|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox. To contact me, please click here: Rep.CourtBoice@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends,
The 2024 Legislative Session began on February 5 and is now more than halfway over. I will be sending you bulletins from Salem keeping you informed on the lawmaking process.
The problems for our state are many, but the priorities for this session will be addressing our drug addiction crisis and fixes for M110, housing shortages, workforce shortages, crime and public safety, education standards and school choice.
I will continue to hold state agencies accountable for spending on needed services for Oregonians. I will continue to protect our rural communities from mandates and ‘one-size-fits-all’ policies that are harmful to our businesses and economy. I will not compromise my core conservative values in all my voting decisions.
Please reach out to my office for more information on bills, or questions you have about navigating state government. We are here to serve you!
 Representative Court Boice House District 1
As legislators our voice is our promise to you, and sometimes the only way we can make a point is during committee or on the floor. Below are some clips of my time in committees or on the House Floor from the past few weeks.
 |
|
Repealing Ballot Measure 110 has been one of the main topics since short session is started. We came to short session with two high priority issues, the housing crisis and Measure 110. We have yet to see a final draft of the bill, and I urge my colleagues to act quickly. You can watch my remonstance here. |
Last week I testified in the Senate Natural Resources Committee on the Coquille River Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP). You can watch my testimony here.
|

I honored the five Marines who lost their lives on February 6 in Pine Valley California. Please pray for their families and loved ones and we thank them for their courageous service to our country.
|
Today I sent out the following press release after the CDC released data showing that Oregon has the fastest rising overdose rates in the country.

On February 7, the Revenue Forecast was released. The Office of Economic Analysis presented the quarterly revenue forecast which confirmed that the state continues to bring in record revenue but warned of future problems due to population stagnation. Senator Knopp (R-Bend) released the following statement.
I wholeheartedly agree with Leader Helfrich pointing out the hypocrisy to provide Class A Misdemeanor protections on public transportation, but not in our neighborhoods and streets. Doesn't all of Oregon deserve better?
I joined my Republican colleagues issuing a letter to legislative presiding officers to reaffirm the caucus’ steadfast support for meaningful criminal justice accountability provisions in any legislation meant to address the drug crisis caused by Measure 110’s failure.

Oregon republicans also penned a joint letter to Governor Abbott in Texas.
I attended a community forum on gun violence. A panel of experts were put together, including Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack, Troy Gregg from the Marion County Juvenile Department and Mike Runyon of the Oregon Youth Authority, Ken Ramirez from the Salem-Keizer School District, executive director of Mano a Mano, Levi Herrera-Lopez along with many others.
|

|
Senator David Brock Smith, Representative Ed Diehl and I had a working lunch.
|
|
 |

Myself with some colleagues and visitors from ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council
|

It was a pleasure to meet with members of Douglas County Head Start in my Salem office. Thank you all for stopping by.
|
 
I spent some time with the Oregon Fairs Association. Oregon's fairs and fairgrounds are a critical hub in our communities year round. They provide educational opportunities for youth, economic development, entertainment and meeting venues/events, and dedicated emergency facilities in the case of disasters.
|

|
Senator David Brock Smith and I visited with Umpqua Homes.
|
|
 |

 |
|
Annual Tribal meeting in Canyonville.
|
|
Coquille STEP Program Annual Dinner
|
|
 |
 |
|
Daimler Trucks - OBI Tour in September
|
VFW Post 966
VFW Post 966 in Brookings has a new Facebook page, please check them out.
Support Oregon Veterans this tax season
As tax season approaches, the Oregon Charitable Checkoff program is a fantastic opportunity for anyone filing taxes in our state to direct their Oregon tax refund dollars toward supporting veteran programs and initiatives.
By donating through the Charitable Checkoff program, you're directly contributing to vital programs and initiatives that care for the most vulnerable veterans across the state – our aging veterans and those who are struggling with behavioral health and suicidal ideation.
-The Oregon Veterans' Homes (Charity Code 12)
-Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention (Charity Code 23)
Your donation, no matter the size, holds immense power in positively impacting the lives of those who selflessly served our country. It's a tangible way to express gratitude and make a real difference.
To learn more about how you can donate or for assistance, visit http://www.oregon.gov/.../individuals/pages/charitable.aspx. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or tax preparer for guidance.
Let's unite to show our unwavering support for our veterans through the Oregon Charitable Checkoff program!
VA Unveils Major Grants To Combat Rising Veteran Homelessness
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has unveiled critical initiatives to combat the rising trend of homelessness among veterans, aligning with the broader goals of the Biden-Harris administration. The announcement includes two significant grant opportunities aimed at addressing the immediate needs of veterans experiencing homelessness.
What Grants Are Being Introduced To Address Veteran Homelessness?
The VA has introduced two grants: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Grants and Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grants.
VA is set to award substantial funding within the next year for the SSVF Grants, supporting organizations in rapidly rehousing veterans and their families, preventing imminent homelessness, and identifying suitable housing solutions. The funding amount will be determined by VA’s budget.
Over $26 million will be allocated within the coming year to organizations providing legal representation, assistance in court proceedings, and defense in cases related to homelessness for veterans.
How Will These Grants Contribute To Reducing Veteran Homelessness?
These grants focus on swift rehousing, preventive measures, and legal assistance, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The VA’s announcement follows the release of the 2023 Point-in-Time Count by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, revealing a 7.4% increase in veteran homelessness over 2022. This mirrors a broader trend, indicating a 12% increase in homelessness among all Americans.
read more here....
Veterans Memorial in Gold Beach, POW Remembrance
Check out the latest newsletter from Curry County Chamber of Commerce.
Did you make less than $30,000 last year? Do you have young children at home? The new Oregon Kids’ Credit could give you up to $1,000 per child under age 6! To learn more about how to claim the credit and find free tax assistance visit ocpp.org/okc
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1401 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-382, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Rep.CourtBoice@oregonlegislature.gov Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boice
|