Friends and Neighbors,

Here are some highlights from the past week and helpful community information for you! 

 - Shelly

A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER AND HONOR

Memorial Day is often thought of as the beginning of summer, celebrated with barbeques, parades, and outdoor activities. However, before you kick off your summertime festivities, it is important to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day and take some time in reverence for the ultimate sacrifice of those brave military men and women that never made it home.

A Final Farewell to a Fellow Trucker

This week, I took a moment to pause and remember a fellow truck driver and logger, Aaron Meeuwsen, who recently passed away. Though I may not have known him personally, his loss is felt across the entire logging community.

Drivers like him are one of the unsung heroes—rising early, navigating rugged roads, and moving the timber that helps build our homes and communities. It’s a life of endurance, responsibility, and quiet strength.

This week, I honor not just his work, but the spirit he represents: the kind of person who keeps our world moving, mile after mile. My thoughts are with his loved ones, and with all who feel the weight of his absence.

You can watch my remonstrance here.

Still Rooting for Oregon Grass Seed! Seed Council Love, Take Two!

I just want to revisit and recognize the amazing work the Oregon Seed Council does to support our local grass seed growers and keep Oregon’s seed industry thriving. Big thanks for all the passion and teamwork you bring to our agricultural community! I was happy to share the great news with my colleagues on the House Floor. Link to learn more.

REPUBLICANS' TRANSPORTATION PROPOSAL

While Democrats are pushing billions in new taxes to pay for the basic functions of government that are maintaining and preserving our roads, this week, Republicans announced forthcoming legislation to stabilize ODOT without raising taxes. This bill will preserve operations and maintenance that serve core functions, such as plowing roads and filling potholes. This comprehensive proposal makes statutory changes to redirect money outside of core mission back to paying for top priorities. This proposal serves as a bridge – an interim plan – to rebuild Oregonians’ trust in ODOT before asking them for more money.

The bill reprioritizes funding, resolves the years-long unfair and unconstitutional tax on truckers, reforms ODOT, and modernizes fuel taxes and regulations. More specifically, it will: 

• Redirect over $146 million of current spending on climate initiatives and $38 million in funding for passenger rail service.
• Redirect half of the payroll tax to provide truckers with a tax credit on future tax bills, thereby repaying them for years of unconstitutional overpayments.
• Cap Oregon’s hidden gas tax (Clean Fuels Program) at the current level and return the program to its original intent.
• Creates the Major Projects Office to manage projects costing more than $99 million.
• Creates a publicly accessible dashboard displaying key performance indicators for major projects.
• Establishes independent Dispute Review Boards for projects exceeding $5 million to resolve conflicts between ODOT and the contractor, ensuring smooth delivery, on-time completion, and budget adherence.

For full details, go here. 

This comes as it was announced this week that ongoing backroom negotiations between Democrats and some Republicans are floating the idea of instituting a "cap-and-trade" system as part of a transportation package. Yes, the same kind of program that caused House and Senate Republicans to walk out in previous years. 

Bringing back this problematic idea with five weeks left in session is reckless and desperate. We must reach an agreement on funding transportation in a way that holds ODOT accountable and demonstrates good governance.

We reject the premise that if we don't make life more expensive for Oregonians, we can't fix potholes, plow the snow, or keep rural roads safe.

CONGRESS ACTS TO STOP EV MANDATES FOR CARS AND TRUCKS

This week, the U.S. Senate took a historic and much-needed stand for American jobs, consumer choice, and common sense by voting to revoke California's controversial vehicle emissions waivers—rules that Oregon and other states have adopted. These waivers, granted by the Biden EPA, allowed California to impose the Low NOx Omnibus, Advanced Clean Cars II, and Advanced Clean Trucks rules—mandates that would have banned new gas-powered cars by 2035 and forced unattainable zero-emission truck sales quotas on our businesses.

If you read last week's newsletter, Oregon DEQ delayed its enforcement of the Advanced Clean Trucks rules for two years. But the Low NOx and Advanced Clean Cars II rules were still on the books. With this action in Congress, Oregon cannot enforce those rules.

The Senate's bipartisan 51-44 vote, which followed the House's earlier bipartisan approval, sends these rollbacks to President Trump, who is expected to sign them into law. It's a victory for working Oregonians, small businesses, and the entire trucking industry, which has been sounding the alarm about the economic and practical harms of these mandates for years.

Importantly, this was not just a partisan issue. Michigan Democrat Senator Elissa Slotkin crossed the aisle to join Republicans in voting to block California's electric vehicle and emissions mandates. Senator Slotkin made clear that her vote was about protecting Michigan's auto industry and the livelihoods of more than a million workers who depend on it.

KOTEK’S PUSH TO TAKE YOUR KICKER

This week, Governor Tina Kotek made it clear: she wants to take $1 billion from next year’s “kicker” tax refund—money that rightfully belongs to hardworking Oregonians—and use it not to prevent wildfire but to suppress them when they start. The Governor is openly supporting withholding a massive chunk of the $1.6 billion kicker despite previously saying in 2023 that the tax relief was “really important to Oregonians.”

Governor Kotek is trying to sell this as a “one-time” move to benefit rural Oregon, arguing that most of the people losing out on their refund “do not live in fire-prone areas.” She claims this is a transfer of wealth from urban to rural communities—a talking point designed to win Republican support. But let’s be clear: the kicker is not the government’s money to redistribute. It is a constitutional tax refund triggered when the state over-collects from taxpayers. Oregonians are already struggling with high taxes and rising costs. Taking away this refund is nothing short of a tax hike by another name.

The Governor wants to take the kicker from “high-income earners,” but the reality is that once the door is opened to raiding the kicker, there’s no telling who will be next. And make no mistake, suspending the kicker requires a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers—a level of support that has only happened once since the 1970s for good reason.

Republicans have been clear: this is a “hard no.” The kicker belongs to you, not to politicians who have failed to prioritize wildfire funding (and have ignored wildfire prevention) in a budget that has doubled in the last decade. Instead of taking more from taxpayers, the state should cut waste and find responsible ways to fund wildfire suppression.

I will continue to fight to protect your kicker and ensure that Salem respects the will of the people and the Oregon Constitution.

OREGON’S ECONOMY: STAGNATION, LOST INVESTMENT,

AND MORE THREATS ON THE HORIZON

Oregon’s economic climate is at a crossroads—and the warning signs are impossible to ignore. A recent University of Oregon study found that more and more Oregon businesses are being lured to invest and expand outside our state, with nearly a quarter reporting direct recruitment by out-of-state agencies. Of the nearly $4 billion in recent private investment for business expansion, up to $3 billion was spent outside Oregon. The reasons? High taxes, a burdensome and unpredictable regulatory system, and a lack of meaningful incentives to keep or grow jobs here.

Business leaders are sounding the alarm: Oregon’s business tax burden grew by more than a third between 2019 and 2023, not even counting the extra layers imposed in Portland and Multnomah County. The state has fallen 11 places in national competitiveness rankings in just two years. As a result, Oregon is now in a manufacturing recession. This week, it was reported that Keen, the popular hiking boot brand, quietly closed up shop in Portland and moved their factory to Kentucky. 

The situation is especially dire in Portland, where the commercial real estate market has collapsed. The city’s largest office tower, once valued at over $300 million, is now on the market for less than $70 million—an 80% drop. Office vacancy rates have soared to 35%, the highest among major U.S. cities, driven by a toxic mix of public safety issues, remote work, and a lack of confidence in the city’s direction. Major employers are leaving for the suburbs or out of state, further eroding the tax base and threatening city services. I am confident that the recent move by the Portland City Council to divert nearly $2 million in funding from the police to city parks will not put any businesses' concerns over public safety to rest.

Oregon is already ranked 48th in “business friendliness” nationwide. Instead of working to make Oregon more competitive, the Legislature is considering bills that would only make things worse:

• SB 916 would make Oregon the first state in the nation to offer unemployment benefits to striking workers in both the public and private sectors, a move that could dramatically raise costs for employers and incentivize longer, more frequent strikes.

It’s not just private businesses and the “big bad, ugly capitalists” in the crosshairs anymore. Local school districts are speaking out against the dangers of SB 916, which will encourage more teacher strikes that lock kids out of the classroom. In their letter to lawmakers, they said, ““We must share the serious financial strain and administrative burden this bill would place on school districts—especially during a time of profound fiscal uncertainty,” the superintendents wrote. “The core of our concern is simple: every public dollar intended for education must be spent in a way that directly benefits students.”

This week, I spoke on the House floor to elevate those school district's concerns. Watch that here: 

• SB 429 would expose property owners and contractors to new lawsuits, increasing legal risks and costs for businesses—especially those in construction—at a time when we desperately need more housing and economic activity.

After receiving over 1,300 emails in opposition to this bill, my colleagues and I proposed several amendments — all of them aimed at preventing wage theft and human trafficking. All of them were voted down along party lines.

I firmly believe this legislation will result in devastating lawsuits against Oregon businesses and property owners who did nothing wrong.

HB 3631: SUPPORTING THE WORK OF

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS AND YMCAS

Last week, I had the privilege of testifying before the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety in strong support of my bill, HB 3631—the Thriving Youth: Prevention & Intervention Initiative. As both a parent and a community member in Albany, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA have on our young people. HB 3631 is about building on that success and making a real, urgent investment in the well-being of Oregon’s youth.

Our state faces a youth mental health crisis—Oregon leads the nation in youth depression, and nearly 60% of those with substance use disorder also struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions. Too many young people are turning to substances not out of boredom, but as a way to cope with daily challenges. This bill is a call to action, designed to meet youth where they are: after school, in trusted spaces, with caring adults who can provide the support and tools they need to thrive.

HB 3631 would fund a pilot program serving 15,000 youth across 20 counties, partnering with trusted organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, American Camp Association camps, and OregonASK. The initiative will expand access to evidence-based prevention education, staff training, and community-based behavioral health services—delivered by professionals who know and care about our kids.

This isn’t just a pilot; it’s a blueprint for a statewide system of prevention and early intervention, grounded in what works: stable relationships, trusted environments, early identification, and ongoing support. HB 3631 is our opportunity to invest in Oregon’s youth before crisis hits—and to build a stronger, healthier future for our entire state.

Watch my testimony here:

HB 3971: A GARBAGE GARBAGE PROPOSAL

This week, I spoke out strongly against HB 3971, a bill that would force through Lane County’s controversial $150 million “CleanLane” garbage facility by overriding Oregon’s land use laws and denying local residents their right to appeal. This proposal is a clear example of political insiders trying to cut corners and bypass the same processes that every other Oregon business and landowner must follow.

The CleanLane project is not only expensive and unnecessary, but the local community has made it clear they don’t want it. Lane County already has one of the highest recycling rates in Oregon and a functioning recycling sorting facility. Yet, instead of proper planning, the county is seeking a legislative bailout to push through a facility that will raise garbage rates for families and businesses across the Willamette Valley.

During this week’s public hearing, I emphasized that HB 3971 is not the answer. The bill would saddle Oregonians with higher costs and set a dangerous precedent by allowing those with political connections to sidestep established land use protections. We need to look at other options, like finally utilizing the Millersburg intermodal facility to transport waste, rather than passing the burden onto ratepayers.

DEMOCRATS BLOCK VOTE TO REPEAL GOVERNOR KOTEK’S LEGALIZED TENT CITIES AND RETURN LOCAL CONTROL

TO MANAGE HOMELESS CRISIS

On Wednesday, House Republicans forced a vote on a bill that would repeal HB 3115 (2021), which allows homeless people to live on public property, and sue cities and counties for camping enforcement policies they feel are not “objectively reasonable,” without clearly defining what that means.

The vote on HB 2432 failed with a 28 to 24 vote. Six Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill that would return control to local leaders to manage the homeless crisis in their jurisdictions.

Governor Kotek is personally responsible for this policy, which for years, has been making the homeless crisis worse, while taking the power away from local leaders to restore safety to their streets. We should be focusing on increasing access to treatment, not enabling tent cities and open drug use that harms communities and families, as well as those living on our streets.

Homelessness increased by nearly 14% in Oregon from 2023 to 2024, with nearly 23,000 homeless people reported during a single night in January. In 2024, Oregon also had the second highest rate of unsheltered youth in the nation (60%) and the fourth highest rate of homeless veterans (55%).

Celebrating the Future of Oregon Agriculture:

LBCC Ag Center Groundbreaking

This week, I had the honor of joining our community for the groundbreaking of the new LBCC Agriculture Center—a milestone that marks a major investment in the future of Oregon agriculture and rural education. As someone who grew up on a family farm right here in the Willamette Valley, I know firsthand how vital agriculture is to our state’s economy and identity.

The new Ag Center will be the only facility of its kind from Seattle to San Francisco, right here in our backyard. It will provide hands-on training and education for the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and ag leaders. Programs like LBCC’s nationally recognized Livestock Judging Team have already produced outstanding alumni who are now teaching and leading across Oregon. This new center will build on that tradition, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in a changing industry.

Agriculture is Oregon’s second-largest employer, generating over $6.7 billion in economic activity and supporting thousands of family-owned farms. But our industry faces real challenges: the average age of a local farmer is now 63, and fewer young people are entering the field because of increasingly burdensome state regulations on agriculture that make it harder and harder to make a living. That’s why this facility matters so much—it gives rural students the opportunity, support, and hands-on experience they need to thrive.

The work is hard, but it’s noble and essential. This Ag Center is our commitment to supporting those who feed and clothe the world, and to sowing hope for the future of Oregon agriculture.

Dr. Chervenak from ABC House:

Congratulations to Dr. Chervenak on 28 years of exceptional service as Medical Director at ABC House! Your dedication, leadership, and care have made a lasting impact — thank you for all that you do.

From our friends at the City of Albany, Oregon

It's National Public Works week y'all!

Ever wonder who's protecting Albany's waterways from mystery spills, sneaky pollutants, and industrial gunk? Meet the Environmental Services team-our behind-the-scenes water warriors!

From chasing down illicit discharges (yes, that's a thing) to making sure our rivers run clean (who knew paint was bad for the stormdrain) and our treatment plant isn't overwhelmed by rogue runoff, they do it all. E 5 Plus, they hit up events and schools to teach us how to keep our storm drains pollution-free and our household pipes happy and FOG-free (fats, oils, and grease) by scraping and trashing it. They'd be glad to talk to you the next time you're both down at the Albany Farmers' Market!

Part science nerd, part superhero energy-Albany is cleaner, safer, and healthier because of them. If you see something sketchy in a stormwater drain, visit our website here or call 541-917-7600 after hours so our crews can get on it sooner rather than later.

More Public Works Awareness:

The wheels on the bus go 'round and round... because Public Works keeps them moving efficiently and safely. Whether you're looping the Loop between Albany and Corvallis, taking ATS around town like a boss, or summoning Call-A-Ride like a transit wizard a t - Public Works is the behind-the-scenes - er, wheel - crew making it happen. Bonus? It's fare-free. That's right-zero dollars. More money for snacks. Or socks. Or inflatable flamingos. We don't judge. Here's to the team literally driving community connection-one bus, one stop, one ride at a time.

Want to feel like a transit psychic? Download the Transit app and track your bus in real-time. It's like magic. But with GPS.

Let's show them some love this week!

From our friends at the Jackson Street Youth Services:

Give gold, support YOUTH!

Next Friday, May 30th, from 10am-6pm, give a portion of your gold sales to Jackson Street when you sell to Olufson Designs in downtown Corvallis. Gold has hit a historic high in value, so it's a great time to get rid of broken jewelry, gold coins, single earrings, gold crowns, etc!

Thanks to Kendra at Olufson Designs for coming up with this rad community fundraiser. Give Olufson a call with any questions at 541-738-6005.

From our friends at the Linn County Sheriff's Office:

Wildfire Awareness Month continues, and we have another tip to help protect your home and slow or stop the spread of fire.

Cleaning up yard debris? Great! Don't burn it. Instead: chip it, compost it, or recycle it — the fire-safe way to clear defensible space. Let's keep our communities safer, one pile at a time. Learn more here! 

More from our friends at Linn County Sheriff's Office:

Camping season is here, and with it comes potential theft from campsites, your Linn County Sheriff's Office wants to remind everyone of a few things to help keep you, and your items, safe this camping season.

• Lock your vehicle. When venturing off on an early morning hike, lock your personal belongings out of sight in your vehicle, or better yet, carry them with you. If you're tent camping, valuables can easily be stolen from inside and around your tent.
• Get an extra set of eyes. If you leave your campsite for a day trip, ask your neighbors to keep an eye on it for you.
• Lock items to a tree. If you have an expensive grill or bike, secure them with a cable locked around a nearby tree.
• Properly store your food. Thieves can also take the form of furry critters. Store your food in airtight containers. This not only keeps it fresh; it prevents animals from noticing its scent and raiding your campsite.
• Dry your gear during the day. If you have expensive camping gear that needs to air out, do it during the day. Never assume you can leave it out overnight and expect it to be there in the morning.
• Leave it at home. Camping provides an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Leave the tablet or laptop at home and enjoy a simpler life.

With so many great camping spots in Linn County, we are sure you will have a great time, and hope it is a safe one too!

From our friends at the Albany Oregon Police Department:

All of these incredible officers were honored on Wednesday evening at the City Council meeting for their heroic actions in the past year. We are so proud to live, work and play in the City of Albany.

From our friends at VFW Post 584:

Hey Albany - the Combat Veterans Motorcycle association is going to be doing a fireworks stand again this year. Please help us support our veterans in Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, Salem and all small towns in the area.

LBCC Chamber Choir Shares Their Gift with the Legislature

I was privileged to welcome the Linn-Benton Community College Chamber Choir to the chamber, led by the acclaimed Director Raymund Ocampo, and they were accompanied by LBCC President Lisa Avery. This talented group has earned international Gold Awards in Germany and Hong Kong, showcasing their exceptional artistry and dedication. Director Ocampo’s recent “Outstanding Teacher Award” highlights his inspiring leadership. We thank them for sharing their remarkable voices and bringing pride to our community.

Watch my Floor Courtesy here.

Their visit brought music, energy, and a wonderful spirit of community!

Watch their performance

Future Changemakers from South Albany High Visit Capitol

I had the honor to welcome an exceptional group of students from South Albany High School’s National Honor Society to the Capitol! Representing grades 10–12, these young leaders exemplify scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Their visit reflects a strong commitment to civic engagement and a bright future for our state. Our future is in good hands with leaders like these!

Watch my Floor Courtesy here.

Capitol Chat: Work Boots in the Marble Halls

Steve, Stan, Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, and Mike

It was a quick hello, but enough to remind me why I do this work. Grateful for the connection and the continued conversations that keep our rural voices strong in Salem.

The 2025 legislative session my office will continue to keep you updated and informed - and is always at your service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.

Talk soon,

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis