measure 110 has made addition and overdoses in the State of Oregon worse.
• 63% of respondents felt that Measure 110 has worsened the homelessness crisis.

While none of the motions received the required 31 votes to withdraw a bill, three of the four bills had bipartisan support and split evenly in tied 30-30 votes.

• HJR 29 – Proposal for a constitutional amendment that would bring Oregon in line with all 49 other states requiring a unanimous verdict if not guilty, as well as a unanimous verdict if guilty. Motion to withdraw from Rules failed - Ayes, 25; Nays, 35.
• HB 2135 – Eliminates the current “catch and release” system which allows criminals to commit a crime, get arrested, get released, and then commit another crime after release. Motion to withdraw from Judiciary failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 30.
• HB 3603 – Provides that in cases where a defendant is charged with a sexual offense or domestic violence, evidence of the defendant’s commission of prior sexual offenses or domestic violence is admissible. Motion to withdraw from Judiciary failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 30.
• HB 2310 – Reestablishes criminal penalties for possession and distribution of street drugs, including fentanyl, that were stripped by Measure 110, while still supporting the rehabilitation funds that go towards expanding access to rehabilitation programs. Motion to withdraw from Judiciary failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 30.

“HB 2310 would have done what most Oregonians are asking for. Not only did this body fail to meet the moment today, but I would like to point out that this bill was never even scheduled for a public hearing to gain the input of Oregonians. Do we not want to hear what they have to say? We must hold drug users accountable to prevent future tragedies,” said Representative Rick Lewis (R-Silverton), former Chief of Police for 28 years, on the House floor.

Just this week alone, it has been reported that:

• Portland overdose deaths have climbed nearly 50% this year.
• 8 overdose deaths were reported over the weekend in Portland by what is suspected to be fentanyl.
• Thousands of Portland residents are leaving the city as it grapples with the fentanyl crisis.
• Few drug offenders bother calling a treatment hotline to have their fines for possession waived.
  • Only 5 people in Multnomah County have taken up this offer.

Just yesterday, Washington lawmakers voted to keep drugs illegal. Today, Oregon House Democrats voted to keep drugs legal.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-18 06:24:59

Last Update: 2023-05-17 18:14:01

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) has sent a letter to Governor Tina Kotek urging her administration to take executive action to waive and refund fines related to OR-OSHA’s COVID-19 rules. Representative Boshart Davis suggested that, with the exception of willful and egregious violations, these fines should be cleared to allow Oregon employers and the state to continue to recover from the pandemic and its impacts.

“I’ve talked to plenty of business owners who were doing their best to keep their employees and the public safe during the pandemic, but simply had a hard time keeping up with often changing rules and a complex regulatory landscape,” said Representative Boshart Davis. “The pandemic is over and OR-OSHA’s COVID-19 rules have been suspended. It only makes sense that these fines should be suspended and refunded as well.”

In her letter to Governor Kotek, Representative Boshart Davis referenced media reports suggesting outstanding fines total approximately $800,000. An estimated $100,000 has already been collected by OR-OSHA. Representative Boshart Davis said eliminating these fines would represent a gesture of good will between state government and the employer community and would also allow OR-OSHA regulators to focus their time and attention on keeping workplaces safe prospectively, rather than events that occurred in the past.

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“I think even state regulators would admit that the rollout of COVID-19 rules was often confusing, conflicting, and difficult to navigate for everyday Oregonians,” said Representative Boshart Davis. “The state does not need this money. Let’s accelerate our state’s recovery process by wiping out these fines and working together with the employer community to move our state forward. I urge Governor Kotek to get this done.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-18 06:06:57

Last Update: 2023-05-17 18:05:57

The May Economic and Revenue Forecast has been released under a new, modernized model that -- according to Oregon Senate Leadership -- lacked explanation, but indicated record revenue. If accurate, the Personal Kicker for the 2023-2025 Biennium is up to an estimated $5.5 billion and the Corporate Kicker an estimated $1.8 billion.

House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) said, “This morning’s revenue forecast revealed a few things -- Oregon’s funding is secure for the time being, our workforce is slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels, and we expect the kicker to be rightfully returned into the hands of hardworking Oregonians. But while the State of Oregon is doing well, I want to ask my fellow Oregonians -- are you?”

“It should be no surprise that the revenue derived from Oregon’s Corporate Activity Tax is up, which also means Oregonians are paying more for everything as a result. Oregon is effectively incentivizing businesses not to come here, while family businesses are shutting down because the cost of doing business is simply too great.”

“Despite the detrimental impact of the CAT Tax on businesses, Democrats have shut down any potential conversation around tax cuts to reduce the size of government. House Republicans will continue to advocate for fiscal responsibility, a lower cost of living, and the viability of our business community.”

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“Oregon families are on track to receive the largest Kicker return they have ever received. Republicans trust Oregonians with their tax refund, their children, and their families. Meanwhile, Democrats want government to spend your money and parent your children,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend).

“Senate Democrats must come to the table in good faith, abandon their uncompromising, unlawful, unconstitutional agenda, and allow us to participate in floor sessions. Senate Republicans have been clear that we are willing to pass substantially bipartisan budgets and bills that comply with the law.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-17 16:27:38

Last Update: 2023-05-17 17:06:57

The City of Albany Oregon has announced that it is in partnership with the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG), and is hosting a public event to discuss Climate Friendly Areas (CFAs). Albany City and OCWCOG staff will present the proposed CFAs in a May 31st meeting and have a discussion on how they overlap with any vulnerable areas. They say that anti-displacement strategies will be discussed.

Albany Climate Friendly Areas – Public Event Wednesday, May 31st at 6pm City Hall (Council Chambers) 333 Broadalbin Street SW

An online survey will be available on the project website after the meeting for another opportunity to comment. Spanish interpretation and children’s activities will be provided.

The City of Albany is saying that this is to urge some residents to consider more housing and transportation choices, in order to meet Oregon’s adopted climate goals.

The Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities state program says that the new rules require cities over 50,000 to reform parking standards, plan for mixed use “climate-friendly” areas where residents, workers, and visitors can meet most of their daily needs by walking, bicycling or riding transit, and create more equitable and accessible communities, especially for those "traditionally underserved and experiencing discrimination".

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The first phase of the process is to study and determine potential locations of climate-friendly areas by the end of 2023.

The second phase is to adopt development standards for these areas and amend the official zoning map as needed by the end of 2024.

The Climate Friendly Areas program says that "the process requires centering voices of underserved populations and working towards equitable outcomes. While some may see Climate Friendly Area designation as a benefit, others may fear gentrification-caused displacement. State standards require specific analysis of this issue and adoption of anti-displacement measures."

Those interested can contact Anne Catlin via email or via phone at (541)-917-7560.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-05-17 09:16:50

Last Update: 2023-05-17 10:26:11

Weekend negotiations between Democrat and Republican leaders have failed to produce a legitimate agreement. Today, all Senate Republicans protested the Senate floor session in solidarity with the three members who reached 10 unexcused absences.

“I conveyed in discussions over the weekend that Senate Republicans will end their protest to pass substantially bipartisan budgets and bills that are lawful and constitutional and that will benefit all Oregonians,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “Democrats are instead using their slim majority to justify moving forward with an extreme, unlawful, and unconstitutional agenda. Democrat leadership offered no solutions to rectify the constitutional and legal dilemma we raised and are instead aiding and abetting a culture of corruption.”

“But as a general rule, the state should not be giving children an avenue for pulling away from parents – their key support system – in such a serious situation, especially since the state won’t be sticking around to help that child afterwards. While Democrats cast this bill as if it keeps government out of patients’ medical decisions, in reality, it helps keep parents out of their kids’ lives.” wrote the the Oregonian Editorial Board

“If Democrats thought we would facilitate an agenda that intentionally removes the rights of parents, they were seriously mistaken. Democrats have gone too far,” said Deputy Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles), who reached the 10-absence threshold.

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“Senate Republicans are united in defending Oregonians from the culture of corruption that has permeated Democrat politicians like former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and Senate President Rob Wagner. We are simply asking for lawful bills, a bipartisan approach, and a transparent process. Let it be abundantly clear: this is just the beginning of the fight,” concluded Knopp.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-16 22:42:49

Last Update: 2023-05-16 22:58:43

In the wake of the resignation of Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, Governor Tina Kotek announced she is directing the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Com-mission to make state tax compliance a requirement for the agency to issue or renew cannabis retail licenses.

According to a statement by the Governor's office, this will impact approximately 823 licensees -- a disproportionately high percentage of licensees. Data from DOR shows that cannabis retailers have a higher non-compliance rate in Oregon for payment of taxes (9%) than other tax programs administered by the agency (3%). The OLCC has indicated that there are approximately 823 licensees that would need to obtain the tax compliance certificate in any given year.

At the center of the storm is the embattled cannabis dispensary, La Mota. Owners of the cannabis dispensary chain were major donors to prominent Democrat candidates while at the same time, allegedly facing millions of dollars in tax liens, nonpayment of rent and other bills, and dozens of lawsuits in recent years.

At Governor Kotek’s direction, the OLCC and Oregon Department of Revenue will implement a new mandate requiring applicants for cannabis retail licenses to provide OLCC proof of tax compliance as part of their application process. OLCC has existing statutory authority to make this change and will engage in administrative rulemaking to add this requirement.

Governor Kotek allegedly received over $60,000 from tax-troubled cannabis organizations. And it doesn't end with her. Willamette Week has reported that Democrat politicians including Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) received campaign contributions from cannabis retail businesses and their owners in stacks of cash. Large cash contributions make it far more difficult to detect illegal activity because they lack a paper trail.

“I’m grateful to the current leadership at the OLCC and the Department of Revenue for working collaboratively to resolve this long-standing need for equivalent tax compliance across cannabis and liquor sectors,” Governor Kotek said. “This will help ensure that all businesses are operating under the same rules and not getting any competitive advantage if they haven’t paid their taxes.”

“While it may be technically legal, I don’t think it’s appropriate. It shows a severe lack of judgment to be taking large quantities of cash from owners of a company that is clearly troubled,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “If the last few weeks have shown us anything, it’s that the Democrat Party’s culture of corruption is alive and well. That is why I have drafted LC 4584, a bill limiting cash political contributions to $100. Campaign finance reform has long been a topic of discussion on all sides of the aisle. I have been consistent in my support for reasonable campaign finance limits.”

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“As wonderful as it is to have piles of cash, it is hard to trace, track or verify. That makes it a troublesome component in a state where there are already no state limits on campaign finance contributions,” said The Bend Bulletin Editorial Board.

“This is another prime example of why we need a bicameral, bipartisan Joint Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Corruption, wherever it hides, should be rooted out so Oregonians can begin to rebuild trust in their elected leaders,” added Knopp.

Oregon law permits ensuring tax compliance before the issuance of some licenses, contracts, employment, and appointments can be finalized. OLCC will work to add an additional tax compliance tool to its application and renewal process for cannabis retailers by requiring licensees or applicants to provide OLCC with a tax compliance certificate from DOR.

“We want to help people comply with Oregon’s tax laws,” said Betsy Imholt, Oregon Department of Revenue Director, “This is one more opportunity to connect with taxpayers to ensure their taxes are paid. It is good for both Oregon and for the taxpayer.” Several agencies already partner with DOR to confirm that a person is in tax compliance before the issuance of a license, execution of a contract, or appointment to a board or commission.

“Oregon’s cannabis industry is important to the state’s economy, and the sales tax it generates is vital to the state’s budget,” said Craig Prins, OLCC Interim Executive Director. “That’s why it’s critically important for us to get this group of licensees into compliance and paying their fair share.”

This change at OLCC is the first step to expanding and standardizing tax compliance requirements across state government. In addition to evaluating the need for any statutory or administrative changes, DOR will evaluate ways to embed equity into enforcement and compliance, such as the use of payment plans to be brought into compliance, and through automating the certification process to meet the increased demand for compliance certifications.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-16 21:37:25

Last Update: 2023-05-17 22:33:42

In one year, Clackamas County has seen a 31% decrease in homelessness, according to the just-released annual Point in Time count of people experiencing homelessness.

“Let’s savor this for a moment,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair Tootie Smith in a commission meeting on May 9. “I’m so thankful to our staff doing the extraordinary work to get us to this place; and we want to keep going. This Board is dedicated to staffing addiction treatment and mental health options, and we’ll put our resources behind these efforts. We also need to get rent assistance out there before people lose their housing."

The full Board joined Chair Smith in celebrating the headway on addressing homelessness, commending the county’s partners for their dedication, and committing to continued action. The commission praised county staff and partners for serving over 6,500 people in 2022 through homeless prevention and housing programs, while recognizing the county must remain dedicated to doing the work to end homelessness.

Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development Vahid Brown agreed that 410 people experiencing homelessness in the county is still too many.

“We’re making a significant difference in one of the most difficult problems,” Brown said. “It means that what we’re doing is working. This comes down to the dedication of staff, our private and nonprofit community partners, and law enforcement. We’re making a difference for hundreds of households of extremely vulnerable people and for the wider community that cares deeply about this problem. We are literally saving lives."

Brown touted the effectiveness of the county’s Built for Zero initiative, in which outreach workers track people experiencing homelessness by name, build trust with people and connect them with housing.

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“Built for Zero allows us to track inflows and outflows to and from homelessness," Brown said. "The number of people exiting homelessness needs to be greater than the number entering, and if it is, we will continue to be on the right track. And we need a robust suite of tools to help people exit, including addiction and recovery services.”

Brown discussed multiple types of outreach that county workers engage in, including behavioral health drug and alcohol counselors who do outreach alongside law enforcement through the LEAD program, as well as medically-focused outreach in coordination with Providence Health.

For more information, check out the county’s report on the 2023 Point-In-Time homeless count and the Board of County Commissioners’ full discussion of the report.

The Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners is made up of five county residents who are elected to four-year terms. Tootie Smith is the Chair of the Board.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-05-16 19:31:53

Last Update: 2023-05-16 19:46:53

Oregon State Senator Lynn P. Findley (Republican SD-30) has released a statement concerning the walkout protest in the Oregon Senate. It reads as follows:

Dear constituents,

I want to update you to explain why I have joined my fellow Republican and Independent Senators in denying quorum. Oregon is facing an accountability crisis. By denying quorum we are stopping the Senate Democrats from willfully ignoring the rules and passing bills unlawfully.

Senate Republicans recently noticed that the Senate is not complying with the Oregon Constitution, Senate Rules, and statue (OR Const. Art. IV §21, SR 13.02(5), and ORS 171.134). The law clearly states that bill summaries must score a minimum of 60 on the Flesch readability scale. In other words, bill summaries should be written at an eighth or ninth grade reading level. Almost all bill summaries fail this standard. This law is important for transparency and accessibility.

On May 1, we raised this issue on the Senate floor. President Wagner consulted Legislative Counsel. Then he ruled that bills complied with the law. Despite the fact the bill summaries scored below 60 on the Flesch scale. Senate Democrats voted in support of this decision. The next morning President Wagner provided a legal opinion from Legislative Counsel which claimed:

• Only the legislature can judge compliance with the readability law.
• The Oregon Supreme Court said (City of Damascus v. State by and through Brown) that bills are valid even if they don’t comply with the readability law.
• Precedent is more important than statue in legislative process and the legislature has created the precedence of ignoring the readability law.
• The bill summaries can only be objected to at certain points in the process. By the time we vote on them it is too late to do anything.
• Republicans disagreed with the opinion. Regardless, we tried following it by objecting earlier in the process. Concerning House bills, President Wagner ruled that Senate rules and the readability law didn’t apply. Even though the bills were in the Senate and the readability law applies to both Senate and House bills. For one Senate bill, President Wagner promised it would not be introduced until he had consulted with Legislative Counsel. The following morning the same bill was back on the introduction list without explanation.

Let me be clear that Republicans objected to many bills over the readability law. Including bills with bipartisan support. We proposed sending bills back to committees so the summaries could be edited to comply with the readability law. Democrats voted against that solution.

Republicans used every procedural tool to make the Senate comply with the law. On May 3, the only option left was to deny quorum (20 members must be present for the Senate to conduct business). This was a necessary step to stop Democrats from passing bills unlawfully.

Also, Senator Weber joined others in taking the issue to court. President Wagner was defended by executive branch lawyers. They argued that the separation of powers blocked the courts from getting involved. Furthermore, they argued that the Oregon Constitution prevents legislators from civil proceedings during session. Ultimately, Judge David Leith chose not to intervene. Although he said: “If it was mine to decide, I would say that the summary doesn’t meet that standard” (VanderHart, OPB, 5/4/23). Democrats have incorrectly used this court case to justify their actions.

I am not a lawyer, but the following things are clear to me.

• Almost all bills are not complying with the readability law.
• The courts are refusing to take any action on this issue.
• If the Oregon Supreme Court is correct, then bills are valid even if passed unlawfully.
• The legislature must enforce the law on itself.
• The majority part gets to decide what is legal or not.
• This is morally and ethically wrong. Oregonians do not get to pick and choose what laws are enforced on themselves. If an agency realizes they have not been enforcing an old regulation on businesses, the regulation is not considered invalid.

As a Senator, I swore an oath to upload the laws and constitution of Oregon. My oath is sacred to me. I refuse to join a quorum of the Senate if our actions will trample on the rule of law.

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This is going on at a crucial time for Oregon. The Secretary of State recently resigned over ethical concerns. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission is embroiled in scandal. Now we are learning that the Senate is willfully violating the law. It seems that leadership in Oregon government feels they can do no wrong and are above the law. We are in the middle of an accountability crisis, and it is time that something is done about it.

There have been questions about Measure 113. The ballot measure was passed last year and bars legislators from seeking reelection if they have more than 10 excused absences during a session. My oath to uphold the constitution is more important to me than being reelected.

There have also been claims that Republicans don’t really care about the readability law and the real purpose of the walkout is to stop specific Democrat bills. For me, this is absolutely about the readability law. I imagine that once this issue is resolved, the majority party will continue to push through their bills. When that occurs, I will strongly oppose and discuss those bills on the floor.

My office has received comments asking if the reason for the walkout is because “Republicans are too dumb to read”. This is about making the lawmaking process accessible to Oregonians. I consistently hear from constituents that have trouble understanding proposed bills. Oregonians shouldn’t need a graduate degree to understand bill summaries.

It’s worth restating that almost all bills are not complying with the readability law. I have not confirmed if all my bills comply with the readability law. However, it is safe to assume that most of them do not. Legislators rely on the help of Legislative Counsel to draft bills and their summaries. I wrongly assumed that their work was done in full compliance with the law.

I’m sure that the legislature was more diligent in complying with the readability law when it was first implemented in 1979. Overtime, as staff and legislators changed, the law was probably forgotten about. Whatever the case, the law is still on the books and all bills should comply with it. Being absent from some floor sessions does not mean that I’m not working. I’m still attending my committees, making phone calls, answering emails, taking meetings, and working on policy. Last week I went home to take care of needs in my district. While I was there, I would have attended committee virtually. But President Wagner doesn’t allow it.

By denying quorum we have drawn attention to Democrats willfully violating the law. There are variety of ways we can either comply with the law or make changes to it if necessary. What is important me to me is that Senate leadership is held accountable.

It is a great honor to serve in the legislature. I don’t always agree with my colleagues across the aisle on policy. Yet, I respect them for their experiences and service. I’m optimistic that reason will prevail and soon we will come together to resolve this accountability crisis.

I’m grateful for the positive messages of support I have received from my constituents and Oregonians across the state.

All the best,

Lynn P. Findley

State Senator, Senate District 30

Oregon State Senate District 30 comprises of all of Baker, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Malheur, and Wheeler counties, as well as parts of Deschutes, Lake, and Wasco counties. The 30th district is the largest in the state.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-15 18:58:16

Last Update: 2023-05-15 19:24:04

It's a stand-off at the Oregon Capitol over parental rights, in regards to notifying parents about abortion and transgender treatments and procedures. The Oregon Senate Republicans have continued their protest of the concerning legislation that the Majority Democrats are trying to push through the state legislature.

HB 2002 has already passed through the Majority Democrat House Chamber. Republicans condemned the bill, calling it radical and dangerous.

The bill would prohibit health insurance plans from denying or even limiting coverage of irreversible sex-changing procedures and treatments. Under this law, parents would also not have the right to know whether their child is receiving these treatments.

Under this law, insurers must cover cosmetic medical procedures for those identifying as a different gender, such as tracheal shaving, hair electrolysis and facial feminization surgery.

Another Oregon law that HB 2002 alters is the decriminalization of the concealing the birth of an infant.

The removal of this basic law would set a dangerous precedent for society, a suggestion that an infant's life is not worth investigating.

The Northwest Observer asked legislators why this should be decriminalized, but have yet to receive a response from any of the Democrat legislators.

Representative Brian Stout (Republican-HD31) spoke about the illegality of the proposed legislature, saying that : "The rights of a parent as guardians of our children are not only a responsibility but it is a right of law. The primary holding of supreme court case, Troxel V. Granville stated, “There is a fundamental right under the Fourteenth Amendment for a parent to oversee the care, custody, and control of a child”."

Stout stated that, "All throughout our nation’s history we have established the precedent that minors do not have the same rights as a legal adult. A minor has been defined by an age number. You must be 18 to get married on your own. You must be 18 to vote. Only 18 years of age or more counts to be able to serve our military and you even must be 18 to buy a scratch off lottery ticket. Let us not forget to mention you must be 21 to use or consume alcohol or marijuana legally. Are these laws established because we all know or tend to think that minors make poor decisions? Possibly and most certainly. We have all made mistakes in our early years and when we made those mistakes, we typically learn from them. Let us not forget who was there to help correct our mistakes and help us grow through the experience, our parents."

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

Stout says that the rights of a parent as guardians of our children are not only a responsibility but it is a right of law.

Stout also pointed out that "HR5 just passed the US House. It is the Parents Bill of Rights Act and it clearly outline parents’ rights and requires schools to notify parents of intent to change a child’s gender or pronouns, as well as issues related to mental and physical health on medical exams. So, while the rest of the country is working to preserve parents’ constitutional rights, we convene here today over a bill that destroys them at every level."

He continued in statement, "The contents of this bill and the language within sends a clear message to all Oregonians – a message that we as parents no longer matter in life changing decisions of our own children. Let me say it again another way. If this bill passes, we as parents are being told that we have no business being involved in or even knowing about the health and physical care of our children. Parents tend to know their own children best - not the government as a collective body, not a counselor, not a teacher, not a medical worker. Let us as parents not be blind as to the true intent of this bill before us. If there was ever a time to look up from your screens and listen to the truth and facts of what is in this bill, it is now. I stand here today with every parent in preserving their legal rights. I stand here today in opposition and defense of the most valuable and vulnerable, our children.

HB 2002 is currently scheduled for a reading on the Senate Floor, where the Republicans are protesting the extremist agenda, and they have refused to grant the Democrats quorum on the Senate floor.

The Republicans Senators are now putting their political careers on the line, as it is now punishable under Oregon law for the legislators to be absent from the legislative session for more than 10 unexcused days. Some observers have criticized this strategy, as the Democrats have employed the walkout technique themselves in years past, and this limits the ability of a minority caucus to negotiate legislation.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-05-14 10:37:52

Last Update: 2023-05-15 09:07:31