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To contact me, please click here: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
March 1, 2025 Legislative Update
Hello Friends,
It is officially March! This week in the Legislature, we had what is called our "Measure Intro Deadline," meaning that every bill we have been working on had to be officially filed. After this date, every Representative is only allowed 5 "priority bills" from now until the end of session. By our count, there have been 2018 House Bills and 1299 Senate Bills introduced as of today. That is a LOT of bills.
My office is busy working on your behalf in Salem - from introducing common sense legislation, to pushing back on bills we believe will make it more expensive for you and your families. Keep reading below for some highlights of the last few weeks.
Reinstating Graduation Requirements
Did you know that 82% of Oregonians want to reinstate graduation requirements? Recently, I spoke on the House Floor about this.
"Removing graduation requirements deliberately put Oregonian students at a competitive disadvantage. I urge this body to reinstate graduation requirements so a diploma in Oregon means something again." - Rep. Elmer
Watch my full remarks HERE.
ODOT Accountability
During Monday night's Joint Committee on Transportation, the Oregon Department of Transportation's assistant director and top finance official told lawmakers how the agency made a more than $1 billion error in its 2023-25 budget. As my friend and colleague, Representative Boshart Davis pointed out, there are massive problems that have to be fixed before our Republican Caucus will support additional funding for the agency.
Oregon House Republicans want accountability after ODOT’s $1 billion budget forecast error - KOIN
Revenue Forecast
This week, our state’s latest economic and revenue forecast came out. The results showed strong state tax revenue, but revealed Oregon is falling behind the nation in job growth, population gain and economic output. Our House Republican Leader, Christine Drazan, said that this data must serve as a “wakeup call.” In her words:
“Taxpayer dollars are funding and growing government and government-subsidized sectors, while private sector jobs in manufacturing, construction, and hospitality — the industries that grow our economy — are experiencing job loss and decline,” Drazan said. “That’s a big problem.”
Oregon lawmakers have $350 million more for next budget, economist says - OPB
Read The Article Here.
Policy Updates
House Bill 3120 - Increasing Oregon's Earned Income Tax Credit
Oregon’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been a potent and proven tool in lifting people out of poverty and reducing the cost of living for working families in Oregon. For families making up to $66,819 a year, the EITC is vital in helping them make ends meet. I am proud to be a Chief Sponsor of House Bill 3120 which effectively increases the state EITC, by increasing the percentage of the federal EITC than can be used as a tax credit for qualified taxpayers. For working Oregon families during a time of high inflation and grocery prices, increasing the EITC will provide them with much needed financial relief.
House Bill 2023 - Expanding ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is a form of behavioral health care commonly
used to treat behavioral symptoms of autism and other behavioral health conditions. Under current Oregon law, ABA Therapy is only covered by insurance if an individual has
an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. I am proud to be a Chief Sponsor of House Bill 2023,a bi-partisan bill which aims to expand insurance coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) beyond autism, ensuring access for individuals with other developmental, intellectual, and behavioral conditions.
House Bill 3064 - Increasing Menopause Care
I am also proud to be a Chief Sponsor of House Bill 3064 which ensures state-regulated health plans and health plans participating in the Public Employees’ Benefit Board and the Oregon Educators’ Benefit Board cover a broad range of treatments for perimenopause and menopause-related symptoms, including hormone therapy and non-hormonal options. I believe this legislation is crucial in ensuring insurance policies cover the full spectrum of a woman’s healthcare needs.
At the beginning of February, I was the guest speaker for the new season of "Story Night," a community outreach event where real women share real stories of real hope in order to encourage, connect, and support women. I spoke about my journey to becoming a State Representative and what I have learned along the way.
This week, I had the honor of speaking to MultiFamily NW, visiting Salem for their association’s “Advocacy Day.” MultiFamily NW is the largest coalition of housing providers in the State of Oregon, representing nearly 300,000 units. Their goal is to promote an increase of housing supply and help ensure affordability for Oregon renters. Thank you for having me!
I had the honor of receiving the Oregon Winegrowers Association "Oregon Wine Leadership Award," alongside my friend, Representative Anna Scharf. House District 24 is often referred to as "Pinot Noir Paradise," and it really is true. Wine is so much more than a drink. It symbolizes community, creativity, a time, a place, a passion. It is an honor to be recognized by those within this craft.
Recently, I recognized Carlton Police Department’s Sgt. Jacob Blair on the House Floor. Sgt. Blair is an 11-year veteran who was recently recognized as the American Legion’s Officer of the Year for 2024 for the State of Oregon. He is still in the running for the 2024 Western Regional Award! I am grateful to Sgt. Blair for his service.
House Bill 3362
What It Would Do: Impose a four percent (4%) tax on the retail sale of all new or refurbished motor vehicle tire sales in the state.
What The Tax Would Be Used For: Revenue from the tax, which the bill calls the “tire pollution tax,” would flow into an entirely new state account, called the Tire Pollution and Rail Transit Fund. ODOT would be required to spend 2/3 of the money in the Fund on “programs or projects to support public transportation by rail or other forms of public transportation[.]”
ODOT would be required to spend the other 1/3 of tire tax funds on a new “tire pollution prevention and mitigation program” intended to reduce the amount of such pollutants in Oregon waterways and to mitigate their effect on salmon and other wildlife. The bill defines “tire pollutant” as “any substance or particle derived from a motor vehicle tire that causes or tends to cause water pollution.”
To read the bill, click here.
Have thoughts on this? Email Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov.
House Honorary Page Program
Steeped in tradition dating back to the 1900s, Oregon's Honorary Page Program is a unique opportunity for young minds to engage directly with the legislative process and gain invaluable experience at the Oregon State Capitol.
This program is a one-day program, designed to provide students with a first-hand look at how the state legislature operates, promoting civic education and fostering an interest in government and public service.
As an honorary page, students will perform duties on the House Floor, participate in discussions and activities that will enhance understanding of state government, and will assist with day-to-day operations of the legislature.
Candidate Prerequisites
- Any student 12-17
- We ask that the student be in good academic standing
Cost and Expenses
- There is no fee to participate, however, travel or parking expenses cannot be reimbursed.
You can apply HERE.
Free Tax Assistance
Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will travel to libraries in 18 different communities in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns. See more about these sessions on the DOR website.
Upcoming stops in McMinnville include: March 10, and April 7
McMinnville Public Library (225 NW Adams St., McMinnville, OR 97218)
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Taxpayers will need to bring the following information with them.
Identification documents
- Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
- Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)
Common income and tax documents
- Forms W2 (wages from a job)
- Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
- Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
Optional documents to download
- Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Last year’s tax return
Get Involved In The Legislative Process
Register To Testify
- If there is a bill you are particularly passionate about, you can register to testify either in support or opposition to the bill.
- Advance registration is required! Registration closes 30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
- To register, go to https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1, select the “Bills” icon on the top right corner of your page, enter the bill number, and select “Register to Testify.” Or, call 1-833-588-4500.
- You will want to fill out the “Public Testimony Registration Form”
- You will receive an email confirmation with an option to join Microsoft Teams if you can not testify in person.
Submit Written Testimony
- If you prefer not to testify in person, you can also submit written testimony in support or opposition to a bill.
- To submit written testimony, follow the same steps as you would register to testify in front of the committee, but you will select “Submit Testimony” and fill out the “Written Testimony Submission Form.”
- Written testimony must be submitted up to 48 hours after the committee meeting start time.
Testifying on a bill gives you a voice in Oregon’s Legislature. The voice of the people is the cornerstone of our democracy! Let yours be heard today.
Stay In Touch
I am honored to serve you and our community at your State Capitol this session. Please stay in touch and reach out if there are any issues you would like us to work on.
Reach My Office
Follow Our Work On Social Media
All my best,
 Representative Lucetta Elmer
House District 24
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