|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
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
Oregon ‘kicker’ rebate expected to be $1.7 billion - oregonlive.com
Oregonian ~ On Wednesday, Oregon senior economist Michael Kennedy told lawmakers the state’s earlier projection of a $1.7 billion kicker for 2026 remains his best estimate for how the 2023-25 budget will close out this June.
Oregon’s 'sanctuary' laws face new challenges as lawmakers push for immigration enforcement
The News-Review~ Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass, is one of the chief sponsors of HB 2191, which essentially repeals the 2021 bill. Most recently, Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Canyonville, submitted HB 3551 as chief sponsor along with Rep. Yunker, and with Rep. Osborne, R-Roseburg, as a regular sponsor, addressing certain subsections of chapter 181A...
Bill on wildfire prevention work could give utilities immunity from lawsuits
Oregon Capital Chronicle~ If passed, House Bill 3666 would give utilities a state-sanctioned defense against lawsuits when their equipment starts fires, leaving customers holding the bag for damages caused by multi-billion-dollar companies that provide electricity to nearly 75% of Oregonians, lawyers and survivors warn...
...State Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, is co-sponsoring the bill, along with state Rep. Kevin Mannix, a Republican from Salem...
...The lone bill in the current session to pressure PacifiCorp to resolve the pending lawsuits with Oregonians is House Bill 3161, proposed by Rep. Jamie Cate, R-Lebanon.It would prevent utilities from raising rates while they are still facing years-long lawsuits over wildfire culpability and costs. The bill, in the House Judiciary Committee, has bipartisan support but has yet to have a hearing...
...Cate said her bill has been sidelined by some supporters of Marsh’s bill. “I also think it’s unfortunate that the push by proponents of absolving utilities from any liability has proven effective in killing a bill that could have helped hold Pacific Power accountable for their undeniable negligence. But doing so would have undermined the argument of why they need immunity from wrongdoing to begin with.”
WATCH: Oregon House Republicans want accountability after ODOT’s $1 billion budget forecast error
KOIN~ The Oregon Department of Transportation is apologizing after they found a $1 billion accounting error...
...Oregon Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R) said this is an example as to why she and others say ODOT should be held accountable and practice transparency. “Accountability is just one of them. What are the priorities? Are we back? Do we need to go back to core mission of ODOT, of paving roads, plowing them, and making sure that our bridges and our roads are safe for Oregonians? So after Monday night, it’s-it’s a doubling down on those efforts, but those efforts are continuing,” Boshart Davis said...
...House Republicans said they’ll keep pushing ODOT for more accountability and transparency.
See also:
OFFICE OF REPRESENTATIVE VIRGLE OSBORNE
For Immediate Release
Date: February 27, 2025
Contact: Austin Brown
Email: Austin.Brown@OregonLegislature.gov
Representative Osborne Makes Statement on Off-Road Vehicle Standard Bill Passing Oregon House
SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Oregon House of Representatives unanimously passed HB 2232 A, a bill that changes the authority of creating off-road vehicle standards from the Director of Transportation and Environmental Quality Commission to the State Parks and Recreation Department. Representative Osborne made the following statement:
“HB 2232 A is a simple bill, but a necessary one,” said Representative Osborne (R-Roseburg). “Oregon Parks and Recreation, with key support from organizations like the ATV Advisory Committee, is better suited to adopt rules surrounding ATV equipment and noise. It is an appropriate transfer of authority.”
“I want to give thanks to my colleagues for their unanimous vote of support on the House floor,” Representative Osborne concluded.
###
LISTEN: Inside Douglas County 2.28.25
KQEN ~ State Representative with an update on what is happening in the Oregon State Legislature.
https://kqennewsradio.com/2025/02/28/inside-douglas-county-2-28-25/
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 a 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 democracy! Let yours be heard today.
Yours truly,
 State Representative, Virgle Osborne, HD2
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
| 
