Happy (Belated) Birthday, Oregon!
We love Oregon. That's why we do what we do. From the coast to the high desert, Oregon is a stunning place to call home—and we’re working every day to make it better.
 Archives Sunset Bay State Park, Coos County
We're keeping this newsletter intro short and sweet. Keep reading to learn more about how we’re working to protect you from bad policies and government overreach. That seems to be the theme of the last few weeks.
Yours truly,
SB 916 Shifts the Cost of Union Strikes to Taxpayers, Small Businesses, and More
Senate Democrats are pushing SB 916, a bill that would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits—a blatant handout to Democrat's union allies.
This is corruption, plain and simple. SB 916 is a gift to Democrats' union allies, shifting the cost of strikes onto small businesses and taxpayers who have nothing to do with them.
Oregon’s unemployment insurance system is designed to support workers who lose their jobs involuntarily, not those who choose to walk off the job. Expanding benefits to striking workers would increase costs for employers and strain an already overburdened system in the name of offering unions a political favor.
The hypocrisy is clear. The same unions backing SB 916 also pushed Ballot Measure 113 in 2022 which punishes legislators for exercising their right to deny quorum. At the time, AFL-CIO argued that “regular people in Oregon show up to their jobs, day in and day out,” and that politicians should “face real consequences” for skipping work. AFL-CIO’s Deputy Political & Legislative Director even stated, “By voting YES on Measure 113, we can create real consequences for politicians who want special treatment when they skip work.”
Democrat leaders echoed this in 2023 when Senate Republicans walked out over a disregard for the rule of law. Senate President Rob Wagner declared, “Oregonians work for a living every day. And they don’t get paid when they don’t show up.” Yet now, those same Democrats are backing SB 916 to give striking workers taxpayer-funded benefits for choosing to strike.
There is an informational meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 18th, where the fight against Democrat corruption will continue. Testimony will not be accepted at the informational meeting, but we will keep you apprised to any additional opportunities to submit public testimony in the future. Many of you have already submitted written testimony and contacted your legislators, but we need to keep the pressure on. We encourage you to contact lawmakers who hold the power to pass this bill out of committee and tell them to OPPOSE SB 916.
Send our pre-written email to Democrat members of the Senate Labor & Business Committee.
Subject: Oppose SB 916 – Don't make us pay for union strikes!
Dear Senator [Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong opposition to SB 916, which would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits. Oregon’s unemployment insurance system is designed to support workers who lose their jobs involuntarily, not those who choose to walk off the job. Expanding benefits to striking workers would place an additional burden on taxpayers in the name of offering your union allies (your strongest campaign donors) a political favor.
The same unions that back SB 916 also pushed Ballot Measure 113 in 2022, which punishes legislators for exercising their right to deny quorum. At the time, AFL-CIO argued that “regular people in Oregon show up to their jobs, day in and day out,” and that politicians should “face real consequences” for skipping work. AFL-CIO’s Deputy Political & Legislative Director even stated, “By voting YES on Measure 113, we can create real consequences for politicians who want special treatment when they skip work.”
Now, the same unions are supporting SB 916 which goes against the interests of small business owners, school districts, and everyday Oregonians like me who are already struggling with rising costs and high taxes.
I urge you to oppose SB 916.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
It's Time to Repeal the Wildfire Hazard Map
Two years ago, the state introduced a wildfire hazard map that was so deeply flawed, public outcry forced them to withdraw it. Now, a new version has been released, and the problems largely remain the same—incorrect classifications, unfair mandates on property owners, and a completely broken appeals process.
This is not just a bad policy—it’s a failure of leadership. When this deeply flawed policy (SB 762 from 2021) was first pushed through, it was championed by Senator Jeff Golden and then-Speaker Tina Kotek. Now, we are calling on Democrats in the Legislature and Governor Kotek to join us in fixing this today. Over 100,000 homeowners have been left in limbo, facing rising insurance costs, government overreach, and uncertainty about the future of their own property.
This morning, Governor Kotek directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to continue accepting appeals on the wildfire risk map until March 10th but to pause referring those appeals for review until after the legislative session. While this acknowledges that the map is problematic, it falls far short of what Oregonians need. Instead of delaying action, the Governor should repeal the wildfire risk map entirely—today. That's the best way to truly fix this mess.
That’s why Leader Bonham and Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction) introduced SB 678—to put an end to this broken system once and for all. Oregonians deserve real solutions, not bureaucratic mismanagement.
At 11 a.m. today (Monday, February 17th), Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) and Senator Robinson will speak at a press conference along with House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) and Representative Mark Owens (R-Crane) to discuss this issue further.
You can stream it live here.
ODOT Is in Crisis. Republicans Are Stepping In.
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The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is an agency in crisis. So much so, that Democrats are turning to Republicans for help. For years, ODOT has faced ballooning costs, project delays, and budget shortfalls—not just because of decreased gas tax revenue, but because of mismanagement and a major lack of oversight.
Senator Bruce Starr (R-Dundee) has been tapped to lead ODOT accountability efforts. His job? Expose waste, demand oversight, and push real reforms. But if Democrats are only looking for cover to justify another tax hike, we won’t be their scapegoat.
Governor Kotek's default response to nearly every problem is to throw more money at it. Instead of forcing Oregonians to continue to foot the bill for ODOT’s failures, we need real reform: rooting out waste, stopping corruption, and making a 180-degree turn from the status quo.
By asking Republicans to step in, Democrats admit ODOT is a disaster. Now they have a choice: work with us to fix it—or prove they were never serious about accountability in the first place. Either way, the days of ignoring ODOT’s failures are over.
Read more about it in the Statesman Journal here.
Democrat Lawmaker Calls Voters 'Petulant Children' for Opposing Tax Hikes
Democrat State Representative Mark Gamba (D-Milwaukie), who called voters 'petulant children' for opposing tax hikes, sits on the Joint Committee on Transportation where a massive tax package could move forward.
Can you afford more taxes?
Is the real issue that Oregonians don’t want new taxes, or that Democrats are failing to efficiently run government with the revenue they already have?
“Fresh off the campaign trail, one thing was clear—Oregonians, regardless of party, are
struggling with the rising cost of living. Instead of addressing these concerns, Democrat
lawmakers are signaling their intent to raise taxes, proving just how out of touch they are
with working families,” said Leader Bonham.
Oregonians shouldn’t be ridiculed for rejecting tax hikes—especially when the real problem is Democrats’ failure to run government efficiently.
Oregon’s state budget has more than doubled in the past 10 years, yet we face a cost of
living 31% higher than the national average, the worst housing shortage of all 50 states,
failing schools, and a homelessness and addiction crisis on our streets.
Our commitment to you: Democrats may have a supermajority, but if their plan is to dismiss voters and push through tax hikes, we will oppose them every step of the way.
Read more here.
Oregonians Are Paying More for Public Schools, but Students Are Falling Further Behind
Despite an 80% increase in school spending over the past decade, student performance in reading and math continues to decline. Meanwhile, Democrats have left behind Oregon kids by removing graduation requirements and throwing money at a system that isn't working.
In 2021, Democrats passed Senate Bill 744, eliminating the “essential skills” requirement
for high school graduation statewide. During that time, a Wall Street Journal editorial even called it “Dumbing Oregon Down”. Republicans fought hard against this disastrous policy, but Democrats, who control the Legislature, pushed it through without a single Republican in support. The result? An entire generation of students set up for failure.
“Enough is enough,” said Leader Bonham. “We keep throwing money at a broken system while our kids fall further behind. Families and students—not bureaucracy—need to be at the center of this conversation.”
Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook), a former educator and vice chair of the Senate Education Committee, said, “If spending more while demanding less from students worked, we wouldn’t be in this mess. We need to focus on what actually helps kids learn— strong teachers, real accountability, high expectations, and giving families the freedom to choose the best education options for their children.”
This session, Senate Republicans are pushing bold reforms that put students first and ensure every child receives a quality education, no matter their zip code.
Read more here.
Oregon’s Policies Are Weaking Job Growth
Oregon's business climate is broken. A new jobs reports shows that since January 2020, Oregon added just 1,392 private-sector jobs, while government jobs grew by 17,583. Not surprising—Oregon ranks 48th in business friendliness. Our policies should attract businesses and jobs, not drive them away. That's why this session, Senate Republicans are championing bills to make it easier to be in business in Oregon, not harder.
Estate Tax Reform: Proposals to reduce or eliminate the Oregon estate tax and provide exemptions for family-owned businesses.
State Budget & Tax Accountability: Advocating for zero-based budgeting and requiring a 3/5th vote to raise taxes.
Working Class Tax Breaks: Bills to eliminate taxes on tips and provide tax credits for childcare workers.
Property Tax Relief: Tax protections for seniors, including freezes and constitutional amendments for relief.
CAT Fixes: Increasing exemptions and reducing tax burdens on businesses, homebuilders, and healthcare providers.
Reducing Regulations: Easing paperwork for businesses, reforming pay equity laws, and repealing ag overtime mandates.
Standing for Fairness in Women’s Sports
On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Leader Bonham attended the signing of President Donald J. Trump’s executive order protecting the integrity of women’s sports. The order ensures that women’s athletics remain exclusively for biological women by aligning federal policy with Title IX, the landmark law designed to protect women’s educational and athletic opportunities.
“For too long, female athletes have been forced to compete on an uneven playing field. Today’s executive order restores fairness and upholds the fundamental principle of equal opportunity in women’s sports,” said Bonham. “Oregon girls deserve the chance to compete, break records, and win championships without biological males taking their opportunities away.”
To ensure that Oregon protects fairness in women’s sports, Leader Bonham has introduced Senate Bill 618, which requires school districts to designate athletic competitions and extracurricular sports based on biological sex. This legislation will compel OSAA to reverse its unfair ‘gender identity participation’ rule and restore competitive fairness in girls’ athletics.
Read more here.
Meet your 2025 Republican Senators!
Every day, we’re fighting for YOU. A safer, stronger, more affordable Oregon where families thrive, businesses grow, and opportunities abound. Less bureaucracy, more freedom, real solutions. We hope you will join us on this journey.
Previous Newsletters
2/08/2025 Bad Bill Alert: A Threat to Oregon's Business Climate
1/29/2025 Fighting for A Better Future for Oregon Students
1/24/2025 Your Voice Matters: How You Can Engage in the 2025 Legislative Session
1/17/2024 Welcome to the 83rd Legislative Assembly!
1/13/2025 Republican Leaders Respond to Governor Kotek’s State of the State Address
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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