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To contact me, please click here: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends,
Welcome to my third bi-weekly legislative newsletter. Below you will find a brief update of the happenings throughout the Capitol as my fellow legislators and I navigate the legislative long session. To view any past newsletters, go to my legislative website linked at the bottom of this email.
Comprehensive Wildfire Map: In 2021, the Oregon legislature passed SB 762, a comprehensive wildfire management bill aimed at addressing the increasing threat of wildfires across the state. The bill introduced various measures, including new regulations and programs intended to enhance wildfire preparedness and response. The bill has resulted in extreme public backlash and many rural Oregonians have raised concerns about the bill's impact on property rights and the effectiveness of certain provisions. I joined my fellow Republicans from both the Senate and House in a press conference regarding this. See below for my thoughts shared on the House Floor.
Marion Polk Food Share Funding: SB 452, of which I am a Chief Sponsor, officially passed through the Senate Committee on Human Services through a work session on Feb 4. This bill would provide Marion Polk Food Share with $6 million to complete their funding needs for a new expanded facility. It has now been referred to the Ways and Means Committee where its funding ask will be considered, before passing it to the Senate Floor.
 Estate Tax Exemption for Family Owned Businesses: I spoke in front of the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue in support of SB 764 on Feb 12, which proposes an exemption from the Estate Tax for family-owned businesses. This bill is a step in the right direction, protecting our small family-owned businesses by allowing them to carry on their businesses for multiple generations. I applaud Senator Nash for introducing it.
 Waste-to-energy facilities, Brooks Incinerator: I have heard many concerns brought to my office regarding the potential closure of the Reworld Marion Garbage Incinerator in Brooks. Representative Ed Diehl and Senator Kim Thatcher have put forward two different proposals which would assist in keeping the incinerator open. These bills aim to implement reasonable emissions monitoring standards for waste-to-energy facilities, ensuring they remain both environmentally responsible and economically viable. I welcomed the opportunity to Co-Chief sponsor HB 3244 and am supportive of SB 17. I look forward to working with Representative Diehl, Senator Thatcher, and other local legislators to find a comprehensive solution, protecting our environment, while providing a solution for the disposal of our garbage and medical waste. The modern approach is zero emissions from the facility.
 Highlighted Bills:
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HB 2316 Access to Homeownership: On February 10, HB 2316 had a public hearing before the Housing and Homelessness committee. This bill is designed to find vacant state-owned land and utilize it as a means for housing production including apartment buildings and residential homes. My office is working with the governor’s office to discuss how this bill might be made possible in the state and allow me to continue moving it forward.
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HB 2305 “The Good Neighbor Act”: This bill was also heard before the Housing and Homelessness committee last week. It allows landlords the opportunity to terminate a residential tenancy after a tenant's third material violation or late payment, with a 30-day notice. This legislation empowers landlords to maintain property standards and ensure a safe living environment for all tenants, removing the bad tenants, and protecting good tenants from having to bear the consequences of problematic tenants remaining in properties despite repeated violations. There was significant opposition regarding this bill as some groups shared concerns that the bill could disproportionately affect vulnerable tenants, leading to increased housing instability. My office will continue to discuss these concerns with all parties and hope to come to an agreement allowing this bill to move forward in session.
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HB 2307 Long tube lights in schools: I was pleased to speak before the House Education Committee in support of HB 2307 on Wednesday Feb 19. This bill provides a transition period for the requirement that all government buildings update their lighting to LED. This allows school districts to slowly phase this lighting into their buildings, saving them millions of dollars. See below for my testimony and more information on the bill.
 As your State Representative my office receives many emails from state agencies and outside groups providing information and opportunities which may be helpful to constituents. Please see below for a few non-legislative updates. If you have questions regarding the information provided below, feel free to still email my office and I will get you connected with the group who provided the information to us.
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Local:
- The Department of Revenue is providing a free tax assistance day on April 3 from 10am to 6pm at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE, Salem, OR 97301. My office will share more information as the date approaches.
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Statewide
- The IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue are now accepting returns for the 2024 tax year. Click here to view an email our office received from the Oregon Department of Revenue providing some suggestions for taxpayers to help assist in efficient processing of returns and avoid common errors that may delay a refund.
- Unemployment Department Assistance: If you didn't already know, state representatives can sometimes provide assistance for delayed actions by specific government agencies. One of these is the Oregon Employment Department. If you are dealing with delays, or issues regarding unemployment, Paid Leave Oregon, or WorkSource Oregon please reach out to my office via email with your name, address, phone number and claim number and we may be able to assist you in getting these issues resolved.
Civic Engagement:
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Visitor Services will be offering in person school tour options during this legislative session (February 10 to May 31). Tour guides will take students to the House and Senate Chamber, explain the legislative process, share information about the building, and engage students in an educational activity. The tour takes 75 minutes and is open for grades 4 and above. Click here to view the on-site tour request form. You can also call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or email visitor.services@oregonlegislature.gov to book a school tour.
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House Honorary Page Program: If you have a student aged 12-17 who is interested in learning about the legislative process, the Chief Clerk's Office provides an opportunity for students to serve as an honorary page for a day, including a class on civics education, serving on the House Floor during a floor session, and more. See the flier below for more information. Click here to sign your child up.
 
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February 13th the Salem Police Foundation hosted their annual Breakfast With The Chief event. It was an informative program showing the challenges we face in fighting crime in our Capital City.
Afterwards I joined some key people for a photo: our Fire Chief, David Gerboth, Police Chief Trevor Womack, Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson, and Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter.
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Last week my office welcomed members of Salem Electric for the ORECA Advocacy Day. I appreciated their legislative update and hearing about the needs of Salem Electric in my district. |
On Friday I attended the Kroc Center 15-year anniversary luncheon. Presenters shared about the history of the Kroc Center, the leaders throughout the community who supported its establishment, and the amazing support they provide to families, students, and all individuals in Salem and the surrounding area. |
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I had the opportunity to speak to a group of young professionals from the Salem Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Salem Program during their Local Government Day last Thursday. Joining me on the panel was State Senator Kim Thatcher and State Representative Ed Diehl. |
It is always an honor to represent you in the Oregon Legislature. If there are things my office can assist you with in the months to come, please do not hesitate to reach out via the information below.
Yours truly,
 Representative Kevin Mannix
House District 21
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1421
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-384, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mannix
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