Friends and neighbors,

Last week, we spent 30+ hours in session (usually we spend about 1/3rd of that) on the House floor. During our "Super Floor" days I had the opportunity to speak on and deliberate over a wide variety of subjects. Here are some general takeaways: 

• Parents are more qualified than the government when it comes to making life-altering decisions regarding their children. That is why I supported HB 3234 which prohibits children with intellectual disabilities from being committed to a mental institution without the consent of the parent or legal guardian.

• Oregon’s licensed health care workforce is less racially and ethnically diverse than the population being served. HB 2921 attempts to address this disparity by requiring hospitals to report their workforce demographics. However, I believe that this report would be a misuse of time and resources. Instead, we should focus on creating a more diverse workforce through equitable access to medical training and higher education.

• HB 2504 requires the Department of Early Learning and Care to reduce barriers that impede international early childhood professionals from entering early learning workforce in Oregon. If an individual is able to demonstrate they are on par with the standards we hold Oregon’s childcare workers to, there is absolutely no reason for us to keep them from serving our families. Future legislation should attempt to reduce the same barriers that exist for early childhood professionals across state lines. 

• Our first responders deserve the same high level of care and responsiveness that they provide to us when we need it most. That is why I voted in favor of HB 3426 which requires 9-8-8 crisis hotline centers to train staff on how to serve firefighters and other first responders. 

Constituent Coffee

Thank you to everyone who came to meet with me earlier this month during my "Constituent Coffee" event. I was very pleased with the turnout and the thoughtful discussion we were able to have. While in the Capitol, it can be easy for legislators to lose sight of the bigger picture and how each piece of legislation will impact real lives. My goal is to keep hosting events like this to make sure that I am always able to best represent your unique life experiences and use your expertise to inform policy. 

Realtor Day at the Capitol

Thank you to all of the Realtors from House District 24 who came to meet with me last week at the Capitol!

My son, Grayson, recently became a licensed Realtor so I enjoyed getting to share the experience with him.

Spring Break

During their spring break, my niece and nephew came to visit me in the Capitol. I enjoyed getting to show them what the legislative process looked like but I think their favorite part was probably still the burgers from Rudy's food truck!

Minority Report HB 3471 A

I filed my first Minority Report on HB 3471 A last week in an attempt advocate for making Oregon a business friendly state again. We cannot perpetuate the narrative that employers are the "bad actors" of business. That mindset starts a snowball effect in the Capitol that ultimately leads to more legislation that over-regulates and over-burdens hard working and well meaning small business owners. This cycle needs to stop.

The minority report that I filed did not seek to benefit employers at the expense of employees or vice versa. Rather, it attempted to allow for equal representation of both parties during workers compensation claims. In 2023, 41% of small businesses in Oregon report that they are considering closing, selling, or moving their business because of taxes, Oregon's regulatory environment, or a combination of the two. Click here or on the image below to hear my opening remarks. 

Taxes, Taxes, and more Taxes

In honor of Tax Day, the Republican caucus attempted a "bill pull" to withdraw five bills from committee that would have lowered taxes for Oregonians. This motion was denied by the House Democrats despite the fact that Oregon residents will pay the largest share (in the U.S.) of their income in taxes this year. Not only are Oregonians being unfairly taxed, but their money is being used in a flippant manner to potentially fund legislation like HB 2002. This is unacceptable. 

The Senate Republicans attempted a similar motion to withdraw seven pieces of legislation that make up the "Affordability Package." This motion was also swiftly shut down by Senate Democrats. Deputy Leader Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) reported "Today, because of partisan politics, this body failed to make a meaningful difference in the pocketbooks of Oregonians when we had the chance." 

I am a firm believer in the importance of making Oregon a business friendly state and maximizing the amount of money that Oregonians get to keep in their pockets. For those reasons, I am a sponsor of all of the legislation listed above. 

HB 2002: Weakening the Parent/Child Relationship at the Expense of Children's Safety

As HB 2002 approaches the House floor for a vote, more information has come to light about how it would impact the public if passed. You may have seen my testimony on this bill when it was up in the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee earlier this month.

There is more about this bill to consider. This legislation would allow kids as young as 9 years old to get an abortion without their parent or guardian’s consent. I am deeply concerned that this provision could potentially open the door for pedophiles, sex traffickers, and kidnappers to continue to prey on minors without the parent's knowledge. Under this legislation, a predator could coerce a minor to get an abortion and the parents would potentially never be aware of the pregnancy or be alerted to the abuse. This not only weakens the parent-child relationship but it could perpetuate an environment conducive to further sex trafficking and pedophilia. 

We will likely vote on this bill on the House floor (where I will be a strong "no") during the beginning of May. In the meantime, leadership will attempt to negotiate and minimize the damage of this legislation. 

Brain Injury Resource Navigation Center: SB 420

Upon hearing the emotional and heartfelt testimony of Dave & Kathryn Nichols in the Early Childhood and Human Services Committee regarding SB 420 I was deeply moved. Dave and his mom have been forced to navigate the confusing and often times inaccessible health care system for individuals impacted by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). SB 420 attempts to alleviate this burden and pave the way for those with TBI by establishing a Brain Injury Resource Navigation Center. I plan to sponsor this bill once it reaches the House.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Juliette's House

Last week I had the opportunity to recognize Juliette''s House in McMinnville, Oregon. A place of hope and healing,  Juliette's House is a Child Abuse Intervention Center (CAIC) that for 20 years has provided services to Yamhill, Polk and surrounding counties of northwest Oregon.  To raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month, Juliette’s House staff and volunteers have put out fields of pinwheels and tie bows around Third Street trees. At the end of the month, April 28th, they will be hosting their annual "Celebrate the Children" fundraiser at Abbey Road Farm in Carlton. Click here to get tickets for the event.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month: A Family Place

A Family Place is another local organization that plays an integral role in ensuring the safety of our children. In order to raise awareness for their amazing work I wanted to shed light on some of their success stories. Click here to watch to a client testimony or read on below. 

Visit McMinnville

In a recent article, Reader's Digest featured McMinnville as one of the "15 Most Underrated American Cities Worth a Visit!" As a proud resident and representative of this beautiful town I was delighted to hear about the national recognition. I shared the good news with my colleagues on the House floor and extended an offer for them to join me after session for an opportunity to enjoy some of Yamhill's finest wineries while participating in the "Dine Outside" event. Listen here for my full courtesy or here to read the article. 

Farmers Market

The Farmers Market reopens in less than a month on May 11th and will go until mid-October. Stop by the market located next to City Hall to shop from 60+ local vendors.  Earlier during the session we passed HB 2728 unanimously out of the Early Childhood & Human Services Committee. This legislation would require the Department of Human Services to contract with nonprofit organization to implement and administer program to assist recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance in purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets, farm share sites and retail outlets that participate in program.  Thank you to all of the individuals and businesses who make this market possible!

Lemonade Day

Lemonade day is an experiential learning program that empowers today's youth to become productive members of society - the business leaders, social advocates, volunteers, and forward thinking citizens of tomorrow. By participating, kids will learn: financial literacy and economics, college and career readiness, life skills/personal development, and academics. 

Honorary Page Program

Click here for more information.

Joint Ways and Means Committee - Budget Requests

The Joint Ways and Means Committee will be hosting a public hearing at the Capitol on May 3rd from 5-7 pm. Click here to sign up and attend or submit testimony online regarding how you think the Oregon General Fund should be spent. 

McMinnville Public Library Read Aloud Event

As a former early childhood educator, I dearly miss story time. Nothing matches the excitement of a young kid when they get to circle up and listen to one of their favorite books come to life. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a read aloud at the McMinnville Public library. Kids of all ages are welcome!

As always, thank you for taking the time to stay up to date on the latest issues. The engagement of constituents inspires me during my day to day at the Capitol. The door to my office is always open to you. 

All my best,

Representative Lucetta Elmer
House District 24

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/elmer

Follow me on social media for regular updates and alerts about future events: Facebook, Instagram, and legislative website.