Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As you may know, the Legislature adjourned the 2021 session on June 26th. This time between sessions, referred to as the “interim,” provides legislators an opportunity to spend more time in their districts visiting with local leaders, community partners and constituents… and of course, some down-time to refuel and recuperate from the long session.

It has been enjoyable to step away from the “virtual world” after spending countless hours behind a computer screen. While my schedule is more relaxed there is much work to do as we continue to address the challenges of the past 18 months and prepare for future challenges ahead.

July’s newsletter is a snapshot of what I’ve been up to during the past few weeks. Earlier this month, I took some time to travel and visit family out of state and reconnect in person. We all have sacrificed so much this past year and seeing our loved ones is truly food for the soul. I hope you are also able to reconnect with friends and loved ones this summer.

Thank you for taking the time to remain engaged in what's going on in House District 18, around the state, and in the Capitol.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of assistance.

During the June heat wave, berry farms throughout the Willamette Valley saw the fruits of their labors scorched by the unprecedented heat dome.

On July 16th, I toured a local berry farm along with my colleges Rep. Cate, Rep. Clem and Congressman Schrader. The damage we observed was significant. The June heat dome and the February ice storm have been tough for our agricultural communities. Local farmers, their employees, and consumers will likely see significant supply and economic impacts in the months ahead. Though the extreme heat hit caneberry growers the hardest, Christmas tree farmers also lost newly planted seedlings that fried to a crisp in the sun’s heat. Some fruit tree orchards also experienced heat damage and nut tree farms suffered significant damage to their trees during the February ice storm. Fortunately, other more heat-loving crops saw less damage and are more likely to recover. I visited with Congressman Schrader about the possibility of federal grants to assist with the installation of drip irrigation since many of the caneberry farms do not have it currently, making them more susceptible to high heat conditions.

It is still early in the season and there is more summer heat ahead. During these challenging times, we can all use some extra support -- our local farmers included. As you venture out to your local Farmer’s Market, I hope you will take time to thank a farmer for the valuable contributions they make to our daily lives.

On July 21^st, I attended the Molalla Fire District’s meeting to present a legislative update on the funding allocations for Wildland Fire Protection. Through HB 5006 the Molalla Rural Fire Protection District is to receive $385,000. The funding will provide for a Type III fire truck which is used primarily for wildland fires. The truck will significantly enhance the Fire Protection District's future wildland fire fighting capabilities.

Molalla Fire District is made up of career and volunteer personnel who staff the MRFPD fire, rescue and ambulance services. The District is small with a staff of 13 not including an administrative assistant.  To learn more about the Molalla Rural Fire Protection District click here. 

Thank you, Lieutenant Byron Wakefield, for bringing the need for this equipment to my attention and for the invitation to share this exciting news with your Fire Board in person.

On my way through Molalla, I stopped to snap this construction photo. At long last, the construction project on OR 211 in Molalla is underway. In the 2017 session, I was able to secure a significant portion of the funding for this pedestrian walkway in the Transportation Package (HB 2017).  I am pleased to see the work in progress.

ODOT, in partnership with the City of Molalla, is making pedestrian and bicycle improvements in Molalla along the north side of OR 211 between Oregon 213 and North Hezzie Lane. This project will enhance safety, operations, and efficiency for people walking, biking, driving, rolling and using transit in the area. Construction is expected to be completed this fall. You can learn more about this project on ODOT’s project page here.

On July 27th, I met with the Chief of the Drakes Crossing Rural Fire Protection District (DCRFPD). DCRFPD is to receive $5,000, for matching funds for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to cover the FEMA cost-share associated with the impacts of smoke, clean up and damages to their vehicles during the September 2020 wildfire. They will also be receiving $1 million in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a rural broadband project to bring a more reliable communication link to the Fire District. I want to say a special thank you to Senator Fred Girod for using some of his allocated ARPA funds for this project. The Labor Day fires brought this communication problem to the forefront and the remedy is sorely needed.

Drakes Crossing Rural Fire Protection District is located in the eastern Willamette Valley, 20 miles east of Salem. The district covers land between Silverton and Sublimity on Highway 214, on the Silverton side of Silver Falls State Park. They also provide coverage for Silver Falls State Park and Longview Fiber even though it is not part of their district. DCRFPD serves a residential population of 800 across 25 square miles and covers over 1 million people who pass through Silver Falls State Park each year.

Drakes Crossing firefighters are a dedicated group who put community above self and provide a professional service of fire protection and medical service to the citizens and visitors of the Drakes Crossing community. Their heroic efforts contributed greatly to stopping the Labor Day fire from spreading further into the landscape. I am thankful for their service and their commitment to stand ready to respond when called.  

On Tuesday this week, I attended the Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council (MCPSCC) meeting for an update on the Council’s activities. The council unanimously approved the proposed funding amounts for the 2021-23 Justice Reinvestment Initiative programs, including victim services.

As a long-time member of MCPSCC, the Council is statutorily mandated by Oregon Revised Statute, Chapter 423.560. Meetings are open to the public and held quarterly. The Council’s mission is to create a continuum of supports and services for adult offenders, juvenile offenders, and crime victims, resulting in a system that emphasizes community safety and prevents criminal activity. Council members are community partners, leaders and stakeholders that serve and interact within the criminal justice system. Their purpose is to increase public safety by enhancing law enforcement efficiencies and reduce crime.

Last night, I participated in the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) Advisory Council meeting. It was great to be able to finally meet in person, share a dinner together, and to get an overview of the research and education program activities since our last meeting in February. I shared legislative updates on the budget. Discussions around priority staffing opportunities and the continued search for the next NWREC director were informative and engaging. This is a fun and amazing group of dedicated agricultural leaders, educators, and community partners that I am proud to be a part of.

NWREC serves farmers in the seven county north valley area and focuses research and education on the region's most important crop systems, nurseries and greenhouses, fresh vegetables and specialty seed crops, berries and small fruit, Christmas trees, orchard crops, field Crops, and small farms. In addition, NWREC is home of the Berry Initiative Program, an important program that I have worked hard for the past 3 Legislative Sessions to provide funding for, and the state's only IR-4 Pesticide Registration program working with many of the state’s agricultural crops throughout Oregon.

On June 30^th, it was my honor to attend Commander James W. Oxford’s visit and tour the American Legion Bend Heroes Memorial and the Central Oregon Veterans Village in Bend.

Both projects were initiated by Bend Heroes Foundation. Military service and first responder flags were displayed at the Memorial and along the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

James W. “Bill” Oxford is the National Commander of the nearly 2 million member American Legion. Commander Oxford visited American Legion Posts and other veterans facilities in Oregon during his visit.  For more information about Commander Oxford click here.

While at the memorial, I spent a few moments in remembrance of a dear friend who was killed in Iraq when we were there in 2005. Deb Klecker was a civilian police trainer working for Dyncorp International at the time of her death from a roadside IED. I had the honor of reading a letter from then Governor Kulongoski at her memorial service in Baghdad and later delivered challenge coins from Generals Patraeus and Fil to the family on my return from Iraq. Deb’s name is engraved on a special plaque at the memorial and she was the recipient of the Defense of Freedom Medal which was awarded posthumously at a special ceremony at the memorial. Deb and I served together for several years on the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training and the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund Board prior to 2005.

Sign up for emergency alerts through the OR-Alert Notification System:

• Text: Sign up for emergency alerts in your area by texting your zip code to 888777.
• Website: Sign up for emergency alerts in your area by visiting www.oralert.gov.
• Mobile App: Download the Everbridge Mobile App to receive emergency alerts             wherever you are.

Last week, I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Representative Gary Leif. Gary's love for his community and our state was exemplified by his steadfast and dedicated public service.

Rep. Leif represented House District 2, which includes portions of Douglas, Jackson, and Josephine counties. Prior to his service in the Oregon House of Representatives, Gary served as the Douglas County Commissioner. His kind heart, gentle spirit, and thoughtful approach to problem solving will be missed. My condolences to his family and his wife, Carol, who served beside him.

On July 12^th, the Oregon State Capitol opened to the public following a 16 month closure by legislative leadership in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Daily guided tours are available at 11 am and 2 pm and the Capitol store is open from 10- 3 pm. Visitor entrances are located at the front of the Capitol, accessible from Court Street. Through the front doors, visitors will find the information kiosk.  Come in and take a look around!

Parts of the Capitol are currently under construction. Major renovation projects have closed the House and Senate Wing offices until December 31, 2021. This unfortunately, is where my office is located. During this time, my staff and I are working remotely and remain available to help constituents. The best way to contact my office is via email at: rep.ricklewis@oregonlegislature.gov. 

More information about visiting Oregon’s Capitol can be found here.