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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I want to begin by reiterating how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve House District 9. Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect on what is most important in life. For me, that is friends, family, and the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ.
I hope you enjoy the update below on what I have been up to the past month, and that you each have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.
Legislative Update
Below are a several updates on what has been going on in Salem and around the State.
Measure 110 Hearing
On December 4th, the Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response, the committee tasked with tacking Oregon’s addiction crisis and Measure 110, held a public hearing to gain input directly from Oregonians on the issue. Below is a quote released following the hearing from House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich:
"Today, we heard more of the same from radical special interests who benefit from the status quo. We also heard heartbreaking stories from people living with the consequences of Measure 110's failure, and they are begging for change. The majority party only wants to talk; Republicans want action. Our caucus has put forward ideas to get addiction, homelessness, and crime under control, and we urge the majority to work with us to implement these solutions in the next session,” said Helfrich.
House Republicans have offered solutions to the failures of Measure 110 that include repealing failed and ineffective aspects of the law and instituting actions widely supported by the people of Oregon, including banning the public use of hard drugs, instituting penalties for those who possess deadly drugs like fentanyl, making treatment mandatory for those arrested on drug-related crimes in order to avoid jail, and directing resources to the county level so local entities can better address areas of acute need.
Read more about the hearing here.
Standing With Israel
After meeting with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, I joined my colleagues Representative Boshart Davis (R-Albany) and Representative Javadi (R-Tillamook) in reaffirming our support for Israel and standing against the genocidal terrorist group Hamas. Our entire statement is below.
Letter to ODFW Director
Recently, I sent a letter to the Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Curt Melcher, with concerns about our poorly supported fish hatcheries and fishing closures on some of our rivers.
This letter followed the recent news that harvesting adult and jack wild spring Chinook salmon on the North and mainstem Umpqua rivers will be prohibited starting in February 2024.
I will keep you updated on ODFW's response. We need an abundance of fish in our rivers, not excuses and closures.
Western Forests Habitat Conservation Plan
This month, the Oregon Department of Forestry released its projections for how much timber revenue each of 14 western Oregon counties would receive a year for the next 70 years following the adoption of the Western Oregon State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan.
Should the habitat plan pass as drafted, the total annual timber revenues to eight counties could decline by as much as $18 million compared to the past decade’s averages, according to the forestry department’s latest figures.
Clatsop County is looking at the highest amount of revenue loss – $7.6 million per year. In the counties I represent within House District 9 – Douglas, Coos, and Lane, we are looking at a combined revenue loss of $800,936 per year.
Read more about this update here.
To sign up for notifications and updates regarding the HCP process and upcoming meetings, click here.
Oregon Kids Credit
Information Provided from the Oregon Department of Revenue.
In 2023, the legislature created the Oregon Kids Credit, which is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. Families with $30,000 or less in annual income can claim up to $1,000 per child, for up to five children aged five and below. Since the credit is refundable, the portion of credit that is more than what a person owes will be refunded to them.
Who Qualifies
The amount of credit is based on age and number of dependent children, and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), BUT even people who don’t owe any tax can claim the refundable credits. For those with a MAGI of $25,000 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children ages 0 to 5 at the end of the tax year. The credit is reduced when MAGI is more than $25,000 and is eliminated at $30,000. All filing statuses are eligible for the credit except for Married Filing Separate.
How to Get Credit
Eligible families need to file an Oregon state income tax return—something many of them may have never done because their low incomes mean they haven’t had a filing requirement. Families may need help with filing a return – learn more here about Oregon Kids Credit and other programs. Learn more here about free tax preparation assistance and resources.
It is an honor to travel across House District 9 and our beautiful state to hear about the problems facing Oregonians and how we can be advocates for meaningful change in the Legislature.
Douglas County Legislators and Superintendents K-12 Education Summit
I recently met with the Douglas County Superintendents to discuss concerns and proposed solutions heading into the 2024 Legislative Session. I enjoyed the thoughtful discussion and am grateful for the work they do on a daily basis to better the lives of our students.
Civics Learning Project Session
I attended a meeting in Salem hosted by the Civics Learning Project with Civics, Social Studies, and Government teachers from throughout Oregon – including educators from right here in House District 9.
I learned that most educators would like to see civics curriculum required for a full year in the State of Oregon, rather than just a half year. I also learned that many of our teachers are not getting the tools they need during their college educations to feel prepared upon entering the classroom. This is extremely problematic and unfair to our young adults with a passion for education. This is a problem I will continue to raise in our Early Literacy Council meetings, as well as in the House Education Committee.
Coos Bay Sobering Center Roundtable
Recently, I had the opportunity to join community figures, other appointed and elected officials, influential community leaders, and major stakeholders, for a roundtable on Coos County’s Sobering Center. The event was hosted by The Coos County Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee, Advanced Health, and Adapt Integrated Healthcare. We discussed the developments of Coos County’s first sobering center expected to open in the Summer of 2024.
2023 Charter Schools Conference
I joined the Oregon Coalition of Community Charter Schools and the Oregon Department of Education for the 2023 Charter Schools Conference in Salem. We had the opportunity to look at different materials being utilized around the state. For example, a school we looked at in Medford provides students opportunities that they would not get in a traditional classroom setting, including a focus on various career opportunities and dual enrollment programs.
Oregon Salmon Champion
I recently was awarded the Coquille River STEP Association “Oregon Salmon Champion” award for my work relating to Salmon Steelhead Recovery in our coastal rivers. It was an honor.
31st Annual Bay Area Economic Outlook Forum
I attended the 31st annual Bay Area Economic Outlook Forum at the Mill Casino. The primary focus was on the transportation hopes and challenges for the south coast. You can read more about the forum here.
Ice Skating Rink - Christmas Eve
Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park
Don’t miss your chance to see the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park! They are open every night through New Year’s Eve – including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is free and parking is $5.
Get more information here.
Public Hearing - Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan
Read more about this meeting here.
Florence City Council Meeting
The next Florence City Council Meeting will be held January 8, 2024. Meetings are generally held every first and third Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. You can watch City Council Meetings at City Hall or view them on GotoWebinar.
Click here for more information.
As always, thank you for reading! It is an honor to serve as your State Representative.
-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
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