Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov

Hi Friends and Colleagues, 

Economic Forecast week has finally arrived in Salem. On Wednesday, the State Economist shared our predicted financial standing with the Oregon State Legislature, which helps us determine how much we have in our state budget. The short story is, we have about $755 million less than anticipated, which since the last forecast a few months ago, is a dramatic shift. We typically don’t see shifts that dramatic, especially with our new forecasting model. 

What does that mean for you and your family? In my family we say, “what’s the apple and what’s the onion of your day?” (my husband thinks this is unfair to onions). The “apple” in this situation is that the amount we have in the budget is above service level, which means we do not have to cut major services like education. The “onion” of this mess is that we have very little money to maintain other services and even less to invest in the things that Oregonians are asking of us: roads, pipes, water, education, etc. 

The economic shifts are due to the tariffs and the fact that there is so much uncertainty around policy. Regardless of who is in charge of economic policy in the country, in order to have stable markets, there must be clarity and regulatory certainty. We have neither. 

On a lighter note, this week at the Capitol we enjoyed Armed Forces Day, Fire Services Day, and last Friday Senator Broadman and I did a transportation tour in central Oregon. You can read about all three below. 

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to testify on a bill that would remove the statute of limitations for civil action for people who abuse children, and the institutions that turn a blind eye to that abuse. This work has been led by Rep. Annessa Hartman, and you can watch the hearing here. (TW: sexual assault, child abuse). 

Everyday I am so grateful for the opportunity to fight for Oregonians. We are in tough times, but we are tough too. 

Have a good weekend, 

Em

More details on the budget and the tariffs and how the Oregon Economic Forecast impacts, you, your family, and your business:

• Oregon Businesses and Families are Directly Impacted By Tariffs: The president’s ill-considered tariffs have damaged Oregon’s trade-heavy economy. Our state’s economy relies more on manufacturing and trade than most states, and is especially impacted by tense trade relationships with countries like China. We know this because Oregon was hit especially hard during the trade war Trump started during his first presidency.  

• Growth is Stifled for Local Business: The federal government has no consistent, coherent economic plan, leaving businesses uncertain of what the future holds. Those concerns stifle business growth. 

• Working Families are Hit the Hardest: Families afraid of losing long-term care for aging parents, federally funded preschool for their children, or simply watching costs rise at the grocery store are considering conserving their household finances instead of spending. That’s slowing the economic activity that fuels state revenue in normal circumstances. 

• Risk for Recession has Increased: State economists said in no uncertain terms that Trump’s actions have heightened the risk of a recession.   

• Oregon Is Better Off Than Many Other States: Strong leadership for decades in Oregon has put us in a better position than many states across the country. We’ve been preparing for this moment by budgeting with an eye on the future. We have saved for a rainy day and many states do not maintain a reserved rainy day fund. 

So, What Does That Mean?: We have been making strategic investments to address some of our state's biggest challenges -- housing costs and homelessness, access to mental health and addiction treatment, and supporting our schools. This change in the budget means that Oregon’s projected progress in these areas is now like driving with the brake on. 

Even though the economic outlook can change quickly (and it has - even within the last week), this forecast is what the state budget is built on. And because it is our responsibility to have a balanced budget, we can’t count on “maybes.” That means we have to work diligently to protect core services as we wrap up the 2025 session in June. 

What Can You Do? 

1. Speak up for the programs that mean the most to your community. Your values will guide Oregon's tight budget decisions only if you share what matters to you. 
2. Contact your federal representatives in Washington, D.C., like Rep. Cliff Bentz (R) who will face votes on national policies like cutting Medicaid (OHP) funding. Tell them to protect health and safety in Oregon.

Fighting for Safer, Stronger Roads in Central Oregon

Last week, I joined Senator Anthony Broadman and local leaders to tour key transportation sites in Bend and Redmond, where we saw firsthand the urgent need for safety upgrades and infrastructure investments. Central Oregon is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, but our roads and highways haven’t kept pace. The Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package being put forward this legislative session would provide much-needed funding for road repairs, bridge maintenance, and safety improvements, including key projects like a four-way signal at Highway 126 and SW 35th near the new Redmond Parks and Rec center, and a center divider between lanes on Highway 97. Our communities deserve a safe, modern transportation system, and I’m committed to ensuring the state delivers on that promise.

Armed Forces Day at the Oregon State Capitol

On May 14, 2025, the Oregon State Capitol hosted a powerful and inspiring Armed Forces Day celebration. The ceremony honored the dedication and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and served as a meaningful reminder of the vital role they play in our state and nation. We are grateful to everyone who attended and made the day such a success. We were treated to an F-15 flyover and got to go inside the Military Police tank and helicopter. 

Honoring Our Firefighters on Fire Service Day

We were proud to recognize Oregon’s firefighters during Fire Service Day at the State Capitol earlier this month. The event paid tribute to the courage and dedication of fire service professionals who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. This recognition is especially meaningful for Central Oregon, where our local fire crews play a critical role in keeping residents safe year-round. Thank you to all who serve.

Standing with Survivors: Supporting HB 3582

This week, I had the honor of testifying in support of House Bill 3582, a critical step forward in justice for survivors of sexual violence. Our current laws place arbitrary time limits on when survivors can seek accountability, often long before many are ready to come forward. On average, survivors of child sexual abuse don’t disclose their trauma until age 52. HB 3582 removes the civil statute of limitations for these cases, allowing claims to be brought against abusers and the institutions that enabled them, whenever survivors are ready. The bill also closes harmful legal loopholes and aligns Oregon with best practices adopted by nearly 20 other states. Survivors deserve access to justice on their own timeline, not one dictated by outdated legal deadlines. I’m proud to stand with them and fight for a system that honors their experiences and their courage. Thank you Rep. Hartman for bringing forward this important legislation. 

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​