|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
We are a little over halfway through the 2025 Legislative Session. As of right now, there are only 72 days left until session is over, but who's counting? Well, maybe the countdown clock on my desk on the Floor of the House.
This week was all about marathon floor sessions and fewer committee meetings as we tried to push bills across the Floor to the Senate. In total we spent ~17 hours on the Floor and moved 69 bills. We could have moved more bills but there were several that we debated for over an hour each. Unfortunately, they all ultimately passed on party line votes, which also means they were policies that are not good for all Oregonians.
Next week, there will most likely be at least one long day on the Floor as there are still about 36+ bills that need to be voted on to be moved to the Senate and several of them are contentious and will be debated on the floor. However, Senate bills have also been arriving in House committees, so we need to get moving and holding public hearings on those bills as well. It is a balancing act managed by the majority party.
I hope you all have a great weekend and have a Happy Easter Sunday!
Sincerely,
|
 Anna Scharf
State Representative - HD 23
Housing in Oregon
This week, HB 3054A passed on a partisan vote on the House Floor. The bill implements stricter rent control for manufactured home parks which often serve seniors on fixed incomes or lower income individuals, but in the long run it will not help them as much as other fixes could have.
Oregon has a history of failed rent control policies, and HB 3054A will not make that any better. Oregon has a housing shortage. We need to figure out ways to incentivize all types of housing and all types of housing providers. We need to increase the supply of housing, not place rent caps that actually cause a reduction in housing availability. This is basic supply and demand. When there is more supply, the cost will go down. But when we regulate cost, expenses increase.
What are other alternatives to assist with housing and seniors on fixed incomes? HB 3755 is a great solution. This bill creates a property tax exemption for seniors who fulfill certain criteria and is currently in the House Committee on Revenue.
HB 3054A now goes to the Senate Chamber for further hearings. Below is a chart with more details on HB 3054A along with more information on Oregon's rent cap history.
Taxes in Oregon
If you are like me, April 15th, Tax Day, is not your favorite day of the year. Unlike my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, however, my caucus had bills that would have lowered your taxes, and made April 15th a little less gloomy. On Tuesday, we attempted to get these bills brought back to life and given a chance to be heard this session:
-
HB 3753 – Income Tax Cut
- Increases the Oregon standard deduction allowed for personal income taxpayers.
- By cutting taxes for working families, nearly tripling standard deductions, HB 3753 is a direct way we can help the most tax-burdened Oregonians keep more of their paycheck.
-
HB 3914 – No Tax on Tips
- Creates an Oregon personal income tax subtraction for tips received by the taxpayer during the tax year.
- Eliminating taxes on tips helps thousands of Oregonians working in the hospitality and service industries keep more money in their pockets as they face inflation and rising costs.
-
HB 2234 – No Tax on Overtime
- Creates an Oregon personal income tax subtraction for overtime pay received by a taxpayer during the tax year.
- Oregonians who work extra hours to support their families deserve to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.
- No Tax on Overtime is a great way to give working Oregonians real, tangible, relief from rising costs.
-
HB 2033 – Corporate Activity Tax Repeal
- Eliminates Oregon’s $2 billion hidden sales tax on businesses and consumers.
- Oregon has become one of the least friendly places to do businesses in the US. We are seeing investment, tax revenue, and jobs leave our state. It is also becoming more and more challenging to attract new businesses in wanting to come here.
- Repealing the CAT will help businesses grow and eliminate Oregon’s hidden sales tax being passed on to consumers who are feeling the increasing cost of living.
Unfortunately, none of these bills will be moving forward. Instead, it appears there will be a tax increase one way or another. If you missed last week's newsletter regarding potential tax increases, you can read it here.
|
Student use of cell phones in school
HB 2251 brought about a very long debate on the House Floor on Tuesday. As a former school board member, I firmly believe that being on a school board is one of the toughest elected positions there is. However, I also believe that local school boards know their administration, staff, students, parents, community and taxpayers best. They should make as many decisions as possible at the local level when it comes to running their schools. That includes how to handle the use of cell phones in school.
Many schools in Oregon have already implemented complete bans or policies restricting the use of cell phones on their own including: Lake Oswego, Portland Public, North Clackamas, Lincoln County, Nyssa, Bend-La Pine, Hillsboro, Salem-Keizer, and Eugene. However, several legislators felt that it was the job of the Legislature to tell all school districts to do the same thing. A bell to bell ban on cell phones for ALL students K-12 unless the student has a medical provider order to have it or the student is on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan that determines the student needs the cell phone.
ARE YOU REAL ID READY?
Are you flying anytime soon? The Federal Real ID Act passed in 2005 and was initially set to take place in 2008. Oregon received extensions due to its issuance of drivers license to non-citizens which is why we have two ID’s in Oregon. The federal requirement delay finally expires for all states on May 7, 2025. So, don’t forget to have your REAL ID by May 7th or you won't be making your domestic flight. Learn more here.
|
REAL Oregon
The Resource Education & Agriculture Leadership Program (REAL) is accepting applications for their next leadership program.
I was a member of Class Two and I can tell you from experience what an amazing program this is. You are given the opportunity to network with natural resource professional from around the state who work in both the public and the private sector in everything from farming to fishing, forestry to banking, and government to education. You will not regret applying for the REAL Oregon program.
|
Business First
I had such a great time meeting with a few members from the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce and dining at the fabulous Jem 100 in Newberg, who just so happens to have been awarded with the Business of the Year!
Amity High School Fundraiser
Established in 1998, the Amity Education Foundation provides scholarships for deserving graduating seniors as well as financial support for enrichment activities that will positively impact students’ education in the Amity School District. Since 2022, the foundation has given a total of $336,760 to support Amity Graduates in fulfilling their education dreams and opportunities. The total raised for Saturday night is not yet totaled, but is estimated to be around $47K!
Pictured with Amity's current and last two Superintendents; Jeff Clark, Reg McShane, and George Lanning.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1423
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-387, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/scharf
| 
