Court Boice Legislative Newsletter; March 25, 2023

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"I'm just really honored to be here." Representative Court Boice

 

Dear Friends,

This is my first newsletter in my new role as your State Representative for House District 1, which includes Curry County and parts of Coos and Douglas Counties.

It is an incredible honor to serve the great people of the Southern Oregon coast and I am ready to fight for the interests of House District 1 everyday.

Thank you,

Representative Court Boice

Pilot Newspaper

Frontpage of the Curry Coastal Pilot newspaper, February 17, 2023. Click on photo to play video.


As reported by KDRV, County Commissioners from Douglas, Coos and Curry Counties held a joint session and appointed Boice, a Republican, as the House District 1 State Representative.


BV Clarno

As reported by the Oregon Capitol Chronicle, House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson welcomed him to the House, and shared that Boice is cousin with former Oregon Secretary of State Bev Clarno (pictured on the left) who was also the first Republican woman to serve as the Speaker of the House. 

“We know he’s going to do well because it’s in his blood,” Breese-Iverson stated.

Group Picture

From the left: Rep. Boice, former Speaker Clarno, Rep. Boshart-Davis, Rep. Reschke


Team Boice hit the ground running! I encourage you to take an active role in the legislative process with me. You can reach me by phone at 503-986-1401.

Representative Boice serves on:

  • Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water
    • "Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we must support our farmers and ranchers by promoting policies that encourage growth and sustainability."

  • Committee on Housing and Homelessness
    • "Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. We must address the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing and mental illness."


Visitors' Corner

I enjoy having visitors to my office. If you are around Salem, please do not hesitate to stop by and talk to me or my staff. We are here for you!

Visitors

Rep. Boomer Wright and my friend & supporter Connie Fitzgerald, of the Oregon Zoo Foundation, were among the first to stop by.


Attended the Oregon Dairy Farmers Convention

On March 7th & 8th, I had the pleasure of visiting the National Dairy Farmers Banquet at the Salem Convention Center. The Oregon Dairy Farmers Convention event had engaging speakers and relevant exhibits sharing resources for diary farmers. Senator Brock Smith and I learned about the fantastic Oregon Dairy Princess Ambassador team and their Oregon Dairy Women’s Scholarship program.

Team Boice was able to connect with Constituents from across the state and hear their concerns.

Dairy

Testimony on HB 3282

HB 3282 provides crucial financial support for firefighters of the Gold Beach Fire Department. I was proud to be a Chief Sponsor of this legislation, along with Sen. Brock Smith, and testify in support of this bill.

HB 3282 passed out of the Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans Committee on March 16, 2023 by 7-0 vote.

Testimony HB 3282

Click on photo to play video.


Rep. Boice's Lunch with Governor Kotek

On any given day, State Representatives meet with legislators, citizens, and staff members. It is not every day that we have the opportunity for a lunch with the Governor. As a member of the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness, it was a top priority to meet Governor Kotek and talk about housing.

"It is well known that the Governor and I have our political differences. However, I believe that it is crucial that we are able to communicate and I can share with her first-hand experiences and concerns of the people of my district." - Rep. Court Boice.


Representative Court Boice announces his opposition to SB 603 - The World

Recently, Representative Court Boice (R-Gold Beach) announced his position on SB 603, the legislation proposed by Senator Wlnsvey Campos (D-Aloha), which has caught the eye of several national media headlines. Senate Bill 603 would give homeless or low-income individuals in Oregon $1,000 a month for two years. The program would have $25 million to work with, and enrollment would be capped once that money runs out.

Oregon’s public defender crisis is putting alleged criminals back on the streets - Fox News

Oregon's shortage of public defenders has resulted in hundreds of dropped cases in the Portland area, but one district attorney said that's a dangerous response. "That is a terrible result for public safety and for victims," Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton told Fox News. "Victims have a right to be safe and to have their case prosecuted. They have a right to have their day in court, just like a defendant has a right to have their day in court." 

A cartel flooded an Oregon town with drugs. Here's how authorities nabbed the ringleader - USA Today

This tranquil coastal town is known for its wide beaches and grand promenade ― and for becoming a target for drug traffickers peddling meth supplied by a Mexican super cartel. Drug dealers may not have worried about being caught here, in Clatsop County, a 90-minute drive northwest from the bustling city of Portland.

Oregon takes step toward letting people in prison vote Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregonians in prison for felony convictions would regain the right to vote beginning in 2026 under a proposal that won preliminary approval from a legislative panel Thursday. Senate Bill 579 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 3-2 vote, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. It now heads to the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee, where lawmakers will decide whether expanding voting rights to about 12,000 incarcerated people is worth a $750,000 cost.

Veterans' Corner

ODVA

I greatly appreciate having the opportunity to meet with Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Executive Director Kelly Fitzpatrick last week to see what I can do support our Veterans and ensure that they are provided the services they so deserve.

As the son of a Marine, I have a commitment to Veterans that we provide support and not just help them survive. We need to ensure that our Heroes thrive in our rural areas where services can often be difficult to access. One of the last virtual meetings that I had as Curry County Commissioner was with VA Roseburg’s new Director, Thandiwe Nelson-Brooks and officers of the VA Roseburg-affiliated Veterans Mental Health Advocacy Council.

Besides a congenial meet and greet, we talked about transportation problems, the VA’s current issues with timely referrals to specialty care and our ongoing commitment to suicide prevention and emergency housing for Veterans. Here is important information that I hope you will share:

Starting on Jan. 17, 2023, Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for free emergency health care.