|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends,
As always, things are busy in Salem — especially this week. Yesterday on the House Floor, we passed HB 2010, which keeps the provider assessment in place — a fancy way of saying we kept Medicaid going in Oregon. This vote will unlock federal dollars and provide healthcare access to 1.4 million people.
This week, I had the opportunity to testify and present my Prescription Affordability Package in front of the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee. The package extends protections by adding members of the Public Employees’ Benefit Board and the Oregon Educators’ Benefit Board to the framework established by my Co-Pay Accumulator Ban, which requires insurers to accept third-party financial assistance to an enrollee's annual deductible to pay for life-saving medicines.
On the Federal Front, as a member of the Water Caucus, we have sent a letter to our Federal Delegation raising concerns about Oregon USDA-NRCS (United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service), which has sustained significant cuts to staff and budget. As a result, it will not have the funding or capacity to maintain our regional SNOTEL (Snow Telemetry) Network and water supply forecasting abilities.
SNOTEL measurements and water supply forecasts are critical for planning and operational decisions across Oregon’s water resource management, agriculture, wildfire response, hydropower, timber, and tourism sectors. There are no immediate replacements for these programs, and none have been proposed. We will keep you informed as we learn more.
Reminder: The Wildfire Hazard Maps are on hold. Deschutes County has voted to preserve its right to appeal on behalf of the county. Please let me know if you have questions.
Additionally, my office has received several emails about the potential for domestic well metering in Deschutes County and across the state. This concern stemmed from a drafting error in the bill, which led to widespread misinformation. To be clear: this bill is not moving forward. Please reach out if you have any questions.
We also have a Town Hall coming up and several major hearings next week, including a visit from Lori Alhadeff, Alyssa’s mother, who lost her daughter in the Parkland school shooting. It is an honor to welcome her to Oregon.
As always, my office is here to help and support you. Please reach out with any questions.
Kindly,
 Representative Emerson Levy
House District 53
Weekly Happenings
A big thank you to COIC (Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council), Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch, and Redmond City Councilors Evelyn, Osborne, and Nielsen for coming to Salem to testify in support of CORE3 funding last week. CORE3 serves as an emergency response hub for training and a command center in the event of an earthquake, as Redmond has been designated as the central response location for a Cascadia event.
 |
|
Another shoutout to Rick Russell and Donna Burklo for testifying in support of funding for shelter services and programs that help move people from homelessness to stable housing. Thank you for coming to Salem! |
Let’s Talk Legislative Process
 Engaging with the legislative process is a powerful way to ensure your voice is heard — and help shape the future of Oregon. Whether you’re passionate about a particular issue or just want to say informed, there are several ways you can get involved:
Stay Informed:
- Track Legislation: Use the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) to follow bills, view committee agendas, and watch live or archived hearings.
- E-Subscribe: Sign up for email updates on specific bills or committees to receive timely information directly to your inbox.
Participate in Hearings:
- Attend in Person: Join us at the State Capitol in Salem to observe or testify during committee hearings. Be sure to arrive a little early to allow time for parking and security.
- Testify Remotely: If you can’t make it in person, you can register to testify virtually.
Share Your Perspective:
- Submit Written Testimony: You can also provide your insights on legislation by submitting written testimony through OLIS.
Steps to Register to Testify:
-
Visit OLIS: Navigate to the Oregon Legislative Information System.
- Find the Bill or Committee:
- For a specific bill, click on the “Bills” icon on the top right corner of the page and then enter the bill number
- For a topic or appointment, select the relevant committee and meeting date.
-
Register: Click “Register to Testify” next to the agenda item you’re interested in.
-
Provide Your Details: Fill out the form with your name and contact information.
-
Choose Your Method: Select whether you’ll testify in person or remotely.
- You’ll receive an email confirmation with an option to join Microsoft Teams if you are testifying virtually.
Upcoming Events:
Keeping Our Schools Safe & Secure - Opportunity for Engagement
We are bringing back Alyssa’s Law, which was blocked in 2023 due to the record-long Republican walkouts. While we were able to pass the funding, this year we are returning to pass the policy.
Alyssa’s Law is named in memory of Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old student who tragically lost her life in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2017. This bill requires panic alarm systems in schools to alert first responders to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and medical crises. These systems provide geo-tagged locations to law enforcement and EMS, ensuring a faster, more effective response.
Next week, we have our first Public Hearing on Alyssa’s Law in 2025! On Monday, March 3rd, at 3:00pm we’ll be presenting before the House Committee on Education, joined by Lori Alhadeff, Alyssa’s mother. If you are interested in testifying or submitting written testimony, you can sign up here.
Environmental and Energy Initiatives - Opportunity for Engagement
There’s never been more financial help for Oregonians to upgrade their homes and buildings — improving health, lowering costs, reducing pollution, and increasing resilience. However, navigating the incentives and rebates for efficient heat pumps, insulation, doors and windows, and clean electric cooking can be a challenge.
That's why we need HB 3081 — a bill that will create an online system where Oregonians can enter basic information and receive a customized list of financial assistance. This will help families lower utility bills and improve indoor air quality.
We will be holding a Public Hearing on HB 3081 on Tuesday, March 4th, at 8:00am in the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment. If you are interested in testifying or submitting written testimony, sign up here.
Upcoming Town Hall in Bend
Our Start-of-Session Town Hall Series is coming to Bend! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/Central-Oregon-RSVP
If you missed the first ones, don’t worry — many more town halls are coming in the next few months. Stay tuned for details on our Mid-Session Virtual Town Hall and in person End-of-Session Town Hall Series!
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-486, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/levye
| 
