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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov

Hi Friends and Neighbors, 

It’s been a busy week in Deschutes County and I know many of you are experiencing stress and frustration from the impacts of the closure of China Hat and now movement of encampments. While the state does not have control or input on the process, please reach out if you have concerns or are experiencing safety issues. 

We are nearing the end of the Legislative Session with about seven weeks to go. As a member of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and the Co-Chair of the Subcommittee on Natural Resources, I will be deep in budget-land working on the final 12 Natural Resource Agency budgets that we will need to pass before the end of session. The President has released his “skinny budget” and many of the cuts will directly impact Oregonians and Oregon agencies. I am the most concerned about the potential cuts to clean water programs and especially the grants for sewage systems for rural communities. You can read more about the impacts here. 

We had so many great visitors this week - thank you to all who traveled to the State Capitol to advocate for a better Central Oregon!

I also want to give a big congratulations to Senator Courtney Neron, who was sworn in this morning to represent Senate District 13. 

As always, please reach out if my office can be of any assistance. 

Sincerely,

Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day

Governor Kotek has named May 5th as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day to bring attention to this ongoing, systemic issue facing our Indigenous communities. On Monday, the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla gathered on the steps of the Capitol, along with Representative Tawna Sanchez and other Oregon legislators, to honor the families and communities who have been affected by this violence. 

Rep. Sanchez read aloud a proclamation written by Governor Kotek, which emphasized the need for policy intervention and advocacy to put an end to this crisis. This session, Rep. Sanchez has introduced HB 3198, which would direct the Oregon Health Authority to appoint a dedicated staff member to lead the work of addressing the issue of missing and murdered indigenous people.

Building Resilience Coalition Lobby Day

A huge thank you to all the folks who participated in the Building Resilience Lobby Day and advocated for the funding of clean energy and healthy homes in Oregon. I had the opportunity to meet with Central Oregonians who traveled all the way to Salem to talk to their legislators about the climate issues important to them and what they would like to see funded this session.  Clean energy and home weatherization are significant priorities of mine, as these initiatives are not only good for our environment, but can lower utility costs and improve public health. This session, I have worked with climate justice advocates to introduce HB 3081, One Stop Shop 2.0. This bill would expand the Oregon Department of Energy’s energy efficiency website – the Hub for Incentive Programs + Projects in Oregon, or “HIPPO”-- and offer comprehensive information and assistance for clean energy incentives and programs.  Additionally, this week the Oregon House unanimously passed a bill to allow the Oregon Department of Energy to provide financial assistance to rural and marginalized communities to install heat pumps in their homes. This bill is currently awaiting a signature from the Governor.  Once again, thank you to all the advocates who took time out of their busy lives to talk about the importance of climate resilience!

Bills Passed out of the House This Week!

 Removal of Offensive Names in Oregon Geographic Landmarks- The Oregon House passed a bill to remove and rename derogatory geographic names in Oregon, including Squaw Creek (Douglas County), Chinaman Hat (Josephine County) and Cannibal Mountain (Lincoln County). In conjunction with the Oregon Historical Society and the federally recognized tribes of Oregon, these landmarks will be renamed to reflect the state’s commitment to Indigenous justice and uphold Oregon’s values to represent all of its constituents. 

Oregon House Puts Pressure on Congress to Assist Victims of Crime- The Oregon House unanimously passed a Senate Joint Memorial to urge Congress to continue funding justice for victims of crime. The Crime Victims Fund (CVF), established in 1984, is financed through fines and penalties from convictions in federal cases. According to the US Department of Justice, the CVF balance dropped 82.94% from 2017 to 2024, causing each state to experience a decrease in victim assistance programs. This is an important initiative as the Oregon Legislature continues to prioritize public safety and help those who have been affected by crime. 

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-486, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/levye​