In July, the Washington County Oregon Sheriff's Office partnered with the FBI and multiple local agencies to target traffickers and connect survivors with advocacy services. The mission was part of the FBI’s annual Operation Cross Country. Nationally, the operation led to the identification or arrest of 126 suspects and the recovery of 59 victims of child sex trafficking.

During WCSO’s mission, investigators arrested two men and helped seven women speak with advocates dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking.

Detectives arrested 30-year-old Calvin Daejuan Smith of Portland for promoting prostitution, identity theft, and a parole violation. Mr. Smith was released in July and arrested again in August after failing to appear for court.

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Deputies also arrested 31-year-old Chris Kendall West Jr. of Portland for unlawful possession of a firearm. Detectives continue to investigate multiple other people identified during the mission.

WCSO was joined by Safety Compass, which offers free and confidential advocacy services for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation in Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington counties. During the mission, multiple survivors were connected in person with Safety Compass advocates.

The mission was a partnership involving the Sheriff’s Office, the Beaverton, Hillsboro, Sherwood, and Tigard police departments, the FBI, Safety Compass, and the Washington County Human Trafficking Task Force. That task force is overseen by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and brings together prosecutors, law enforcement, and numerous community partners and agencies to rescue victims, identify sex buyers, and hold traffickers accountable.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-13 15:20:53

Last Update: 2023-08-13 15:29:26

Oregon Health officials are reminding people heading outdoors in eastern Oregon to do their best to prevent mosquito bites after a recent jump in the number of mosquito pools – collections of up to 50 insects – testing positive for West Nile virus, according to local vector control districts.

Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., state public health veterinarian at Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Public Health Division, said high heat combined with sporadic precipitation has created perfect conditions for mosquito growth in recent weeks. As a result, eastern parts of the state are seeing more mosquitoes and a corresponding increase in traps containing West Nile-positive insects.

The increase in mosquito populations may be behind new human cases of the virus.

“Eastern Oregon has seen a little bit of rain, leading to additional water available for mosquitoes to lay eggs,” said DeBess. “We saw an increase of 13 West Nile-positive mosquito pools in one week, 10 of them in Baker County, and two presumptive human cases.”

So far in 2023, a total of 22 mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus. Eleven have been in Baker County, seven in Malheur County, two in Union County, and one each in Jackson and Umatilla counties.

Last year, there were five human West Nile virus cases in Oregon, and three cases among horses, with 45 positive mosquito pools. There also were five human cases in 2021, along with eight horse cases, two bird cases and 75 positive mosquito pools.

Groups at risk for severe disease include adults 50 and older, immunocompromised people and those living with certain conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

While most infected people show little to no signs of disease, one in five show signs of West Nile fever. Flu-like symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks and may include fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headaches, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis or rash. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should contact their health care provider.

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People should mosquito-proof their homes by following these steps:

• Eliminate standing water in and around the home and business where mosquitoes can breed.
• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans.
• Clean out clogged rain gutters.
• Remove discarded tires and other items that could collect water.
• Look for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.

Take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Generally, the more active ingredients a repellent contains the longer it can protect against mosquito bites. Repellents containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picaridin are recommended; follow directions on the container for applying it to the skin.
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors with infants.
• When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
• Install or repair window and door screens
• Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. When using an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the products.

Oregon Health Authority says that the easiest and best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites.

The Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division works with local health departments, mosquito control districts and other agencies to detect and test for the presence of West Nile virus in animals and humans.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-11 17:48:06

Last Update: 2023-08-11 18:48:06

Three people representing a group called “Friends of Gap Road” recently asked Linn County Oregon Commissioners Will Tucker and Sherrie Sprenger to oppose a proposed solar energy park project about eight miles south of Brownsville near Harrisburg that would be sited on 1,500 acres of prime farm land.

Linn County Board Chairman Roger Nyquist was not present.

Farmers and others recently packed the Community Room of Brownsville City Hall, opposing the proposed Muddy Creek Energy Park which would be developed and operated by a company called Hanwa Qcells, whose U.S. headquarters are in California and international headquarters in South Korea.

Because the project would encompass more than 160 acres, its siting and land use process falls under the Oregon Department of Energy’s jurisdiction, although Linn County commissioners can provide oral and written comments.

Present Tuesday morning were Troy Jones, Stephanie Glaser Hagerty and Arnold Kampfer. All own property near the proposed project and have long family histories in the area.

Although the proposed project would be on Class I and II soils, solar projects are allowed as a conditional use under state law use laws. The developers plan to graze sheep on the property under the solar panels.

Jones asked the commissioners to oppose the project. “We are concerned about wetlands, wildlife and the fact this would be on EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) land,” Jones said.

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The group also believes the siting process would “circumvent” Linn County’s Planning & Building Department.

He added that the state has long-valued EFU land to keep “farming alive.”

Glaser-Hagerty said her family has lived and farmed in the area for five generations. She considers the project as a 1,500-acre experiment that will have a negative effect on the area for decades.

Kampfer encouraged the commissioners to execute “more leverage” on the siting process and to be “more forceful.” “This is not good for the community or the neighbors,” Kampfer said. “There is a place for this, but not on EFU ground.”

Commissioner Tucker said he doesn’t know enough about the project to come out in opposition, but he does “know enough to be concerned. As commissioners we can express our concerns, but we don’t have the ability to change the course.”

Commissioner Sprenger said she has had conversations with numerous people and although she has to be cautious and let the process work its way through, she is “not a fan”. “It’s a very big project on prime farm land,” Sprenger said.

The proposed facility would generate 199 megawatts of power, enough to service about 34,000 homes in the Willamette Valley. One of the issues that makes the site viable is there is a Pacific Power substation nearby with capacity to carry electricity produced at the park.

The property would be leased for 40 years from local landowners.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-11 11:43:22

Last Update: 2023-08-11 12:00:28

On June 1st, 2023 the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles was made aware that many Oregonians' sensitive data was compromised and stolen via online hackers. Apparently highly sensitive information was accessed. That sensitive data is now accessible to thieves and scammers through dark web markets. The Oregon DMV response seems to be a very tongue in cheek "we did what we can, now do what you can" stance that leaves a lot of observers of the incident wondering as to how it all happened or who to point the blame at.

The incident has prompted skeptics to wonder if the State needs so much of our private data, what they do with that information that might benefit Oregonians, and whether the trade-off is worth it, given the fact that Oregon has had 8 large data breaches recently.

In a statement from the Oregon DMV website they state that "Unfortunately, we are not able to check your DMV customer account or monitor it for suspicious activity." They go on to state that "We also cannot change the number on your card unless there is proof that your name and number were used in committing a fraudulent act. If that happens, you should first call police to report the crime."

ODOT says they are working closely with state cybersecurity services and they have engaged a third-party security specialist for forensic analysis. This is a developing, world-wide issue, and ODOT says it is coordinating with local and federal law enforcement.

They say they are sharing information as it becomes available and acting upon advisories provided by them. They say that they will continue to closely monitor systems, as well as vendor and industry information sources with information related to this vulnerability and its after-effects.

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Everyone agrees that information security and keeping personal information of Oregonians safe should be a priority. ODOT says they will constantly update security protocols to stay current with what they are saying is industry best practices and they insist that they will guard against future vulnerabilities.

There are immediate steps you can take to protect your information from identity theft. Its recommend you actively monitor your account statements and credit reports. According to the Oregon DMV website, Oregonians are entitled to a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.


--Sabrina-Marie Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-10 14:21:08

Last Update: 2023-08-10 17:04:14

In a bi-partisan vote. the Oregon legislature passed and Governor Kotek signed HB 3194, which is viewed to help businesses and control inflation. The bill allows remodeling or construction projects at today’s costs without running into the caps that trigger a re-evaluation of value for property tax purposes.

HB 3194, sponsored by Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Crater Lake), changes the current fixed cap from $10,000 per year to $18,200 per year, and from $25,000 over a rolling five-year period to $45,000. It further allows the caps to be increased based on an increase in the CPI. The assessment year begins January 1, 2024.

Oregon voters placed limits on property taxes in the Oregon Constitution in 1990 with the passage of Measure 5, modeled after California’s Proposition 13. Voters were frustrated by the increase in property taxes attributed to rapidly rising property values, mostly in the Portland area at that time.

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The Oregon tax revolt is a political movement that is an ongoing campaign for lower taxes. The tax revolt has, in large part, been by a series of citizen's initiatives. The caps on property taxes didn’t stop the increase in property values bringing in higher tax bills. This led to Measure 47 in 1996, which capped the annual rate at which property taxes could rise. Measure 47 also adopted Oregon's double majority rule, in which local tax levies could only pass in minor elections when voter turnout surpassed half of the registered voters.

The Committee to Unleash Prosperity says every state needs a property tax limit. A new study by Laffer Associates and CTUP shows the damage of property taxes. When property taxes rise, home values fall because the higher taxes get capitalized into the value of the house.

The table shows where property taxes are highest and lowest across the U.S. with an average tax rate of 0.99%. The effective property tax rate in Oregon is 0.82%, currently ranking 23rd highest in the country. However, specific tax rates can vary drastically depending on the county and city. The caps have succeeded in keeping property taxes far lower than if they rose in sync with home values. However, limiting property taxes has caused other taxes to be implemented or rise.

Government unions like to say that high property taxes are associated with better public services and schools, but that doesn’t bear out. If you look at the states on the extreme ends, quite the opposite is true. Oregon implemented the CAT tax to subsidize the lack of property tax, which likely impacts low-income families more than a property tax. Still they claim our schools are underfunded.

Oregon’s May 16 special election should send a strong signal to government officials. Multnomah County voters said a resounding “no” to a proposed capital gains tax

Salem City Council squeezed out a capital improvements bond measure of $300 million last November by saying the tax will simply replace a bond that has been eliminated. Now they are proposing to implement a new employee tax without voter approval that is causing a revolt. The Council blames this tax on their lack of being able to raise property tax rates. Isn’t the point of a limitation to halt spending? Salem’s Council might consider the cause of the revolt isn’t the source of the proposed tax, but it’s the rich appetite for spending.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-10 11:00:01

Last Update: 2023-08-09 17:33:05

Governor Tina Kotek hosted a signing ceremony on Tuesday for six bills passed during the 2023 legislative session to address the behavioral health crisis in Oregon.

“As your Governor, I’m fighting for a behavioral health system that supports healing and recovery no matter where you live,” Governor Kotek said. “And to the friends and family who have watched a loved one struggle with an untreated mental health issue or addiction, I recognize your suffering and am moved by your hope. Know that I am focused on improving outcomes across our state.

“That’s why today is so important. The bills I am signing mark progress towards building a behavioral health continuum of care that incorporates harm reduction, suicide prevention, stronger tools against substance abuse among youth and adults, and improvements to the implementation of Measure 110.”

Governor Kotek has signed the following:

• SB 238: Requires the Oregon Health Authority, State Board of Education, and Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to collaborate on developing curricula for school districts related to dangers of synthetic opioids.
• SB 1043: Requires hospitals, sobering facilities, and detox facilities to provide two doses of opioid overdose reversal medication and necessary medical supplies to administer medication to specified patients upon discharge or release.
• HB 2395: Expands access to emergency short-acting opioid overdose reversal medications, like Narcan and naloxone, including by allowing law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, educators, school administrators and others to store and administer this life saving medication in the event of an overdose.
• HB 2513: Strengthens Measure 110 by increasing staffing and improving application processes to speed up approval and get funds out the door, centralizing the support hotline to get people connected to services more efficiently, and improving program data collection and accuracy.
• HB 2757: Establishes the 9-8-8 Trust Fund for improving the statewide coordinated crisis system, including maintaining and improving 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline.
• HB 3610: Establishes the Task Force on Alcohol Pricing and Addiction Services to study and report on: alcohol addiction and prevention; distribution of resources for alcohol addiction treatment; overall funding for alcohol addiction treatment programs; cost of alcohol addiction to the state; and additional funding options for alcohol addiction treatment.

Arden Sleadd of Grants Pass testified against HB 2757 to the House Committee On Behavioral Health and Health Care, saying “With inflation and the cost of living so high, this bill would make it worse by imposing a cell phone tax. The state has been flush with cash. Budgets are about priorities. If the majority party prioritized Oregon's budget better, we wouldn't have to increase taxes on hard-working Oregonians.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-10 06:17:55

Last Update: 2023-08-10 07:02:31

Governor Tina Kotek has announced that she is partnering with the Oregon Business Council to convene local elected, business, and community leaders to tackle issues impacting the economic future of Portland’s Central City.

Governor Kotek and Dan McMillan, President and CEO of The Standard, will co-chair the Portland Central City Task Force. The task force will focus on identifying next steps to develop a shared vision for Central City’s future economic growth and address immediate emergent challenges. Committees of the PCCTF will be Vision & Value, Clean Streets, Crime & Vandalism, Unsheltered Homelessness, and Tax Competitiveness.

“It’s no secret that downtown Portland has faced an onslaught of challenges in recent years that have tarnished some of the characteristics that people love about Oregon’s largest city,” Governor Kotek said. “Growing pains turned into crises, exacerbated by a global pandemic, and now concerns about Portland have become a statewide economic issue. It’s time to look forward, bring together diverse voices, and focus our energy on developing concrete and equitable solutions. I want to thank everyone who believes in Portland and is committed to building a brighter future, whether you’re a member of this task force or doing great work elsewhere.”

The Oregon Business Council supports the vision of the Oregon Business Plan, a policy forum that we’ve shared nearly two decades with leaders from all sectors of Oregon life. This vision, recently updated, embraces three intertwined policy priorities for a coming decade of shared prosperity.

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Kotek has little private-sector business experience. For a short time she was a commercial diver and a travel agent. Her official biography touts experience at the non-profits Oregon Food Bank and later at Children First for Oregon as a policy director. She has a degree in Religious Studies from the University of Oregon and a master’s in international studies and comparative religion from the University of Washington.

Governor Kotek and McMillan are leading the task force -- according to a statement from Governor Kotek -- in response to a clear mandate from Portlanders and Oregonians to address issues facing Portland’s Central City, which represent a bellwether for the prosperity of the entire state as Oregon’s largest economic center.

"We are thankful to have a strong and willing partner in Governor Kotek working with the business community, local officials and nonprofit leaders to create actionable steps to ensure downtown Portland's future prosperity," Co-Chair Dan McMillan said. "We're gradually seeing increased foot traffic, a decrease in property crime and boarded windows coming down. It's time to seize the moment and write the next chapter for our beloved city, together."

Their first meeting will be held on August 22, 2023. The task force will meet once per month between August and October and is slated to present recommendations at the Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit in December. Full membership will be announced at a later date.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-09 13:38:10

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:30:46

The Oregon Secretary of State has announced that she has directed the Oregon Elections Division to implement an administrative rule restricting access for members of the minority to run for office on arbitrary, capricious, and retaliatory unexcused absences assigned to members by Senate President Rob Wagner. The rule states that legislators with 10 or more unexcused absences are barred from appearing on the 2024 ballot. The Senate President has sole authority in determining whether an absence is unexcused and does not need to give any form of explanation.

“After repeated unlawful and unconstitutional actions by President Rob Wagner and other Democrat leaders in the 2023 Session, Senate Republicans held them accountable by peacefully pausing the session to gain compliance with Senate Rules, Oregon Law, and the Oregon Constitution,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “In retaliation, Wagner was quick to impose unexcused absences on members who challenged his failed leadership.”

Republican Senators Eligible for Re-election Based on M113

David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford)

Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City)

Fred Girod (R-Lyons)

Senators Not Eligible for Re-election Based on M113

Lynn Findley (R-Vale)

Bill Hansell (R-Athena)

Tim Knopp (R-Bend)

Art Robinson (R-Cave Junction)

Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer)

Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook)

Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles)

Cedric Hayden (R-Roseburg)

Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls)

Brian Boquist (I-Dallas)

Senate Republicans will need a decision as they plan for the 2024 elections.

Senator Knopp continued, “It appears the Democrat Attorney General and the Democrat Secretary of State are willing to cover for the Democrat Senate President Rob Wagner’s decision to ensure Measure 113 quashes the free speech of minority Senate Republicans as it was designed to do by political special interests. We believe the plain language of Measure 113 allows for members to run again in 2024 elections. We disagree with the Secretary of State’s determination and will challenge it in court.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-09 12:49:28

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:30:18

Oregon's New Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade has now directed the Oregon Elections Division to implement a new administrative rule, which she says provides guidance to candidates on Oregon's recent controversial Measure 113. She states that the new rule clarifies that Measure 113 disqualifies legislators with 10 or more unexcused absences during the 2023 legislative session from running for legislative seats in the 2024 election. Griffin-Valade says that this interpretation is consistent with legal advice provided to the Secretary of State by the Oregon Department of Justice.

“It is clear voters intended Measure 113 to disqualify legislators from running for reelection if they had 10 or more unexcused absences in a legislative session,” said Secretary Griffin-Valade. “My decision honors the voters’ intent by enforcing the measure the way it was commonly understood when Oregonians added it to our state constitution.”

Measure 113 states that 10 or more unexcused absences “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.” Some have suggested this language means a Senator who accumulated disqualifying absences in 2023 would be able to run in 2024 but be prohibited from running in 2028.

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The Secretary says she found no suggestion prior to enactment – in the voters’ pamphlet, media, or otherwise – that the measure was understood or intended to allow absent legislators to serve an additional term after accumulating too many absences, and then be disqualified the term after that.

Griffin-Valade says that the voters intended the measure to prohibit legislators from holding the next term in office, and the Secretary has chosen to uphold the voters’ intent and apply Measure 113 to the 2024 election.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-08 15:43:55

Last Update: 2023-08-08 18:19:34

With heavy hearts, we share that a Forest Service firefighter employed by the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest was killed in an on-duty vehicle accident on August 4 near Powers, Oregon.

The fallen firefighter has been identified as Benjamin Charles Sapper, age 21. Benjamin, who was originally from Boulder, Colorado, was working as a first-year hand crew member on the Gold Beach Ranger District.

Benjamin graduated from Boulder High School and the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Mathematics. Benjamin was an avid baseball player, chess player, and skier, and he loved engaging others in a wide array of topics including philosophy and mathematics.

He joined the Forest Service out of a desire to serve the community and be part of a great team. Benjamin was looking forward to starting graduate school this fall at the University of British Columbia in Earth Sciences. He was truly loved and will be missed.

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“This is a devastating loss of one of our own Gold Beach firefighters. We have a tight knit community on the Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts, and we stand together in grief and support for his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this heartbreaking time,” said Gold Beach District Ranger Kailey Guerrant.

The US Forest Service states that any additional information on how to honor Benjamin will be shared as it becomes available.

The Forest Service has asked the media to respect the privacy of Benjamin's family and employees on the Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts at this difficult time.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-08-06 11:08:14

Last Update: 2023-08-06 11:19:51

Over the course of three days Eugene City Police have responded to six overdose-related deaths. While the Lane County Medical Examiner determines the cause of death, in each case the Eugene Police say initial investigations suggest a connection to illicit drug use and likely connected to fentanyl use. This is a significant increase in deaths over a short period of time. The department stated that the public needs to be aware that some of the fentanyl currently circulating could be more potent and deadly than normal.

Case 23-11281: On August 2 at 12:46 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject behind a building. Evidence suggested they were using an illicit drug in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11353: On August 3 at 4:54 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject in an apartment. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11438: On August 4 at 1:24 p.m police and fire were called to the location of a possibly deceased subject near a building. Emergency responders delivered Narcan however, the victim was not able to be revived. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11465: on August 4 at 10:40 p.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject in a residence. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11468: On August 5 at 12:22 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a deceased subject in an RV. Emergency responders attempted to revive the victim but were unsuccessful. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

Case 23-11477: On August 5 at 8;32 a.m. police and fire were called to the location of a possibly deceased subject in a residence. Evidence suggested they were using illicit drugs in the time leading up to their death.

The Eugene Police say that the community is seeing an increase in street drugs containing fentanyl, a powerful, illicit opioid with high risk for overdose. They say they have seen fentanyl contamination in cheap, counterfeit pills sold as common medications such as oxycodone, Adderall, or Xanax. They also have reports of fentanyl being found in white or colored powdered drugs that might be sold as cocaine, MDMA, or methamphetamine. It should be assumed that any illicit drug could contain fentanyl.

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Lane County Public Health warns against any pills not obtained from a pharmacy. They urge people who use illicit drugs to take precautions and to not use alone. They recommend anyone who uses drugs or knows someone who does, to carry Narcan (naloxone), an overdose reversal nasal spray. Individuals are able to test drugs for fentanyl with a fentanyl testing strip. It is also important to know the signs of an overdose and always call 911 immediately.

Eugene says that narcan is available at any pharmacy upon request. State Law requires pharmacists provide it and many insurance plans cover it. You can also obtain free Narcan and a brief training from HIV Alliance’s Eugene location during drop-in hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10a-2p, Friday 1p-5p).


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-08-05 12:37:29

Last Update: 2023-08-05 12:59:29

The Big Ten Conference voted Friday to accept Oregon effective August 2, 2024. The University of Oregon will remain in the Pac-12 Conference for the duration of the Pac-12's existing media rights agreements.

The move will benefit UO students and faculty, said University of Oregon President Karl Scholz, who, while dean and provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, helped shape and observed the benefits of the Big Ten Academic Alliance over the last decade.

With the future of the PAC 12 conference uncertain, Oregon taxpayers could be at risk, according to some. As the University of Oregon and the University of Washington are in talks with the Big 10 Conference about potential exit plans, questions remain about the impact on Oregon’s university system.

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) is calling on House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) to convene a legislative panel to understand the unintended consequences of the University of Oregon’s potential move away from the PAC 12.

“As a graduate of Oregon State and as a representative of a district that houses many OSU students, I am deeply concerned about the impacts on our state university system if the University of Oregon decides to leave the PAC 12," said Representative Boshart Davis. "There are many unanswered questions about what these moves mean for Oregonians beyond just the ending of one of the nation’s longest-running rivalry football games. If one of our major universities is going to make a unilateral decision that could impact Oregon’s budget, we should at least understand the full impacts. At the most, the people’s representatives should have a say.”

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“The University of Washington estimates increased travel costs to Big 10 venues to be around $10 million. It is unclear how a similar increase in costs for the Ducks would be paid for. Will the Legislature be expected to ask taxpayers to fill that gap? How will these increased travel times impact student-athletes and their academic performance?” continued Representative Boshart Davis. “How will a depleted PAC 12 impact OSU’s revenue? It’s hard to imagine how the Beavers will make up lost revenue.”

University of Oregon Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Rob Mullens, looked for continued competition with Oregon State University. "In coming years, the UO will prioritize the long-held traditions, including competition across all sports with Oregon State University. The alliance puts UO student-athletes on a national stage," said Mullens.

Representative Boshart Davis summarized her feelings. “As legislators, we must ensure government entities like the public university system does not overly burden taxpayers. We need to have all the information before a decision is made.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-05 12:05:51