Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
As we kick off the first week of the 2025 Legislative Session, I want to remind you that your voice is a vital part of the process. The decisions made in Salem this year will impact families and communities across Oregon, and your engagement can help shape the direction we take. Whether it's testifying on a bill, contacting your elected officials, or following the latest updates, there are many ways to get involved and ensure your perspective is heard. Together, we can work toward a safer, more affordable, and prosperous Oregon.
Yours truly,
The Three Branches of State Government
The legislative, executive, and judicial branches operate with a system of checks and balances to preserve separation of powers, as outlined by the Oregon Constitution.
- The legislative branch sets state policy and the state budget by making laws.
- The executive branch enforces and implements laws through agency policy and rulemaking.
- The judicial branch interprets the laws by determining the legislative intent of a law.
The Legislative Branch
The legislature can only act by following the processes outlined in the constitution. To propose laws or make statements the Legislative Assembly votes on written documents called measures. Bills are a type of measure that creates new law, amends or repeals existing law, appropriates money, prescribes fees, transfers functions from one agency to another, provides penalties, or takes other action.
The Legislative Assembly votes on measures or bills during session, the period the Legislative Assembly officially convenes. Session is no longer than 160 calendar days in a long session (odd-numbered years), and no more than 35 calendar days in a short session (even-numbered years).
The Legislative Assembly and nonpartisan legislative agencies that support the work of the Legislative Assembly make up the legislative branch.
The main structure of our current State Capitol was completed in 1938, at the height of the Great Depression, with the help of the federal government. Sheathed in brilliant white Vermont marble, the building is a landmark example of Modernist Art Deco design. The pinnacle of the building is a gilded bronze statue of the Oregon Pioneer.
The Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers – the House and the Senate. Each chamber manages its own operations and cannot formally dictate the organization, procedures, or rules of operations of the other.
Both chambers have equal responsibility in the lawmaking process, however there are some differences in responsibilities between the chambers. For example, appointments by the Governor are approved by the Senate and revenue raising measures must originate in the House.
Dedicated in 1938, the current capitol is a National Historic Landmark blending traditional and modern styles in a domed rotunda.
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has 60 State Representatives who serve two-year terms. Based on the 2020 Census and redistricting process, each Representative represents approximately 70,621 people.
There are currently 24 Republicans and 36 Democrats, giving Democrats a supermajority in the House. Oregon requires a three-fifths vote in each chamber, or a supermajority, to pass bills that raise taxes.
Click to see the current house districts.
 Oregon’s House Chamber is fashioned entirely of golden oak. Symbolic of Oregon’s important wood products industry is the specially designed carpet featuring the Douglas Fir, Oregon’s state tree. Behind the desk of the Speaker of the House, is a Barry Faulkner mural showing the historic meeting of Oregon pioneers at Champoeg in 1843, when the provisional government was established.
Senate (That's Us!)
The Senate has 30 State Senators who serve four-year terms. Based on the 2020 Census and redistricting process, each Senator represents approximately 141,242 people.
There are currently 12 Republicans and 18 Democrats, giving Democrats a supermajority in the Senate. Oregon requires a three-fifths vote in each chamber, or a supermajority, to pass bills that raise taxes.
Click to see the current senate districts.
 Oregon’s Senate Chamber features paneling and furniture of matched black walnut. Alternating designs of wheat and salmon, symbolizing Oregon’s agricultural and fishing industries are woven into the carpeting. The mural behind the Senate President’s desk is by Frank H. Schwarz and shows a street scene in Salem when news of Oregon’s admission to the Union was received in 1859.
Meet the Senate Minority Leader
Senator Daniel Bonham from The Dalles is the leader of the Republican Caucus in the Oregon Senate. Elected by his fellow Republican senators, he serves as the minority leader, guiding his party's priorities and advocating for their interests in the legislative process. As minority leader, Senator Bonham plays a crucial role in representing the Republican caucus, communicating with the public, and influencing key decisions in the Oregon Legislature.
Leader Bonham is pictured with his wife, Jessica. She works as his Chief of Staff for his district office.
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Meet the Rest of Our Leadership Team
 From left to right, Senator Cedric Hayden (R-Fall Creek), Deputy Leader; Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford), Deputy Leader; Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City), Deputy Leader; Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook), Caucus Whip.
"A How To?" Guide to Getting Engaged with Your Legislative Branch
Finding Your Legislator(s):
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Click this link to find your legislator. Each citizen is represented by one state senator and one state representative. By entering in your address, you can find the representative and senator for your area. |
Tracking a Bill:
Testifying in Committee Hearings:
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You can register to speak to a committee on a bill, topic, or executive appointment scheduled for a public hearing. Testimony may be given in-person at the State Capitol, remotely on Microsoft (MS) Teams, or written testimony can be submitted for the record. By testifying, you are sharing your voice with the deciding body on legislation impacting you directly. Click this link to learn more about how to testify. |
Attending or Watching a Committee Hearing:
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Committees gather to discuss proposed bills and areas of public concern. You can access these hearings at any time using the link below. Legislative Video and Audio.
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Visiting the Capitol:
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The work we do at the Capitol is meant to amplify your voices. It is your right as an Oregonian to have access to the legislative process in whatever way is best fitting for you. To visit the Capitol, enter from the center entrance on State Street. Hearing Rooms A-F and the legislative member offices will be accessible, as well as the chambers during floor sessions only.
The address to the State Capitol is 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301.
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For additional information about the Oregon State Legislature call 1-800-332-2313.
Previous Newsletters
1/17/2024 Welcome to the 83rd Legislative Assembly!
1/13/2025 Republican Leaders Respond to Governor Kotek’s State of the State Address
12/10/2024 Tackling Wildfire Costs, Budget Missteps, & Housing Solutions
11/20/2024 Insights & Updates from the Oregon Senate Republican Caucus
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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