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Here are some highlights from the past week and helpful community information for you!
- Shelly
🚨NEXT WEEK: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16🚨
 Lend your voice to the needs impacting our community. The Joint Committee On Ways and Means is conducting a series of 'Roadshows.' This is an opportunity to stay informed about state funding, and your opportunity to get involved in the conversation. The 'Roadshow' meeting closest to HD-15 will be in Salem at the Capitol.
WHEN: April 16, at 5-7 PM
WHERE: Oregon State Capitol, Hearing Room F
HOW: Sign up to give in-person or remote testimony by clicking here, and finding the "Register to Testify" button under the 'Public Hearing' section. If you can't spare a few minutes to give live testimony, you can submit written testimony here. For more detailed instructions, go here. Written comment may be submitted online up to 48 hours after the meeting start time.
OREGONIANS CAN’T AFFORD NEW TAXES
Last week, I received an overwhelming response from Oregonians around the state reacting to the Democrats' transportation tax proposal. At a time when the cost of living is the highest it has ever been, and it seems like we get weekly reports on ODOT’s failures, I cannot, in good conscience, ask my constituents to pay more in taxes.
There will be much more about transportation funding in future editions of this newsletter, but I want to leave you with a couple interesting news articles that covered last week's announcement:
The Gas Tax Already Hits Rural Oregonians Disproportionately. Lawmakers Want to Raise It 50%. - Willamette Week
Initial Transportation Funding Proposal Difficult to Take Seriously - OBI
DEMOCRATS ADVANCE BUREAUCRATIC TAKEOVERS
OF THE ECONOMY
This week, Democrats advanced two bills to implement a sweeping and unprecedented takeover of labor regulations in the homecare and agriculture industry. These proposals threaten to upend existing systems, impose unnecessary regulatory burdens, and jeopardize the livelihoods of countless Oregonians.
HB 3838: A Threat to Home and Community-Based Services HB 3838 proposes the creation of a Home and Community-Based Workforce Standards Board with sweeping authority over staffing, wages, benefits, and training in HCBS facilities. The board could unilaterally impose costly mandates that would increase expenses for care providers, potentially driving up costs for seniors on fixed incomes or forcing facilities to close. Legislators who support this bill have said this bill needs to pass “for their own good.” I wholly disagree with this statement.
Home care workers with a powerful turnout during the Work Session. Photo credit: Representative Ed Diehl
HB 2548: A Blow to Oregon’s Agricultural Industry HB 2548 seeks to establish an Agricultural Workforce Standards Board that would impose rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates on farms across the state. By transferring critical management decisions to an unelected board, this bill would escalate costs and legal risks for family farms already struggling with labor shortages, market volatility, and rising production expenses. I found this recent debate between representatives of the Oregon Farm Bureau and PCUN (a labor union that represents farm workers) very interesting.
Let’s be clear: these bills aren’t about workers. They are about giving unions a foot in the door to expand their membership at the expense of Oregon's small businesses and farms. HB 3838 and HB 2548 represent unnecessary government overreach into sectors that already operate under some of the nation’s most stringent labor protections and highest wages paid. These proposals duplicate existing regulations while ignoring the unique challenges. Instead of supporting workers or improving conditions, they risk driving businesses into financial ruin, reducing access to essential services, and harming Oregon families.
I voiced my strong opposition to these bills in committee.
You can watch those here: HB 2548 / HB 3838.
ODOT AND PORTLAND GANG UP ON BUSINESS OWNER
A recent investigation revealed a shocking case where Portland and ODOT forced a local business owner, Kami Price, to spend $100,000 on street corner improvements as part of her office renovation. This requirement was made despite ODOT planning to do the same exact work on that corner in an upcoming project. Emails revealed that Portland coordinated with ODOT to remove the work from the state’s project list, shifting the financial burden to Price instead.
This story comes at a time when ODOT is asking the Legislature to raise new taxes on Oregonians to pay for their budget issues. It’s outrageous. Oregonians shouldn’t believe a thing Democrats have to say about ‘accountability’ when they have them over a barrel, threatening them with new taxes. Accountability needs to come first, not sticking it to Oregon taxpayers to pay for this abuse.
BANNING CELL PHONES IN SCHOOLS: What do you think?
This week, the House Education Committee passed HB 2251, a bill to ban the use of cell phones by students at school. I have heard good arguments on both sides of this issue: ones that emphasize the harm phones do to students learning at school and ones that emphasize the concerns from parents not being able to reach their child in case of an emergency.
I am interested in what you think about this idea. Send me an email with your thoughts HERE.
KOTEK: ‘DEI > EDUCATION FUNDING’
This week, Governor Tina Kotek decided to prioritize race-based Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over the funding needs of Oregon’s schools. This decision is not only irresponsible but also actively harmful to the future of our children and the integrity of our education system.
Oregon’s public schools are in crisis. Enrollment continues to plummet, test scores in math and reading rank among the worst in the nation, and classrooms face chronic underfunding. Yet, instead of addressing these glaring issues, Governor Kotek has decided to double down on divisive policies prioritizing identity politics over merit and equal opportunity. These DEI initiatives, including race-based preferences, do nothing to improve academic outcomes or address our schools' structural challenges. Instead, they sow division and undermine the principle that every child deserves a fair shot regardless of their background.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Education issued a Reminder of Legal Obligation to Oregon when receiving federal education funds. By prioritizing symbolic gestures over substantive reforms, DEI initiatives shift focus away from what truly matters—ensuring every student has access to quality education. Oregon’s families deserve solutions that tackle real problems like teacher shortages, achievement gaps, and outdated curricula—not bureaucratic programs that cater to political agendas.
Governor Kotek’s approach also risks significant financial consequences for our schools. Federal efforts to limit DEI policies could result in funding cuts if Oregon fails to comply with national standards. At a time when resources are already stretched thin, this gamble is reckless and shortsighted.
Oregon’s students cannot afford to be pawns in a political experiment. It is time for leadership that prioritizes results over rhetoric—leadership that puts students first and restores accountability to our education system. As your representative, I will continue fighting for policies that strengthen our schools and empower families with real choices for their children’s success.
DEMOCRATS CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP WITH UNION GIVEAWAYS
This Thursday, Oregon Democrats pushed HB 3789 through the House along strict party lines. The bill allows unions to sue organizations for alleged “false impersonation.” The broad definition of “false impersonation” will lead to frivolous lawsuits that clog up our court system in an attempt to restrict organizations from educating union members about their constitutional rights to stop paying union dues.
It's important to note that the unions who wrote this bill chose not to make the activity they disapprove of a crime but instead want to be able to sue their political rivals for cash. It’s not often that Democrats pass legislation that benefits two of their political donors at the same time: public sector unions AND trial lawyers.
During committee hearings, no public employees testified in favor of HB 3789, while several opposed it. The bill’s supporters relied on incomplete and doctored examples to justify their claims, failing to provide clear evidence of fraudulent behavior. Existing Oregon laws already prohibit false impersonation, rendering this legislation redundant. HB 3789 is less about protecting workers and more about empowering unions to silence opposition through lawsuits designed to financially punish organizations like the Freedom Foundation.
This vote marks another example of Democrats doubling down on union giveaways this session. In addition to HB 3789, they have advanced legislation mandating a Prevailing Wage for offsite work, issued executive orders requiring Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), pushing forward two labor standards board referenced above, and passed bills granting unemployment benefits to striking union workers. It’s clear that Democrats are more concerned about rewarding their political donors than the interests of all Oregonians.
This isn't just partisan politics. Check out what the media is diving into:
Are Oregon’s Top Democrats More Interested in Housing the Poor or Helping Their Campaign Donors? | Willamette Week
Editorial: Democrats tee up a gift for donors at public’s expense | The Oregonian
Kotek’s Gift to Trade Unions Contradicts Her Own Agency’s Analysis | Willamette Week
Editorial: Merry Christmas, labor unions! Love, Gov. Kotek | The Oregonian
The Oregon Supreme Court Rejects ODOT’s 2022 Union Labor Rules | Willamette Week
TIME FOR OREGON TO RECOGNIZE REALITY – CLEAN TRUCKS
Last week, the Maryland Governor issued an executive order to delay the enforcement of their Advanced Clean Truck rule until 2029. As other states are figuring out the unworkability of California's Advanced Clean Truck rules, it's time for Oregon to do so as well. Much like in Maryland, I am proud to have bipartisan support for our efforts to delay the rules.
Instead, DEQ has created a patchwork credit system leaves Oregon businesses confused, burdened, and at legal risk. Let's be clear: DEQ's plan is not good enough. It doesn't work and won't work. We don't need another bureaucratic scheme. We need a clear, simple, and plain message to Oregon businesses and workers that will allow them to use the most efficient, most reliable trucks on the market.
DEQ is accepting public comments on their new scheme until April 23rd, and a public hearing is scheduled for April 17th.
Submit written comments here before April 23rd.
Join the public hearing here on April 17th to testify virtually at 6 pm. You don't need to register. Just click this link at April 17th at 6 PM.
SB 1154 – AN ATTACK ON FARMERS
As a lifelong farmer, I strongly oppose SB 1154-1. This bill represents a heavy-handed overreach by the state, granting unelected agencies the power to impose sweeping regulations on farms without clear scientific evidence. It would restrict water use, require burdensome recordkeeping, and limit essential farming practices—all while creating confusion and unnecessary costs for rural communities.
Farmers are stewards of the land who depend on clean water as much as anyone. Instead of punitive measures, we need collaborative solutions that protect both our environment and the viability of family farms. SB 1154-1 risks driving small farms out of business and undermining rural Oregon’s economy. Read my entire opposition to this bill here.
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK
Held every April, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week highlights the stories of crime victims and survivors while giving us an opportunity to support their healing and upholding their rights.
This week also serves as a call to action—reminding communities and elected leaders of the importance of creating a justice system that listens to, respects, and prioritizes victims and their rights. The unfortunate reality in Oregon is that, for too many, our communities simply don’t feel safe. Victims don’t feel heard and supported.
Democrat lawmakers have failed to protect victims and instead have sided with criminals by taking tools and resources away from law enforcement that help keep us safe and weakening sentencing laws. Dangerous policies like ‘Catch and Release’ allow criminals to walk free. Meanwhile, crime victims aren’t being given proper notification or voice when their offenders are being released, and the Governor is pushing for policies that weaken sex-offender registration, letting thousands of sex offenders off the hook. Our justice system is failing vulnerable Oregonians who depend on it the most.
Public safety is the foundational block to a functioning society and government. Without public safety, nothing else matters.
Justice must be fair, consistent, and rooted in truth and responsibility. Accountability not only brings closure to victims but also strengthens public trust in our justice system. Standing with victims means more than showing sympathy—taking real steps to ensure they are seen, heard, supported and protected. I am committed to standing up for victims of crime and strengthening laws that hold criminals accountable and keep our communities safe.
WILDFIRE MAP UPDATE
House Republicans celebrated a significant victory for rural Oregonians this week when a Senate bill that would repeal the Wildfire Hazard Map advanced to the Senate floor.
Senate Bill 83 draws from legislation that House Republicans introduced (HB 3944) that fully repeals the disastrous wildfire hazard map and all the costly mandates.
This bill provides financial relief and empowers rural homeowners to protect their homes without the threat of government interference and focuses on practical solutions for wildfire prevention while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent where they have the most impact—supporting local efforts like defensible space, forest thinning, and wildfire readiness programs.
This is exciting progress, and I will update you on what happens next.
MORE SECOND AMENDMENT ATTACKS
The attacks on Second Amendment rights continue with three significant bills that attack our constitutional right to bear arms. The only thing these bills do is punish law-abiding gun owners and small businesses that are in full compliance with federal law.
On Tuesday, two of the bills that significantly reduce the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms, while doing nothing to reduce crime, passed out of the Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 3075 makes it harder to lawfully obtain a firearm by increasing the firearm permit provisions in Ballot Measure 114, including adding additional eligibility requirements and fees, and doubling the wait time to issue permits to 60 days.
House Bill 3076 directs the Department of Justice to create a state licensure program, adding additional, unnecessary oversight to an industry that already follows extensive federal regulations, including background checks, ATF licensing, and strict compliance laws.
These bills are an absurd attempt to target law-abiding Oregon gunowners with expensive regulations on law-abiding citizens that many of them cannot afford. They will ban standard size magazines, impose fees on the exercise of a constitutional right, and place prohibitive regulations on every local gunsmith and gun store, forcing these small businesses to close.
Furthermore, HB 3076 writes a blank check to the Department of Justice to enforce what’s already codified in federal law and is simply bad policy.
The attack continued on Wednesday, as a work session was held for Senate Bill 243 in the Senate. This bill would establish a 72-hour waiting period on gun purchases, raise the age to purchase a gun to 21 years old with exceptions from some hunting riffles and shotguns, ban switch devices, and allow city and counties to bar people, including people with concealed gun licenses, from carrying guns in certain public buildings and adjacent grounds. 977 people voiced opposition to the bill while 165 people supported it.
Related news:
Bill advances to put Oregon’s Measure 114 gun control plan into effect - The Oregonian
Second major gun control bill advances in Oregon Legislature- The Oregonian
Oregon’s ombudsmen are supposed to be independent. But are they?
This legislative session, Oregon lawmakers have promised to exert more oversight over state agencies and ensure state taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly. It’s often an episodic effort in the state Legislature, but this year’s effort comes at a time when state agencies serving some of the most at-risk residents have had myriad high-profile struggles; from the Oregon Youth Authority, to the Department of Corrections, to the Department of Human Services. The state’s child welfare system has been particularly beleaguered, having recently settled a multi-million dollar civil suit with promises of lowering rates of maltreatment. Some lawmakers believe moving Amorelli’s position out from underneath the Department of Human Services to a more independent office could be one move to strengthen accountability. The concept is embodied in Senate Bill 1159.
Oregon’s High, Static Estate Tax Is Chasing Away Wealthy Retirees, Common Sense Institute Says
High estate taxes are scaring rich old people out of Oregon. That’s the conclusion of a new report by the Common Sense Institute of Oregon, a nonpartisan think tank “dedicated to the protection and promotion of Oregon’s economy. ”Older people who have amassed assets are leaving Oregon because the state is one of just 12 that has an estate tax, which, according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, is a tax “on your right to transfer property at your death.”
Oregon Treasurer Steiner on Trump's tariffs, reducing fossil fuel investments
Currently, 5% of the state's portfolio is invested in carbon intensive businesses. Steiner's predecessor, Tobias Read (who is now Oregon Secretary of State) developed a plan, published about a year ago, to get the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System to net carbon zero by 2050 and reduce the carbon impact by 50-60% by 2035.
Most Portlanders say they worry about affording groceries
A poll conducted last month by The Oregonian/OregonLive revealed that 57% of Portland-area residents are worried about whether they’ll be able to afford groceries, even more so than rent or utilities — among categories polled, only health care was a greater concern — and even as they say their finances are generally stable...
...Mason was among the one in four Washington County residents who indicated that they were “very worried” about affording groceries for their households. That’s slightly higher than the 17% in Multnomah County, or 21% in Clackamas County who expressed that level of concern.
As Oregon’s legislative session hits the midway point, plenty of big issues remain
A recent informal survey of lobbyists and lawmakers hanging around the Capitol halls turned up plenty of adjectives to describe the session’s opening salvo. “Meandering” and “chaotic” were mentioned. “Slow” and “rudderless” came up more than once. Not mentioned: “Clear” or “purposeful...”
...Republicans in the House have already offered signs of mounting displeasure, forcing Democrats to read all or part of some bills out loud before a floor vote. It’s a tried-and-true delay tactic — and one of the few remaining tools the minority has at its disposal.
House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, said the GOP was registering concern because some Democratic ideas are moving forward, and also because some bills with bipartisan support aren’t. The former group includes bills that Republicans see as giveaways to Democratic allies, such as a proposal that would grant weekly unemployment checks to striking workers. The latter group includes a bill to delay mandatory sales of electric trucks, and to make it easier for cities to regulate homeless camps.
“Reading is a way to slow things down and, frankly, give members of their own party the opportunity to rethink whether or not they want to [vote yes] when they see what we see,” Drazan said.
Oregon Lawmakers Unanimously Approve Bill to Establish “Oregon Adoption Day”
Oregon lawmakers in the state House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 2019 on Tuesday to declare August 25 to be “Oregon Adoption Day.” Republican Representative Lucetta Elmer, the carrier and presenting sponsor of the bipartisan bill, said the date has deep personal significance. “The day this bill recognizes is not just a date on a calendar: It’s my day. The day I was adopted,” Rep. Elmer said. “The day that forever changed my story, gave me a future, and placed me in the arms of a mother who chose me as her own, and ultimately led me here today, talking to you...”
...Republican Representative Dwayne Yunker shared that, like Elmer, he had been adopted as an infant. Others, including Rep. Darcey Edwards, told committee members they have adopted children of their own. Republican Rep. Virgle Osborne, the child of a then-controversial biracial relationship in 1968, said that his mother didn’t tell his father she was pregnant. Instead, she traveled from Arizona to Oregon where she gave birth to him.
“Although some people might call it cowardly that she left and went to another place and had me, she could’ve had an abortion,” Osborne said. “She chose not to have an abortion. And now, I get to be here with all of my colleagues, every day, enjoying this great session, because I was born and not aborted.”
Rep. Jeff Helfrich additionally shared that his father had been adopted, and Rep. Boomer Wright said he has an adopted granddaughter. In his remarks, Republican Rep. Court Boice highlighted the value of adoption, speaking about the 2024 movie Sound of Hope, which spotlighted the inspiring story of nearly two dozen families from a single church who adopted seventy-seven children who had been in the foster care system.
From the City of Albany, Oregon:
 STARTING MONDAY, APRIL 14 - K&E Excavating is making road improvements on Water Avenue between Washington and Broadalbin Streets as part of the Waterfront Streetscape Project. Detour signage will direct traffic around this temporary road closure. Parking access to the park and Riverfront Community Center will be open at Broadalbin Street. Pedestrian access to Monteith Riverpark will still be available throughout the project. The work is expected to be finished by Monday, June 16. Thank you for your patience as these improvements are completed.
From the Linn County Sheriff's Office:
Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads, with cell phone use becoming the most common form of distraction. There are plenty of other forms of distracted driving though. Eating, trying to tune the radio to your favorite station or song, turning around to yell at the kids in the backseat for the 50th time that "we will get there when we get there!", and so many more.
In 2023, distracted driving killed 3,308 people. That is far too many deaths, for something that can, in most cases, be totally avoidable by paying attention to the task at hand, driving! Here are just a few tips to help you stay safe on the road.
- Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location, or if you're car/phone has the capability, use voice to text. Siri doing a bad autocorrect, is much better then getting in a wreck!
- Designate your passenger as your "designated texter" to respond to calls or messages. Kids especially like this "responsibility" and a potential chance to play on their parents' phone!
- Just can't fathom the idea of leaving your phone alone while you drive??? Well, if it comes down to it, intervention may be necessary, or you could just put your phone away in the glove box until you get to your destination. That works too!
- Not only is distracted driving dangerous, but it can also be very expensive. In Oregon, your first citation for operating a motor vehicle with using a mobile electronic device is $265. Get caught for this three times in a 10-year period, and you could be facing a Class B Misdemeanor charge, with carries a sentence of up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $6250!
No text, Facebook like, IG reel or game high score is worth the risk of hurting you, others on the road, or the cost of a ticket from distracted driving! Keep your eyes on the road, not the screens, and make it home safe!
From the Albany Oregon Police Department:
Ok, we are mad. This is disgusting. We have spread the word about not paying anyone with gift cards and those scams have thankfully slowed down but now we another one that makes us sick. Multiple victims, locally in our community, are draining their bank accounts in cash, going to a bitcoin kiosk, depositing it and then reading off the number to the scammer on the phone. The money is virtually gone. We are talking big money. Whole retirement accounts. Please, please spread the word and do not do this. The scammer poses as your investment broker and says your retirement account has been compromised, and this is the only way to keep it safe. These scammers are manipulating and shrewd. Don't fall for it.
From our friends at the North Albany Supermarket IGA:
Join us for a free, fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt at North Albany IGA & ACE Hardware for kids 12 and under, complete with candy and prizes! There will be a visit from the Easter Bunny too! Egg hunts will be divided by age. We start at 9 AM sharp on Saturday, April 19th - don't miss out!
From our friends at Linn-Benton Community College:
OPEN HOUSE ALERT!
Join us on April 17th from 4-6 PM at Linn-Benton Community College Albany Campus! All are welcome - high schoolers, transfer students, adult learners, and the curious! Bring friends and family too!
- Tour our campus and explore classrooms, labs, and student spaces
- Learn about academic programs and career pathways
- Meet faculty, staff, and current students
- Get info on financial aid, scholarships, and enrollment
- Experience hands-on demos from various programs
RSVP now and start your journey to a brighter future here!
From our friends at the Family Tree Relief Nursery:
In honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month, Family Tree Relief Nursery is throwing their annual Diaper Drive from April 1st-30th. Donate diapers at our Hill street location in Albany or any of our host drop off locations in Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, and Sweet Home. You can make a huge impact in the lives of children and their families in our community. Contact us or visit our website here!
From our friends at Jackson Street Youth Services:
We're offering Active Parenting of Teens once again! It is a 9-week class series, 6-8pm, Tuesdays at Loafers Station in Albany, April 8th through June 3rd.
Turn parenting challenges into opportunities for growth, with instruction from our rad mental health professional Tristin Young, supportive conversations with peers, and FREE DINNER! We also offer a childcare stipend so you can pay a babysitter while you attend class. We keep offering these workshops because we keep seeing parents having breakthroughs with their kids! We all want to have low-stress, positive, and supportive relationships with our loved ones, and we want this group to help you get there. Reach out to Tristin with any questions at tristin.young@jacksonstreet.org. Offered in partnership with the Parenting Success Network and Linn-Benton Community College.
From our friends at the Safe Haven Humane Society:
April Adoption Special! When adopting an animal six months or older in the month of April you will get the chance to draw an egg with an adoption discount inside!
During the 2025 legislative session my office will continue to keep you updated and informed - and is always at your service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.
Talk soon,
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
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