Dear Friends,
Happy November! I am happy to report that after six months, harvest on the farm is over! Soon it will be Thanksgiving, Christmas, and an end to 2023. There has been a lot to reflect on over this past year, but there is still much to do before we ring in the New Year.
Next week, will be Legislative Days at the Capitol. Here are a few of the topics being covered in the committees I serve on:
Business and Labor will be getting an update on Paid Family Leave. This should be interesting because, in case you missed it, there are some serious concerns with fraudulent claims. I hope the Employment Department is ready to answer questions on that topic.
Early Childhood and Human Services will be discussing several topics, including an update on the Homecare and Modernization Act, as well as child welfare investigations. As some of you may know I have been pushing for the Department of Human Services to replace the current investigation system they have for investigating their own employees. This article is just one example of why this practice needs to be changed and why I will continue to question child welfare investigations within the agency.
Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water will mainly be focusing on water as this was a major topic throughout this session. The Oregon Water Resource Department (OWRD) will give a presentation on the groundwater allocation process. In October the agency made headlines when OPB published an article covering the agencies proposal to change policies regarding ground water allocations and new wells.
Rules will be discussing local and county elections. This should be interesting as many people have concerns with the integrity of the elections process. Specifically, the most recent concern is with the "MDM (Misinformation, Disinformation, and Mal-information) Analysis Platform Services" contract (IT Services Contract per Bid Solicitation S-16500-00007470.) This committee meeting may be a chance to understand why this bid is even being looked at by the Secretary of States office.
I encourage you to be engaged and watch any of these committees online using OLIS.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support.
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 Anna Scharf
State Representative - HD 23
Repeal. Re-criminalize. Rehabilitate. Just a few weeks ago, I sent out a press release and interviewed with KYKN as to why Oregon needs to immediately repeal Measure 110. Please take the time to listen to my interview here or read my press release here. I cannot emphasize enough how important this issue is for our state. Waiting until the 2024 Legislative Session in February or a ballot measure in November of 2024, only means that more people die of overdoses and more drugs are on our streets. The time to repeal is NOW and we owe that to the voters who are overwhelmingly, in multiple polls, saying that is what they want us to do.
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I was so excited to attend, again this year, the Family Building Blocks fundraising luncheon. This is a great program helping keep kids safe and families together.
A big thank you to the Oregon Association of Nurseries for the tour of Microplant Nurseries, Inc. outside of Gervais. They provide large numbers of new and improved root stock for trees and timber products, ornamental shrubs, blueberries, hazelnuts, raspberries, hops, grapes, perennials and bulb corps and shade tree stock to the Nursery industry in Oregon and around the world.
The Oregon Farm Bureau Women’s Advisory Council put on a Legislative Engagement Agricultural Forum (LEAF) where I was invited to be on a panel with Rep. Hartman (D-Oregon City/Gladstone), and Rep. McIntire (R-Eagle Point). It was a wonderful evening talking about all things ag and natural resource related.
Union Pacific Railroad invited Legislators and other community leaders to a lunch with their President Beth Whited aboard the historic 1949 dining car “Overland”. It was wonderful hearing her talk about the importance of moving fright and the value UP brings to Oregon. The ability to move large amounts of freight across our state is vital to the economic vitality of the Oregon economy.
 Oregonians for Food and Shelter (OFS) invited me along with Rep. Boshart-Davis (R-Albany) Sen. Weber (R-Tillamook), and Rep. Helm (D-Beaverton), to be on a panel at their annual conference. OFS is a coalition that includes agriculture, forestry, and urban pest managers promoting the efficient production of quality food and fiber while protecting human health, personal property, and the environment through the integrated responsible use of pest management products, soil nutrients, and biotechnology.
 The Oregon Dairy Farmers and the NW Chicken Council put on a wonderful tour that crisscrossed House District 23 and House District 24. The first stop was at Forest Glen Oaks Dairy in House District 24, and the next stop was at Marcon Poultry Farm in House District 23. We wrapped up the day with a post tour stop at Stoller Family Estate Winery. It was great to learn more about the dairy and poultry industries and the challenges they face, as well as have the opportunity to share the day with Rep. Elmer (R-McMinnville), Rep. Hartman (D-Oregon City/ Gladstone), Rep. Boshart Davis (R- Albany), Sen. Lieber (D-Beaverton).
 Just over the hill from my family farm, is an amazing timber business! Zena Forest Products was recently honored with the SEDCOR award for new product development. This new product is cutting edge and will cover over 1 acres of flooring in the new PDX terminal. It is a white oak tile, not plank flooring and it is being made in the hills of HD23. Not only is the tile beautiful and durable, its the first of its kind in North America. A big thank you to Ben Deumling and his mother Sarah for the tour of the mill and the amazing walk through the forest.
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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