As we close out 2024, Oregon’s challenges remain daunting, but Senate Republicans are working hard to push for practical solutions. Whether it’s addressing the $218 million shortfall in wildfire costs, holding Governor Kotek accountable for a budget full of misplaced priorities, or tackling the state’s housing shortage, our focus remains on putting Oregonians first. This week, we highlight these critical issues and outline how Republicans in Salem are committed to real reform, fiscal responsibility, and policies that prioritize the safety, prosperity, and the well-being of our communities.
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Sincerely,
Oregonians deserve better than reactive, stopgap measures. Year after year, wildfires devastate our communities, forests, and air quality, yet the Legislature continues to underfund essential firefighting resources and resist policies that could reduce wildfire risks. Active forest management—such as thinning overgrown forests and removing excess fuel—has proven effective in limiting wildfire severity. Unfortunately, Democrat policies have locked up our forests, leaving them dangerously overgrown and more susceptible to catastrophic fires.
This year’s wildfire season underscores the consequences of these failed policies. Unless Democrats join Republicans in our efforts to reform forest management practices, Oregonians can expect even more devastating wildfire seasons in the years ahead. Senate Republicans are committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the safety of our communities and the responsible management of our natural resources.
The urgency of this issue is clear: the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are unable to pay $218 million in bills from the 2024 wildfire season. This massive shortfall affects firefighters, contractors, and vendors who worked tirelessly to protect our communities and clean up the aftermath of devastating wildfires.
In response to this crisis, the Legislature will convene in Salem for a one-day special session on Thursday, December 12th, to appropriate funds to cover these costs. You can read the Governor's proclamation below.
While ensuring our first responders and vendors are paid is critical, this financial shortfall shines a spotlight on the broader challenges in the state’s budgeting priorities and wildfire policies. Without meaningful reform, the cycle of underfunding and devastating wildfire seasons will continue, leaving Oregonians to bear the cost.
This week, Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham raised concerns about Governor Tina Kotek's proposed 2025-2027 budget which she released earlier this week. You can read our full press release here. In short, the Governor’s plan relies on expanding government programs and excessive spending, ignoring the reality of stagnant population growth, declining birth rates, and slow private-sector job growth in Oregon.
According to Leader Bonham, this budget “doubles down on failed strategies,” risking higher taxes without adequately addressing Oregon’s critical issues like housing and health care affordability, homelessness, and student success.
Oregonians deserve a state government that prioritizes essential services without breaking the bank. As we pass budgets during the upcoming legislative session, Senate Republicans are determined to advocate for a responsible, needs-focused budget that works for all Oregonians.
Oregon faces a critical housing shortage, and current strategies aren’t cutting it. Senate Republicans are doubling down on the need for actionable solutions following two significant developments: the Governor's new budget proposal, which reinforces ineffective housing policies, and an alarming housing report that reveals the worsening crisis in our state's housing supply and affordability.
Governor Kotek’s latest housing plan falls far short of its goals. Despite her promise to build 36,000 units annually, Oregon delivered only 18,000 in 2023—half the target. This failure underscores the need for a fresh approach that emphasizes affordability, supply, and reduced regulatory barriers. A critical mechanism to achieve this outcome is empowering the private sector to drive development.
The recently released State of the State’s Housing Report further highlights the severity of Oregon’s housing challenges, revealing persistent issues like rising costs, limited affordable options, and growing pressures on renters. These numbers make clear the urgent need for immediate action to address this emergency. Here are some key findings from the report:
Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) is a leading voice in our Caucus on housing as Vice-Chair of the Senate Housing and Development Committee. In a recent press release on the dismal results in the report, he stated:
As Senator Anderson says, solving Oregon’s housing issues requires bold, innovative solutions. Efforts must focus on:
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Expanding housing supply to address shortages across all price ranges.
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Lowering barriers to construction by streamlining regulations and cutting red tape.
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Addressing skyrocketing energy prices, which drive up building and maintenance costs.
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Prioritizing affordability to ease financial pressures on renters and prospective homeowners alike.
The report serves as a wake-up call: without immediate and collaborative efforts, the state risks deepening the housing crisis. By prioritizing collaboration and urgency, Senate Republicans are committed to creating a housing policy that allows builders to rapidly build more housing of all types where there is demand. The upcoming legislative session will be a key opportunity to make progress and provide every Oregonian with access to affordable homes wherever they choose to live.
As we finalize our priorities for the 2025 legislative session, we want to hear from you! Your feedback and input are essential in helping us represent the values and concerns of Oregonians across the state. Please reach out to our office to share your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. We've already received many insightful responses from our first newsletter!
Legislative Days (12/10–12/12): Committees will hold informational hearings on potential legislation, review updates on past bills, and hear reports from state agencies. Click on the link to watch committee hearings live.
Special Session (12/12): The House and Senate will convene for one day only to address wildfire funding. Click on the link to watch it live.
Organizational Days (1/13–1/17): Members-elect will be sworn in, bills will be introduced, and committee assignments will be announced.
2025 Legislative Session (begins 1/21): The Legislative Assembly will convene to craft policies impacting all Oregonians. This regular session may last up to 160 days in odd-numbered years.
Capitol Phone for the Senate Republican Caucus: 503-986-1950 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-323, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email the Senate Republican Leader, Daniel Bonham: Sen.DanielBonham@oregonlegislature.gov

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