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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EdDiehl@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends,
As the legislative session continues, I’m working hard in Salem to push for solutions that protect Oregon’s most vulnerable and support our struggling businesses. This update highlights key bills, pressing economic concerns, and how you can get involved to make a difference. Oregon deserves better, and I’m committed to making sure our state moves in the right direction.
Earlier this month, I visited downtown Portland with colleagues to hear directly from small business owners at an economic roundtable. The message was clear: Portland’s business climate is in crisis. Owners shared struggles with high taxes, permit delays stretching months or even years, and the impacts of homelessness, drug addiction, and unsafe streets. One business owner, who relocated from New York City and employs 100 people, expressed frustration, saying they felt they got more for their taxes in NYC—and if things don’t improve, they’re leaving. They demanded more law enforcement, including foot patrols, to restore safety. Notably, tariffs and federal leadership weren’t even mentioned; the real problem is local overregulation and failed policies from progressive governance.
Unless we change leadership in this state, the challenges facing our businesses will only get worse. It’s no wonder downtown Portland is a hollow shell of what it once was. It’s time to take our state back and support our small businesses!
WATCH my remonstrance on X:
House Bill 3835, the SOCAC Bill, aims to correct past legislation that inadvertently prevented children from accessing critical mental health and addiction treatment. While previous laws sought to establish necessary safeguards, they unintentionally created rigid barriers that have denied young people the urgent care they need—especially when those treatments do not exist within Oregon.
This bill recognizes that treatment, not placement, is the priority. Severe conditions such as fentanyl addiction and anorexia require specialized care, often available only in out-of-state facilities. Tragically, the current system makes it nearly impossible for young people to receive this care, leading to devastating consequences. HB3835 removes unnecessary red tape, ensuring that children suffering from severe mental health challenges, addiction, and trauma can access lifesaving treatment without delay. By replacing restrictive policies with effective safeguards, this legislation fulfills our moral obligation to protect and support Oregon’s most vulnerable youth.
We have a moral duty to act now! Contact your legislators and demand their support for HB3835.
WATCH my remarks on X:
In my recent opinion piece in the Oregonian, I discuss Medicaid reform. With federal funding changes looming, Oregon must take decisive action to refocus Medicaid on those in genuine need. Common-sense reforms are essential to restore stability and fairness before more Oregonians are left behind.
Click the image below to READ MORE:
Come make your voice heard! Oregon Citizens Day at the State Capitol is your opportunity to engage with lawmakers, advocate for important issues, and connect with fellow Oregonians who care about the future of our state.
See you there!
It is easy to testify, virtually, in person or in writing, to support or oppose a bill.
Learn more here: Citizen Engagement Home
Testifying on a bill gives you a voice in Oregon’s legislature. The voice of the people is the cornerstone of democracy! Let yours be heard today.
Register to testify!
- If there is a bill you are particularly passionate about, you can register to testify either in support or in opposition to the bill.
- Advance registration is required! Registration closes 30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
- To register, go to https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1, select the “Bills” icon on the top right corner of your page, enter the bill number, and select “Register to Testify.” Or, call 1-833-588-4500.
- You will want to fill out the “Public Testimony Registration Form.”
- You will receive an email confirmation with an option to join Microsoft Teams if you can not testify in person.
Submit a Written Testimony!
- If you prefer not to testify in person, you can also submit written testimony in support or opposition to a bill.
- To submit written testimony, follow the same steps as you would to register to testify in front of the committee, but you will select “Submit Testimony” and fill out the “Written Testimony Submission Form.”
- Written testimony must be submitted up to 48 hours after the committee meeting start time.
Testifying on a bill gives you a voice in Oregon’s legislature. The voice of the people is the cornerstone of democracy! Let yours be heard today.
Thank you for staying engaged as we work to protect the rights and livelihoods of Oregonians. I will continue fighting for the issues that matter most to House District 17 and keeping you informed every step of the way. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward through the 2025 legislative session together.
In Liberty,
Representative Ed Diehl
House District 17
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1417
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-378, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EdDiehl@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/diehl
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