One of my top priorities this session has been supporting our Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs), the volunteer-based fire responders who often serve as our first line of defense during wildfires. These men and women know the terrain, understand the local landscape, and step up year after year with little more than surplus federal equipment and a deep sense of civic duty.

This session, I introduced HB 3349 and HB 3350 to ensure our RFPAs have access to the tools they need. These bills propose establishing a dedicated funding stream to help RFPAs obtain gear from the Oregon Department of Forestry and better access federal resources. Importantly, this support does not change their volunteer status but simply gives them the resources to be more effective and safe while serving our communities. I’m grateful to the RFPA representatives who traveled to Salem to advocate for these bills, and I continue to press for the Governor’s support. We can and should find the funding to make this happen.

The intent behind Oregon’s wildfire hazard map was to help homeowners reduce risk through home hardening and preparedness. Unfortunately, the reality was far different. The map led to unintended consequences—including spiked insurance rates and reduced property values—with no meaningful improvement in safety.

Senate Bill 83 will repeal the map and associated mandates. We’ve now seen two failed attempts to implement this map, and each time it’s become clearer: one-size-fits-all, top-down mandates from Salem don’t work for rural Oregon. Going forward, we must ensure that statewide initiatives actually reflect the needs and conditions of our diverse communities. SB 83 has already passed the Senate unanimously, and is voted on in the House this coming week. 

At the state level, we’ve submitted requests through the Ways and Means Committee to secure funds for Harney County’s emergency response hub and to provide immediate sewer system support. In total, we’re seeking  immediate recovery needs and an additional funding post-session for continued mitigation and infrastructure restoration. Business Oregon is also exploring gap loan funding to support local economic recovery.

Please remember: If you or your neighbors need assistance, I urge you to reach out to the Harney County Hub or my office. We’re here to help.

Armed Forces Day

This Saturday, May 17, we recognize Armed Forces Day—a time to honor the brave men and women currently serving in our military. Whether at home or abroad, their commitment to protecting our freedoms and keeping our nation safe is something we should never take for granted.

Please join me in thanking our active-duty service members for their sacrifice and dedication. We owe them—and their families—a debt of gratitude not just today, but every day.

In addition to our on-site tour program, we 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, we will give updated information about our security screening, new bus parking spaces and our new school tour staging area.

We look forward to seeing you next school year!

Sincerely,

Visitor Services 

Scholarship Opportunity

The Oregon CattleWomen are offering $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a career in agriculture. If you're passionate about the future of farming and ranching, don’t miss this chance!

📅 Deadline: May 31
📍 Open to Oregon students in ag-related fields

Proud to support the next generation of ag leaders!

2025 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon competition

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.

SALEM, Ore. – Last year, Oregon had one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in its history—1.9 million acres burned, communities were tested, and lives were changed. But amid the devastation, there were also stories of resilience: homes that stood strong because they had defensible space. 

As May marks Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging Oregonians to act now. With the possibility of another challenging fire season ahead, preparing your home could make all the difference. 

“For the last several years, we’ve been proactively working to boost staffing at local fire agencies, modernizing response equipment, and investing in wildfire resiliency projects across the state,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “But we can’t do it alone. We need every Oregonian to rise to this challenge. Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and your community.” 

Start with small changes that have a big impact: 

• Space and prune trees to prevent fire from climbing into canopies. 

• Remove leaves, pine needles, bark mulch, and other debris within 100 feet of structures or up to your property line. 

• Clean roofs and gutters of flammable debris. 

• Move combustible materials—like mulch and firewood—away from your home. 

• Keep plants trimmed and clear of dead material, especially near the house. 
• Avoid planting directly under eaves; leave at least a five-foot buffer. 

For a detailed guide on how to create defensible space, check out www.oregondefensiblespace.org. 

As you clean up your yard, be mindful about disposal. Consider chipping, composting, or recycling. If burning is necessary, always follow local rules. Debris burns that get out of control are the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon. 

This May, the Oregon State Fire Marshal—alongside fire service partners—is calling on everyone to get ready, stay aware, and believe in fire safety. Together, we can reduce wildfire risk and protect what matters most. 

Find tips, resources, links to our partner agencies, and more at the OSFM’s Wildfire Awareness Month webpage or preventwildfires.oregon.gov.   

Double Up Food Bucks

Spring is arriving and farmers markets are opening! Shopping at a farmers market is a great way to find the freshest food for your family, while supporting our local farmers and small businesses. One program that helps make farmers markets affordable and accessible for all is Double Up Food Bucks. This program matches SNAP benefits, dollar for dollar, for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Double Up is also available at participating small grocers, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.Check the map here for locations that participate in our district. Happy eating!