Last week, I testified in front of the Joint Committee on Tax Expenditures in opposition to a proposed amendment to HB 3457.  

For many years, Oregon has permitted counties and cities to provide short-term tax abatements as an incentive to draw new businesses to the area. In return, these companies have to create a certain number of jobs and provide local investments. The state government then helps to offset the loss of local tax revenues by paying the counties and cities up to $16 million per year. This program is called Gain Share. The system has been incredibly successful and has helped to make Hillsboro as well as Washington County the economic engine of the state.  

The amendment to HB 3457, however, would lower the state government offset to counties and cities from $16 million to $5 million per year. I testified in opposition because of what that would mean for us here in District 30. The City of Hillsboro uses Gain Share dollars for HiLight! - its high-speed fiber broadband internet service for residents and businesses. Washington County uses its Gain Share dollars to fund safe routes to schools for kids as well as other transportation needs. By reducing the amount of Gain Share money paid to counties and cities, we would be jeopardizing vital services here in District 30. In addition, at a time when we are trying to encourage the growth of high-tech industries in Oregon, we should be helping our counties and cities encourage economic growth, but this amendment would do the opposite. To listen to my full remarks, click here.

Oregon Democrats in the legislature have presented a budget that would invest a record-breaking $10.2 billion dollars in the K-12 State School Fund. When paired with local property tax revenues, the total formula resources for K-12 schools reaches $15.3 billion. This is a 12.3% increase over current resources. 

In addition, we would invest $140 million in the Early Literacy Success Initiative, which will help schools close reading proficiency gaps for students in kindergarten through third grade. This would also help us improve graduation rates in the long run.  

This unprecedented investment in our children will make Oregon’s schools stronger, give students a high-quality education, and improve learning outcomes overall. 

 A few weeks ago, the Senate Republicans walked off the job. They did so to prevent a quorum in the Senate. If they persist, over 100 bills vital to the wellbeing of Oregonians will die. This includes bills I have been working on throughout the session to support small non-profits, make college more affordable, encourage the growth of small businesses, and promote good governance by strengthening our statutes on open meetings.  

It’s time Senate Republicans get back to work. Their walkout violates the Oregon Constitution and defies the will of Oregon voters who overwhelmingly voted for Measure 113, establishing penalties for legislators who have 10 or more unexcused absences. 

Oregonians don’t need this right now. We have urgent problems to address, and our legislature should be working as hard as our constituents do every day. Senate Republicans have walked out on critical, lifesaving legislation that Oregonians desperately need, like investments in education, housing and homelessness, the opioid/fentanyl crisis, and behavioral health. 

There is only one duty outlined for legislators in the constitution: show up and vote on the floor. Senate Republicans need to remember their oath, respect the will of the voters, and get back to work! 

On the last Monday of every May, we honor and remember those who have given their lives in our armed forces. It is a time for us to reflect on the sacrifices these men and women have made to keep our nation safe and preserve the freedoms we cherish.  

For a list of Memorial Day celebrations across the state, visit this website.