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Here are some highlights from the past week and helpful community information for you!
- Shelly
DEMS/KOTEK SEE POLITICAL OPPORTUNITY
AFTER NEW ODOT REPORT
This week marked the first meeting of the brand new Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment. It's just the same transportation committee as before, but not subject to any of the deadlines our regular committee was. It was formed by the Speaker of the House and the Senate President to facilitate the passage of massive new and increased transportation taxes, including a new cap & trade scheme.
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Our first order of business was to hear a presentation about a new report that details the managerial failures of ODOT. The report, put together by two independent consultants in the transportation industry, didn't reveal a lot of groundbreaking discoveries, but mostly rehashed the struggles within ODOT that many of us already knew about: high staff turnover, outdated financial systems, cost overruns, and persistent delays in major projects. Some of their recommendations for reform have been tried in one form or another over the last several years and have been ineffective at delivering the accountability that I have talked so much about.
But now, Governor Kotek, after months of silence on ODOT's failures, wants you to believe she’s ready to clean up the mess she helped create. It’s almost as if she thinks a new report gives her political cover to push through massive tax hikes on hardworking Oregonians. We don’t need more empty letters or phony accountability. I’m tired of Democrats dangling the promise of a functioning government over our heads, all while threatening working families with more taxes.
Oregonians deserve real change and bold reform—not another tax increase. On Sunday, the Oregonian published an op-ed from House and Senate Republican leaders Christine Drazan and Daniel Bonham about our plans for real reform. This comes after we announced forthcoming legislation to codify these reforms, in addition to cost savings through the regular budgeting process.
We recognize Oregon’s roads and bridges are in dire need of investment. But Oregonians are tired of being told the answer is always “pay more.” Before considering any tax increases, we must rebuild trust by ensuring every transportation dollar is spent wisely and efficiently. That means demanding accountability, streamlining ODOT’s operations, and delivering real results—potholes filled, roads plowed, bridges repaired.
DEMOCRATS ON AN ANTI-BUSINESS RAMPAGE
"Wage theft" bill headed to Kotek for Signature
You would think all the recent news coverage about how businesses are investing elsewhere, leaving Oregon, and closing down would make Democrats pause with their war on business. (After all, how will Oregonians make a living if all their jobs leave the state?) Nope! They are charging ahead.
This week, despite bipartisan opposition, Democrats passed a deeply flawed and controversial “wage theft” bill that threatens to further destabilize our state’s already struggling business climate. While protecting workers from wage theft is a goal we all share, this legislation takes the wrong approach and targets the wrong people.
Instead of focusing enforcement on the true bad actors—criminals and labor traffickers who exploit workers—SB 426 exposes property owners and general contractors to costly lawsuits for the actions of subcontractors, even if they had no knowledge of wrongdoing. This means small business owners, who are already overwhelmed by Oregon’s high taxes and complex regulations, now face even more uncertainty and legal risk just for trying to operate and create jobs.
Let’s be clear: this bill will not solve the root causes of wage theft. It will, however, stifle competition, increase costs, and slow down desperately needed housing construction across Oregon. The threat of litigation will make it harder for honest contractors to compete, drive up project costs, and discourage new businesses from entering the market. At a time when we should be supporting our local businesses and encouraging growth, SB 426 does the exact opposite.
Republicans fought to fix this bill—offering amendments to protect property owners and calling for real reforms to Oregon’s Bureau of Labor & Industries, which is plagued by backlogs and staffing shortages. Our proposals were ignored. Instead, the majority pushed through a bill that unfairly punishes small businesses and homeowners while exempting unions from its harshest impacts.
Union Payoff Set for Floor Vote Next Week
Senate Bill 916 would make Oregon the most generous state in the nation to get paid while not working.
The Oregonian Editorial Board penned a scathing column on the impacts this bill would have on students and schools, "The proposal – the most expansive such policy in the nation – not only upends the negotiating dynamic to heavily favor unions; it also carries significant financial risks for school districts which, like other public employers, must reimburse the unemployment fund for every dollar that goes to striking workers. That’s money that could otherwise help students learn to read, explore new subjects and develop essential life skills."
Let’s be clear: SB 916 does not help students, parents, or local businesses. Instead, it diverts critical resources away from classrooms and encourages more frequent and longer strikes, putting our children’s education and Oregon’s economic future at risk. School districts are already struggling. Now, they’ll face even more administrative burdens and uncertainty as they’re forced to process unemployment claims and adjust paychecks for striking staff.
The business community is rightfully concerned as well. This bill doesn’t just impact public employers—it increases costs for all Oregon employers, pushing us further down in national rankings for business friendliness. At a time when we should be supporting job creators and ensuring every dollar goes toward student success, SB 916 does the opposite.
Republicans offered common-sense alternatives, like requiring unions to use their own strike funds before tapping into taxpayer-supported unemployment insurance. Those ideas were rejected. Instead, the majority chose to reward walkouts and make it harder for schools and businesses to plan for the future.
Ag Labor Board Turns into PR Study
Democrats have backed off their proposal, HB 2548, that would start a government takeover of the state's agriculture industry. Instead, they now intend to amend the bill to make Portland State University essentially come up with talking points about why this bill is needed. This is a trick that Democrats play often. They can't get the support for a crazy idea, so they spend your tax dollars for someone to "study" the issue and report back. These "studies" are just basically PR exercises to come up with the most effective talking points so they can come back and pass the bill in a later session.
Farmers and ranchers shouldn't find much comfort in this proposal... I sure don't.
 OREGON CAN LEARN FROM MISSISSIPPI
This week, Oregon Democrats advanced the largest K-12 education budget in state history—$11.4 billion. Yet, despite this unprecedented spending, our students continue to fall behind, with some of the worst academic outcomes in the country. Oregon’s fourth-grade reading scores are seven points below the national average and have been trailing for nearly two decades. Only 28% of our fourth graders are proficient in reading, and less than half of our high schoolers meet grade-level standard.
I recently saw stories of the "Mississippi Miracle" recirculating online. Mississippi has far fewer resources and one of the lowest per-capita incomes in the country. Despite spending less than almost every other state, Mississippi has achieved some of the best reading scores in the nation. Their secret? Instead of just increasing funding, Mississippi fundamentally changed how schools teach reading. They invested in evidence-based literacy coaching, required early screening for reading deficiencies, held schools accountable for student progress, and actually held students back if they didn't demonstrate proficiency. The result: Mississippi’s students—including Black and low-income children—now outperform their peers across the country, and the state is the only one to see gains across all performance levels over the last decade.
In contrast, from transportation to education, it's clear that Democrats only believe in one thing: more money will solve the problem. But that approach is a proven failure. Even Democrats' proposals for early literacy are just simply more money, with little accountability. They have shown little success at raising reading proficiency rates. Now, some left-wing activist groups are trying to inject DEI into the program.
Oregon’s approach has been to spend more without demanding meaningful change in classrooms. We need school choice now and reforms like Mississippi now. Oregon families deserve results, not just record budgets.
DEMOCRATS ADVANCED SECOND AMENDMENT CRACKDOWN
This week, Democrats in the Oregon Senate pushed through Senate Bill 243—a sweeping gun control measure that does more to punish responsible gun owners than to actually keep our communities safe. Let’s be clear: this bill, passed on a strict party-line vote, is not about targeting criminals or addressing the root causes of gun violence like mental health. Instead, it creates new layers of bureaucracy and confusion for law-abiding Oregonians.
SB 243 bans rapid-fire devices like bump stocks, gives local governments the power to ban concealed carry in public buildings, creating a confusing patchwork of rules that will trip up responsible citizens while doing nothing to deter criminals. This could leave people more vulnerable to crime, not less. As an example, just this week, a law abiding CHL holder stopped a violent shooting in Seattle and potentially saved the lives of two pedestrians.
Senate Republicans offered real solutions—like keeping guns out of the hands of those charged with drug-related crimes and fixing flawed safe storage laws—but those ideas were rejected out of hand. Instead, Democrats chose to push a bill that chips away at our constitutional rights and ignores the real threats facing Oregon families. I am tired of being blamed while politicians refuse to address the real issues, and I know countless Oregonians are as well.
The bill now heads to the House.
DEMOCRATS HOLD WILDFIRE MAP REPEAL HOSTAGE
Oregonians have made it clear: the state’s wildfire hazard map was a disaster for rural families, threatening insurance rates and property rights with flawed data and poor communication. That’s why Senate Bill 83—a repeal of the wildfire maps—passed the Senate unanimously, with strong bipartisan support and a promise of relief for those most affected.
But now, House Democrats are playing political games. Instead of sending this urgent, bipartisan bill straight to the House floor for a vote, they’ve stalled it in committee, using it as leverage to try to get support for their latest scheme to raid over $1 billion from the taxpayer “kicker” refund for wildfire suppression. This is nothing more than holding rural Oregonians hostage to advance a massive tax grab.
This week, House Republicans forced a vote on the bill and despite bipartisan support, Democrats killed the effort.
Oregonians were promised relief from the wildfire map—no strings attached. Tying that relief to a controversial plan to take away the kicker is disgraceful, and it betrays the spirit of collaboration that got SB 83 through the Senate in the first place. Our rural communities shouldn’t be bargaining chips in backroom deals.
I stand with my Republican colleagues in demanding an immediate floor vote on the wildfire map repeal. Stop the political games. Deliver the relief Oregonians were promised—without raiding their wallets.
Rural waste facility revives Oregon ‘super-siting’ debate
A proposal to “super-site” a rural waste processing facility in Oregon’s Lane County is raising questions about which projects are chosen to sidestep state land use regulations. Allowing the facility to bypass land use procedures would speed up its construction, but critics say the project shouldn’t receive preferential treatment simply because it’s supported by certain government officials. “We have people coming to you saying: ‘We don’t want to follow our own rules,’” said Rep. Boomer Wright, R-Coos Bay. “If we’re going to make changes, we should do it for everybody. Why have rules at all?”
New rule for distributing tents to homeless in Multnomah Co. goes into effect
A new rule has gone into effect in Multnomah County, changing how the county distributes tents to those experiencing homelessness. Starting Tuesday, distribution of tents will only be allowed during severe weather and cold weather advisory events. The new rule replaces an interim supply distribution guideline implemented by the homeless services department in October 2024.
Gov. Tina Kotek announces new council to grow Oregon’s behavioral health workforce – chaired by her wife
The new position builds on Kotek Wilson’s position as a surrogate for her wife on behavioral health policy. The first lady’s role in her wife’s office prompted intense scrutiny last year after three of the governor’s top staffers left their jobs after protesting Kotek Wilson’s growing role. The state’s ethics agency has said that Kotek Wilson is allowed to volunteer in her wife’s office and receive some staffing and equipment to help her in that role as long as she doesn’t benefit financially.
LBCC Breaks Ground on New 53 Acre Ag Center
Linn-Benton Community College celebrated a major milestone on Thursday, May 22 with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Agricultural Center. Approximately 75 community attendees, including representatives from the agricultural industry, students, faculty, and local leaders, gathered to mark the beginning of construction on the state-of-the-art facility...
...Representative Boshart Davis expressed her pride in working in the agricultural industry right down the road from where the new Ag Center will be built. She also recognized the excellence of LBCC’s Livestock Judging Team, giving them a special shoutout as “the most competitive community college team west of the Rockies.”
See Also: LBCC breaks ground on $14 million agricultural center | Philomath News
Oregon bill removes time limits for sex abuse lawsuits: ‘Justice for what happened to you should never have an expiration date”
Choked with emotion, the Oregon House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Thursday that members said would empower future victims of sexual assault to seek justice by eliminating deadlines to file lawsuits against alleged abusers or the institutions that employed them. The bill would apply no matter how many decades have passed since the alleged abuse happened and whether the victim was an adult or a child. The bill churned up powerful and personal stories from a few lawmakers, including Rep. Cyrus Javadi, a Tillamook Republican who spoke of being abused by a babysitter when he was 12, and Rep. Annessa Hartman, a Gladstone Democrat, who said she was sexually assaulted when she was 18...
...During his floor speech, Javadi, the representative from Tillamook, said he only told “maybe two people” in his life about the abuse he endured as a child. “I was 12 years old, my mom worked three jobs, we had a babysitter,” Javadi said. “I thought it was my fault for a long time.” Javadi said he knows many other victims blame themselves, too, and his message to them is they should be able to pursue action “whenever you’ve figured out in your life that it wasn’t your fault.” “I don’t think anyone should have to worry that the clock ran out,” Javadi said. “So thank goodness for this bill.”
Republicans intensify opposition to capping bills per session in Oregon
House Bill 2006, introduced in mid-April by six Democrats and five Republicans, would cap individual lawmakers to requesting 25 drafts during the 160-day long sessions in odd years. Lawmakers have historically limited bills in the 35-day short sessions in even years — in 2024, for instance, lawmakers could introduce two bills apiece. The number of bills lawmakers have been considering in the past years has increased steadily, particularly during odd years. This session, legislators have introduced more than 3,400 pieces of legislation since February.
Republicans on the committee, however, said further limits on the legislative process would continue to shut them out of opportunities to pass legislation in the minority. The new bill revives another limitation effort that popped up after the last time the Oregon Legislature saw a record number of bills introduced — nearly 3,300 in 2001. At that time, lawmakers considered similar restrictions that eventually failed in the Senate, which was controlled by Republicans at the time. “I routinely propose bills that are similar to other bills in the building and the only reason for that is because my district wants me to have that voice,” said House Republican leader Rep. Christine Drazan, R-Canby. “And what ends up moving is the Democrat bill time and again...”
...Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, said the idea of bill limits “is great,” but that the bill is “extremely problematic.” She noted that the legislation would allow for the Senate president and Speaker of the House to authorize additional measures for members or committees. Combined with the 400 measures the governor and state agencies could introduce, “that’s a problem,” she said. “You have the majority party being able to authorize,” she said. “There’s no limit on that.”
Study: Portland has worst housing crisis outlook in nation
A new report from LendingTree paints a grim picture for first-time homebuyers in the Pacific Northwest, ranking Portland as the metro with the worst housing crisis outlook among the nation’s largest 100 cities. The study analyzed vacancy rates, housing unit approvals, and home value-to-income ratios, concluding that three of the five worst metros are in the Pacific Northwest. The study shows Portland has a median home value of $526,500, while the median household income is $94,573.
Recognizing Outstanding Youth Achievement
From our friends at the Albany Boys & Girls Club:
Big congrats to Santiago for being selected to attend the 2025 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)!
This incredible 6-day leadership camp in Dorena, OR, is packed with team-building, outdoor fun, and hands-on leadership development for high school sophomores and juniors.
Huge congratulations to Gracie & Lizzy for being the 2025 Boys & Girls Club of Albany Education Fund Scholarship Recipients!
Give the Gift of Life: Blood Drive at the ABGC
From our friends at the Albany Boys & Girls Club:
Blood Drive happening next week on June 2nd at the Albany Boys & Girls Club, with American Red Cross! Join us from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM and help save lives!
Ready, Set, Safe! Albany Police Youth Camp
From our friends at the Albany Police Department:
Kiddos entering 4th-6th grade... Just a reminder that Safety Camp is coming up on June 23-25th! Sign up soon here!
Bargains & Blessings: Community Yard Sale
From our friends at Jackson Street Youth Services:
Facebook event for the Community Yard Sale is LIVE! Please RSVP and share widely!
Tied to Safety: SAR Debuts Specialized Rope Rescue Team
From our friends at Linn County Sheriff's Office:
The Linn County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Team has recently expanded its' capabilities with a new rope rescue team! Five SAR volunteers recently completed the Rescue 3 International Rope Rescue Operations Course, marking the official launch of the SAR's in-house rope rescue team. With 18 rope-related SAR calls in the past year, this new team will allow for faster, safer, and more effective rescues within Linn County and surrounding areas!
Warming Weather, Cold Water: What You Need to Know
More from our friends at Linn County Sheriff's Office:
With the weather starting to warm up around the county, we know that a lot of you will look to one of our amazing rivers, lakes, or streams to cool off. While this may sound like a good idea, this early in the year, our area waterways are still full of debris, the water is running fast and is very COLD! Our Marine Patrol would like to remind people of a few things to help keep you safe if you do venture out into the water, now or even later into the summer months:
- Always enter unknown or shallow water cautiously.
- Do not enter the water from a height, such as a bridge or boat. It may look like you can tell how deep of water you are jumping into and can see all the objects between you and the water, but you likely cannot!
- Be careful when standing in running water to prevent being knocked over by strong springtime currents.
- Recreate sober. All day, every day.
- Swim with a buddy.
- If you are planning to float down one of our many rivers or streams, make sure to use an appropriate device, make a plan and let others know where you plan to get in and where you plan to get out, and wear a life jacket!
We hope everyone can enjoy our waterways safely, and for more information on cold water safety, visit here!
Support DUII Training—Eat, Drink, and Make a Difference
From our friends at the Albany Police Department:
Ever had the government buy you a drink and even pizza? Well here is your chance! Wet bar participants for DUll training needed at DPSST!
Pups & Perks: Free Coffee with Bentley
More from our friends at the Albany Oregon Police Department:
Mark your calendars! Stop by and see us, pet Bentley and get a free cup of joe from Margin Coffee!
Be the Difference: Free Trainings to Prevent Child Abuse
From our friends at the ABC House:
Interested in Prevention Training? ABC House offers free training on child abuse prevention, trauma care & response-online or in-person.
Trainings offered:
- Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children
- SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices
- Recognizing & Responding to Child Abuse
- Talking with Children about Safety from Sexual Abuse
- Healthy Touch for Children & Youth
- Protecting Children Through Active Bystanding
- Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)
All trainings are available in English & Spanish! Learn more & register here!
For the Love of Our Family Farms: Voices Raised, Farms Defended
Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, Marie, and Macey
This week, two of my ride-or-die friends Marie and Macey showed up, along with many other farmers, in my Rules Committee against HB 2548. big—testifying in my Rules Committee against HB 2548. This bill threatens to pile more red tape on Oregon’s family farms, putting jobs and livelihoods at risk.
We love our ag community. We’re fighting to protect it—because the people who grow our food deserve better than more bureaucracy.
Your voice matters. Keep speaking up!
During 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
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