Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The first full week of November brought legislators back to Salem for the second of three interim committee days leading up to the 2024 short session. My schedule was packed, and the days flew by quickly. This newsletter provides brief highlights of what took place in my five committees, as well as my activities in the district, and a look at what’s ahead.
It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner. In this season of gratitude, we celebrate the bounty of fall, our veterans, and the many blessings and opportunities we have to give to others in need. May your table be filled with kindness and love this Thanksgiving and in the holidays ahead.
Sincerely,
 Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
View previous newsletters and information here.
To watch a replay of committee meetings, click on the respective committee titles below.
We received a presentation from ODOT and WSP USA on the data that drives their Urban Mobility Strategy and much of their work around tolling. We also had the opportunity to have a discussion on the topics of concern related to traffic congestion. It was interesting to learn that congestion in the metro area is largely due to local traffic with 89% of passenger vehicle trips on I-5 and I-205 starting and ending within the Portland metro region. Getting locals off the highway and expanding light rail and transit would significantly reduce congestion.
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Future community meetings are scheduled and may have some remote testimony capacity available. Until locations are finalized the dates are subject to change. Stay tuned for updates on OLIS here.
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Wednesday, November 29th, location TBD: I-5 Rose Quarter, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
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Saturday, December 2nd, location TBD: Oregon City/West, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Linn/Gladstone
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Saturday, December 2nd, location TBD: I-205 East Portland, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
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Wednesday, December 13th, location TBD: Wilsonville/Charbonneau/Lake Oswego/Tualatin, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
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Thursday, December 14th, State Capitol Building, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
During the meeting, committee members commented that the meetings are focused on the Portland Metro area and questioned if there will be opportunities for folks in other parts of the state to participate in this conversation in their areas too. I hope that leadership will take this feedback into consideration.
On November 7th, the House Interim Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans heard a wrap-up and preliminary cost analysis from the Office of the State Fire Marshal on the 2023 Wildfire Season. We also heard from the Oregon Military Department and welcomed Colonel Alan R. Gronewold, the new Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, followed by a briefing and discussion of Oregon’s Public Employee Retirement System. The meeting finished with a 2020 wildfire housing update from Oregon Housing and Community Services.
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The Joint Interim Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety also met on November 7th. We covered a full slate of issues and conducted five individual work sessions involving reports from Department of Corrections related to Federal Grant Limitations, the 2023 Fire Season report from the State Fire Marshal, compensation plan changes by the Public Defense Services Commission, and a report from the Criminal Justice Commission on the unrepresented defendant/persons plans. The committee acknowledged receipt of the reports and moved them to the full Ways and Means committee for further consideration.
Committee meeting materials can be viewed here.
On November 8th, the Joint Interim Committee On Ways and Means met to approve the following reports and grant applications to secure funding for projects across the state.
The following consent grant applications received approval:
12. Department of Fish and Wildlife - Big Creek Hatchery Pipeline
13. Department of Fish and Wildlife - McKay Creek Fish Passage Planning
14. Department of Fish and Wildlife - Coastal Coho Habitat Restoration
15. Department of Fish and Wildlife - McKay Creek Fish Passage Restoration
16. Department of Fish and Wildlife - Keno Dam Feasibility Study
18. Department of Geology and Mineral Industries - Data Preservation and Access
19. Department of Geology and Mineral Industries - LiDAR Data Collection
20. Department of Geology and Mineral Industries - Geological Mapping Program
24. Department of Land Conservation and Development - Coastal Community Resilience Planning
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following individual reports that were moved out of various subcommittees earlier in the week:
1. Public Defense Services Commission – Comprehensive Remediation Plan
2. Public Defense Services Commission – Compensation Plan Changes
3. Oregon Health Authority – Transformation Transfer Initiative
4. Criminal Justice Commission – Unrepresented Defendant/Persons Crisis Plans
5. Department of Corrections – Federal Grant Awards Limitation (Rep. Lewis, carrier)
6. Department of the State Fire Marshal – 2023 Fire Season (Rep. Lewis, carrier)
7. Housing and Community Services Department – PRO Housing
8. Housing and Community Services Department – Shelter and Rehousing Investments)
9. Oregon Business Development Department – Broadband Equity Access and Deployment 10. Department of State Lands – Common School Fund Land
11. Department of Fish and Wildlife – Acquisition of Coquille Tidal Wetlands
17. Department of Geology and Mineral Industries – Exploratory Mineral Separation
21. Department of Forestry – 2023 Fire Season
22. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Irrigation Practices
23. Department of Agriculture – Sustainable Seafood Fisheries Market
25. Department of Land Conservation and Development – Collins Creek Land Acquisition Partnership
26. Department of Transportation – Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
27. Department of Transportation – Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement
28. Department of Aviation – Airport Electrical Infrastructure
29. Department of Consumer and Business Services – Workers' Compensation Premium Assessment
30. Department of Administrative Services – Compensation Plan Changes
Committee meeting materials can be viewed here.
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On November 9th, the House and Senate Interim Committees On Judiciary met jointly. We heard updates from various stakeholders on the current state of the Restorative Justice Program (House Bill 2204 (2021).
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We had an informational hearing on E-Bikes and a presentation on potential safety laws for electric bicycles that Rep. Emerson Levy intends to bring forward in the 2024 session in response to a tragic loss of a youth in her district.
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The Oregon Judicial Department provided an update on the Civil Commitments Workgroup, and the Oregon Public Defense Services provided forecasting information on the methodology and outputs for projected cases.
Meeting materials can be viewed here.
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On November 15th, the Oregon Office Economic Analysis (OEA) presented the December Revenue Forecast.
Oregon’s revenue and economic outlook is currently stable, which tracks with the previous forecast economists provided in September. Although the revenue outlook appears on track for now, we still have to get through our first personal income tax filing season of the biennium, which means a great deal of uncertainty remains at this time.
Economists shared concerns related to Oregon’s long-term economic stability due to our state’s stagnate population growth. In recent years we have seen a population decline. Oregonians have left the state due to the increased safety concerns involving addiction, the permissive drug use that plagues our streets, crime, and homeless issues, all of which have further discouraged others from moving here. If a population stall continues, we will experience significant impacts on the revenue that provides the critical services Oregonians need into the future. As we prepare for the coming session, I am committed to supporting policies that will make our state safer, more affordable, and prosperous.
Click here to review the Revenue Forecast Presentation and the Executive Summary here.
The next revenue forecast will be released on February 7, 2024 (the beginning of the 2024 Legislative Session). The forecast is a critical barometer of Oregon’s fiscal health and economic outlook. Forecast reports are issued four times a year: March, June, September, and December and play a pivotal role in shaping budgetary decisions and government priorities.
As economic conditions fluctuate, the forecast provides essential insights into anticipated revenue streams, helping policymakers allocate resources effectively. The accuracy of this forecast influences Oregon's ability to fund public services, infrastructure projects, and social programs, all of which impact the quality of life for Oregonians in every area of the state, particularly as government continues to grow and take more of your hard-earned income in taxes.
As I traveled through the district this fall, I snapped photos of the crimson blueberry bushes and spectacular fall sunsets. They are a sight to behold in celebrating House District 18’s splendor.
Again this year, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Mt. Angel Towers Veterans Day celebration. Thank you to Jim Kosel of the Mt. Angel American Legion Post #89 for the invitation and coordinating the event. Sadly, as each year passes, fewer World War 2 and Korean War veterans remain with us.
I also attended Silverton Middle School’s Veterans Day assembly and appreciated seeing students engaged in honoring America’s service men and women.
We live in challenging times. It is imperative that we remember the sacrifices of our military veterans and their families. We must continue to support those currently serving in our armed forces and teach our young people of the sacrifices made in blood and in tears so that they continue to grow up in freedom. We live in a country that is still the greatest nation on earth because of the sacrifices of those who have gone before us.
On this day, we extend our gratitude to veterans everywhere for their unwavering commitment and courage that inspires us.
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The following resource information is shared from the Oregon Health Authority’s November 9th newsletter: Oregon is home to approximately 300,000 veterans. Veterans Day honors them and their families, and those who came before.
If veterans or their families are struggling, help is out there:
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Veterans Crisis Line provides free and confidential 24/7 support for veterans and their loved ones, regardless of VA benefits enrollment. Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
- The Lines for Life Military Helpline offers free 24/7 help and hope to all military-connected community members, including family, friends and caregivers of veterans. Call 888-457-4838.
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Dual Diagnosis Anonymous Veterans weekly meetings provide a safe venue to be open about depression, post-traumatic stress, alcohol and drug use, abuse and addiction. Meetings are weekly, in-person or online. Call 503-222-6484.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans offers 24/7 support for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as their family members, friends, and supporters. Call 877-424-3838.
Earlier this month, I was honored to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Marion County Health & Human Services building at 3180 Center St. in Salem. This valuable community asset will serve Marion County residents for years to come.
More information on their programs and their services can be found here.
On November 20th, I attended a presentation in Redmond on the CORE3 Regional Emergency Training and Response Center, an idea long overdue. The facility will provide not only for enhancing regional first responder training capabilities, but it can also serve as a hub for continuity of government in the event of the Cascadia Subduction earthquake we know is coming. As vice-chair of the House Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans Committee, member of the Joint Ways & Means Public Safety Subcommittee and member of the full Joint Committee on Ways & Means, this facility is of great interest to me. I look forward to future discussions as we move to build this important facility.
Thursday, November 9th was the deadline for legislators to submit requests to Legislative Counsel to draft bills for the 2024 Session. Legislators are limited to two bill drafts. The 2024 Session Calendar was also released as follows:
The short session will soon be upon us. The short session is a 35-day session that moves quickly (February 5-March 10). I have no doubt that a primary focus of the session will be on Ballot Measure 110 which decriminalized heroin, meth and other hard drugs and led the voters to believe it would solve the drug problem and lead to widespread treatment. The citizens of Oregon are no longer buying that rhetoric. In a recent poll, an overwhelming 74% of Oregonians support recriminalizing hard drugs with 60% in strong support of doing so. 61% agree Measure 110 has been a failure. Most are in strong agreement that the drug problem has gotten much worse since the passage of Measure 110, despite the millions of dollars invested and 78% believe heroin, meth and fentanyl use is continuing to get even worse. Drug overdose deaths are off the chart having tripled with more than 1500 deaths since the passage of M 110. Oregon ranks as one of the worst in the nation for meth use. We are dead last in the nation in access to drug treatment. There are some who believe we should continue to throw more money at the problem rather than take a step back and come up with a policy that actually addresses this epidemic. I believe we are on the brink of a precipice and in danger of going over the cliff if we don’t take immediate action. I believe a special session is in order to fix the problem. We can’t afford to wait. Nor can we afford the cost in lives lost, broken families and community suffering while we do nothing.
I will be sponsoring a bill in the ’24 session that will restore criminal justice accountability, provide for mandatory treatment as opposed to services designed to enable continued drug use, expand drug courts, allow for 72 hour holds in a sobering center, reinvest in addiction treatment and mental health services, repeal those parts of ballot measure 110 that we all know don’t work, and more. This bill isn’t about putting people in jail or prison – it’s about giving the courts the leverage they need to get people the help they need.
It is time to get serious about this problem. Policies that purport to get drug use out of public view do not fix the problem. Policies that serve to hide the problem from the public in order to pretend the problem no longer exists only drive the problem underground. More to come…
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1418
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-385, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis
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