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To contact me, please click here: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The days at the Capitol fly by quickly and it’s hard to believe we are in May already. We are well into the second half of the session with 54 days left to complete our work. My May 1st drive into Salem last week greeted me with this magnificent sunrise too beautiful not to share.
House committees are making their way through Senate bills and the Senate committees through House bills. On Friday this week, we will hit the deadline for bills in their second chamber to be posted for a work sessions. From there, those bills must be passed out of policy committees on or before May 23rd or they die.
We are experiencing a bit of a calm before the storm of second chamber deadlines, yet there are lot of wheels in motion. By the end of the month, we will begin to wrap up our policy work to pivot our focus on balancing the state’s 2025-2027 biennial budget.
This update provides some highlights over the past few weeks with a glimpse of what’s ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you need assistance navigating the legislative process or help involving an issue with state government.
Thank you for reading along.
Sincerely,
 Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
In this Issue:
View Previous Newsletters Here
Voting on the flood of first-chamber bills made for some long floor sessions the past several weeks that bled over into the afternoons and an evening session. This past week you could feel a metaphoric exhale throughout the Capitol and an inhale as we brace ourselves for the lift of second-chamber measures to flow through the process. Below, I have highlighted a few bills that I spoke on during their passage on the House floor.
HB 3928 Wellness of Public Safety Workers – Peer Support (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
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As a 40-year veteran of law enforcement (28 years as a police chief), I was pleased to carry HB 3928 as the bill’s Chief Sponsor.
Police officers, firefighters, 9-1-1 dispatchers, and other public safety professionals are frequently exposed to situations that are extremely stressful and traumatic. They’re often tasked with making split-second decisions in life-threatening circumstances. Unfortunately, they also regularly witness human tragedy.
First responders experience a higher rate of traumatic events than the general public. One study reports that, compared to non-first responders, of whom about 50 percent experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, 84 percent of first responders report experiencing a traumatic event. According to that same study, law enforcement, firefighters, and dispatchers have a PTSD prevalence between seven and 22 percent compared to only four percent for the general public.
These challenges make peer support programs essential to maintaining their mental health. The House unanimously passed HB 3929 to expand confidentiality protections for mental health services, including peer support services and counseling sessions.
HB 3929 aligns with nationwide efforts to ensure that peer support for first responders remains confidential. We can’t neglect the mental health of our men and women on the front lines of an emergency. The bill is before the Senate Judiciary Committee and is scheduled for a public hearing today.
Watch a replay of my floor speech here.
HB 3646 Contract Preferences in Public Procurement for Employee-Owned Businesses (Lewis - Opposed)
The measure adds entities in which employees own at least 50 percent of the ownership interest directly or through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), to the list of sources to which a contracting agency may give preference in procuring goods or services for public contracts.
This is a bill that came through my Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans. I spoke in opposition to the bill on the House floor. The measure had the opportunity to be amended in committee, yet proponents had no interest in doing so. Under current law, preference is given to benefit companies primarily based in Oregon. My concern with the measure's new language is that it allows companies with just one employee-owner residing in Oregon to qualify for preference - even if the business is largely out-of-state. This essentially could disadvantage fully Oregon-based businesses. For that reason, I was a no vote in committee and a no on the floor.
Watch a replay of my floor speech here.
HCR 4 Designating Vietnamese American Remembrance Day (Lewis Sponsor)
The resolution designates April 30, 2025, as Vietnamese American Remembrance Day. Honors the contributions of Vietnam War veterans from the United States and the Republic of Vietnam, Vietnamese refugees, and the Vietnamese American community.
It was an honor to sponsor and speak in support of HCR 34, to recognize the contributions of Vietnam War veterans from the United States and the republic of Vietnam. I shared my experience during this time in our nation’s history as follows:
I am a Vietnam Era veteran. I enlisted in the Army three days after my 18th birthday in 1968 and served until late 1971. The draft was in place at that time, and many were subjected to a two-year tour of duty in the military. At that time a voluntary enlistment was for three years. I was sent to Basic Training at Fort Lewis, WA. All but a handful in my unit were draftees serving two years, and almost without exception, all of the draftees became 11 Bravos on graduation from Basic and continued infantry training at Fort Lewis prior to deployment to Vietnam. I was sent to Europe and spent three years there assigned to a missile defense unit, followed by two years in the Wyoming National Guard.
What I remember most about my years in the military were the men I served with and the friends we became. Sadly, many of those friends are no longer living. Some of my Basic Training friends died in Vietnam. My best childhood friend died in Vietnam. Old age has taken many others over time. I remember scanning every issue of the Stars & Stripes newspaper when I was in the service because it carried the names of those who were killed in action in Vietnam.
It is hard to believe it has been more than 60 years since the United States became involved in direct military action in Vietnam. For nearly ten years prior to that, American military advisors were in-country assisting the South Vietnamese military. In August 1964, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution with only two dissenting votes in the Senate. That Resolution authorized President Lyndon Johnson to use conventional military force in Southeast Asia without a formal declaration of war by Congress. In the ensuing years, more than 58,000 American servicemen lost their lives, most from combat actions while more than 300,000 were wounded in action. Between 1955 and the mid-70’s, 2.7 million Americans served in Vietnam. Nearly 800 Oregonians lost their lives.
The late 60’s and early 70’s were a turbulent time to have served. Those returning from Vietnam having served in combat are acutely aware to this day just how unwelcome they were on their return. We were required to wear Class A uniforms while in transit and it was a very uncomfortable time to be among civilians in airports and train stations. Most of us sought out fellow service members in uniform and did not feel welcome at all. It was especially painful for my dad who could not comprehend the treatment those of the Vietnam Era experienced, especially when he fondly remembered the welcome home, he and his fellow service members received at the end of WW II and the Korean War.
Thankfully that sentiment toward service members no longer exists for those serving today. Vietnam veterans, though, still struggle with the impacts of their service in Vietnam, whether it is PTSD, the health impacts of Agent Orange, the loss of friends in combat or a multitude of other after effects of military service. But they also still struggle with the treatment they received on their return and the welcome home they never experienced. The unfair blame and criticism for an unpopular war at a turbulent time in our history haunts many to this day. Being blamed for the political decisions of that era is a burden they didn’t need on top of all that combat does to a soldier. As this bill commemorates the end of this war and that era, we honor their sacrifice and commit to a future that welcomes and respects all who serve.
Watch a replay of my floor speech here.
NEWS RELEASE: Oregon House Commemorates 50 Years Since The End Of The Vietnam War
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Rep. Lewis Fighting to Lower Costs for Oregonians
When bills fail to advance out of committee and die, there is a procedural move that can be used to force a bill out of committee and bring it to the floor for a vote, even if the committee chair and majority leadership has chosen not to advance it. This process is formally known as a “pull motion” or “motion to withdraw” a bill from committee.
Rising costs – gas, groceries, rent, and taxes are forcing families to make tough decisions. Many lifelong Oregonians are considering leaving the state if they haven’t already. For this reason, On Tax Day, I voted “Yes” on four bills that were pulled to the floor that would address the cost of living and reduce the tax burden for millions of hard-working Oregonians. Unfortunately, the motions failed on a partisan vote.
 HB 3753 – Middle Class Tax Cut (Lewis Sponsor)
- 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 (Lewis Sponsor)
- 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 (Lewis Sponsor)
- 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 a hostile place for businesses, and we are seeing investment, tax revenue, and jobs leave our state.
- Repealing the CAT will help businesses grow and create good-paying jobs, while Oregon’s hidden sales tax on consumers concerned with the cost of living.
These policies reflect my position that hard-working Oregonians should keep more of what they make by cutting income taxes. I oppose new taxes and regulations that increase the cost of living and will continue to support policies that provide relief for families and communities across our state.
Flawed Wildfire Hazard Map Continues to Move One Step Closer to Gone
In early April, the Oregon Senate passed Senate Bill 83, which repeals the state’s wildfire hazard map and removes the strict regulations that came with it. This bill closely mirrors legislation that my colleagues and I introduced with House Bill 3944. This is a big win for rural Oregonians who have fought against these costly and unfair mandates.
The bill is before the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment and is scheduled for a public hearing today. I support the measure’s passage out of committee and look forward to casting a “Aye” vote on the House Floor to restore property rights for rural Oregonians.
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In March, the Ways and Means co-chairs released their budget framework for the 2025-2027 biennium.
From there, the Joint Ways and Means Committee conducted a statewide series of community hearings as part of its public engagement process for shaping the state’s budget. The committee, responsible for crafting Oregon’s biennial budget gathered input directly from residents on funding priorities. These hearings provided a platform for Oregonians to express their views on critical issues such as housing, infrastructure, wildfire fighting capacity, healthcare, education, and public safety. The meetings featured testimony from local citizens, advocacy groups, and community leaders, allowing lawmakers to better understand regional needs and how Oregonians want their tax dollars spent.
The feedback collected during these hearings will play a vital role in shaping the 2025–2027 state budget. Next, budget writers will glean more information on the state's financial position following the release of the June revenue forecast.
Tune in to the House and Senate Finance and Revenue Joint Committee meeting on May 14th at 8:00 am to hear the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis present the June 2025 Revenue forecast.
The Oregon Legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget every two years. The June forecast provides the legislature critical information to finalize the state’s 2025-2027 budget before the session’s end.
House Republicans Announce Transportation Proposal Protecting Families from Cost-of-Living Increases and Stabilizing ODOT.
On Wednesday last week, House Republicans 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. This 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, I am committed to delivering functioning roads without asking Oregonians to pay more.
The proposal unveils 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
In contrast, the majority party’s plan adds a dozen new taxes, tax hikes, and fee increases that expand current non-essential spending that Oregonians simply cannot afford. That plan will make it more expensive for families to drop their kids off at school, drive to work, and pick up groceries, while discounting Oregonians’ clear call for accountability.
That plan rewards an agency with a track record of mismanagement, billion-dollar budget woes, and broken promises. As noted by the Oregonian Editorial Board in April, “burdening Oregonians with nearly $2 billion in new taxes while adopting policies that inflate costs for the benefit of longtime Democratic donors is flatly unconscionable.”
Keeping our roads drivable and safe must be the Oregon Department of Transportation’s top priority. I reject the premise that Oregonians must pay more to achieve those goals. This proposal is an opportunity to be responsive to the needs of our state, hold government accountable, and set a clear vision for the role of the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Consistent with those principles, I am sponsoring the following two bills that hold the line on tolling and allow voters to make decisions on future tolling projects and what price they will pay.
HB 3466 – Tolling on 205
Prohibits the Oregon Transportation Commission from establishing a toll on Interstate 205.
HB 3579 - Tolling
Provides that tolling proposed by the Oregon Transportation Commission must be approved by electors before implementation.
In my first newsletter of the session, I shared with you a handful of bills that I am sponsoring. That list has grown since that time. While many of my bills remain alive, they are awaiting budget considerations are before the Rules, Revenue, or Full Ways and Means Committees.
A handful of those bills are featured below:
Public Safety/Addiction
HB 3969 - Initiating False Reports “Swatting” In March, I sponsored an earlier version of this bill in HB 3935 - introduced by my colleague, Representative Edwards. That measure aimed to address the issues of false reporting. Sadly, that bill died in my House Judiciary Committee two days before the first- chamber deadline.
The April 18th school shooter prank at Silverton High School sent students, teachers and families into panic after an active shooter threat was made. The school went into lockdown and police officers from multiple agencies arrived at the scene, only to determine it was a prank, also known as ‘swatting.’ That incident reignited a legislative push to resurrect this concept as a priority bill in HB 3969.
HB 3969 will bring real consequences to those who abuse our emergency systems and put lives at risk. Currently in Oregon, making a false report is considered a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by 10-30 days in jail.
Swatting occurs when someone makes a false emergency report to send law enforcement—often a SWAT team—to an unsuspecting person’s home, school, or place of worship. What some may see as a prank can quickly become deadly.
According to the Educator’s School Safety Network, there was a 546% increase in the number of false active shooter reports from the year 2018/2019 to the year 2022/2023, in which there were more than 446 false reports.
In addition to the upgraded felony charge, HB 3969 would make swatting punishable by a 5-10 years in jail and/or a $125,000-$250,000 fine, or both. The measure is before the Joint Committee On Addiction and Community Safety Response. I look forward the committee’s full consideration of this important piece of legislation that warrants a public hearing and passage of the bill this session.
HB 3093 A – Arrestee DNA Sample You may remember this bill featured in my April Newsletter. For refresher, the measure would require law enforcement agencies to take a DNA sample of a person arrested for a person felony, a sex crime or for residential burglary. It is a simple process and is non-intrusive. An arrested person may request a blood sample be taken in lieu of a buccal sample (or mouth swab). The sample would then be submitted from the jail to the Oregon State Police forensics division in accordance with rules established by the department. More than 30 states currently have this law, and it has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Test kits would be supplied by the State Police as they are now for other DNA testing purposes. Once processed, the DNA profile would be entered into the national data base called CODIS which is the Combined DNA Index System. Individual DNA profiles are not identified by a name or other personal identifiers. The profile is entered with a computer-generated specimen ID number that is only matched back to a name in a separate system if the DNA profile is matched to crime scene evidence. Profiles are only searched against the CODIS unsolved crimes, missing persons or unidentified human remains index. They are not shared with other databases and are not part of a criminal history record. The system is protected by the FBI’s state-of-the-art encryption and firewall technology. Procedures are included in the bill that allow a defendant who is acquitted or has a conviction reversed to request destruction of the sample, consistent with requirements under federal law.
Testimony on the bill and its passage out of the House Judiciary Committee garnered local support and media interest featured in an article written by the Oregonian you can read here.
The bill is currently waiting budget consideration before the Full Ways and Means Committee.
HB 2175 & HB 3553 - Pill Press
Both measures create the crime of possessing, purchasing, making, delivering, or selling a pill press or similar equipment. The bill is before the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response and is an active effort to address Oregon’s addiction crisis.
Emergency Management/Wildfire Safety
HB 3150 & SB 545 - Volunteer Firefighters Income Tax Credit
Establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters. The bill received a public hearing in mid-February, passed with unanimous support and remains in the House Revenue committee.
HB 3426 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Expands offenses relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft system to interfere with official duties to include firefighting and search and rescue efforts. The bill passed the House unanimously and is before the Senate Judiciary Committee later this afternoon.
Support for Crime Victims
HB 3195 A – Children’s Advocacy Center Funding
Modifies eligibility requirements for distributions from the Children's Advocacy Center One-Time Grant Fund. The measure passed the House and the Senate, has been signed by the Speaker and the Senate President, and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
HB 3196 A – Funding Victims of Crime Act Grants
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Justice for purposes related to federal Victims of Crime Act grants. The bill passed out of the House Judiciary Committee unanimously and is before the Full Committee on Joint Ways and Means for budget consideration.
HB 3198 A - Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
I am honored to be a sponsor of HB 3198 introduced by Representative Tawna Sanchez. The measure directs the Oregon Health Authority to dedicate staff in the office of the authority that is responsible for tribal affairs to lead the work of addressing the issue of missing and murdered indigenous people. The bill is before the Joint Ways and Means Committee for consideration.
Yesterday, I joined legislators, families, and Tribal members for a ceremony recognizing the Governor’s Declaration of May 5th as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.
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Health Care
HB 3212 – Pharmacy Benefits
Creates additional rules and requirements for pharmacy benefit managers and a policy or certificate of health insurance or other contract providing for the reimbursement of the cost of a prescription drug. The measure passed out of the House Behavioral Health and Health Care unanimously and is before the Full Committee on Joint Ways and Means for budget consideration.
Veterans Services
HB 3627 – Veterans Assistance Fund
This bill creates a Disabled Veterans Assistance Fund to provide grants for disabled veterans to add handicapped accessible amenities to their homes if they own the home or reside with an immediate family member who owns a home. The funds can be used for things such as handicapped ramps, bathroom fixtures, etc. The bill passed out of my Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans committee and is before the Full Committee on Joint Ways and Means for budget consideration.
There has been a bit of a lull in committee activities with the passage of the first chamber deadline so I will focus on what’s happening in the week ahead for this segment.
This week’s committee line up:
Today, May 6th, the Committee held:
Work Sessions on:
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SB 860 A - Grants certain authorities to the State Fire Marshal and the Department of the State Fire Marshal.
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SB 861 - Makes certain changes related to the State Fire Marshal Mobilization Fund.
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SB 862 A - Makes certain changes related to rural fire protection districts.
Public Hearings on:
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SB 159 - Authorizes the Department of Transportation to issue qualifying owners veterans' recognition registration plates for use on mopeds and motorcycles.
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SB 823 - Authorizes the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to purchase or contract for certain materials, supplies and equipment.
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SB 1062 A - Provides that each of the cities of Bandon, North Bend and Reedsport may set charges for water and wastewater services provided by the city by a majority vote of its governing body.
We are waiting for the Thursday, May 8th agenda to be posted to OLIS.
You can tune in to the committee live, or watch replay of the committee hearings and access the meeting materials on OLIS here.
This week’s committee line up:
Monday, May 5th the committee held:
Public Hearings on:
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SB 180 A - Provides that malice is an element of a defamation claim against an individual who makes a communication regarding an incident of sexual assault committed against the individual.
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SB 275 A - Modifies the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program.
A Work Sessions on:
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SB 1122 - Provides that the sex offender risk assessment methodology used to classify sex offenders into risk levels may exclusively consider a sex offender's risk of reoffending at the time of release, sentencing or discharge.
May 6th the committee will hold:
An Information Meeting on the Oregon Youth Authority Professional Standards Office Update.
Public Hearings on:
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SB 813 - Adds employees of the Oregon Youth Authority or a county juvenile department to the list of people who are authorized to petition the circuit court for an order compelling a third party to complete a test for communicable diseases under certain circumstances.
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SB 816 - Modifies provisions of law regarding local juvenile diversion plans and plans for juvenile crime prevention basic services.
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SB 818 A - Modifies provisions regarding the duties and discretion of the Oregon Youth Authority to enter into contracts and award grants.
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SB 548 - Increases the minimum legal marriageable age to 18 years of age.
Work Sessions on:
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SB 97 A - Directs county treasurers and presiding judges of judicial districts to prepare and submit certain financial reports regarding conciliation and mediation accounts.
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SB 98 A - Modifies provisions relating to court processes and procedures.
May 7th the committee will hold:
Public Hearings on:
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SB 15 A - Expands the types of estates that may use the simple estate process to administer a decedent's estate.
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SB 238 A - Modifies provisions relating to the use of unmanned aircraft systems by law enforcement officers and agencies.
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SB 385 A - Modifies the offense of making a false report of child abuse.
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SB 890 - Disestablishes the subcommittee on public records and changes the committee that reviews the Oregon Sunshine Committee reports to the committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary.
Work Sessions on:
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SB 162 A - Authorizes the destruction of hoop houses when executing a search warrant to investigate the unlawful production of marijuana.
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SB 179 A - Makes permanent the temporary changes made to the landowner immunity laws by chapter 64, Oregon Laws 2024.
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SB 470 A - Provides a cause of action for invasion of personal privacy against a transient lodging provider's or transient lodging intermediary's capturing, making, storing, transferring, transmitting or broadcasting, or intentionally permitting another person to make, store, transfer, transmit or broadcast, a visual image or recording or audio of a plaintiff while the plaintiff occupies a private space within transient lodging that is under the transient lodging provider's or transient lodging intermediary's ownership or control.
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SB 913 - Removes provisions prohibiting a county court or board of county commissioners from establishing a justice of the peace district that includes the county seat or city in which a circuit court regularly holds court.
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SB 1091 - Defines what a transportation protection agreement for human remains is.
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SB 1191 A - Provides that certain laws establishing crimes do not apply to the act of informing another person of the other person's civil or constitutional rights.
May 8th the committee will hold:
- A meeting for any items carried over from earlier in the week.
You can tune in to the committee live, or watch a replay of the committee hearings and access the meeting materials on OLIS here.
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The committee has wrapped up agency budget presentations and is finishing the second phase of our process with informational meetings to follow up with various agencies to get answers to any questions members may have on agencies budgets and their policy option packages.
We met today and will meet again on Wednesday to hold informational meetings.
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Today, May 6th, Informational Hearing:
HB 5004 Department of Corrections – Community Corrections Cost Study, Oregon State Penitentiary replacement, and Geriatric Facility Plan
Wednesday, May 7th, Informational Hearing:
HB 5027 Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision – Sex Offender Notification Leveling Backlog.
By mid-month we will head into the third and final phase to move budget/fee measures to the Full Ways and Means Committee for their consideration in the budget finalization process.
You can watch tune in to the committee live, or watch a replay of the committee hearings and access the meeting materials on OLIS here.
Oregon’s Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony is a special event honoring the nearly 200 officers who have died in the line of duty in the state of Oregon since the 1860s. Each year, the ceremony commemorates fallen law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers who have served with city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.
It was a moving and humbling experience to attend this memorial ceremony today. Surrounded by families, officers, and community members, I felt deep respect for those who gave their lives in service. The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and courage behind the badge, and it was an honor to pay tribute to their memory.
The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is proud to host the ceremony at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. It is held in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations.
This year’s ceremony honored Officer George M. Lowe of the Ashland Police Department, Assistant Chief Merle W. Bethscheider of the Silverton Police Department and Patrolman Andrew J. Laugeson of the Portland Police Bureau, whose names will be added to the memorial alongside those of 195 other officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
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On May 14th the Oregon Military Department will celebrate Armed Forces Day on the Capitol Mall to honor the men and women currently serving in our military, as well as those who have served and sacrificed to defend our freedom.
On display will some of the Guard’s newest vehicles, aircraft, and equipment.
Come celebrate and enjoy visiting with Soldiers and Airmen and experience the power of an F-15 Eagle flyover by the Oregon National Guard. Armed Forces Day was originally created in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman to honor Americans serving in all the branches of military, replacing the separate Army, Navy, and Airforce Days. The holiday was officially designated in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, declaring that, “Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard.”
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Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program now includes the “Checks Without Claims” initiative, proactively returning money to rightful owners without requiring them to file a claim. When ownership can be clearly verified using existing state records, the Oregon State Treasury mails checks directly to individuals to helps ensure more Oregonians are reunited with their money.
Searching for unclaimed funds is free and easy. Learn more about Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program here.
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Throughout the month of April, I wore a blue ribbon to recognize and honor Child Abuse Prevention Month.
We all have a responsibility to protect Oregon’s children. I am pleased to share with you an opportunity to equip yourself with important information and training to do just that.
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The Oregon Department of Human Services has launched 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. Please take a look at participating in this training opportunity to keep our kids safe. You can access the ODHS course here.
Memorial Day will be here before my next update. In advance, I wish you a safe Memorial Day weekend as we remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
On this Memorial Day, I challenge you to go beyond barbecues and backyard gatherings to take a moment to pause and give gratitude to our fallen heroes to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1418
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-385, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis
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