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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov

Hello Friends,

It’s been another busy and productive week at the Capitol, filled with great conversations and visits from our community. A big THANK YOU to the Central Oregon Children’s Museum, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Trails Coalition, Gail Menasco, and Sara Odendahl for coming to advocate for the needs of our region. Your voices make a difference!

A quick reminder: Our final Town Hall in our three-part series with Senator Broadman, Representative Kropf and myself is happening this weekend at OSU-Cascades in Ray Hall. We’ll also be holding additional Town Halls later in the Legislative Session. In addition, I’ll be travelling across the state as part of the Ways and Means Roadshow, which kicks off in Gresham on March 22nd. Central Oregon’s stop will be in Warm Springs on Friday, April 4th at the Health and Human Services Building. These meetings are an important opportunity for Oregonians to share their priorities for our state budget. 

This week I had the opportunity to testify in support of a collaborative bill that brings together water groups, farmers, and local governments to improve water access in Deschutes County. You can read more about this important effort below. 

On the federal front, Oregon has joined a lawsuit with 20 other states in a lawsuit addressing mass layoffs. This action was taken in response to the strain these job losses have placed on our state’s unemployment system and support services. Read more here.  

As always, my team and I are here to help. If  you’re facing challenges with unemployment benefits, paid leave, state insurance, or other consumer issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to be your connection to state agencies and resources. 

Warmly, 

Upcoming Town Hall:

I hope you’ll join me, Senator Broadman, and Representative Kropf at OSU Cascades in the Ray Hall Atrium this upcoming Sunday, March 16th at 1:00 p.m. RSVP here: bit.ly/Central-Oregon-RSVP

Supporting Smart Water Use in the Deschutes Basin

Representative Levy  is committed to practical, balanced solutions to Oregon’s water challenges. HB 3806 creates a pilot water banking program for the Upper Deschutes River Basin, providing a voluntary, transparent system that allows farmers, municipalities, and other related groups to better manage and share water resources. This ensures water is available where it’s needed most while protecting existing water rights and preventing waste.

With increasing droughts and growing demand, a water bank offers a common-sense approach to improving flexibility and efficiency. It allows farmers to voluntarily make unused water available, helping agriculture, securing municipal water supplies, and enhancing river flows—all without raising costs or creating new mandates.

By planning ahead, we can protect the Deschutes River while supporting the communities and industries that rely on it. HB 3806 is a smart step toward a more resilient future for Central Oregon.

Chag Purim Sameach!   Wishing a joyful Purim to all who celebrate! As a member of the Jewish Caucus, I had the pleasure of bringing some Purim spirit to the Capitol by sharing some delicious baked goods with colleagues and staff. This holiday is a time for joy, giving, and standing up for what’s right — values that resonate beyond the holiday itself. May your day be filled with laughter, good food, and the spirit of community!

Recognizing Profound Autism Day – March 17, 2025

On March 17, 2025, we recognize Profound Autism Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with profound autism and their families. While autism exists on a broad spectrum, those with profound autism often require 24/7 support, specialized care, and lifelong services to ensure their well-being and quality of life.

By acknowledging Profound Autism Day, we affirm our commitment to advocating for increased resources, inclusion, and policy solutions that address the complex needs of this community. We encourage leaders and policymakers to take action by issuing proclamations and supporting initiatives that improve access to critical services.

Learn more and find ways to help here.

Oregon Summer Star: A Camp for Military Youth! 

Oregon Summer Star creates custom summer camp experiences to empower military-connected youth across Oregon. This incredible camp is open to kids ages 7-17 in Oregon and SW Washington, offering a week of adventure, friendship, and personal growth.

• July 13-18, 2025 — Registration is now open
• Camp Cedar Ridge, Vernonia, OR

Give your child the opportunity to connect with peers who understand their journey while making unforgettable memories. Learn more and sign up at oregonsummerstar.org!

Community Resources: Get Free Tax Preparation Assistance at Oregon Libraries

The Oregon Department of Revenue is offering free tax preparation assistance at libraries across the state. If you need help filing your taxes, trained professionals will be available to guide you through the process.

What to Bring:

To ensure a smooth tax preparation process, please bring the following documents:

•  Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for everyone on your return
• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) for you and your spouse (if filing jointly)
• W-2 forms (wages from a job)
• 1099 forms (other income, Social Security benefits, interest, etc.)
• A canceled check or your bank’s routing and account number for direct deposit
• Last year’s tax return (if available)

Close-To-HD53 Assistance Date & Location:

• March 20 – North Bend Public Library, 10 AM - 6 PM

For more information, please click here.

File Your Oregon Taxes for Free with Direct File Oregon

Did you know you can file your Oregon state taxes for free using Direct File Oregon? This easy, secure, and free tool allows most full-year Oregon residents to file their state tax returns directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue.

Why Use Direct File Oregon?

• Simple – Step-by-step guidance to complete your return
• Secure – File directly with the Department of Revenue’s secure servers
• Instant confirmation – Know immediately that your return was submitted successfully
• Completely free – No fees, no hidden costs

However, Direct File Oregon does not support:

• Part-year or nonresident returns (Forms OR-40-N and OR-40-P)
• Certain complex tax situations (such as fiscal-year returns or nonresident filings)

Even if you’re not required to file, you may still be eligible for a refund if you qualify for the Oregon Earned Income Credit or the Oregon Kids Credit.

For more details, visit Direct File Oregon.

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​