HD15 Legislative Update: May 5, 2023

Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 05/05/2023 05:56 PM PDT

Friends and neighbors, here are some highlights from the week and helpful community information for you!

- Shelly

National Prayer Day - May 4, 2023

BEAVS IN THE HOUSE!

Welcome to the Capitol OSU! Go Beavs!

My full Floor Courtesy, here.

SECRETARY OF STATE RESIGNATION NEWS

Secretary of State Shemia Fagan Scandal Leads to Her Resignation

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Shemia Fagan resigned from her office effective May 9.

Late last week, it came to light through media reports that Fagan had a side hustle (making $10,000 per month) for a marijuana company, named La Mota, that had millions in unpaid taxes and was alleged to have been given favoritism in licensing by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC). The owners of the troubled cannabis shop also had given Fagan $45,000 in campaign contributions. As part of her contract, Fagan was to get a $30,000 bonus for each business license that she helped secure outside of Oregon. This raises serious ethical concerns that she was using her position as Oregon’s Secretary of State for personal gain by essentially acting as a lobbyist for La Mota.

The Secretary of State holds a unique position in Oregon. They have the power to audit nearly every government agency in the state. These agencies have power over a wide range of Oregonian’s life, including the marijuana industry. Her audits division was in the midst of an audit of the OLCC, which oversees the licensing of marijuana shops, after previous reports of misconduct. She was overseeing the audit of the agency tasked with regulating her side hustle employer.

This story is a good summary of Fagan and the unfolding scandal.

House and Senate Republican leaders were among the first to call for her resignation the day after the news broke.

Emily Girsch from KATU News and I discuss HJR 16

Fagan Scandal Reminds Us The Need For Accountability and Oversight

Did you know Oregon is the ONLY state in the nation that has no impeachment proceedure?

Luckily, Fagan did the right thing to resign my guess that there was so much media pressure she had no choice. But the legislature would have had NO power to remove her from office if she didn’t resign.

Fagan wasn’t the only Democratic politician to get campaign cash from La Mota. Governor Tina Kotek received almost $80,000, and the House and Senate Democrat Caucus committees received $30,000. This entire story reminds us that political corruption is alive and well in Oregon.

Without more balance and oversight, I don’t foresee that changing. That’s why I sponsored HJR 16 in the Oregon House of Representatives as it would establish some of that oversight by establishing a process for the legislature to impeach statewide elected officials. Oregon is THE ONLY state in the nation without any process of impeachment. This would act as a deterrent from this happening in the future.

The same bill has passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support twice before, once in 2015 and once in 2017. Both times it was left to die in the Senate. It has bipartisan support again this year, and with a new House Speaker and Senate President, I think we have an opportunity this session to get it across the finish line. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s simply good governance.

I spoke with KATU News about HJR 16 this week and how having an impeachment process would help prevent a future scandal like this one.

Watch interview, here.

New Transportation Developments

This week, the House Speaker and Senate President announced a new subcommittee of the Joint Transportation Committee: The Special Subcommittee on Transportation Planning as Part of Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight of the Modernization of Oregon’s Transportation Infrastructure.

Several Democratic members are putting pressure on legislative leadership and the Governor to take action to stop tolling. The Governor acted this week when she issued a 2 year pause on tolling in the Metro area.

Here are my opinions on why this is happening:

The House Speaker and Senate President have been getting a lot of pressure from Portland progressive activists to kill the bipartisan HB 2098 plan and replace it with a partisan bill to advance their political agendas and pad the pockets of their political donors.

Aware of this dynamic, certain members of the Democratic caucus members withheld their support on the I-5 Bridge Replacement funding plan for action on tolling. Absent any Republican votes on I-5 Bridge Replacement funding plan, these members knew that the Speaker and President would need almost every single Democratic vote to pass their bill.

That is where this subcommittee comes from. Coupled with the Governor’s delay of tolling, it gives these Democratic caucus members what they want – action on tolling. Thus, I suspect the Democrat’s will gut and stuff the bipartisan I-5 Bridge proposal with one that limits the opportunity of minority contractors and mandates project labor agreements (PLAs), meaning the project can work with contractors who belong to a union (big Democratic donors).

Minority contractors penned an op-ed in the Portland Tribune this week that explains the impact of this partisan concept on their livelihoods. It’s definitely worth the read.

This is unfortunate because transportation policy in Oregon has a long history of bipartisan collaboration. If this bridge funding bill gets rammed through on a partisan basis, it will do permanent damage to that history and set us up poorly for negotiations going into a 2025 transportation package.

What can you do? Email the Joint Transportation Committee Co-Chairs and the Presiding Officers and let them know bipartisan is best. HB2098 with the -2 amendment is bipartisan and sets the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project up for success and allows for open and fair competition, ensuring project costs remain on track.

To email:

Co-Chair Senator Lew Frederick email here

Co-Chair Representative Susan McLain email here

House Speaker Dan Rayfield email here

Senate President Rob Wagner email here

HB 2002 and 2005

This week, the House passed two of the most controversial measures of the session. I have talked at length about the damaging impact of these bills before, so I will focus on what happened this week. Go here to access archived newsletters or check out my Facebook page.

On Monday, we debated HB 2002 for nearly 10 hours. It ultimately passed 36-23. One of the primary reasons I voted no was because it removes parents from the decision-making process with their children when getting life and body-altering procedures. Not to mention making young children vulnerable to sexual abuse by an adult, and clearing the pathway for human traffickers to cultivate and kidnap new victims.

On Tuesday, we debated HB 2005 for nearly 4 hours. I voted no on this bill because it directly affronts the Oregon and U.S Constitutions. To that end, I joined my House Republican Caucus members in presenting a $25,000 to defend the 2^nd Amendment and challenge this bill in court.

During the debate, I spoke about the impact this bill will have on my daughters and other young women who desperately need the right to defend themselves. Watch it here.

Debate over tolls, design heats up as Oregon moves closer to pledging $1 billion to I-5 bridge Oregon Capital Chronicle A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Wednesday introduced legislation to block the Oregon Department of Transportation from enacting tolls on state highways until 2026. On Thursday evening, the first opportunity for Oregonians to weigh in on the bridge plan before a legislative committee, dozens of people spent nearly two and a half hours talking about the cost, transit access and tolls. Another public hearing is scheduled for May 4. In an interview with the Capital Chronicle earlier this month, Joint Transportation Committee co-chair Susan McLain, D-Hillsboro, said she was sure that the Oregon Legislature will commit $1 billion toward the bridge replacement, matching a contribution from Washington, before ending the legislative session in June

Rep. Boshart Davis calls on legislature to pass Impeachment Constitutional Amendment The World Recently, Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) urged the Legislature to advance HJR 16, which proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to establish an impeachment procedure for statewide elected officials. Oregon is currently the only state in the nation without such a procedure. “Recent events illustrate, yet again, the importance of having an impeachment procedure on the books as a check against negligence and abuse of power by public officials,” said Representative Boshart Davis. “While I recognize that investigations need time to play out, members of both parties have already expressed their dismay and concern over the emerging situation with Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and the impact this is having on public trust. The Legislature must have the ability to remove a statewide elected official when necessary.”

Oregon Republicans slam bill that allows sex change, abortion for minors without parental consent: 'a new low' Fox News Oregon state Republicans are slamming a bill from their Democrat colleagues that, among other things, would allow minors to undergo sex reassignment surgery or obtain an abortion without their parent’s permission. Democrat lawmakers passed House Bill 2002 B on Monday night, along party lines, with a final vote of 36-23. … House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson of Prineville has called House Bill 2002 B an "egregious violation of the sacred relationship between a parent and a child." "As a mom, I can say [with] absolute certainty that the state of Oregon does not know more about the needs of my children better than I do," she said. "It is insulting and infuriating."

Oregon House passes gun control bill that proponents say brings ‘common sense’ regulations OregonLive Opponents blasted the bill as unconstitutional and an affront to law-abiding gun owners. They promised the bill would draw immediate court challenges if adopted, as similar gun control legislation has in other states, and cost taxpayers to defend it. “I urge a no vote or see you in court,” said Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Salem. The U.S. Supreme Court last summer struck down a New York law that placed strict limits on carrying guns outside the home and directed lower courts to use a new historical evaluation standard when considering challenges to gun regulations. Lower courts are just beginning to grapple with the ramifications of the high court ruling. Diehl called the bill a “misguided attempt to fix a Portland metro area problem.” Portland last year recorded a record high 101 homicides, the majority from shootings. ... Rep. Emily McIntire, R-Klamath Falls, argued that what’s needed are more severe consequences for those committing gun crimes to reduce shootings, while Rep. Shelly Boshart, R- Albany, called the bill “gun regulation” that will strip young women of their right to self-defense. “Make the consequences of gun crimes so severe that the fear of God is put into criminals and they will think twice before blatantly defying the law,” McIntire said. Rep. Boomer Wright, R-Coos Bay, said he fears the bill’s provision that would allow cities or counties to bar concealed handgun license holders from bringing guns into city halls or public libraries, will expand gun-free zones in the state and embolden criminals instead of protecting the public.

Oregon House passes divisive firearms bill that would reshape the state’s gun regulations Oregon Capital Chronicle Republican lawmakers warned the measure would lead to unintended consequences – such as making gun-free public buildings a target for mass shooters — and predicted the state would face – and lose – expensive litigation if the bill were to become law. They also said the bill is unconstitutional, with many calling out “unconstitutional, no” when they cast their votes. “The state will get sued, the state will lose and taxpayers will foot the bill,” said Rep. Mark Owens, R-Crane, on the House floor. ... “Let’s get tough on crime, not young people who have done no wrong except being 18 to 20,” said Rep. Boomer Wright, R-Coos Bay. Republican lawmakers repeatedly warned that the bill would not stop criminals but would affect law-abiding citizens. “Gun control does not deter crime,” said Rep. Lily Morgan, R-Grants Pass and a former parole officer. She said she’s been in homes where a felon was in possession of a gun, despite laws that forbid it. “This bill will do nothing to curb gun violence or gun crimes,” Morgan said. She also opposes giving local authorities a choice on firearms ordinances. “No local official should be able to take away my constitutional rights,” Morgan said. Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, said the bill would make it harder for young people to defend themselves, including people in low-income and minority communities. She spoke of a young woman she knows who was fearful while living in a crime-ridden neighborhood without a gun to protect herself. “All this bill does is prohibit those who want to lawfully defend themselves,” Boshart Davis said.

Our view: Protect fair, open competition on Interstate Bridge replacement project Portland Tribune For years, Oregon and Washington leaders have worked diligently on plans for the much-needed replacement of the Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River. Known as the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, or IBR, the project is critical to supporting local jobs, fostering trade and helping families navigate our region safely and efficiently.

UPCOMING TRAFFIC CHANGES

ON QUEEN AVENUE/ELM STREET

From our friends at the City of Albany:

Construction on street and underground utility improvements on Queen Avenue from the Calapooia River bridge to Ferry Street is anticipated to begin in the coming weeks. The project includes new curb ramps, street lighting, replacement of deteriorated or undersized segments of underground utilities (including water mains, sewers, and storm drains), a new street surface, and landscape restoration.

In the first phase, through traffic will be maintained on Queen Avenue and Elm Street as underground utility work and sidewalk repairs begin. You can expect occasional closures of side streets with detours to occur during this time.

The second phase in June-September will result in a closure to through traffic from the Calapooia River bridge to Pacific Blvd/Hwy 99E on Queen Avenue and the closure from Queen Avenue to 16th Avenue on Elm Street. Local access will be maintained, but expect slow speeds, delays, equipment, and other obstacles through the work zone. Pedestrian access will be maintained on at least one side of the street during construction. The closure is anticipated to start June 20. We will be posting additional information and a lot of signage about this closure in a few weeks.

The third phase in September-October will result in a closure of Queen Avenue to through traffic east of Pacific Blvd/Hwy 99E to Ferry Street. Local access will be maintained with occasional delays for water line construction in this area.

These improvements are budgeted in the City’s Capital Improvement Program here

TRASH PICK UP DAY CHANGES

From our friends at the City of Albany:

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵, 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗬𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘂𝗽 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘆, 𝗟𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻, 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗼

Effective May 8, many Republic Services customers in Albany, Lebanon, Linn County, and Scio will have a new trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup day. Pick up days for customers in Millersburg and Harrisburg will not change. Republic Services sent postcards the week of April 17 to affected customer’s address informing them of their new pickup day.

“Albany and surrounding Linn County are growing, and for many years we accommodated new neighborhoods by adding them to existing routes as they made sense,” said Julie Jackson, Municipal Manager for Republic Services in western Oregon. “But eventually we need to do a re-route to maximize efficiency and get routes back to manageable sizes. We are at that point now.”

In addition to postcard mailers, Republic is notifying customers of route changes by:

Partnering with affected cities to post information on social media
Call blasts on May 7 and to customers the day before their new collection for the following two weeks.
An advertisement in the May 6 issue of the Albany Democrat-Herald.
Customers will be able to see their new pickup day on the Republic Services website and in the app beginning May 5. The app is available to download on both Apple and Android devices.

Watch for updates by May 7 to the region-dedicated website found here

ALBANY PARKS & REC REGISTRATION SOFTWARE UPDATE

From our friends at Albany Parks & Recreation:

Do you participate in classes and activities with Albany Parks & Recreation? Set up an account today in their new registration system so that you are ready to roll when it goes live at the end of May!

We are getting a new registration software. This new software is user-friendly and has features that will create a positive experience for our patrons! The old system is going away so please make a new account today!

Summer registration opens on May 24, so don't delay! If you have already registered for summer camps, you have an account in the new system, so you are good to go!

To create a new account in 4 easy steps, visit here

Questions? Call 541-917-7777

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

From our friends at Linn County Sheriff's Office:

Do you see family and friends struggling?

How can you help?

Be that friend. Be that person. Reach out. Check up on them.

Mental Health issues do not deserve silence.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline-Call or text 988 anytime 24/7

Veterans Crisis Line-Confidential help for Veterans and their families

Call 988 and Press 1

Text 838255

FREE ONLINE TRAINING:

HEALTHY TOUCH FOR CHILDREN

From our friends at the ABC House:

Knowing about child sexual abuse makes us more mindful of how we interact with children. This training teaches guidelines for healthy touch and safe, respectful ways to interact with children. Healthy touch and affection are protective from child sexual abuse.

During the training, you will learn simple and practical actions you can take to protect children including:

-Receive some guidelines for healthy touch at home and in youth-serving settings.

-Learn how to balance children’s needs for warmth and affection with safe, respectful ways of interacting.

-Learn about healthy sexual development in children so we can identify normal and abnormal touching behaviors.

Please join us via Zoom for this FREE online training!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023 AT 12 PM – 1 PM

Sign-up here

FREE IN PERSON TRAINING:

PROTECTING CHILDREN THROUGH BYSTANDING

From our friends at ABC House:

In this free training, you will learn how to be an active bystander in child sexual abuse prevention and response. You will receive examples of boundary violations and inappropriate behaviors, and how you can make spontaneous and planned interventions that reinforce boundaries and protect children.

This event will be *in person* at ABC house!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023 AT 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Follow this link to register: link

MAY IS FOSTER CARE

AWARENESS MONTH, TOO!

SUPPLY DRIVE FOR

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

From our friends at the Albany Police Department:

We think teachers are pretty great so help us build up classroom essentials for teachers in Greater Albany Public Schools!

We will have a drop box in the lobby starting next Monday and it will go for one week only!

May 8th- May 12th

You can find the following donation sites for the week of May 8th- May 12th:

Albany Oregon Police Department
Albany Public Library
The Historic Carousel & Museum, Albany, OR
North Albany Elementary School
Central Willamette Credit Union (ALL LOCATIONS)
7-Eleven (34th Ave)
GAPS District Office
Carnegie Library
The Barn at Hickory Station
Mid-Willamette Family YMCA
Bi-Mart

HONORING OUR VETERANS:

SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY HONOR FLIGHT

Meet RC. Vietnam Veteran. Join me in thanking him for his service and sacrifice

My dad, Stan Boshart, was his “guardian” on the South Willamette Valley Honor Flight. 131 people, 60 were Veterans, left Portland on April 28th and headed to Washington DC - with support and appreciation from our family.

The Honor Flight mission is to celebrate America’s veterans by inviting them to share in a trip of honor at our nation’s memorials.

Veterans eligible to go with South Willamette Valley Honor Flight, live in Benton, Lane, Lincoln or Linn Counties and served anytime, anywhere between December 7,1941 and May 7, 1975.

Proud of you dad, and thank you RC.

To learn more about the Honor Flight, go here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

AFD’S NEWEST FIREFIGHTERS

From our friends at the Albany Fire Department:

Congratulations to these five new Firefighters!

They completed an intense nine weeks of training and now move on to their individual shifts.

We are grateful each of them chose Albany to spend their energy and serve

Welcome, and good luck!

Firefighter Anthony Temple
Firefighter Griffin Whitney
Firefighter Gavin Larson
Firefighter Graham Steffen
Firefighter Chris Kinkade

During the 2023 legislative session my office will continue to keep you updated and informed - and is always at your service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.

Talk soon,

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis

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