Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving. As we head toward the year's end, it is a good time to slow down and be grateful for the things that matter. Politics can be exhausting and take up so much of our attention because the things we argue about and do are usually really important. But so are other things like family, friends, and your community.

I am preparing for the 2024 short legislative session as we turn the corner into another year. The Legislature meets every year, but in odd-numbered years, like 2023, we meet for six months. In even-numbered years, we meet for 35 days from early February to the middle of March. Much attention will be paid to Measure 110 - more about that below.

Also, some good news. The Kicker has been finalized! Take a moment to estimate your Kicker at this dashboard to see how much you will get back on your taxes this year.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with comments, questions, or concerns at 503-986-1432 or Rep.CyrusJavadi@oregonlegislature.gov.

Talk soon, 

Representative Cyrus Javadi
House District 32

Measure 110: The Way Forward

Defenders of Measure 110 say that it just needs more time to work. What that means in practice is “more people are going to die before we make a change.” That is not acceptable to me, nor should it be acceptable to Oregonians.

It's hard to see how more time will result in better results. Thus far, twice as many Oregonians have accessed harm reduction services than have accessed substance abuse disorder treatment. And the Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council (the board that approved funding from Measure 110) has spent twice as much Measure 110 on housing than on substance abuse disorder treatment. 

The goal of our drug policy should be to get people into life-long recovery, not enable drug use. But  Measure 110 doesn't have that goal.

The House Speaker and Senate President have put together a committee to figure out what we need to do when it comes to drug use and Measure 110. Most of us already know what needs to be done: Repeal Measure 110. But in the meantime, this new legislative committee will meet in the run-up to the 2024 short session and talk about potential paths forward.

On Monday, December 4, the committee will be accepting public testimony on the drug crisis in Oregon. To sign up to testify in person, or online, click here. To send written testimony, send an email here: JACSR.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov

Much of the blame for our current drug crisis is correctly put on Measure 110, but a lesser-known court case is also wreaking havoc on law enforcement's ability to charge drug dealers. District Attorneys and other law enforcement officials have recently urged lawmakers to change to the law and make it easier for law enforcement to catch drug dealers.

I recently signed a letter with my House Republican colleagues outlining the changes we want to see to Measure 110. Those include rehabilitating those struggling with addiction, restore criminal accountability for possession of deadly drugs to provide a mechanism to get people into treatment, reinvest in proven methods that get people clean and sober, and finally repeal the failed aspects of Measure 110, which included scrapping Governor-appointed boards that have proven ineffective at getting money to projects ready to help people get sober. Read that letter here:

The public pressure against Measure 110 is mounting. Polling consistantly shows that the majority of Oregonians support repealing the law with many supporting mandatory treatment for those who have been repeatedly cited for doing hard drugs. A combined 60% of Oregonians said that homelessness and drug addiction were the most pressing issues facing the state, according to a new poll.

Clatsop County became one of the growing counties that have formally passed resolutions calling for the repeal of Measure 110. This comes at the same time that homeless individuals have said they haven’t seen the benefits of Measure 110. 

Quality of life issues like Measure 110, homelessness, and related crime have big impacts on other parts of our state. People don’t want to travel here, and increasingly, people don’t want to live here at all. This has serious implications for the future of our economy.

We know what needs to be done. Repeal Measure 110. 

Oregon Education Needs Better Leadership

This week, the month-long Portland Teachers Union strike finally ended. Over 40,000 Portland-area students were shut out of the classroom for almost the entire month of November. Many students struggled to study for tests without the teacher help, while special needs students struggled with the disruption of their routine. We already know the devastating results of lost classroom time on student learning from our COVID experiment of school lockdowns. I hope district and union leadership will come together to avoid similar strikes in other districts around the state.

The teacher's strike put a lot of focus on how schools get funded, how they spend that money, and the results we get for it. Let's look at the numbers. As of the 2019-2020 school year, Portland public schools spent $14,829 per student. For additional context, Astoria SD spends $11,724 and Tillamook spends $11,963 per student. These numbers are expected to rise significantly over the coming years because of the Corporate Activities Tax revenues and declining enrollment.

Regardless of how much we spend per student, data shows that is not a good indicator of outcomes. And we know that Oregon schools are not producing good outcomes right now.

What are we getting for all that money? While graduation rates have increased slightly in the last few years, general trends show that academic achievement has declined over the decade. To make matters worse, the Oregon State Board of Education has recently suspended graducation standards that require students to prove proficiency in math, reading, and writing for another four years.

This is causing many parents to look for better student learning environments. Homeschooling has skyrocketted in Oregon, increasing homeschool enrollment by more than 200% in some areas.

I have long advocated for state policy to give parents and students more flexibility on where to spend their education dollars, and polling shows that’s popular.

Oregonians want options, but again, politicians have to have the courage to give it to them.

Be careful of gift card scams as holiday shopping season approaches

The 2023 holiday shopping season is here and the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is reminding people to watch out for financial scams that can target their pocketbook, particularly gift card scams.

Gift card scams often start with a call, text, email, or social media message. Scammers will say anything to get you to buy gift cards – such as Google Play, Apple, or Amazon cards – and hand over the card number and personal identification number (PIN) codes.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, here are some common tactics scammers use:

1. Scammers will say it is urgent. They will say to pay them right away or something terrible will happen. They don’t want you to have time to think about what they are saying or talk to someone you trust. Slow down. Don’t pay. It is a scam.
2. Scammers will tell you which gift card to buy (and where). They might say to put money on an eBay, Google Play, Target, or Apple gift card. They might send you to a specific store – often Walmart, Target, CVS, or Walgreens. Sometimes, they will tell you to buy cards at several stores, so cashiers will not get suspicious. The scammer also might stay on the phone with you while you go to the store and load money onto the card. If this happens to you, hang up. It is a scam.
3. Scammers will ask you for the gift card number and PIN. The card number and PIN on the back of the card lets scammers get the money you loaded onto the card — even if you still have the card itself. Slow down. Don’t give them those numbers or send them a photo of the card. It is a scam.

Scammers tell different stories to get you to buy gift cards so they can steal your money.

• Scammers say they are from the government. They say they are from the IRS, the Social Security Administration, or even the Federal Trade Commission. They say you have to pay taxes or a fine. However, government agencies will not contact you to demand immediate payment, and they never demand payment by gift card. It is a scam.
• Scammers say they are from tech support. They say they are from Microsoft or Apple and there is something wrong with your computer. They ask for remote access and say to pay them to get it fixed. Don’t give them access to your computer. It is a scam.
• Scammers say they are a friend or family member with an emergency. If the scammer uses voice cloning, they may even sound just like your loved one. They ask you to send money right away – but not to tell anyone. It is a scam. If you are worried, contact the friend or relative to check that everything is all right.
• Scammers say you have won a prize. But first, they tell you to pay fees or other charges with a gift card. It is a scam. No honest business or agency will ever make you buy a gift card to pay them for a prize. And did you even enter to win that prize?
• Scammers say they are from your utility company. They threaten to cut off your service if you don’t pay immediately. Utility companies don’t work that way. It is a scam.
• Scammers ask for money after they chat you up on a dating website. Romance scammers will make up any story to trick you into buying a gift card to send them money. Slow down. Never send money or gifts to anyone you have not met in person – even if they send you money first.
• Scammers send a check for way more than you expected. They tell you to deposit the check and give them the difference on a gift card. Don’t do it. It is a scam. That check will be fake and you will be out that money.

Here are somehelpful reminders to help prevent yourself from getting scammed:

• Don’t answer unknown numbers – block unwanted calls and text messages.
• Don’t give personal identifying information to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails. Hang up, look up their number, and call them to verify.
• Be skeptical. Ask questions and be wary of offers “too good to be true.”
• Resist the pressure to act immediately. Scammers use urgency as a tool.
• Stop and talk to someone you trust. Talking about it can help you spot the scam.
• Never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card, money transfer, or cryptocurrency.

Remember, if it is too good to be true, it probably is.

If you feel you may have been scammed, the division’s consumer advocates may be able to help. They can be reached at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

DCBS to host public meeting on prescription drug prices Dec. 7

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) will be hosting a public hearing on prescription drug prices on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. via Zoom. The public is invited to participate and here are some ways you can:

Share your stories. DCBS is asking for the public’s help before the 2023 public hearing on prescription drug prices. The department has set up a brief survey for consumers to share their stories about rising prescription drug prices. Drug prices play a major role in health care decisions of Oregonians, and the cost of prescription drugs have steadily increased. The department wants to hear your stories about the costs of prescription drugs and how it has affected you and your family. The previous testimonials are available on their website.

Attend the hearing via Zoom. There will be opportunities for public comment, and Oregon legislators will serve as moderators for panel presentations. We encourage you to testify at the hearing or provide written testimony. For more information about the hearing, email rx.prices@dcbs.oregon.gov.

Some of the agenda items this year will be highlights and recommendations from the Drug Price Transparency team, including:

• Diabetic drugs approved for weight loss. There will be presentations on drugs approved to treat diabetes that are now also approved for chronic weight management for nondiabetic adults with obesity.
• What determines the costs of a generic prescription drug and why are they so expensive? There will be presentations about why some generics are so expensive and have a very small discount when compared to the brand-name drug.

You can learn more about the agenda on their website. The Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act (ORS 646A.689) directed the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services to establish a transparency program to accept reports and disclose certain information from prescription drug manufacturers, health insurance carriers, and consumers on drug prices. The goal of the program is to provide accountability for prescription drug pricing through the notice and disclosure of specific drug costs and price information from pharmaceutical manufacturers, health insurers, and consumers.

Out In the District

It was an honor to join forces with former Senator Betsy Johnson at the annual Kiwanis party and auction in Clatskanie. Together, we celebrated community spirit and generosity, raising $10,500 for scholarships to support the bright futures of our local students. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a resounding success!

Exciting progress at the North County Recreation District's swimming pool construction project! Had a wonderful time visiting the site and witnessing the hard work being put into building a place where our community can relax, enjoy, and stay fit. The dedication of the team is truly commendable. Looking forward to the completion and the many joyful memories it will bring to our district!

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1432
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-373, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.CyrusJavadi@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/javadi​