|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
May 16, 2025 Legislative Update
House District 24,
On Wednesday, we celebrated Armed Forces Day at the State Capitol! This experience was complete with military personnel visits, military equipment on display, and even an F-15 flyover. Below is a photo of House Republican Leader Christine Drazan and myself checking out some of the equipment.
While this day is officially celebrated tomorrow (Third Saturday of May) - I want to honor and recognize the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for your service and dedication to our nation.
One Step Closer To Designating State Adoption Day
Throughout the session, I have kept you updated on House Bill 2019 which designates August 25th as Oregon Adoption Day - the day I was adopted. As of this week, the bill has now passed the Senate (and the House) and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk.
According to the National Council for Adoption, adoptions from foster care have continued to decline, reaching their lowest level since 2003. In 2023, 50,000 children were adopted from foster care – a 24% decrease since 2019.
Today, more than 77,000 children and teens are waiting to find a permanent home with a loving family. We support the caseworkers in our state who are working hard to ensure every child in Oregon finds their family.
Happening Next Week - Make Your Voice Heard
On Monday, the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee will be holding a work session on Senate Bill 426A which would make a homeowner (or any kind of owner) liable when a subcontractor fails to pay their workers, even if the homeowner paid their general contractor in full.
Everyone should be paid for their work, but holding a homeowner who has acted in good faith and fulfilled their contractual obligation to pay for construction services liable for the failures of a subcontractor with whom they had no relationship is fundamentally unfair.
To make matters worse? Legislators, stakeholders, and the public were told Senate Bill 426A was amended to exempt homeowners from liability before it passed its committee in the Senate – but this never happened. Senators advanced Senate Bill 426A on the false premise that homeowners were exempted.
Our office has received over 1,200 emails in opposition to this bill just this week alone. We need YOU to continue making your voice heard.
Republicans alone do not have the ability to adopt amendments or stop the bill from passing from the committee to the House Floor for a full vote. Please continue to reach out and share your concerns about this bill with the Democrat members of the committee.
Chair Dacia Grayber
Rep.DaciaGrayber@oregonlegislature.gov
503-986-1428
Vice-Chair Lesly Munoz
Rep.LeslyMunoz@oregonlegislature.gov
503-986-1422
Rep. Lisa Fragala
Rep.LisaFragala@oregonlegislature.gov
503-986-1408
Rep. Travis Nelson
Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
503-986-1444
State Revenue Forecast Shows 12% Growth
On Wednesday, state economists presented the most recent Economic and Revenue Forecast, projecting that state government will see a 12% increase in revenue from the previous biennium.
However, this is $755 million less than their March prediction. The increase could have been greater if it weren’t for Oregon’s highest in the nation taxes, aggressive regulatory environment, and public policy choices that harmed our economic engine.
If we want to see our state budgets grow, we shouldn’t raise taxes, we should cut them. We shouldn’t add regulations, we should reduce them. I hope my colleagues in the Legislature will use the six weeks left in this session to fix what’s broken and work together to make decisions that get Oregon back on the right track.
You can read my full statement here or below.
Oregon DEQ Pauses Advanced Clean Truck Rules
Oregon DEQ has officially paused enforcement of its Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, which would have required truck manufacturers to sell more electric trucks each year—starting now.
Here’s the problem: The technology just isn’t ready yet.
For the heavy-duty trucks that deliver goods across our state, electric models are too expensive, can’t go far enough on a single charge, and don’t hold up well for long hauls. Manufacturers were starting to limit diesel truck sales just to avoid penalties, making it harder and more expensive for Oregon businesses to get the trucks they actually need.
I am grateful to my friend, colleague, and transportation expert - Representative Shelly Boshart Davis - who has been sounding the alarm on this issue for months. This is a common sense win for Oregonians.
House Republicans Pen Letter To President Trump, Urging More Timber Harvest In Oregon
Last week, my colleagues and I sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging additional and immediate federal action to increase timber harvests on federally managed land. We also applauded the president’s recent executive orders aimed at boosting domestic timber production. The letter was signed by all 24 members of the House Republican Caucus.
Oregonians benefit when our state and federal government work together to responsibly manage our forests and timber resources. After years of mismanagement, we welcome the opportunity to work with the federal administration to create jobs and revitalize rural communities, source sustainable building materials locally, and ensure that one of our greatest assets, our forests, don’t burn to the ground every summer.
The federal government owns and is responsible for managing 61% of Oregon’s forestland. Oregon's forest sector currently supports 62,000 jobs.
Expansion of the timber industry onto federal lands would lead to dramatic increases in employment, especially in rural communities.
 
A Win For Senior Homeowners
More seniors and people with disabilities who own homes are one step closer to being able to stay in them, while deferring property taxes, thanks to my colleagues - Representatives Christine Drazan and E. Werner Reschke.
On Thursday, HB 3712 passed in the House. This bill expands the requirements for the homestead property tax deferral program in two ways:
- Increases the household limit for homestead deferral from $60,000 to $70,000
- Raises the real market value (RMV) of a homestead to 150% of the county’s median RMV for homeowners who have resided in their homes for less than 17 years
Oregon’s seniors have worked hard their entire lives, paid taxes, contributed to their communities, and deserve to live out their retirement without the constant fear of losing their homes due to rising property taxes.
By updating eligibility criteria, the state aims to ensure that the homestead property tax deferral program remains a viable option for those in need.
Professional Engineers of Oregon Conference
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to present at the Professional Engineers of Oregon's Conference about my legislation this session, House Bill 3939, and how it has expanded upon the same concept I brought forward during the 2024 Legislative Session (House Bill 4134). I am grateful to have had the opportunity to discuss this policy concept!
McMinnville Story Night Event
Last night, I attended the most recent Story Night event in McMinnville where Bethany Palacios presented her amazing story! Her life began as an orphan in Liberia, and she is now Ms. Black Oregon and preparing for the Ms. Black America pageant. Story Night is a community outreach event where real women share real stories of real hope.
You can stay up to date on Story Night here.
2025 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon Contest
Are you looking for the perfect chance to recognize the value and creativity of manufacturers in your community? Well, you’re in luck!
Oregon Business & Industry, in partnership with Here is Oregon, is excited to announce the third annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest, a search for the coolest thing manufactured in the Beaver State.
The contest begins with nominations. Anyone, from consumers to legislators, can nominate a product manufactured in Oregon. To do this, visit Here is Oregon’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon page and enter a few pieces of information.
After the nomination period closes in July, 16 products will be chosen to participate in a bracket-style competition. Through four rounds of online voting, Oregonians will narrow the list of finalists, and on Oct. 22 the winner will be revealed at OBI’s Vision Oregon Event.
To learn more about the contest, visit OBI’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon web page, which will feature all updates.
To qualify for the contest, products must be manufactured substantially within Oregon and be legal to buy in all 50 states.
Schedule Now - School Tours Returning 2025/2026
Oregon State Capitol Visitor Services are excited to announce the return of their full school tour program for the 2025-2026 school year. They are booking school tours now!
The school tour program will begin October 13 and run through May 29. Tour times are 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can accommodate one school per time period, up to 90 students. They ask that each group have adult chaperones in a ratio of at least one per 5 students, not including the teacher.
School tours are one hour in length. After Spring Break, schools have the option to add the tower tour (observation platform) for an additional 30 minutes.
Please use this form https://oregoncapitol.com/school-tour-request-form/ or call 503-986-1388. School tours are booked first come, first served. Please select your first three date and time options.
In addition to the on-site tour program, they will continue to offer a live guided virtual tour program. Virtual tours are available at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesdays for up to 100 students. If you are interested in scheduling this option, please fill out this form https://oregoncapitol.com/virtual-tour-form/ or call us at 503-986-1388.
When you book your tour, Visitor Services will give updated information about security screening, new bus parking spaces, and their new school tour staging area.
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.
Reach My Office
Follow Our Work On Social Media
All my best,
Representative Lucetta Elmer
House District 24
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-390, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/elmer
|
