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To contact me, please click here: Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
This week was packed with committee meetings and two floor sessions, but I managed to sneak away to meet with some great groups and was honored to receive the Oregon Wine Leadership award from Oregon Winegrowers Association.
Our farm grows a variety of crops among them wine grapes. All agricultural crops are important, and we must work together to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be successful. Oregon is not the most ag friendly state in the US and that puts farmers at a disadvantage. But despite that, Oregon farmers and Oregon winemakers continue to press on and put Oregon on the map for excellence in agriculture and I am proud to be part of that community.
Next week we will receive a revenue forecast which will move us closer to knowing how the state is positioned financially to meet the Governor’s Recommended Budget and all the additional funding requests being considered this session. We will share that with you once we see it.
Please know my office is ready to help you with any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend!
 Anna Scharf
State Representative - HD 23
 HB 2692 - Rulemaking Accountability
SB 678 - Wildfire Map Repeal
In 2021, the Oregon legislature passed Senate Bill 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.
SB 762 outlined very specifically how Oregon State University and ODF must model fire risk and design the map. Because of the language of the bill and technical difficulties, both versions of the map have been fraught with errors and inaccuracies, misclassifying properties and causing undue harm. It's time to repeal those maps and pass SB 678.
*Watch a recent press conference from the House & Senate Republican Caucus*
Governor Kotek has since paused any further agency action on the wildfire maps until the 2025 Legislature decides how to proceed with any map revisions.
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ACTION ALERT!!
Property owners can now appeal the application of the required elements, weather, topography, climate, and vegetation, to the hazard map, the wildland-urban interface designation, and whether ODF followed the required process. An appeal form must be sent to the Oregon Department of Forestry electronically or by mail. Mailed forms must be postmarked no later than March 10, 2025, and electronic submissions must be received by the same date.
If your property is determined to be in a high-hazard zone, and in the wildland-urban interface, you will be mailed a packet that will contain information regarding what it means, other wildfire programs, and an appeal form. The form will also be available on ODF’s website. Here is more information about the appeal process and a link to the form:
 Welcoming current FFA State Officers on FFA Day!
A few highlights of moments this week at the Capitol. Pictured with:
- EOU students and administration for government day
- FFA State Officers for FFA week
- Rep. Lucetta Elmer and I received the Oregon Wine Leadership Award
- 100 Acres Academy from Dallas toured the Capitol
Honorary Page Program
The Honorary Page Program is now open at the Capitol. This is a great opportunity for youth to learn more about the legislature and get some hands on experience in the building. Learn more here.
Local Town Hall in Polk County
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U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will be holding a town hall in Polk County.
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. PT
Location: Colonel Nesmith Readiness Center – Assembly Hall
12830 Westview Drive, Dallas, OR 97338
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Capitol Phone: 503-986-1423
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-387, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/scharf
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