Recently, our nation celebrated Veterans Day. I am very proud of my father, Master Sergeant Hollie Wright, who served proudly in WWII, and my son Major Byron Wright, who is presently serving. To all who have served – thank you will never be enough.
At the Legislature, we recently wrapped up our “November Legislative Days” which provides another opportunity ahead of the Short Session in February for Legislative Committees to meet and discuss any critical topics. It is always a packed 48 hours in Salem!
Keep reading below for an update on Oregon news, important policy information, as well as events happening in and around our district.
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. Our kids must come first.
Early Literacy Educator Prep Council
The Council has been working toward the initial goal of developing recommendations to revise educator and school administrator preparation program standards for literacy instruction in grades K-5 to align with the Oregon Department of Education's Early Literacy framework by December 15, 2023.
Each of us were given the task of supporting the science of reading and the five cornerstones (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). I specifically was assigned to review and evaluate Ohio, Massachusetts, and Colorado’s process and standards for choosing and using high-quality instructional materials.
We must provide a better methodology for teaching reading in the classroom. Currently, one-half of our elementary students are not able to read by the end of 3rd grade. This is unacceptable!
Demanding Action on Measure 110
Republicans agree with the majority of Oregonians: Measure 110 has been an abysmal failure. I joined my House Republican colleagues in calling on the leaders of the majority party to take action with proposed policy solutions to end the addiction, crime, and homelessness plaguing our state. We are ready to work to get Oregon on the right path.
  
Yesterday, Harney County Judge Raschio issued his ruling regarding the ongoing Measure 114 litigation at the state level, permanently blocking the measure’s implementation and ruling it as unconstitutional.
Two major factors contributed to his findings, the permit to purchase scheme of Measure 114 and the ban on the sale, transfer, and manufacture of magazines holding more than 10 rounds.
The State is expected to appeal the ruling to the Oregon Supreme Court. However, this ruling is an important piece in the litigation efforts at both the state and federal levels.
You can read more about this decision here.
This past month has been a busy one! It is an honor to travel across House District 9 and our beautiful state to hear about the successes and problems facing Oregonians.
Siuslaw High School Veterans Assembly
Recently, I was invited to attend a ceremony at Siuslaw High School honoring our Veterans. About 50 Veterans attended and were served a great breakfast and delicious lunch provided by the Siuslaw Student Body in the school library. Between breakfast and lunch, an assembly was held in the gym with students, staff and dignitaries attending. Several Veterans proudly spoke about their experiences with students sitting quietly and respectful. I was impressed with how respectful and attentive the students were for the entire ceremony.
I want to thank the Siuslaw High School Teachers, Principal, Staff and Student Body Leadership Class for an amazing and heartfelt ceremony honoring some very special Veterans.
You can read more about the assembly here.
Florence Veterans Day Parade
At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Armistice Agreement formally ended the First World War in 1918. In 1954, the U.S. Congress formally renamed “Armistice Day” as “Veterans Day” to honor all who have served.
This year, I had the honor of riding in the Florence Veterans Day Parade to honor our local veterans. One of my favorite elements of the Florence community is the American flags proudly flown on national holidays and special days of recognition.
North Bend Fire & Rescue Department
This past month, I was able to spend a day in North Bend visiting the North Bend Fire & Rescue Department and learned more about the new "Books By The Bay" mural. Thank you for having me!
San Diego Literacy Council Summit
In October, I travelled to San Diego for the Literacy Summit sponsored by The National Conference of State Legislatures. It was an inspiring time with amazing people who care about our children and their literacy, including math education, both locally and nationally. This Summit included 38 representatives and staff from 17 states and Guam.
This Summit reaffirmed my commitment to the research based teaching of literacy and math from Pre-K through 3rd Grade. I listened to the great efforts and accomplishments being implemented around the nation. I came home with a recommitment to our children’s literacy and math education and a pathway to achieve that. I look forward to continued dialogue with the Governor’s Early Literacy Council.
National Apprenticeship Week
I met with Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Commissioner, Christina Stephenson in Coos Bay to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week at the invitation of Laura Pumphrey, Apprenticeship Manager for Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board’s Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program. I was invited to learn more about the commitment to registered apprenticeships and how these unique work base learning programs make a difference in the community.
University of Oregon Marine Science Center in Charleston
I also had the opportunity to meet with the University of Oregon’s Marine Science Center in Charleston to view their research facility and amazing aquarium. I was able to view their new research vessel, Megalopa.
You can read more about the Megapola here.
Douglas Timber Operators
I joined my colleague, Representative Court Boice who serves the Southern Oregon Coast, and the Douglas Timber Operators (DTO). The DTO is one of Oregon’s oldest forestry associations and is supported by over 160 businesses and individuals who support the forest products economy in Southern Oregon.
Pictured Left to Right: Representative Wright, Matt Hill (Executive Director of DTO), and Representative Boice.
Oregon Anglers Alliance Meeting
I am a proud member of the Oregon Anglers Alliance. We meet once a month to discuss the challenges impacting our fisheries. The organization is led by Leonard Krug. This strong and experienced membership of anglers, fish biologists, processors, hatchery people, STEP individuals, guides, past and present members of ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) and OHRC (Oregon Hatchery Research Center) actively supports efforts to improve fisheries in Oregon.
If you fish, you need to join! You can find more information here.
Another Offshore Wind Update
Recently, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw passed a resolution opposing offshore wind development in Oregon and criticizing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) process for engaging with tribal nations.
Earlier this year, BOEM announced two draft "wind energy areas" off the coast near Coos Bay and Brookings. A public comment period on the draft areas ended Oct. 31. BOEM also hosted five in-person and virtual meetings to share information and garner feedback, at the request of Gov. Tina Kotek and members of Oregon's congressional delegation.
As I mentioned before, I still have several questions about these potential projects. I will continue to stay up to date on this issue and keep you updated.
Read more about the tribe’s decision here.
Elliott State Research Forest Update
Recently, it was announced that Oregon State University will no longer participate in the management of the Elliott State Research Forest.
The announcement came in a letter from the university’s President, Jayathi Murthy, to the State Land Board, just over a month before the state’s deadline to submit a critical habitat conservation plan for the Elliott State Research Forest to federal agencies for approval.
Read more about this decision here.
Don’t Miss It – 2023 Oregon Coast Military Museum Festival of Trees
The 2023 Festival of Trees Ticketed Gala and Live Auction is Sunday, December 3rd, 2023. This is an excellent event for a great cause you do not want to miss. More information is available on the Oregon Coast Military Museum here.
What is the Festival of Trees?
The Festival of Trees is an annual event and fundraiser hosted by the Oregon Coast Military Museum (OCMM) towards the last week of November. Trees and wreaths are sponsored and decorated by businesses and tree designers from the Oregon Coast (Florence/North Bend/Coos Bay) in unique themes to be auctioned off at the event's Gala dinner. Designers and themes vary by year as new and old volunteers join in decorating the trees, bringing new ideas to the table or revising previously done themes.
What are the Proceeds Used For?
All proceeds of the Festival of Trees help keep the doors of the Museum open to the public and future generations. Funds raised also assist in the creation of exhibits, the preservation of Artifacts and items within the Museum's collections, the procurement of supplies for operations, and operational expenses.
The Festival of Trees accounts for over 25% of the Museum's yearly operating budget, making it one of the most vital fundraisers for the OCMM.
Student Spotlight: Our Fall Athletes
I want to congratulate all of the fall sport athletes in House District 9 on much success this season! I would like to give a special shoutout to the Marshfield High School Volleyball Team who placed 2nd in state, as well as the Siuslaw High School Girls Cross Country Team who also placed 2nd in state.
Remembering Chief Doc Slyter
As we conclude this month's newsletter, I would like to take a moment to send my condolences to the family, friends, and tribal members of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw who are mourning the loss of Chief Donald "Doc" Slyter. His leadership and service will not be forgotten.
Doc Slyter, Chief of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians
As always, thank you for reading! It is an honor to serve as your State Representative.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Representative Boomer Wright
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1409
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-372, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.BoomerWright@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wright
| 
