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To contact me, please click here: Rep.VirgleOsborne@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends & Neighbors,
Here are some moments from the past week and valuable community insights to help you stay informed.
~ Virgle
Representative Osborne: Information on wildfire mapping
KQEN - A release from Osborne said in 2021, the Oregon State Legislature passed SB 762, a bill centered around improving and modernizing Oregon’s wildfire readiness. One product of the legislation is the wildfire mapping program. This did not come without controversy. There was -and still is – an outcry of concerns from Oregonians regarding insurance policies and costs. Osborne said the legislature addressed the former concern by passing SB 82 in 2023, which restricts insurance companies in Oregon from using the wildfire map to cancel or increase insurance policy rates. However, getting a finalized map has been a long process. The original map, unveiled in the summer of 2022, was met with fierce opposition by Oregonians and policy makers, leading to that map’s eventual recall.
WATCH: Oregon Gov. Kotek pauses referrals for appealing wildfire hazard map as state lawmakers call for repeal
KOIN - During the press conference, House Republican Leader Christine Drazan said, “Oregonians are increasingly frustrated by the direction the state is moving in, and this map is another example of agency overreach that threatens their day-to-day lives. This map is riddled with inaccuracies and fails to reflect real world conditions on the ground. No matter how diligently property owners manage their land, reduce vegetation, or create defensible space, their hazard designation remains unchanged.
LISTEN: Inside Douglas County 2.14.25
KQEN - State Representative Virgle Osborne talks about concerns he has regarding a new wildfire map.
Had a wonderful evening meeting with my friends from Douglas Electric. Lots of great discussion about our state's future electric goals and how to better serve our communities.
On Saturday, February 15th, I held a town hall regarding the wildfire mapping issues along with Senator David Brock Smith, Representative Alek Skarlatos and Representative Court Boice. With an attendance of 200+ people, it seemed to be successful. We were able to give constituents information and talk about the appeal process.
 
Undo 762 Peaceful Rally/Protest to be held February 25th, starting at 11:00 a.m.
Yours truly,
Representative Virgle Osborne
House District 2
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1402
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-375, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.VirgleOsborne@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/osborne
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