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Here are some highlights from the past week and helpful community information for you!
- Shelly
Delay Oregon's EV Truck Mandate NOW –
Submit testimony by 8am Saturday
Yesterday, the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment held a public hearing on my bill to delay Oregon's EV medium- and heavy-duty truck mandate, the Advanced Clean Truck rules.
While over 70 people registered to testify on the bill - and many traveled to the Capitol to do so - but almost none were given time to make their case. Of those who submitted written testimony online, over 70% support the bill. Oregonians understand what Democrats don't: these regulations are unworkable, unattainable, and unrealistic.
Thank you to all who have shown their support for this bill. I continue to work on getting this bill to the next step and passing it. If you haven't submitted written testimony in support of the bill, you can do so until 8 AM tomorrow. You can do that at this link. *IMPORTANT NOTE: "Support" for the bill means you are "opposed" to the Clean Truck rules and support my bill to delay the rules.*
Watch my entire testimony here:
Oregon legislature mulls delaying clean truck rules to 2027 amid pushback
A legislative push is underway to delay the implementation of Oregon's Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations, which aim to reduce emissions from large vehicles.
House Bill 3119 seeks to delay the Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) enforcement of the ACT regulations, originally set to begin this year, until 2027. Proponents of the bill argue that implementing large electric vehicles on a wide scale is impractical.
WATCH: Oregon legislature mulls delaying clean truck rules to 2027 amid pushback
House Bill 3119 seeks to delay the Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) enforcement of the ACT regulations, originally set to begin this year, until 2027. Proponents of the bill argue that implementing large electric vehicles on a wide scale is impractical. "EV trucks cost twice as much, haul 25% less, and can travel only half the distance," said Rep. Shelly [Boshart] Davis.
Rep. Boshart Davis: Public hearing on delaying clean trucks rule
“Oregonians are frustrated with our cost of living,” Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R, Albany) said. “These regulations are not only unattainable, they will only fuel price increases in every sector of our economy. In some cases, they require manufacturers to sell products that don’t yet exist. Class 8 EV tractor trucks cost twice as much, haul 25% less, and can travel only about half the distance. The math doesn’t math.”
HB 3119 Hearing - Stop ban on diesel truck sales
House Bill 3119 (HB 3119) is a much needed bill to fix a bad idea on the diesel truck sales ban. House Bill 3119 is sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans and is scheduled a for a hearing this Thursday in the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment...
...HB 3119 is sponsored by Representatives SHELLY BOSHART DAVIS (R), ED DIEHL (R); Representatives KEN HELM (D), BOBBY LEVY (R), EMERSON LEVY (D), JOHN LIVELY (D).
You can also read my statement below, or click this link.
Audit the Food Bank
On Tuesday, February 4, the Senate Committee on Human Services will be holding a public hearing on SB 644, a bill calling for an audit of the Oregon Food Bank.
Now, this isn't an audit of your local food bank that does great work to feed people in our communities. This is the Oregon Food Bank that engages in left-wing political activism, like opposing Israel's self-defense in Gaza, criticizing Republicans for delaying votes on harmful bills that would increase the cost of food, and lobbying for a bill that would go on to cap farm worker's hours and hurt family farms struggling to pay the bills. The Oregon Food Bank regularly spends its resources - in part provided by YOU (the Oregon taxpayer) - to engage in partisan political activity. In just 2023, the Legislature gave the Oregon Food Bank $7.5 million!
While this bill specifically calls out the Oregon Food Bank, the problem doesn't stop there. As elected officials, we have an obligation to ensure your money is spent wisely, and not on political activity, but there are countless numbers of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofits that receive taxpayer money that engage in politics similar to the Oregon Food Bank. With the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Washington DC, it's high time we in Oregon take a closer look at how those organizations we trust with your money are spending it.
If you want to testify in support of SB 644 and the Oregon Food Bank audit, here are the details:
When: Tuesday, February 4 at 8 AM
Where: Oregon State Capitol, Hearing Room D
How: Sign up to testify by clicking here, and finding the "Register to Testify" button under the 'Public Hearing' section. If you can't spare a few minutes to give live testimony, no worries, you can submit written testimony here. For more detailed instructions, go here.
Playing Politics with People's Retirement
Even if you aren't a member of the Public Employee Retirements System, you should be concerned about HB 2200. This bill would play politics with people's retirement by mandating that their money be invested in climate change initiatives instead of things that earn people money. This has been on the environmentalists' wishlist for years, but it's an example of how those in power think they can spend your money: not on things you want, but what they want.
Earlier this week, there was a public hearing on this bill. Representative Ed Diehl has a great X thread on the subject that is worth reading if you are interested in where this bill might be headed and how we are fighting it.
You can email the members of the House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans and tell them to STOP HB 2200. Find their emails here.
Lowering Costs for Seniors and Retirees
Oregon was recently ranked as one of the worst states for retirement in the country, according to WalletHub. For those of us who face increasing costs, taxes, and other barriers, this comes as no surprise. Oregonians should be able to afford to live in their home state, but for too many seniors, taxes are too high, and bad leadership has made our state unaffordable.
Read the KOIN article here:
Oregon one of the worst states for retirement, WalletHub says
House Republicans will fight this session to lower income taxes for all Oregonians so they can keep more of what they make, reduce estate taxes and freeze property taxes for seniors so they can afford to stay in their homes. We will also work on legislation to roll back Oregon’s hidden sales tax on basic goods, like toilet paper, toothbrushes, and prescription drugs.
Oregon Continues to Fail Our Students
A report released Wednesday from The National Assessment for Educational Progress paints a bleak picture of student performance in Oregon schools. The data shows that Oregon’s fourth and eighth graders scored in the bottom half of all states in math and reading proficiency. Nearly half of fourth graders who took the assessment last year scored “below basic” in reading. This is worse than the national average of 41%. In math, about one-third of fourth graders tested “below basic.” This is worse than the national average of 24%. Among eighth graders who tested, 35% scored “below basic” in reading, and 45% scored “below basic” in math.
The report also shows that students who identified as economically disadvantaged scored significantly lower than their peers in reading and in math, and these performance gaps remain relatively unchanged since 1998 and 2000, respectively.
Read The Oregonian article here:
Oregon math, reading achievement among the nation’s worst, new scores show
Every Oregon child deserves a quality education. As these test scores show, our schools continue to fail thousands of Oregon students. The status quo is not working. This Legislative Session gives us an opportunity to change the conversation about the money the bureaucracy needs to maintain the status quo, and pivot towards what works and what doesn’t work for students and their families. We urgently need more options for students and their families to succeed and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to implement a policy that will get Oregon schools back on the right track.
Rep. Drazan calls for accountability following National Education Report
“As these test scores show, public schools continue to fail thousands of Oregon students,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “We urgently need more options for students and their families to succeed.” On Wednesday, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Education to support school choice alternatives such as charter schools and private school tuition assistance.
Oregon's Not Working for Workers
Under decades of Democrat rule, Oregon has earned a reputation as one of the most anti-business states in America, and it’s costing Oregonians their jobs. I will continue to fight for job growth, lower taxes, and oppose costly regulations that are driving job creators out of Oregon.
Oregon's affordability crisis is making things even worse for workers. Oregon has the nation's second-tightest housing market, driving prices up and up. This week, Oregon's first annual housing needs analysis showed that we must build at least 29,500 homes each year to dig our way out of the housing affordability crisis. That will be a tall task, considering builders pulled just more than 20,000 residential permits in 2022, less than 18,000 in 2023, and just over 13,000 by November 2024.
To make matters worse, Oregon is in the bottom 10 in the nation for real after-tax income.
Rep. Drazan: Oregon loses jobs while nation sees growth
On Thursday, the Oregon Employment Department announced that Oregon lost 3,700 jobs in December, raising the state’s unemployment rate to 4.1%. At the same time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 256,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy. “Under Gov. Kotek’s leadership, Oregon has become one of the most anti-business states in America,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). In 2024 Oregon ranked 48th for business friendliness and 49th for corporate taxes...
...“Oregon’s punitive and costly regulatory environment is killing jobs in our state and hollowing out Oregon’s manufacturing sector,” added Drazan. In 2024 as a whole, Oregon lost the most jobs in manufacturing – a total loss of 2,500 jobs...
...“House Republicans call on the governor to implement a moratorium on new regulations, work to reduce the tax burden on businesses, and fight for legislation that incentivizes job creation, lifts wages, and grows our economy,” concluded Drazan.
Average mortgage rate slips below 7%, falling for first time in 5 weeks
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased this week to just below 7%, its first decline after climbing five weeks in a row. The rate fell to 6.96% from 7.04% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, it averaged 6.69%.
Free filing, deadlines and the kicker: Here's what Oregonians need to know about the 2025 tax season
Tax season officially begins Jan. 27, and Oregonians will have a new option to file their taxes for free this year. The IRS Direct File program is expanding to Oregon, which coupled with the state's Direct File Oregon program will allow most taxpayers to file both their federal and state taxes for free.
I-5 bridge project could face scrutiny from Trump administration
On any one day, the Portland to Vancouver connector is 3,500 feet of bumper-to-bumper traffic, huge semi-trucks, boats passing underneath, and a lot of money passing through the Oregon and Washington economies. But with a new Republican administration in Washington D.C., fresh eyes will soon take a close look at the highly-publicized and costly Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
Amazon ramps up clean power for Oregon data centers. Does that mean less for everyone else?
For at least the next several years, though, the enormous growth in power demand from Oregon’s data center industry is scrambling the regional energy market and complicating the region’s shift to renewable power.
Farm advocates ask Oregon lawmakers for study on regulatory burdens
Oregon agriculture advocates are asking lawmakers to fund a study examining how mounting regulations have affected the competitiveness of the state’s farm industry. Under House Bill 2166, the Oregon Department of Agriculture would have to analyze the “overall regulatory burden” facing farmers and ranchers compared to those in other states and to other industries. The study would also look at other factors affecting the farm industry, such as climate change, wildfires, drought, labor shortages, water availability and gaps in crop insurance coverage.
Legislation would require Oregon’s public retirement plans to prioritize climate goals when investing
House Bill 2200, introduced by Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, would create pathways to slowly reduce Oregon’s Public Employees Retirement System’s carbon footprint while increasing investments in green energy and climate-related projects. It would also require the state treasurer to submit biennial reports to the state Legislature for increased transparency.
Oregon: Bottom 10 for real after-tax income
High-income taxes and a high cost of living hurt Oregonians. In its latest reporting, the U.S Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) ranks Oregon sixth highest in income taxation, among the 50 U.S states (when combining local, state and federal income taxes for each state)...
...In its latest reporting, as written in my recent Catalyst article, the BEA also ranks Oregon as having the 8th highest cost of living among the 50 U.S states...
...Using 50 state averages for income tax rates and cost of living rates, Oregonians lose roughly $1,400 per year on average from excess income taxation than other states; but Oregonians also lose $4,600 per year on average from a higher cost of living than in other states. Oregon’s higher cost of living is not only caused by the cost of shelter which is 20% more expensive than the 50-state average but also caused by the cost of goods which are 7% more expensive than the 50-state average.
Oregon labor bureau prioritizes wage claims of lower-paid workers
Lawmakers listening to those presentations reacted with a mix of alarm and anger. “I have no idea how you say to somebody, to a steel worker, a truck driver, that your wage claim doesn’t matter,” said Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany. “Dismissing it wholeheartedly is, in my mind, completely unacceptable.”
Kotek's gift to trade unions contradicts her own agency's analysis
Gov. Tina Kotek issued an executive order last month that will make highway projects more expensive, reduce bidding competition, and benefit a relatively small number of workers—who happen to be strong supporters of hers—at the expense of many Oregonians.
Oregon bill sparks debate over drug testing for unemployment benefits in certain cases
On Tuesday, the Oregon Senate Committee on Labor and Business heard public testimony regarding the controversial Senate Bill 748. The bill would permit the Employment Department to test individuals filing for unemployment benefits who were terminated for drug use or whose available work regularly requires drug testing, such as truck drivers or pilots. Sen. David Brock Smith highlighted the ongoing issues between employers and employees concerning drug use. Brock Smith says these issues are well-known and are not being dealt with. "This is a way that looks to address it, but not aggressively," said Brock Smith.
Oregon cage-free laws may be partial driver of egg price spike
Bird flu is forcing farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month, pushing U.S. egg prices to more than double their cost in the summer of 2023. And it appears there may be no relief in sight, given the surge in demand as Easter approaches. The average price per dozen nationwide hit $4.15 in December. That's not quite as high as the $4.82 record set two years ago, but the Agriculture Department predicts prices are going to soar another 20% this year. Shoppers in some parts of the country are already paying more than double the average price, or worse, finding empty shelves in their local grocery stores. Organic and cage-free varieties are even more expensive.
Oregon Has the Nation’s Second-Tightest Housing Market
The firm’s findings: Much of Oregon, not just Portland, is experiencing a housing affordability crisis. ECO northwest’s data shows that half of all renters in Portland are “rent-burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their gross income on rent. That’s tough, but the numbers are even higher for Salem (54%), Medford (55%), Eugene (56%) and Gresham (61%).
The reason for the affordability crisis: Oregon continues to experience a major housing shortage, having failed to keep up with population growth for more than a decade, ECOnorthwest economist Mike Wilkerson told senators. Only one state, Connecticut, has fewer homes per household than Oregon.
Oregon has just 1.07 homes per household. Another way to express that: Seven in 100 homes statewide in Oregon are vacant, a rate 36% lower than the national average. And again, data shows the vacancy rate is tightest outside of Portland.
LISTEN: Oregon legislative lookahead: The Republican view
The 2025 Oregon legislature is in session. From the smallest rural communities to districts representing downtown Portland, house members and senators have descended on the capitol in Salem to do the people’s business. On the last edition of Oregon On The Record, we heard from the Democratic side of the aisle. Now, you’ll hear from the House Republican leader, Christine Drazan. There’s a lot they don’t agree on, but both parties want to try and pass bipartisan legislation that benefits the state.
Trafficking, a hidden industry: 'It’s unimaginable the way they’re living'
Victims flow through Interstate 5, which is known as a human trafficking corridor. The freeway travels along the West Coast from the Mexican to the Canadian border, being an essential pathway for commerce and in turn, a pathway providing a veil of anonymity for human trafficking. “That I-5 corridor makes it so it's really easy to get in a car, drive up… from here to Portland, they can be setting up dates that whole drive,” said Erin Martin-Fournier, the director of advocacy services at CommunityWorks. “Then a person can work all night. They can be trafficked all night.”
NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK
Jan. 26 – Feb. 1, 2025
This week was National School Choice Week! Oregon's kids deserve to have a good, quality education, regardless of the zip code they live in. Nearly 70% of Oregonians support expanding school choice. Families know what is best for the children. We should put parents in the driver's seat to choose the best education for their kids.
Great teachers change lives, and Oregon has a lot of them! Our kids deserve to have a great teacher that best fits their learning style and will help them thrive.
President Trump’s recent executive order directing the U.S. Department of Education to support school choice alternatives – such as charter schools and private school tuition assistance – is a welcome first step here in Oregon. House Republicans have legislation to bring school choice to Oregon, improve access to charter schools, grow career and technical education opportunities, and expand open enrollment so that families can chose the education that best serves their students.
From our friends at Albany Downtown Association:
 Here's your reminder that NEXT Friday, February 7th, is the First Friday Chocolate Walk! Consider grabbing your Valentine for an early Valentine's Day celebration as you sip, taste, enjoy music, and indulge all the chocolate goodness you get at each of the participating Downtown Businesses. Make sure to come back here for updates on who you can look forward to seeing, and what kind of specials they're offering!
From our friends at Mid-Willamette Family YMCA:
Fall in Love with Local Crafts at our Valentine's Day Craft Fair!
Join us on Saturday, February 1st from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for a day filled with creativity and community! Shop unique, handcrafted gifts made by talented local artisans-perfect for Valentine's Day surprises or a treat for yourself. Support small businesses, shop local, and make lasting memories! We can't wait to see you there!
YMCA Spring Break Camp!
Give your kids an unforgettable Spring Break filled with fun, adventure, and creativity! Whether they're splashing in the pool, exploring our all-adaptive playground, or diving into arts and crafts, there's something for everyone!
Dates: March 24 - March 28
1st-5th Grade: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Includes daily swimming!) $130 Members | $155 Non-Members
3 Years - Kindergarten: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Swimming on Tuesday & Thursday!) $130 Members | $155 Non-Members
Before Care: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM / $30 Members | $55 Non-Members After Care: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM / $50 Members | $75 Non-Members
Registration is open now! For more information and to sign up, visit here!
Join us for Adult Swim Lessons!
Our adult swim lessons are for ages 15 and up, with options for all skill levels! Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your technique, we've got you covered.
Beginning Level: Everyone starts somewhere, and it's never too late to learn! This class is perfect for beginners or those with limited swimming skills. Our expert instructors will help you gain confidence in the water and teach you essential life-saving skills. Classes are Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, February 6-27.
Stroke Correction Level: Ready to refine your swimming technique? This class is designed for adults who want to improve their strokes for a more efficient and smoother swim. Our instructors will work with you to fine-tune your technique. Classes are Thursdays at 6:00 PM, February 4-25.
Registration is open now! For more info and to sign up, visit the link here.
 From our friends at Boys & Girls Club of Albany:
Spring 2025 Indoor Soccer League
Registration Deadline: February 12th
Season Dates: April - June
Location: All games and practices held at BGCA Indoor Soccer Field
Teams will play 6-8 games, depending on division.
Registration Fees: K-1st: $80, 2nd-3rd: $85, 4th-5th: $85, 6th-8th: $90
Don't miss out on the action! Sign up here and get ready for an exciting season of indoor soccer.
From our friends at the Albany Fire Department:
January 22, 2025
Last working shift in Cali for these fellas! Good work crew! AFD, your family and friends wish you safe travels back to Oregon!
Meet our newest Firefighter, Jacob Pinckert. Jacob is an experienced, lateral transfer from Phoenix, AZ. Welcome to the Albany family!
From our friends at Albany Oregon Police Department:
In late December, Officer Estes and Officer Huber were dispatched to a male throwing something at cars and walking into traffic. He was highly agitated and immediately began assaulting both APD officers when they arrived on the scene.
During the altercation, these three outstanding citizens stopped their cars, jumped out and came to their aid. We wanted to recognize their willingness to step up and help out when needed. We proudly issued them all Kindness 911 awards for their courage, commitment to our safety and their positive impact on our community. Thank you!
Top photo: Pete Salonius Bottom left: Steve Ream Bottom right: Zach Pape
League of Oregon Cities
I had great visits with leaders representing the cities in District 15 for City Day at the Capitol. Doing great things!
City of Tangent
(L to R) Tangent Finance Director Elijah Joyner, City Council President Trina Henderson, Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, City Councilor Leslie Harrison, and City Manager Joe Samaniego.
City of Albany
(L to R) City Manager Peter Troedsson, Councilor Marilyn Smith, Councilor Carolyn McLeod, Mayor Alex Johnson II, Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, Community Development Director Matthew Ruettgers, Economic Development Manager Sophie Adams, and Deputy City Manager Kayla Barber-Perrotta.
City of Millersburg
(L to R) Councilor Mark Raum, Mayor Scott Cowan, Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, City Manager Janelle Booth, and Councilor Mike Hickam
This week brought a wonderful surprise - a visit from my good friend Erin (Noakes) Reynolds, who I went to high school with and also happens to be City Manager for the City of Florence! (Go Santiam Christian Eagles!) No matter how much time passes, reconnecting with her always feels like picking up right where we left off.
During the 2025 legislative session my office will continue to keep you updated and informed - and 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
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
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