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Dear Friends,
We are over halfway through the legislative session and things are starting to heat up. We have yet to pass the state budget, which constitutionally has to be balanced by June 25th.
I hope this week's highlights provide you with helpful information as I try to keep HD 23 informed throughout the session.
As always, thank you for your continued support. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
 Anna Scharf
State Representative - HD 23
Last week, the semiconductor package (SB 4) passed on the House Floor. Although I understand why many of my colleagues supported this bill, I opposed this legislation which is explained in the below press release and joint letter written with my colleagues to Governor Kotek.
Last week, the Governor announced that the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will end its travel reimbursement policy for remote work effective September 1, 2023.
In August 2022, Willamette Week published a story which highlighted a DAS policy allowing state employees to work remotely while living in states with no income tax, and having their travel reimbursed by taxpayers. In response, I introduced SB 853 with Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend), House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville), effectively ending the policy. It passed unanimously in the Senate in early March and was initially scheduled for a public hearing in the House last week.
One of our most important jobs in this building is to be fiscally responsible with Oregonian’s tax dollars. Paying travel expenses for workers who chose not to live in this state is extremely irresponsible. Although I am pleased to see the Governor announced that DAS will end its travel reimbursement policy for remote workers effective September 1, 2023, my only disappointment is that it's not effective immediately. At a time when every dollar in the state budget matters – how many tax dollars will be wasted on travel expenses for these employees over the next 5 months?
Click here to watch the remainder of my remarks on the House Floor.
The House of Representatives hosts an Honorary Page program for students 12-18 years of age. This program is a one-day, hands-on experience inside the workings of the Oregon House of Representatives. Program hours will be 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Thursdays.
Click here to sign up for this amazing opportunity or email Civics.Education@OregonLegislature.gov for more information.
***Would you like to perform at Opening Ceremonies on the House Floor? I'm always looking for the hidden talent in HD 23. Please contact my office and we would love to get you scheduled.***
 Opening Ceremonies at the Capitol with my parents, daughter, and husband. Megan performed the National Anthem, which you can watch here!
 Meeting with the Klamath Chamber of Commerce at the Capitol.
 Advocacy Day for the Oregon Seed Association members at the Capitol.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1423
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-387, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/scharf
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