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Friends,
As deadlines approach, it is imperative that we stay focused on the bills that are still alive in our policy committees. Bills in these committees were required to have a work session scheduled by midnight last Friday, or they will be considered dead bills. However, bills in non-policy committees such as Ways and Means, Revenue, and Rules have more flexibility and can remain active throughout the session.
This recent deadline provides us with an opportunity to narrow our focus on the bills that are still alive, allowing for deeper discussions on the policy and amendments to ensure that the legislation is sound. There is now the arrival of Senate bills in the House, which will require our attention before the next deadline.
With less than one hundred days until the constitutional Sine Die on June 25, our daily pace remains rapid. I am juggling attendance to my four committees, floor sessions, and bill preparations, while also making time to read through emails and multiple daily meetings. My day usually starts around 6 AM and concludes around 8 PM. As the session progresses, I remain committed to representing my constituents and advocating for good policy to make its way through the legislative process. Time is flying by, and I am determined to make the most of it.
Be safe,
 It is often said that water is life, and while some places in Oregon get over one hundred inches of rain a year, other areas are impacted by ongoing droughts. Last Thursday, Representative Ken Helm joined me in an informational presentation on Drought Relief and Water Security, a bipartisan package, to the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water.
I want to thank our staff, Harmony and Greg, for countless hours and long nights, and expertise with putting this package together, we could not have done this presentation without them.
You can view the committee presentation here.
Drought Relief and Water Security Slides
Bipartisan Drought Relief and Water Security Package (BiDRAWS)
Water affects every person in the State of Oregon. We have to work together and come to the table together to solve the issues Oregon is facing.
Shaylee Root is from Silvies River Charter School located in Burns Oregon in Harney County. Shaylee is an exceptional student that excels not only in academics, but is also active in community service projects, and church events. She is a part of her school's Young Entrepreneur Program where she created her own cookie business, Good Good Sugar. Shaylee has also established her own sheep enterprise. She is responsible for feeding, breeding, lambing, as well as continuing to raise show sheep that she showed and sold at her local livestock show & auction. Shaylee is currently president of the National Honor Society, has a 4.0 GPA and has taken college courses. Eric Nichols, Silvies River Charter School’s Assistant Superintendent said, “Shaylee is a true leader among her peers.” Her mother, Jana Root said, “Watching Shaylee become the remarkable young woman that she is has been a tremendous blessing. We have had a front row seat to her accomplishments and are so proud she is our daughter.”
Thank you Shaylee for being an example to your peers and your family, we wish you the best.
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Brady Cooper, is a Senior at Nyssa High School located in Malheur County. Brady is a 4.0 student and will be a Valedictorian of his class. He has participated in numerous extracurricular activities including: varsity tennis and cross country, Student Council, FFA, National Honors Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and HOSA. He currently serves as the Nyssa FFA Chapter President, and is running to become a State Officer this year. He has raised and shown lambs at the Malheur County Fair every summer in high school and has a successful enterprise. Brady has been accepted to Boise State University and Utah Tech University with scholarships to both. He is still undecided where to attend, but will start college as a sophomore from his 50 dual-college credits he received in high school. Brett Jackman, his high school principal stated, “Brady Cooper is a quiet leader who leads by example and makes our school a better place.”
Thank you Brady for being a stellar student all around. You share a light to your peers through your example.
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 Following the success of the bipartisan rural infrastructure package developed during the 2022 legislative session, an informal group of bipartisan legislators were tasked by the Speaker of the House to develop rural economic development proposals ahead of the 2023 Legislative Session. Representatives met over the course of the 2022 legislative interim to develop a proposal that included considerations to help bolster rural entrepreneurial opportunities, expand rural workforce housing capacity, and support critical agriculture, natural resource, and recreation ventures throughout the State of Oregon through capacity-building grants, economic recovery funds, and land development assistance. I appreciate working with Representative Gomberg, (D- Lincoln and Western Benton & Lane counties), Representative Marsh, (D- Southern Jackson County) and Representative Smith (R-Heppner) on this package.
Bills included in this package are:
I always enjoy meeting with constituents, and appreciate when you take the long drive to Salem. Last week Senator Findley and I met with constituents from community colleges in Eastern Oregon. Thank you for making the trip!
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 For the first time, the Joint Ways and Means Committee will be visiting Ontario. I hope you will join me on Friday, April 28 at 5:00 (MST) at the Four River Cultural Center for this very important public hearing and take the time to weigh in with the members of the committee. To testify, members of the public will be able to access sign up links on the Ways and Means Committee’s webpage on OLIS, the legislature’s website. Sign up links will be available online in the next week.
 Here are some random community engagement emails that I’ve received recently and wanted to share with you.
Baker County:
Housing has been difficult to find in this community for many people. Baker City is working on a Housing Production Strategy that will shape the City’s housing policy, and we need your thoughts!
How can I help?
- Take our 10 minute survey.
- Attend the Open Houses to talk with Planning Staff about potential strategies.
- Sign up to receive updates about this project and future projects. Email the Planning Department at planning@bakercountyor.gov to add your name to our list.
Oregon Department of Revenue:
Where is my refund?
Assistance with Federal Agencies:
If you need help with the IRS, social security, the V.A., or another federal agency, please reach out to Congressman Bentz and his office. They will do their best to help you get results from whatever federal agency you might be working with.
If you live in Oregon's 2nd District, please call:
Ontario: (541) 709-2040. Ontario office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00am - 5:00pm Mountain Time
Medford: (541) 776-4646. Medford office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00am - 5:00pm Pacific Time
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1460
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-475, Salem, OR 97301
Capitol Email: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Capitol Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/owens
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