|
Here are some highlights from the past week and helpful community information for you!
- Shelly
 Remembering Oregon’s Secretary of State Dennis Richardson
On Tuesday, February 25, HCR 9 passed through the House Floor unanimously. HCR 9 Pays respect to the life and memory of Secretary of State and former state Representative Dennis Michael Richardson, 1949-2019.
Special recognition of Dennis Richardson
Oregon lost a remarkable public servant with the passing of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson after his courageous battle with brain cancer. His tenure in public office, both in the Legislature and as Secretary of State, demonstrated his well-established commitment to the people of Oregon. Richardson worked to bring attention to critical issues, including problems within the foster care system and government waste.
A man of strong principles, Richardson advocated for fiscal responsibility and accountability, all while maintaining a kind and humble demeanor. His leadership and dedication to ethical governance made a lasting impression on our state and legislature.
Born in Los Angeles in 1949, Dennis Richardson served his country as a decorated helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War before earning his law degree from Brigham Young University. He eventually settled in Central Point, Oregon, where he built his legal career and began his journey in public service, serving as Treasurer of the Oregon Republican Party and representing the people of the Fourth District in the Oregon House of Representatives for six terms.
In 2016, Richardson made history as the first Republican elected Secretary of State in over 30 years. In this role, he remained committed to serving all Oregonians, focusing on integrity and accountability over party politics.
Dennis Richardson will be remembered for his gentle yet steadfast nature, his devotion to public service, and his legacy of integrity. Our hearts go out to the many friends and loved ones who mourn his loss.
Thank you for your service to Oregon, Mr. Secretary.
HCR 12 – Establishing recognition for Wheat in Oregon
HCR 12 has passed through the House Committee on Rules, February 24. It will be carried on the House Floor by Rep. Anna Scharf and Rep. Mark Owens.
Watch my committee testimony, here!
ACTION ALERT: Tire Tax
On Tuesday, March 4, the Joint Transportation Committee is holding a public hearing on HB 3362. The bill would put a 4% tax on new tire sales, which could cost you an extra $40-70 on a new set of tires. If you drive a bigger rig, you'll be paying even more. To make matters worse, the revenue from this tax wouldn't even go to fix the funding issues at ODOT; they would fund public transportation projects, specifically rail, trains, and wildlife crossings. I've said for a long time that the issues with our transportation system are not a matter of money but a matter of priority. This is just another example.
Here are the details and how to get involved:
When: Tuesday, March 4 at 5 PM
Where: Oregon State Capitol, Hearing Room F
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.
Check for up-to-date information on this, here.
ODOT's $1 Billion Accounting Error
Earlier this week, ODOT revealed – for the first time to the Joint Transportation Committee – a $1.1 BILLION accounting error they made when budgeting for infrastructure projects. They failed to do basic accounting: reconcile expected revenue with actual revenue. As a result, they failed to catch a budget error that overestimated how much money ODOT would receive from the federal government by over a billion dollars. Now, this doesn't mean that ODOT is now $1 billion poorer. Luckily, they were able to catch this in time before too much money was spent, and were able to rebalance the books by delaying many scheduled projects. What that means in reality, though, is that those projects that this error has delayed will continue to get more expensive.
A billion-dollar budget mistake coupled with a more than 300% increase in the cost of the Abernethy Bridge project is just the latest two examples of problems that need to be fixed and accounted for before we ask Oregonians for another dollar. There is a lot of talk in the Legislature this session about a "transportation package." Too much of that conversation has centered around how and how much to raise your taxes to pay for ODOT's budget failures. I think we fundamentally start from a different place. We need to ensure Oregonians are getting what they pay for, and right now, I do not believe they are. That is not even to mention that Oregon's truckers are still unconstitutionally overpaying transportation taxes. Before we increase any taxes, we must start following the Constitution.
I will continue to advocate for real reform at ODOT to get them back to their core mission. You can read more about my perspective on these issues here.
The Economic Forecast & Why Regulation Matters
This week, the State Economist released his latest economic and revenue forecast. This is an important report because it helps the Legislature write the budget and predict how much revenue the state will have. It also predicts the next Kicker refund for Oregonians. Something that fewer people focus on in the report is the underlying conditions in our economy. On this front, the report reveals some concerning trends:
- While government jobs have grown by 5.86% since January 2020, our manufacturing sector has faced significant challenges. In fact, our State Economist Carl Riccadonna recently declared that Oregon had entered a "manufacturing sector recession."
- In December alone, we lost over 1,800 manufacturing jobs, and over the past year, we've seen a decline of 2,500 jobs in this vital sector. Wood product manufacturing alone has lost 500 jobs.
The loss of private sector jobs in Oregon should sound alarms among policymakers that it's time to reverse course. The tax, regulate, and spend strategy that Democrats have pursued over the last decade is starting to catch up with us, and it's costing Oregonians their livelihoods.
This was my message this week to the group that gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new cross-laminated timber manufacturing plant being built in Millersburg. TimberLab and Swinerton are working hard to reverse the troubling trends in Oregon's manufacturing industry, and policymakers need to work just as hard.
This groundbreaking solidifies Linn County's position as Oregon's manufacturing powerhouse. Four in ten Linn County workers are in manufacturing. I am proud to be from – and represent – a community that prides itself on making things. This new project from TimberLab is going to fit right in.
TimberLab's Groundbreaking in Millersburg
Read my speech about the groundbreaking, here.
Protecting Our Roadways – House Bill 2534
This session, I introduced legislation to give district attorneys more tools to hold people who put drivers in danger accountable by blocking traffic.
Last year, several people were arrested and charged for blocking I-5 in a demonstration about Hamas' attack on Israel. Those who were convicted saw a slap on the wrist. In one case, they got probation and community service. Under HB 2534, these people could see jail time.
I believe in everyone's right to peacefully protest, but no one should be putting others in danger and blocking commerce to do it. Those that do should be held accountable.
I recently did an interview with the Register-Guard about this bill. Read that here.
The Future of Nuclear Energy
Oregonians are frustrated with the rising costs of utilities and an increasingly unreliable energy grid that affects their day-to-day lives. House Republicans are committed to reducing energy costs for Oregonians, and with nuclear energy, we can modernize our energy infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, while reducing the cost of living for families across our state.
On Thursday, the House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee held a public hearing on HB 2410 and HB 2038 sparking a path toward a future powered by clean and reliable nuclear energy.
The use of nuclear power has been outlawed in Oregon for 45 years; however, nuclear energy has proved to be a highly efficient, low-cost energy source in other parts of the world, and technological developments make this a safe and reliable source of energy. HB 2038 directs the Department of Energy to study the economic and energy benefits, feasibility and safety of nuclear energy and report back to the legislature by Sep. 15th, 2026.
Nuclear energy has the potential to be the largest source of clean energy in Oregon while creating good-paying jobs and promoting economic growth in our communities. HB 2038 will study the safety, reliability, and benefits of using locally produced nuclear energy to power our state while reducing emissions. Oregon is a leader in clean energy and, if we are to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, we must at least study nuclear energy as a viable and reasonable alternative.
HB 2410 is a bipartisan bill that allows the Energy Facility Siting Council to issue a site certificate for a small modular reactor energy facility demonstration project in Umatilla County. The bill includes reporting requirements from the Department of Energy along with funding for the demonstration project. If successful, voters in Umatilla County will have the opportunity to approve the measure during the 2026 November general election.
This legislation represents a crucial step toward ensuring Oregon’s energy independence, economic resilience, and environmental responsibility. Oregon’s rural communities face significant challenges in securing reliable and affordable energy. As we continue to experience increasing demand, coupled with concerns over grid reliability, it is imperative that we explore diverse and sustainable sources of power.
One of the biggest concerns people have about nuclear energy is nuclear waste. However, due to technological advances, waste from nuclear energy is small in volume, easily contained, and highly regulated. Fossil fuel waste releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Nuclear energy, on the other hand, does not and is much more environmentally friendly.
Oregonians are increasingly concerned over the rising cost of electricity. Nuclear power would drastically decrease costs for everyday Oregonians – a high priority for House Republicans.
Motor Voter Fraud
Governor Kotek lifted the pause on the motor vehicle law that allowed Oregon DMVs to automatically register individuals to vote when they apply for a driver's license. The pause had been in place for the past five months after non-citizens were found to be registered to vote in our elections, including some who voted in previous elections.
At the time, House Republicans called for an independent audit and for mechanisms to be implemented to ensure that only eligible voters were registered to and vote in our elections.
Governor Kotek claimed that the pause was lifted because “Oregon’s electoral system is one of the most secure, effective, and accessible in the nation.”
Kotek’s actions make it clear that she and the secretary of state are not interested in restoring trust in Oregon’s election systems. While they claim measures have been taken to prevent voter fraud, voters will not regain trust in the systems until there is an independent, nonpartisan audit.
Stakeholders weigh in on bill to repeal California vehicle emission standards in Washington state
Stakeholders in other states have launched similar efforts to hit the brakes on Advanced Clean Trucks, while President Donald Trump’s administration may get rid of it completely. In Oregon, a House committee held a public hearing on a bill that would delay implementation of Advanced Clean Trucks in the state by two years. If signed into law, HB3119 would prohibit the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) from implementing the new rules before Jan. 1, 2027. “Colleagues, this is an easy solution; it’s a layup,” said bill sponsor Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany. “We have a chance to delay rules that require Oregon businesses to sell products that don’t exist, without support and that people don’t want. If they did, these mandates wouldn’t be needed.”
A second Oregon government shuts down its DEI committee
The Estacada City Council voted Monday to dissolve its diversity, equity and inclusion committee that was created to improve the city’s outreach to underrepresented groups and advise the city council. The 5-2 vote to dismantle the committee makes Estacada at least the second local Oregon government to roll back its diversity and equity initiatives since President Donald Trump moved to halt federal programs to promote such efforts upon entering office last month. Deschutes County commissioners dismantled its DEI committee on Feb. 5.
ODOT Roadwork Update:
If you've driven in downtown Corvallis over the past couple of years, you've likely seen our crews working on the OR 34 Van Buren Bridge.
Our next step involves the Harrison Boulevard Bridge – we're installing a platform underneath to gain access to the drain and sewer system in the area. This platform is heavy, so while it's installed we need to temporarily restrict the weight allowed in the right lane.
For Harrison Boulevard Bridge, you can expect:
- A weight restriction in the right lane. Oversized vehicles that are above 98,000 lbs need to use the left lane when crossing the bridge.
- The restriction to be in place Feb. 27 through May 2.
For Van Buren Bridge, you can expect:
- Crews working during the day.
- Construction noise.
- An alternate route for pedestrians while the sidewalk is closed on NW Van Buren Avenue and while the crosswalk at NW 1st is closed.
- No access to NW Van Buren Avenue from NW 1st Street.
- No access to NW 1st Street from NW Van Buren Avenue.
All businesses in the area to remain open – you can access the businesses on the southern portion of NW 1st Street using NW Jackson Avenue.
Check out what we're building in and around your community!
See what else is being constructed on the roads around your community by visiting our webpage here. Explore our interactive map to see what we're working on! Pay attention in the work zone, slow down and move over – imagine this is where you work! Always drive safely, watch for construction signs and workers. Remember that fines double in all Oregon work zones, whether workers and signs are present or not.
From the Oregon Employment Department:
To help navigate how to apply for benefits and where to go for help looking for a new job at Work Source Oregon centers across the state.
Guidance for federal employees
How to apply for unemployment insurance benefits
Unemployment Insurance Claimant Handbook
Frances Online for claimants
Help for creating Frances Online account – videos, tips, how-to guides, Q&As
Job seeker services
The guidance for federal employees filing for unemployment insurance benefits does have some differences in the processes your constituents need to know about. Our advice is consistently this - If you are not sure if you are eligible, apply anyway. Each situation is unique, and experts review each claim we receive to determine eligibility.
From Our Friends at Linn County Sheriff's Office:
So far this year...people in Linn County have paid out over $500,000 to fraudsters! We get it, they call, they sound like they might be legit... but they're NOT! The Linn County Sheriff's Office has taken numerous reports of people falling for scam calls, texts, and emails. Unfortunately, these victims are out money because of it. We can take reports but suspects in these cases are difficult to find as they are often from outside this state or country. SO PLEASE STOP PAYING THESE PEOPLE.
A legitimate business or law enforcement agency is not going to call you demanding payment in gift cards!
No member of a police agency is going to call you demanding a payment of any kind. Do not respond to a text, call, or email from these people, and don't call back the number back provided on a voicemail they left. Do not talk with these people or offer any information about you or your accounts to them. If you are in doubt about the call you get, look up a legitimate number up independently and call that company or agency.
Ask if there are any issues with your account, are the cops actually looking for you, or whatever other problem is being claimed.
Even if you are the person who knows not to fall for these, please check with your family members and make sure they are aware. We really don't mind the work, but we are tired of seeing our citizens lose significant amounts of money to these criminals.
#dignityhonestycompassion
From our friends at the Albany Fire Department:
𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝑭𝑫
We celebrated the graduation of our newest AFD single role medics and firefighter.
𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗹 has been a Firefighter with Tangent Fire District and Sweet Home Fire District. He has his Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University and is a recent graduate from the Chemeketa Community college Paramedic Program.
𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝘁. 𝗖𝘆𝗿 is a Paramedic who worked for Santiam Hospital. She has experience in ambulance emergency services. She will be working Albany Fire Medic 10, our single role ambulance dedicated to emergency medical calls and hospital transports.
𝗪𝘆𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗳 is a local Albany hire! He is a new EMT Basic who graduated from Chemeketa Community College and volunteered with Marion County Fire. He will also be working Albany Fire Medic 10.
𝑾𝑬𝑳𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑬! 𝙒𝒆 𝒂𝙧𝒆 𝒉𝙖𝒑𝙥𝒚 𝒚𝙤𝒖 𝒂𝙧𝒆 𝒉𝙚𝒓𝙚!
From our Friends at the Family Tree Relief Nursery:
Come join Altrusa International of Albany Oregon, as they celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday and Read Across America at The Historic Carousel & Museum, Albany, OR . There will be fun activities and new book giveaways (while supplies last). For more information click here!
From our Friends at the Albany Police Department:
Discover all that the Albany Police Department has to offer Save the date for Albany Police Department's open house!
From Our Friends at Jackson Street Youth Services:
We'd like to extend a warm welcome to our new incoming board members!
Say hello to Susan Avila, Nate Bill, John Phillips IV, Matt Gordon, and Jeff Flesch. They've got a ton of vital energy, good ideas, and a passion for Jackson Street's mission.
We're grateful to have them on our team and we look forward to all of you meeting them at our events in the coming months. Give them a shoutout in the comments below to help welcome them to our Jackson Street community.
Beef Day at the Capitol
The Oregon Cattlemen's Association was in the Capitol for 'Beef Day' this week, and I had a fun visit with these great people!
Oregon’s Cattle Industry
Oregon’s ranching industry has a long history of responsible land stewardship; taking care of the land that their livelihood depends on, preserving open space in the rapidly growing West, and providing food and habitat for 70 percent of our state’s wildlife. Grazing cattle on range and timberlands minimizes the invasion of non-native plant species and the risk of wildfires by decreasing the amount of flammable material on the land. Grazing also promotes grass tillering, plant reproduction, and healthy plant communities. Not to mention, cattle serve a valuable role in the ecosystem by converting forages that are unable to be digested by humans into a nutrient-rich food source.
- The cattle industry is one of Oregon's top agricultural commodities, contributing over $900 million to the state's economy
- Oregon has over 13,000 beef producers
- There are over 1.2 million cattle dispersed across every Oregon county
- Cattle have an upcycling superpower - 90% of what cattle consume is inedible to humans, including food byproducts which would otherwise go to waste & landfills
- Conservatively, cattle ranching provides $14.8 billion of societal value in the U.S.
More information about the Oregon Cattle Industry
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
| 
