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To contact me, please click here: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
May 3, 2025 Legislative Update
House District 24,
I hope you all had an excellent week! Yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend the day in Yamhill County (which is rare during session). I was able to tour Blanchet Farm which is a rural residential recovery program. Their goal is to help men with substance addiction build sobriety, and self-worth, and regain job skills by being responsible for the care of animals, gardens, meals, and facilities. Even more impressive - the farm is free to participants, thanks to generous donors that believe and support their mission. Thank you to Executive Director, Scott Kerman, for the excellent tour.
Continue reading below for this week's Legislative Update from Salem. As always, please reach out to my office with any questions.
House Republicans Announce Transportation Proposal That Protects Oregon Families From Cost Increases
On Wednesday, the House Republican Caucus announced a transportation proposal that protects Oregonians’ pocketbooks at a time when they’re facing rising costs and tax hikes.
For years, ODOT has funded ideas instead of infrastructure. Our plan protects Oregon families from more tax increases by requiring ODOT to cut wasteful spending that does not align with core functions.
In identifying approximately $730 million in refocused spending, cost savings, and spending cuts, House Republicans commit to delivering functioning roads without asking Oregonians to pay more.
The proposal we unveiled prioritizes core functions of our Transportation Department, sidelines spending in non-essential programs and divisive agendas, protects federal transportation funding, and preserves critical road safety services.
Proposed Cuts to ODOT’s biennial budget for 2025-2027 include:
- Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund: $306.7 million
- Reallocate Vacancies: $68.3 million
- Lease Unused Office Space at ODOT Headquarters: $55.9 million
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Program: $47 million
- 3% Agency Staff: $40 million
- Passenger Rail: $38 million
- Vehicle Privilege Tax: $35 million
- Social Equity and Civil Rights Division: $24.9 million
These changes allow us to preserve essential services like road maintenance, snow removal, and rural access—without asking Oregonians to pay more through new taxes or fees.
As a legislator, I recognize there are real and pressing challenges across our transportation system that need attention. I am committed to developing proactive, long-term solutions that serve all Oregonians. But I cannot, in good conscience, ask taxpayers for more while serious issues of mismanagement and inefficiency remain unaddressed in so many agencies.
This proposal reflects a responsible first step: ensuring our current resources are being used wisely and effectively. From that foundation, we can build a transportation system that is both forward-thinking and financially sound.
Unemployment Pay For Striking Workers Gets Hearing In House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee
When I post bad bill alerts or issue warnings - I think long and hard about them. As someone who always views the world with a "glass half full" mentality, this is never my first inclination. But with Senate Bill 916A, there is no other way around it.
SB 916A would allow striking employees to be eligible for unemployment benefits. If this bill passes, workers in both the private and public sectors will be able to start collecting unemployment pay after two weeks of being on strike. No other state in the country allows public employees to strike and collect unemployment benefits.
The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund is intended to support employees who tragically lose employment and need support while they exist in limbo between jobs. This fund is paid into by employers, not employees.
You might be wondering - how could taxpayers be at risk with this? Public employers (think your local government or county workers) are reimbursing employers, meaning that for every dollar paid to a striking worker, that city or county will have to reimburse the UI Trust Fund DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR. And who funds the cities and counties? You.
While police, firefighters, and emergency responders are not allowed to strike, I am concerned about the very real impact this will have on public safety funding. When a local government or county is forced to make difficult budget decisions as a result of a strike, this will limit the dollars available for public safety.
I serve as the Vice Chair of the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee where this legislation was given an Informational Hearing with the Oregon Employments Department on Monday and a Public Hearing with proponents and opponents of the bill on Wednesday.
You can watch these via the links above. I remain hopeful that my Democratic colleagues will see the disparities in this bill and will let it die in committee.
More Visitors At The Capitol
This week, the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon were at the State Capitol for their advocacy day. We had a special group from House District 24 stop by my office! I appreciate each of them for making their voice heard and for highlighting the legislation they care most about.
REAL ID Deadline - May 7th
Reminder: The federal REAL ID deadline is coming up THIS WEEK. A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or ID card that meets federal security requirements set by the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Starting May 7, anyone 18 years and older must present a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative – like a passport, passport card or military ID – to board a flight within the U.S. or access certain federal facilities.
As the deadline comes closer, Oregon DMV offices are seeing greater demand and longer lines. If you plan on flying within the U.S. anytime in the future and you don't have a passport or other acceptable ID, consider upgrading to the REAL ID option. It takes about three weeks to get your REAL ID card in the mail.
While DMV offers many services online, you must get a REAL ID at a DMV office. You can make an appointment online or visit a DMV office near you without an appointment. You need to bring original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, home address (two different documents) and lawful status in the U.S. DMV offers a document guide to help you determine what to bring. You also have to provide your Social Security number or proof you are not eligible for one. Your current legal name must be on file with the Social Security Administration.
The REAL ID option costs an additional $30 above regular issuance fees every time you apply for an original, renewal or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card. Learn more about REAL ID at Oregon.gov/REALID.
ODHS Training For Recognizing, Reporting Suspected Child Abuse
The Oregon Department of Human Services has introduced an interactive, online training program designed to educate the public on the processes of recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse. The training also teaches how to distinguish between when a child is being abused or neglected and when their family is in need of economic assistance.
The training only takes an hour and is considered the most up-to-date ODHS course on effective reporting. I would recommend you take some time in the next couple of days to complete the training. It is our job as a community to ensure the safety of our children.
You can access the DHS course here.
I am honored to serve you and our community at the State Capitol this session. Please stay in touch and reach out if there are any issues you would like us to work on.
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All my best,
Representative Lucetta Elmer
House District 24
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/elmer
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