Interim Newsletter: October
Hello Friends,
The fall leaves are in the height of their glory! The beauty of the Willamette Valley never ceases to amaze me during this shift in the seasons. Just like the leaves, several events have come and gone in the past month. At the end of September, we had Legislative Days at the State Capitol which provided a time for me to see many of my colleagues for the first time since the end of the 2023 Legislative Session. We also discussed several critical priorities for the months ahead.
As we continue to discuss how to tackle some of the most serious issues plaguing our state, it is my hope that you will reach out to me (or my office) to provide your insight and feedback. I will continue to send these newsletters every month to update you on the important work happening to improve our state.
Keep reading below for this month’s update!
Representative Mannix Appointed to the Joint Interim Committee on Addiction & Community Safety Response
Last month, I announced my appointment to the Joint Interim Committee on Addiction & Community Safety Response. I look forward to this opportunity to address Oregon’s most critical issues – namely Measure 110. You can read more about the legislative leaders decision to form the committee here.
Committee Holds First Meeting
On October 18th, the Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Safety Response held their first committee meeting. Below is a statement I released shortly after:
Yesterday, I participated in the first Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response. It is my hope that this committee will put action to words and tackle Oregon’s drug crisis as a result of Measure 110.
We must not forget that I attempted to make necessary changes to Measure 110 during the 2023 Legislative Session with HB 2310, a bill I chief sponsored. This legislation would have reinstated criminal penalties for street drugs while still providing funding for addiction services – something we know more than 63% of Oregonians support.
However, the House Judiciary Committee refused to schedule this bill for a public hearing, therefore denying Oregonians a chance to provide public input. Then, all 25 House Republicans and 5 Democrats joined in an attempt to pull this bill to the Floor so we could act upon it. This failed on a 30-30 vote. I wish more Democrats would have joined us in this effort as 31 votes was the magic number.
I am pleased that the Senate and House leadership is now engaged in this conversation. I intend to work hard on this committee to give legislators a chance to adopt necessary reforms, which are long overdue.
Representative Mannix Speaks During the Committee Meeting.
Governor’s Reception at Mahonia Hall
Last month, I visited with Governor Tina Kotek at a very nice reception she hosted at Mahonia Hall, the Governor’s residence. All legislators were invited and it was a good chance to engage in informal conversations.
Governor Tina Kotek and Representative Mannix at Mahonia Hall.
AARP Oregon Volunteer Summit
Recently, I spoke at the AARP Oregon Volunteer Summit on a legislative panel, along with Senator Patterson. We discussed our 2023 priority efforts and accomplishments, what we are expecting for the 2024 Legislative Session, and our advice on being an advocate for the communities we serve.
Representative Mannix Speaks on the AARP Oregon Volunteer Summit Legislative Panel.
Oregon Fairs Association and Annual Convention
Susanna and I met Aly and Tony Lundervold at the Oregon Fairs Association Annual Convention in Redmond in early October. Tony and Aly are from Silverton. Tony and his "Hired Guns" perform all around the area. We met lots of great folks at the Convention!
Representative Mannix & His Wife, Susanna, with Aly and Tony Lundervold at the Oregon Fairs Association Annual Convention.
Knights of Columbus Benefit Dinner
I attended the 45th Annual Knights of Columbus Benefit Dinner for the Father Taaffe Homes, which provides housing and support for pregnant and postpartum women.
Representative Mannix with Josh and Yvette Graves at the Knights of Columbus Benefit Dinner.
Meeting with Salem-Keizer Superintendent, Andrea Castañeda
Although I did not grab a picture, I wanted to highlight my meeting last week with Salem-Keizer Superintendent, Andrea Castañeda. We had a great conversation regarding the greatest needs she sees in our schools, including the budget deficit she predicts is coming, and how she plans to put our students before all else.
PAC-12 Conference Update
In August, the State of Oregon was rocked by the University of Oregon’s announcement to leave the PAC-12 Conference for the Big Ten ahead of the 2024-2025 Season.
In the Legislature, I serve on the House Higher Education Committee where we recently heard from economists and officials from Oregon State University and the University of Oregon about UO and other schools leaving the PAC-12 Athletic Conference next year. In the past month, I have also met with representatives from both Oregon State University and University of Oregon.
I will remain actively engaged in this issue and its impact on the lives of student-athletes at both Oregon State University and the University of Oregon, as well as the State of Oregon as a whole.
ODOT – Winter Road Conditions
You may have seen a recent article about the potentially hazardous road conditions this winter due to budget shortfalls at the Oregon Department of Transportation. As a member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, this is an issue I am heavily engaged in. I recently spoke to KATU about how I believe legislative action on this issue must happen sooner than the February 2024 Session. When Oregonians safety is on the line, it is our responsibility to act.
You can read more of my comments here.
Oregon Board of Education’s Decision to Remove Graduation Requirements
Despite over 1,400 concerned Oregonians writing into the Oregon Board of Education against the proposal, the Board of Education unanimously voted to suspend graduation standards for another four years. This means that students do not need to prove mastery of reading, writing, or math to graduate. Instead of taking responsibility for lagging academic achievement in our state, the Board is blaming the tests. I remain disappointed in this approach and will continue to advocate for the success of our student above all else.
Budget Surplus Leads to Record Kicker
Information Provided By the Oregon Department of Revenue:
The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has confirmed a revenue surplus of more than $5.61 billion in the 2021-2023 biennium, triggering a tax surplus credit, or “kicker,” for the 2023 tax year. The surplus will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2023 state personal income tax returns filed in 2024. The credit is based on tax liability for the 2022 tax year. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2022 tax return, should file now so they can claim their kicker credit when they file their 2023 tax return.
Personal income taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker?” calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2022 and 2023.
This week’s “Student Spotlight” goes out to the McNary Boys Soccer Team for becoming Back-To-Back Conference Champions. I am a firm believer that the lessons our students learn on the field will translate into life. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment!
Do you know anyone who deserves to be acknowledged? Send your nominations to Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov.
Willamette Master Chorus Veterans Concert
The Willamette Master Chorus is hosting their 19th Annual Veterans Concert. This benefit is sponsored by the newly established John Lorenz Veterans Ticket Fund, and will reoccur each year on or around Veterans Day.
This year's concert will take place on November 11 and 12, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. each day, in Smith Auditorium on the Willamette University campus. The event will have a Vietnam War-era theme, with music from the 70s and 80s, and it will feature Portland's "first call" jazz/pop/rock singer, Marilyn T Keller. An Honor Choir composed of students from area high schools will also be welcomed on stage.
Visit their website at www.willamettemasterchorus.org or call Willamette Valley Chorus at 503-580-0406 to reserve your ticket. Note: Free tickets are being offered to all current and former service members and Gold Star parents and spouses.
Marion County Job Fair Event
Marion County is hosting a Careers Over Coffee Job Fair Event on November 15th from 11am – 2pm, at Broadway Commons. Join the event for a chance to connect with employees from Health & Human Services, Public Works and the Sheriff’s Office who are actively seeking talented individuals like YOU!
This is your opportunity to have an informal chat over a FREE cup of coffee and make a lasting impression. More information is provided below.
Reminder: Deadline for Government Funded Daycare
Families must apply for government funded daycare by November 3 to be eligible. Below are flyers with more of the details. Scan the QR code in the flyer to get information about your local Early Learning Hub.
Thank you for reading! It is an honor to serve as your State Representative.
Yours truly,
Representative Kevin Mannix
House District 21
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1421
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-384, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mannix
| 
