Friends and neighbors, here are some highlights from the past month and helpful community information for you! 

 - Shelly

Proceed with Caution with Federal I-5 Bridge Funding

The federal government recently announced that it was awarding the I-5 Bridge Replacement Project a $600 million grant. That’s good news, and as encouraging as it is, we must move forward cautiously. This project must be built equitably and cost effectively while ensuring that Oregon and Washington contractors are able to compete. Fair competition must be the cornerstone of any publicly financed construction project in our state, particularly one of this magnitude. That principle will ensure that the project makes the best use of both state and federal dollars. In addition, this bridge must be designed and built not just for today’s capacity but also looking forward to the next 100 years.

As I have written before, I believe in an open, free, and competitive project that allows for union and non-union, including minority contractors, to work on constructing the new I-5 Bridge. Is it fair to exclude local minority contractors just because they aren’t union? I don’t think so. Whichever contractor will do the best work at the most affordable price should get the job, regardless of union membership. Beyond just being what’s right, this is also in line with current law, which requires impartial and open competition for public contracting (like the Bridge Project) under ORS 279A.015(5). 

After a damning report published this fall that showed that the state regularly fails to contract with minority-owned businesses, this point is more important than ever. We must ensure that political favors do not take priority over equal and fair competition to work on a project of this size, or any size for that matter.

Failed Special Session for Transportation Taxes

Speaking of one group getting a better deal than another… As you may have heard from me before, heavy trucks are massively overpaying for their fair share of the transportation system. Under the Oregon Constitution, passenger vehicles and heavy trucks must shoulder “fair and proportionate to the costs incurred for the highway system.” But heavy trucks are overpaying by hundreds of millions each year.

My colleagues, Representative Anna Scharf (R-Amity) and Senator Brian Boquist (R-Dallas), exercised a provision in state law that allows a member of each chamber to request a special session. This triggered a vote among every member of the House and Senate as to whether or not we call ourselves into a Special Session. The vote failed, so the transportation taxes will remain out of balance until the Majority Party prioritizes it. I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes a lawsuit for them to make it a priority.

For far too long, Oregon’s hard-working trucking industry has been paying far more than its fair share of transportation taxes. The current inequitable taxation structure not only overburdens Oregon’s trucking industry but it has also resulted in Oregon having the highest tax rates for trucks of any state in the country. The small, family-owned trucking businesses that move products to communities throughout Oregon every day deserve better.

Kate Brown’s Cap and Trade Program Struck Down

Just before Christmas, an Oregon Appeals Court struck down Kate Brown’s cap and trade executive order on a technicality. The Court found that the Department of Environmental Quality failed to comply, “or even substantially comply,” with disclosure requirements when adopting rules under the federal Clean Air Act.

That’s good news, but because the Court’s decision was limited to the administrative, DEQ can, and likely will, just go back and ensure they follow the law when implementing the program.

We know that this program will increase the cost of living for Oregonians. In Washington, where they implemented a similar program, gas prices has surged by nearly 50 cents per gallon. A former state economist is now suing Governor Inslee for retaliation after telling the truth about the impact of the climate program.

Given that inflation is already pushing utility bills through the roof, Governor Kotek would be smart to press pause on her predecessor’s misguided cap and trade executive order.

Getting People Intro Treatment Before They Die

The new committee that Democratic leaders established to come up with solutions to our drug crisis met at the beginning of December. The Democratic chairs stacked the first 2 hours and 15 minutes with “invited” testimony, which largely told them what they wanted to hear: “If we keep doubling down on Measure 110, it will eventually work” (my sarcasm added). That left just 45 minutes for testimony from the public.

One instructive thing from the invited testimony was a slide from Moxie Loeffler from the Oregon Society of Addiction Medicine. It cited national data that showed that 97.5% of those who struggle with addiction don’t think they need treatment. 2.5% thought they needed treatment but made no effort to get it. And a mere 0.5% thought that needed treatment and actually make an effort to get it. This shows the fatal flaw in Measure 110. Those struggling with addiction rarely make the best decision for their health. We need tools to get people into treatment, even if they don’t think they need it themselves.

Scathing state audit faults lax oversight of Oregon pandemic rent relief
“As a result, the agency has no way of knowing how much of the $426 million went to eligible Oregon recipients and how much was sent to landlords, renters, and non-eligible recipients in error,” the audit report said. “The lack of verification also undermines the agency’s attempts to determine whether its equity-centered approach for Oregon ERA was successful in reaching people who have been historically and systematically excluded from housing opportunities."

Audit finds flaws in Oregon's distribution of emergency rent assistance funds during the pandemic

Oregon distributed a massive amount of emergency federal funding to aid renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting unemployment crisis, but a new audit from the Oregon secretary of state's office faults the agency that handled the program for distributing the money unevenly and failing to keep adequate records, making it impossible to confirm that all the funds were spent correctly. 

‘In our backyard at night’: Dozens of RVs, cars return to NE Portland neighborhood

Shortly after residents in the Argay Terrace neighborhood expressed concerns over RV encampments surrounding their homes, a shelter opened for the vehicles to clear the area.

In September 2022, KOIN 6 spoke to the residents living near dozens of RVs and cars parked along Sandy Boulevard, spilling into the neighborhoods. Then the vehicles cleared.

That is, until they came back.

Oregon state agencies have failed to regularly contract with minority and women-owned businesses, report says 

A state-commissioned report published Nov. 17 shows that Oregon state agencies failed to sufficiently contract with minority and women-owned businesses in recent years. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services hired Denver-based firm BBC Research & Consulting to analyze nearly $3.2 billion of state contracts between July 2017 and June 2022.

Legislature will bolster ODOT budget to avoid snowplowing cutbacks 

A key state lawmaker said legislative leaders plan to send a letter to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek committing to provide money to ensure the Oregon Department of Transportation can maintain its normal level of snowplowing on highways across Eastern and Central Oregon this winter. The agency said earlier this year that due to decreased budgets it would have to reduce plowing, sanding and salting on some secondary highways.

Editorial: Oregon needs a permanent solution to highway maintenance 

Yes ODOT already has piles of money. But most of it is restricted in how it can be spent. It can go to construction — not operations and maintenance. There is also a contradiction in funding road maintenance through a gas tax as vehicles become more fuel efficient or don’t even use gas. We aren’t eager to pay a road mileage fee or about the accompanying technology that will somehow be tracking how much we drive. Oregon is going to need to go down that road or some other alternative.

No, Oregon's 2024 kicker fund can't be reallocated to schools or other programs

The 26-day Portland teachers strike finally ended this week, but the incident is casting a long political shadow. The labor dispute sparked accusations that Oregon lawmakers didn't allocate enough money to the State School Fund, and after Portland schools reopened, Gov. Tina Kotek was quick to call for a reexamination of state funding mechanisms for education.

Oregon governor requests $19M to help ODOT this winter

Governor Tina Kotek is asking for millions of dollars to make sure Oregon Department of Transportation services aren’t cut back this winter.

Gov. Kotek has asked the Legislature for $19 million. It comes after ODOT warned that roads could be less safe this winter as it scales back services because it’s short on cash.

ODOT says it’s making less money on the state’s gas tax, which they claim is because more people are switching to fuel-efficient or fully electric cars.

Legislative Hearing on Measure 110 Draws Enormous Outpouring of Public Comment Willamette Week But many of the people who testified said the overdose crisis and unchecked open drug consumption demand an immediate course correction that could include the recriminalization of public drug use. About 20 business associations, led by Oregon Business & Industry, laid out their concerns in joint testimony.

Debate over Measure 110’s future heats up as lawmakers mull reforms 

A poll this year by Emerson College Polling, a leading pollster, found a majority of Oregonians support repealing the landmark law, with 56% of Oregonians supporting a total repeal and 64% saying they support a partial one.

Former WSDOT economist accuses state leaders of retaliation for refusing to lie about gas prices 

For the last five years, Scott Smith of Tumwater was a transportation planner for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). He was the primary WSDOT employee tasked with forecasting fuel consumption, pricing and revenues from gas taxes and fees. After 35 years working as a public sector economist, Smith said his career was ruined for his refusal to lie about how a new state policy, according to his mathematical calculations in early 2023, would jack up prices at the pump by 45 to 50 cents per gallon. He said the retaliation and pressure were so great he felt forced to resign.

Protesters block Portland’s Burnside Bridge to demand Gaza cease-fire

Hundreds of demonstrators blocked traffic during rush hour on the Burnside Bridge Thursday afternoon to demand an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Portland’s chapter of Jewish Voices for Peace, a progressive anti-Zionist organization, planned the demonstration to coincide with the final night of Hanukkah and encouraged participants to dress all in black to signify mourning.

“Rise up, rise up,” Catherine Petru called into a megaphone while standing on the Burnside Bridge at about 3:15 p.m.

Oregon Court of Appeals ruling: N.W. Natural Gas Co. v. Environ. Quality Comm. Because  EQC,  when  adopting  the  CPP  rules,  did not comply—or even substantially comply—with the heightened disclosure requirements applicable to it when adopting rules that apply to Title V sources, we conclude that the CPP rules are invalid.

Treatment providers slow to spend Measure 110 dollars, some counties serving few people, new audit finds  The Oregonian While Oregon has handed out an estimated $261 million in grants for drug treatment and recovery services under Measure 110, much of the money has yet to reach the people who need it, according to a new Oregon Secretary of State audit of the drug decriminalization law. Service providers spent $95 million between July 2022 and June of this year, representing about one-third of what the state had handed out in grants, the audit found.

Republican lawmakers press for special session to reassess Oregon’s vehicle taxes

Two Republican lawmakers are pressing for a special session next month to correct what they say is a growing unfairness in how the state taxes vehicles.

Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas, and Rep. Anna Scharf, R-Amity, filed a request with legislative administrators on Dec. 13. That will kickstart a vote among all 90 lawmakers that will take place beginning this week.

If a majority of lawmakers in both chambers agree on the need for an emergency session — unlikely given that a regular legislative session will convene in February — lawmakers would convene in early January.

Feds award $600M for new Interstate Bridge connecting Oregon and Washington
The Interstate 5 bridge replacement project got a huge surge of federal funding this week, securing a $600 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant is the largest infusion of federal funding so far for a project with ballooning costs. The bridge is now expected to cost as much as $7.5 billion, nearly $3 billion more than previous estimates.

Feds award $600M for new Interstate Bridge connecting Oregon and Washington
The Interstate 5 bridge replacement project got a huge surge of federal funding this week, securing a $600 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant is the largest infusion of federal funding so far for a project with ballooning costs. The bridge is now expected to cost as much as $7.5 billion, nearly $3 billion more than previous estimates.

Scathing state audit faults lax oversight of Oregon pandemic rent relief
“As a result, the agency has no way of knowing how much of the $426 million went to eligible Oregon recipients and how much was sent to landlords, renters, and non-eligible recipients in error,” the audit report said. “The lack of verification also undermines the agency’s attempts to determine whether its equity-centered approach for Oregon ERA was successful in reaching people who have been historically and systematically excluded from housing opportunities.’

LINN COUNTY REPORTER - JANUARY 2024

👉 Read full newsletter, here.

DID YOU GET GRINCHED?

APD: 541-917-7680

PROTECTING KIDS: CYBER SAFETY TRAINING

From our friends at ABC House:

Across the world almost 5 billion people use social media every day, including a majority of children between the ages of 13-18, so It’s no surprise that hackers, scammers, and online predators also use social media. To learn more about keeping your children safe online, join us for a free training session on January 17th from 5-6:30pm topics include social media, cyberbullying, safety & privacy, and much more! Sign up, here.

JACKSON STREET YOUTH SERVICES:

ACADEMIC COACHES NEEDED

From our friends at Jackson Street Youth Services:

12 Academic Coach Volunteers are urgently needed in Albany + Lebanon to work with youth in need!

Outreach Academic Coaches are matched with a Jackson Street youth for the school year to assist them with their homework needs. Past tutoring or education experience is a plus, but not at all required. If you enjoy working with youth, helping others, and supporting successful students, this role is for you!

We need as many as we can get right now, as school referrals are coming in with haste. Training and onboarding will be provided, along with ongoing support from our team. This is a flexible schedule that can be set to work with your availability. Does this sound like something you would like to help youth out with? Please let us know by emailing volunteer@jacksonstreet.org. And thank you so much!

REMINDER: FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES

From our friends at ECLB and CASA:

Are you looking for ways to better serve your community? Want to learn more about the foster care system and how it all works? Well get ready for a night of laughter and learning as we team up to support kids and families in foster care! Come hear from those who have walked the path already and are looking forward to sharing their stories with you! Whether you're a solo superhero or a family of do-gooders, everyone's welcome to join in on the fun.

Best of all, it's completely FREE and open to the public! Our culinary superheroes, New Morning Bakery, will be whipping up a delicious dinner for all our attendees. Plus, just for showing up, you'll snag a raffle ticket to win some pretty epic raffle prizes.

Mark your calendars for January 10th from 6pm - 8pm at Suburban Church 2760 SW 53rd St, Corvallis, OR 97333-1397

Ready to join the party?

Register now, here. Link in comments for RSVP

Questions? Call or Text 541-223-8535

SAVE THE DATE!

BGCA: BLOOD DRIVE - JANUARY 8TH

OSU EXTENSION PRESENTS: ADULTING 101

More information, here.

BGCA: BASEBALL CLINIC

From our friends at the Boys & Girls Club of Albany:

Join us for a hitting clinic with coach Kyle Baker! Limited spots are available, so be sure to sign up quick!

 For more information and to register, visit the link, here.

YMCA: ADULT BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS

From our friends at the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA:

Adult Ballroom Dance! The wait is now over, we've been eager to share this new program with you! We are now offering Adult Dance. Bring your favorite dance partner and learn Swing, Waltz and Salsa. We will learn the basic ballroom steps, turns, and more.

Jan 17- Feb 21 || Wednesdays @ 6:30p

More information and to register, go here. 

CELEBRATING A HUGE SUCCESS!

From our friends at the Boys & Girls Club of Albany:

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters for another successful Celebration of Trees! This year we had 35 large trees and 15 small trees fully decorated and sponsored by local businesses and individuals. All of these, plus a lineup of silent items were auctioned off during a great evening with a big turnout. This event simply would not be possible without the help and support of our community.

Happy Holidays from the BGCA!

To see the entire gallery of trees, visit Matteson Photography's link, here.

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Once again, it was an honor to be part of and MC this exceptional event for the BCGA!

STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Spectacular student achievement news from our friends at BGCA:

Congratulations to our 2023 Youth of the Year, Gracie Balkema!

Youth of the Year is our signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global, integrated world economy. Leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting, and teamwork are essential for everyone - especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood.

Our candidates this year excelled in these key leadership traits. Their commitment reflects the program's success in preparing young leaders for the challenges of today's diverse world.

Four students were also recognized in the Elementary and Middle school programs as Youth of the Year. Congratulations to all who participated!

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Way to go, Gracie! Congratulations!

OUR COMMUNITY STEPS UP FOR

JACKSON STREET YOUTH!

Our #CaringCommunity really showed up with holiday spirit for our youth and young adults! These past few days have been filled with new memories, joy, and comfort.

We are so grateful to spend this time with our youth and young adults. Thank you for helping to make it happen.

Big thanks to our friends at ATI Specialty Alloys & Components for donating over $1000 in snacks and hygiene supplies from our supplies needs list. ATI has been a big support to our organization for a few years now and we appreciate the long term partnership.

IN OTHER GREAT NEWS FOR JACKSON STREET...

News from Jackson Street this week:

Got a pretty cool email from National Runaway Safeline about our #NRPM2023 efforts -- we got nominated for an award! It feels pretty great to be recognized by a national organization, and we're excited to attend the virtual ceremony next Wednesday at 12:30 PST (link in comments). Here's the email:

"Congratulations! On behalf of the National Runaway Safeline (NRS), we are excited to share with you that Jackson Street Youth Services has been nominated for a 2023 National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) Award. These awards recognize NRPM partners who have executed the most creative, effective and engaging NRPM campaigns in their local communities.

The NRS team paid close attention to the activities organized by hundreds of partners on social media and in the news, and we identified Jackson Street Youth Services as having an exceptional campaign!

You have been nominated for the following Category:

Excellence in Community Engagement"

We're excited to virtually connect with our contemporaries around the country and celebrate our hard work as a national community! Sign up for the remote awards ceremony at the link in comments!

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Well-deserved recognition for an organization doing great things for the youth in our community. Congratulations!

During the session break (interim) - and for the rest of the year - my office will continue to keep you updated and informed with a monthly newsletter. My office is always at your service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.

Talk soon, 

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis