|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
It was a very busy week this week, on Monday I had three bills to testify on in three different committees at the same time. It's a good thing the hearing rooms are all within a few feet of each other and the timing worked out to be present and support the important legislation.
The House and Senate both started daily floor sessions this week, this helps us work through bills in a timely fashion, with a significant deadline coming this next week we will have a better idea on what bills have died in policy committees and what will continue forward.
In this update, I’m sharing key legislative developments that impact rural Oregon. I’m working to reform the initiative petition process (HJR 11), secure funding for rural resource centers (HB 3104), and a bill that threatens our family farms and ranches (HB 2584). Plus, I’ll update you on Oregon Wheat Day, water transfer policies, and continued support for community college student navigators.
I will continue to advocate for policies that support rural Oregon and keep you informed on important legislative developments. Thank you for staying engaged, taking the time to read the newsletter and watch the videos, and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Stay safe,
A HUGE congratulations to the Crane Girls and Boys Basketball Teams for both bringing home the 1A State Championship! 🏆💪 I was able to give the teams a courtesy on the House Floor this week.
 As the legislative session progresses, I want to keep you updated on key bills and initiatives that impact our district and rural Oregon. Here’s a summary of some of the most important legislative developments:
HJR 11 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee and aims to reform the initiative petition process by requiring signature gatherers to collect signatures from all congressional districts rather than just urban metro areas. This change ensures that all Oregonians, including those in rural and frontier areas, have a voice in the initiative petition process. You can watch my testimony on the bill here.
HB 3104 is a significant investment in rural economic development, with a proposed $2 million allocation to economic development districts that are already making an impact. Additionally, the bill would provide $6 million to expand their efforts, including funding for seven full-time employees who will assist small and rural communities with grant funding, concept development, permitting, construction, and project implementation. With strong public support and a positive hearing, we are working toward a productive work session. You can watch my testimony on the bill here.
Water Transfer Process Legislation
We are closely monitoring three bills concerning water transfers—two in the Senate and one in the House. These may be consolidated in the Rules Committee for further discussion. Ensuring that water policy supports both economic and environmental needs remains a priority.
I rarely testify in opposition on bills, but I made an exception for HB 2548 because it poses a serious threat to Oregon’s family farms and ranches. This bill would create a bureaucratic board to oversee hiring, employment, and wages in agriculture, removing at-will employment for farms and ranches. Unlike other industries, agriculture relies on flexibility to accommodate seasonal work and employee needs. With over 30,000 family farms and ranches—97% of the farms in Oregon—this bill could lead to bankruptcies and force a shift toward corporate and factory farming. Oregon’s farm wages are already 70% higher than the national average, demonstrating that additional regulations are unnecessary and harmful. Watch my testimony here.
Firearm Legislation and Suicide Prevention
There has been an initial attempt to introduce firearm-related bills in Oregon, with a focus on suicide prevention. While I recognize the seriousness of suicide, addressing mental health and substance abuse issues must be the priority. An informational hearing was held, and I will provide updates if and when legislation moves forward. I do not support efforts to bring Measure 114 back.
Great news for Oregon’s wheat farmers! HCR 12 has successfully passed from the House to the Senate Committee and is on track to designate February 11, 2026, as Oregon Wheat Day in honor of the 100-year anniversary of wheat farming in our state.
HB 3182 builds on the success of the student navigator program established in 2021. These navigators provide critical support for community college students, including those at Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC). Continued funding will ensure that students receive the guidance they need to succeed. There is a work session scheduled on March 20.
Session Deadlines
In the past these have been fondly referred to as the Joint Ways and Means Roadshow. If you have sent in a Capitol Project Request is it imperative you attend one of these meetings to testify on your request.
 The Joint Committee on Ways and Means will tour the state for six public
hearings to hear directly from Oregonians regarding the 2025-2027 budget
Gresham | Saturday, March 22 (10:00am – 12:00pm)
Mt. Hood Community College, College Theater
26000 S.E. Stark Street, Gresham, OR 97030
Members of the public can register to testify here
Astoria | Friday, March 28 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Liberty Theatre Astoria
1203 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR 97103
Members of the public can register to testify here
Warm Springs | Friday, April 4 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Old Warm Springs Elementary School
1112 Wasco Street, Warm Springs, OR 97761
Members of the public can register to testify here
La Grande | Friday, April 11 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building #339
1 University Boulevard, La Grande, OR 97850
Members of the public can register to testify here
Salem, Statewide Virtual Testimony Prioritized | Wednesday, April 16 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Oregon State Capitol Building, Hearing Room F
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Members of the public can register to testify here
Klamath Falls | Friday, April 25 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Klamath Community College, Building 4 Commons
7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Members of the public can register to testify here
Where’s My Refund? tool improved for 2025
Taxpayers who want to check the status of their Oregon state income tax refund will find more information available this year when they use the Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool.
For the 2025 tax season, Where’s My Refund? has been upgraded to provide:
- Additional detail about refund status.
- Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return.
- Website enhancements for improved customer experience.
Which of Oregon’s free electronic tax filing options fits you best?
A variety of free electronic-filing options are available to Oregon taxpayers, including the new combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
While the free filing options have some income and other limitations, most Oregon taxpayers are eligible to file electronically at no cost using one of the free file options that can be found on the Department of Revenue website. Or follow the guide in this news release.
Free help filing Oregon tax returns
Taxpayers that don’t have a computer or need one-on-one help also have options for electronic filing. AARP Tax-Aide, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, MFS-CASH Oregon, and the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes offer in person and drop off services for tax preparation by trained volunteers. Learn more on Revenue’s Get free help filing your taxes webpage.
Thousands of taxpayers have filed state returns with Direct File Oregon
The newest free electronic filing option is the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Almost 5,000 taxpayers have used Direct File Oregon to file their state income tax returns. Almost 2,000 of those state returns were filed in combination with federal returns filed with IRS Direct File.
More information about Direct File is available on the Revenue website. Videos are also available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
Keep In Touch
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1460
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-475, Salem, OR 97301
Capitol Email: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Capitol Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/owens
| 
