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

 - Shelly

Recognizing and celebrating Nurses for their service, dedication, sacrifice and care of others and improving the health and wellness of people in our community. I’d like to say an extra special “Thank You!” to my sister Ola, an emergency department RN (pictured in her scrubs as she ran from work to my swearing-in ceremony in 2019), and my brother-in-law Simon, Nurse Practitioner. I am so grateful for and proud of both of them!

HONORARY PAGE IN THE HOUSE:

PEYTON FROM ALBANY!

Peyton from North Albany Middle School joined us at the Capitol this week. She was an Honorary Page serving on the House Floor. It was wonderful to see this young student participating in this great program offered during Session. 

For more information about the Oregon Legislature Honorary Page Program, go here.

The High Price of Picking Winners and Losers – Why A Union Mandate on the I-5 Bridge Will Cost You More

I have written extensively about the I-5 Bridge Replacement Project and the politics inside the Capitol of trying to get it paid for. Progressive activists are attempting to remove language from the current bipartisan funding plan (HB 2098-2) that would allow ALL Oregon contractors, regardless of union membership, to bid on the project. By removing this language, Governor Kotek will almost certainly mandate that only union contractors can work on the project. It turns out that will not only limit the ability of minority contractors to work on the project, but it will also cost YOU –  the taxpayer –  more.

Extensive research shows that these union mandates limit competition and thus increase the cost of public projects. Here are just a few studies:

“Our research shows that PLAs are associated with higher construction costs. We found that costs are 13 to 15 percent higher when school districts construct a school under a PLA. In inflation-adjusted dollars, we found that the presence of a PLA is associated with costs that are $28.90 to $32.49 per square foot higher." Source.

"New Jersey enacted the Project Labor Agreement Act (P.L. 2002, Chapter 44) on July 25, 2002.  The Act authorized the use of PLAs on public building projects in New Jersey with total costs of $5 million or more.  The Act also required that the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development provide an annual report evaluating the effectiveness of projects utilizing PLAs to the Governor and legislature beginning in 2003. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) released its last report in 2008.  The report found that school construction projects built under a PLA cost 30.5% more than nonPLA projects for the period of 2002 to 2008. (LWD, 2008)" Source.

"Non-union contractors contend that their competitive advantages are nullified by a PLA even as they comply with other mandates, including prevailing wage laws.  They contend that they are unable to bid competitively on jobs that have a PLA requirement.  In turn, the absence of nonunion bidders for PLA projects results in fewer bidders for projects, and with fewer bidders, the lowest bids come in higher than if non-union contractors had participated." Source.

DEQ Promulgating Damaging Rules for Small Businesses

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking to promulgate rules that would expand the Employee Commute Options (ECO) program that would impose huge burdens on struggling small businesses in the Albany and Salem area.

The rules would require a 15% reduction in employee commuting for employers with 100 or more employees. That will be difficult and costly to implement, particularly for employers with a primarily in-person workforce and those not located near safe public transit options.

Under the program, employers must survey at least 75% of their workforce every two years and develop a trip reduction plan that includes such options as telecommuting, free or subsidized transit passes or vanpools, daily stipends for carpoolers, onsite or nearby childcare, and eliminating paid parking. Failing to achieve a trip reduction target would not be a violation, but employers would be required to revise their plans (i.e., add more commute options) and demonstrate a good faith effort to implement them. The proposal also requires employers to identify someone whose primary professional responsibility is to implement the ECO program.

I, along with many of my House Republican colleagues, signed a letter to the DEQ Director expressing concerns about the program and how it would negatively impact Oregon businesses.

I spoke with Director Feldon and she had heard many concerns about this “Portland-centric” approach and they are pausing the rulemaking. I want to thank Janet Steele with the Albany Chamber for alerting me to this issue.

Make Your Voice Heard – OLCC Trying to Raise Taxes on Booze

OLCC is seeking public comment on a proposed increase of the current 50-cent surcharge on each bottle of distilled spirits to one dollar per bottle. The Commissioners heard initial testimony at their April 20 Commission meeting.

You can watch the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) testimony on how this tax increase will hurt small bars and restaurants the most at a time when the Governor and the OLCC Commission should be supporting them.

The Commission will listen to additional verbal testimony at the May 18 meeting and will accept written comments through June 5, 2023.

As background, a temporary surcharge of fifty cents was first enacted in the 2009-2011 budget cycle and has been continued ever since, including the 2021-23 cycle. On top of that surcharge, Governor Kotek's budget for 2023-25 includes a line item for an additional fifty-cent surcharge on distilled spirits which is estimated to raise $45.2 million for the general fund.

Please consider taking action on this by either:

• Providing verbal testimony at the May 18 Commission meeting (email paul@oregon.gov by 5pm on May 16, 2023)
• Submitting written comments; visit ORLA's Take Action page by June 5, 2023 at 5 PM to send a customized message to the Commissioners

National Nurses Week

This week on National Nurses Week, I joined House Republicans in supporting two pieces of legislation to support nurses.

HB 2408

It's no secret that we have a nursing shortage in Oregon partly because of  Covid vaccine mandates. Thirty-nine other states have established the interstate nurse licensure compact, which is an interstate agreement that allows nurses to hold a single license issued by a Compact member state that permits the nurse to practice in any other Compact-member state. On April 20, Washington State joined the compact.

According to the Oregon Employment Department 2021 Job Vacancy Survey, registered nurses (RNs) had the seventh most open positions among 432 occupations, with 76 percent categorized as "difficult-to-fill."

Republicans, joined by five Democrats, voted to advance HB 2408, which would have made Oregon the 40^th state to join the compact, up for a vote on Tuesday but ultimately failed.

HB 2141

On Thursday, I led House Republicans in an attempt to force a vote on House Bill 2141. This legislation would have awarded hospital workers the same protections offered to many other sectors, including emergency medical services providers, taxi operators, flaggers, highway workers, correction officers, and youth authority staff.

I have introduced this legislation for the last three sessions. Every year Democrats have failed to get it to the Governor’s desk. It died in committee in 2021 (House Bill 3161), passed in the House in 2022 but died in the Senate (House Bill 4142), and left in committee to die in 2023 (House Bill 2141).

Yesterday morning, the House Committee on Judiciary was scheduled to hear Senate Bill 787, which would award the same protections that are sought in House Bill 2141 to public transit vehicle operators acting in their official capacity.

The motion to withdraw the bill failed with 30 votes in support and 27 votes against – just one vote short of the required 31 to withdraw a bill. Seven Democrats voted in support of the motion.

Watch my speech to recognize nurses here.

Assault on Oregon Agriculture

The assault on Oregon’s agriculture industry is working. The worst part is that it is unrelenting.

A family dairy in Rickreal is closing it’s doors after 33 years in part because of increasing regulations.

There are efforts affront from progressive activists to make it even harder for family dairies like Louie’s to survive. The CAFO bill that is being considered now in the Legislature will undoubtedly cause even more families to get out of the business. These activists sure seem as if they are trying to end Oregon animal agriculture with efforts like SB 85 and IP 3.

Oregon will obviously continue to eat chicken and drink milk. So what would Oregonians prefer to have? Local farms that stock our grocery stores, or have it grown, processed, and trucked in from out of state?

Email Senator Dembrow, Senator Golden, and Senator Lieber to tell them to protect local family farms by rejecting SB 85.

Readers respond: Goodbye, Portland; We’re leaving a tattered Rose City OregonLive – By: Frank DiMarco, Goleta, Calif. After 25 years as homeowners in Southeast Portland’s Richmond neighborhood, we said goodbye to my wife’s beautiful garden, our wonderful neighbors and friends, the intrepid restaurateurs, bakers and shopkeepers and the things we loved about our adopted Rose City. After the Homeless Industrial Complex took over the city government’s social services, after the developers corrupted zoning in various ways (such as no requirements for off-street parking or decent setbacks), after the city council abdicated respect for homeowners and their neighborhoods, after the council’s thoughtless disdain for law enforcement, it became too much. Life is way too short to keep pulling on these reins. Portland will survive and hopefully turn around. We hope so, because it is full of wonderful citizens of good and generous temperaments. So, adieu Portland, and may you thrive and flourish.

Oregon DHS mistakenly sent out thousands of pandemic-EBT cards worth $1.46 million KGW The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) said it accidentally sent out thousands of Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) food cards to students who should not have been eligible for them. DHS said it recovered about $1.32 million of the $1.46 million in funds that were mistakenly sent out. … Instead, DHS said it mistakenly sent out cards to people who weren't eligible — about 3,700 people in total — adding up to about $1.46 million that shouldn't have been sent out. DHS said it has recovered about $1.32 million of those funds by clearing out the balance on cards that hadn't been used. The agency said that anyone who received a card by mistake and spent any of the money on it won't be required to pay it back.

Opposition to CAFO bill undiminished despite lack of moratorium Capital Press Critics of large confined animal feeding operations seem ready to accept tougher standards for new facilities instead of a years-long moratorium originally considered by Oregon lawmakers. Though the bill no longer aims to halt new CAFO permits, the state’s major farm organizations remain opposed to the additional restrictions proposed for such livestock operations. Steeper barriers to building or expanding CAFOs aren’t necessary to protect rural communities or the environment, according to opponents of Senate Bill 85, who suspect its true goal is “bleeding out” animal agriculture.

As Shemia Fagan exits office, a look at what led Oregon’s secretary of state to resign OregonLive Oregon’s Secretary of State Shemia Fagan leaves office Monday, six days after announcing her resignation following news she accepted a lucrative side job consulting for an affiliate of troubled cannabis dispensary chain La Mota, even as her office audited the state’s cannabis regulations.

Hayden files religious discrimination complaints on 6th day of Oregon Senate walkout Oregon Capital Chronicle Hayden, a Seventh Day Adventist, belongs to a church that worships on Saturdays, where he also occasionally preaches. Wagner had denied his request to be absent for church last Saturday, as well as requests to be off the next seven Saturdays of the legislative session. “Other Senate absences have been excused, absences unrelated to religious reasons,” Hayden wrote in his complaint to the bureau. Hayden also complained he was denied Sunday off to take care of his disabled daughter, a request that was “flatly denied.” “Meanwhile, other legislators have been treated like employees and ‘excused’ from floor sessions by Wagner for apparent medical reasons,” Hayden wrote in the complaint.

‘I don’t really care what the kids say’: PPS board member, students debate police presence in schools KOIN6 Portland school board members and students debated proposed security changes Tuesday night after shootings near campuses injured at least five students from Franklin, Cleveland and Jefferson high schools in the past year. Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero launched a Safety and Security Task Force that focuses on budgeting security changes – including the presence of Portland police officers and high tech weapon detectors. One measure would make Portland police officers available and visible near schools, which one board member said may be an issue as the Portland Police Bureau continues to face staffing issues. ... “I know I shouldn’t say this cause I’m a school board member, and I’m an elected official. I don’t really care what the kids say…Your frontal lobe hasn’t even developed yet fully,” Greene said. “You don’t even know what you don’t know at this point.”

A Bright Pink Building Four Hours South of Portland Hints at La Mota’s Tactics Willamette Week Last month, Oregonians learned the names of Aaron Mitchell and Rosa Cazares, the co-founders of the cannabis dispensary chain La Mota. The couple gained statewide prominence after WW broke the news that Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan was moonlighting as a consultant for their chain and gave Cazares a chance to edit the scope of a state audit of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

La Mota Founders’ Campaign Contributions to Kotek and Others: Stacks of Cash Willamette Week The operators of the embattled La Mota cannabis dispensary chain, Rosa Cazares and Aaron Mitchell, made some of their largest campaign contributions to top Democrats in stacks of cash, WW has learned—including contributions made to Gov. Tina Kotek and Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego). That’s not illegal, according to elections officials, but it is highly unusual. And critics say it compounds another problem with the state’s campaign finance laws: Oregon is one of only five states that allows unlimited contributions. That means donors can give limitless contributions, in cash, from sources that can’t be traced.

Aligned with federal directive, Oregon prepares to curb COVID measures OPB In a release, the Oregon Health Authority shared other areas that will see changes regarding pandemic protocols: Diagnostic testing resources for students and staff with symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 in schools will remain available through July 31, 2024. iHealth self-tests will remain available for K-12 schools to request and distribute to their school communities until current stock is depleted. Weekly opt-in “screening” testing for K-12 students and staff without COVID-19 symptoms will end July 31 as funding for the effort wraps up. The endings of the vaccination, isolation and some testing measures are among a spate of impending changes over the coming weeks as Oregon, and the nation, continue the long, careful transition out of the pandemic. A number of “flexibilities” put in place during the pandemic will remain in effect.

YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP:

A FEW BIG KID OPENINGS LEFT!

From our friends at Mid-Willamette Family YMCA:

We still have a few spots for our Big Kids for the YMCA Summer Day Camp in 2023!

Ages 6-6th graders

Snag them before they're gone and find out more information here!

ADJUSTMENT TO STREET SWEEPING ROUTES

From our friends at the City of Albany:

Our solid waste disposal franchisee, Republic Services, recently changed trash pickup days for some Albany customers.

These changes also meant we had to adjust our street-sweeping routes accordingly.

You can get updated 2023 dates for your address now here

STAMP OUT HUNGER: SATURDAY - MAY 13

From our friends at Fish of Albany, Inc:

Put out your food donations for Saturday pick-up! Or you can drop off your donation at the post office! Let's Stamp Out Hunger!!!!

DRINKING WATER WEEK

From our friends at the City of Albany:

May 7^th – May 13^th is Drinking Water Week!

Water is our most vital resource. Get involved in #DrinkingWaterWeek and learn more about how safe, clean water helps protect public health across the globe.

You can always access our annual Water Quality Report here

COFFEE WITH A COP

From our friends at the Albany Police Department:

Join your neighbors and police officers for coffee and conversation.

The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down barriers between police officers and residents. Come visit, ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the police officers in your community.

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023, AT 9 AM – 11 AM

630 NW Hickory St, Albany, OR

HEART SCREENINGS FOR YOUTH

OVER THE AGE OF 11

From our friends at the Albany Fire Department:

June 7, 2023, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

South Albany High School Commons

Simple, quick $20 heart screenings for youth over 11 and over. AFD will be providing simple electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG) during SAHS Sports Physical day. Screening will take five minutes or less and does NOT involve needs, blood work or invasive procedures.

More athletes die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest than any other cause, and most show no symptoms and have no history of heart problems. An ECG catches 94% of heart issues. The screening is private and HIPPA-protected. Scholarships are available.

FOSTER FAMILY APPRECIATION

From our friends at Every Child Oregon - Linn Benton Lincoln:

May is Foster Family Awareness Month!

Are you a Resource/Foster family in Linn or Benton counties?

If so, sign up today for our fun-filled day at The Historic Carousel & Museum in Albany OR! We will have snacks, ride bracelets, and gifts for current resource families.

May 20^th

11 am – 1 pm

Registration is REQUIRED! Here is the Google Link to register your family today.

SAFETY CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

From our friends at the Albany Police Department:

What is Safety Camp?

A fun packed day camp for kids currently in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade put on by Albany Police and Albany Fire departments!

June 26-29, 9am-4pm at Oak Grove Elementary School

We do all the fun stuff...crafts, games, swimming, field trips to Safe Haven to see all the cute animals, roller skating and we sprinkle in some safety lessons...online safety, water safety, gun safety, bike safety...and more.

Plus, lunch and snacks are provided! All for $60 per child!

Plus, we have scholarships available!

Camper registration here

Completed registration forms can be dropped off at Albany Boys And Girls Club

A VISIT FROM SALEM ACADEMY SENIORS

It was a special honor to visit with the AP Government Glass Seniors from Salem Academy this week. They were fully engaged and we had a great Q&A session!

Good luck SA Seniors - you are going places!

MY GUEST INTERN: BROOKE - FROM CLHS

I had a special guest with me this week - Brooke, from Central Linn High School. I had an unusually busy schedule during her visit with me but she kept up! It is always great to share this experience with future leaders!

NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WEEK!

From our friends at Linn County Sheriff's Office:

May 7-13 is National Correctional Officers (Deputies) Week!

This week we honor and celebrate our Corrections Deputies here in Linn County for their dedication and commitment to their profession.

Your Linn County Sheriff’s Office is honored to have many great men and women working in our jail. They maintain the security of the jail and also make sure the inmates are safe. Our Corrections Deputies play an important role in public safety for our community.

Corrections Deputies maintain their compassion in an environment that has been growing in volatility and behavioral issues. They have even been the difference for many of our inmates, being the inspiration and encouragement needed to change lives.

Fortunately, the vast majority of us will never get to see our Corrections Deputies at work. That being said, we wanted to make sure they get the attention they so very much deserve!

Thank you for all that you do!

COMMUNITY SERVICE CONTINUES

From our friends at the Albany Boys & Girls Club:

Thank you to MDU Resources for providing grant funds to our Dental Clinic!

These funds will allow us to continue serving our community, with the goal of providing free dental care to at least 750 children between the ages of 3-18 this year!

YOUTH POLICE ACADEMY:

ROUND 2 WAS A GREAT DAY!

From our friends at the Albany Police Department:

We hosted our 2nd group of kiddos on Saturday.

We are so proud of these kids that went out of their comfort zone to learn new things, discuss different points of view, and experience challenging scenarios and situations.

We look forward to Community Police Academy for adults in the Fall! Watch our social media for more information in late summer!

FTRN: 2023 - DIAPER DRIVE SUCCESS!

From our friends at Family Tree Relief Nursery:

Our 2023 Diaper Drive was a huge success! Thank YOU for over 31,000 diapers and over 42,000 wipes! We belong to such an incredible community.

A special thank you to our presenting sponsor Artisan Custom Countertops, who helped make it all happen.

Another huge thank you to all our amazing host sites and all those who donated individually.

This effort would not have been possible without all of you.

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