|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1418
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-385, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It is the last month of the 2025 session, and we are on the countdown to Sine Die with 24 days left to complete our work. The second chamber deadline for bills to move out of policy committees passed on May 23rd. Those measures that moved forward are making their way through both chambers as policy committees shut down.
There’s still a lot of work to do before the last gavel falls. The remainder of the session is focused on balancing the budget. Policy measures held in the Rules, Revenue and Joint Committees likely contain some of the session’s most controversial issues. We will see what’s in store in the days ahead.
|
Subcommittees continue to move budget bills to the full Ways and Means Committee, funding a transportation package -and wildfire protection and response is still on the table.
It has been my honor to serve as your voice in Salem. Your engagement throughout the session has been valuable and appreciated. Please stay tuned as the Capitol becomes a fast-changing landscape – physically, emotionally, and most certain politically in these final days. How it all wraps up is anybody’s guess.
Sincerely,
|
Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
In this issue:
View Previous Newsletters Here
On May 14th, state economists presented the June Economic and Revenue Forecast, projecting that state government will see a 12% increase in revenue from the previous biennium. This is $755 million less than their March prediction. The increase could have been greater if it weren’t for Oregon’s highest in the nation taxes, aggressive regulatory environment, and public policy choices that harmed our economic engine.
|
The reality is… We don’t have a revenue problem – we in fact have record revenues this session. What we have is a spending problem. If we want to see our state budgets grow, we shouldn’t raise taxes, we should cut them. We shouldn’t add regulations, we should reduce them. Moving forward, I remain opposed to raising taxes of any kind.
I hope my colleagues in the Legislature will use what time we have left in this session to fix what’s broken and work together to make decisions that gets Oregon back on the right track.
The graph below as a visual example of how Oregon’s budget has grown exponentially under single party control - far outpacing family budgets.
Detailed forecast information can be found in the following links:
June Economic and Revenue Forecast Presentation | DAS Office of Economic Analysis
June Economic and Revenue Forecast Summary | Legislative Revenue Office
With the second chamber deadline behind us we are spending a great deal of time on the floor passing bills and budgets. Several measures I carried from my committee assignment and other measures of interest are highlighted below:
SB 150 – Veterans Benefit Services Assistance
(Lewis: Opposed)
SB 150 prohibits receiving compensation for performing certain services for or on behalf of an applicant or a claimant for a veteran's benefit except as provided in applicable federal or state law. The measure has the best of intentions to put an end to “claim sharks” who prey upon veterans and steal their benefits, however, the bill as written has serious negative consequences for veterans who seek advice in filing a claim for benefits or wish to appeal a denial of a claim for benefits. There was an acknowledgement that the concept needs work and likely will need to be amended to fix the unintended consequences.
|
We are fully aware that there are veterans who have not had a good relationship with the state or federal VA. Many have been denied benefits or have experienced delays in getting their benefits. As a veteran myself, I know many who have been less than satisfied in their dealings with the VA. They may well choose to seek outside assistance in filing a claim or assisting in expediting a settlement. They should not be precluded from hiring an attorney of their choosing to assist them with an appeal of the denial of a benefit and an attorney acting in good faith should not be accused of engaging in an unfair business practice for doing so. A veteran should not be put in the position of having to go to court and pay court fees and costs to have a court determine whether or not a fee they were charged is reasonable when reasonableness has already been established in federal code by the federal VA.
There continues to be a backlog of nearly 400,000 veteran disability claims nationwide. The current systems in place do not provide a sufficient number of representatives or caliber of services to meet the need of our veteran population. Veterans need more options – not less. Restricting their choices is not in their best interest.
Legislation in several other states is currently being challenged in the courts on Constitutional first amendment grounds. The state of Connecticut has a version of the bill that is much better. It would have addressed the concerns I mentioned. Because of the likely unintended consequences of this bill, I voted no in committee and no on the floor. We can do better in protecting our veterans without taking away options. In the end, it should be the choice of the veteran where they choose to seek assistance and the fewer barriers the better.
Watch a replay of my floor speech here.
|
SCR 30 - Designates April 10, 2025, as Purple Up! Day for Month of the Military Child (Lewis: Sponsor)
Establishes a day of recognition honoring the children of servicemen and women. Recognizes the unique challenges and sacrifices faced by military children, who often endure long separations from one or both parents serving in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. It also acknowledges their strength, commitment and support of their enlisted family members and highlights the importance of community support to help these children thrive. It designates April 10, 2025, as Purple Up! Day in Oregon and encourages all Oregonians to wear purple to visibly show appreciation for military children, recognizing that when parents serve, their children serve too.
|
SB 426 B - Enacts laws relating to unpaid wages for workers who work on construction projects (Lewis: Opposed)
SB 426 allows workers to go to court to recover lost wages not just from the subcontractors who pay them directly, but from the property owners and general contractors. It also allows Oregon’s Attorney General to file such lawsuits on behalf of unpaid workers and makes Oregon the only state in the Nation that holds owners liable for wages they already paid.
While proponents of the bill claim it solves wage theft, it simply shifts the liability from bad actors to unknowing upper tier contractors and small business owners.
Oregon Among the Worst States to Do Business
Last month, Oregon Business & Industry ranked Oregon in 44th place in the nation for business friendliness due to its high regulatory burdens and high costs of doing business
A University of Oregon report shows out-of-state businesses are actively recruiting Oregon workers, using tax incentives as “by far the most commonly offered” incentive to leave the state.
Shifting the Blame Instead of Fixing the Problem
This bill adds another deterrent to businesses without addressing the heart of the issue.
A series of common-sense amendments in the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee were rejected. I supported the proposed Minority Report that would have removed all owners from liability, aligning Oregon with all other states, and provided a pathway to target unlicensed construction labor brokers.
I also supported my colleague’s motions to refer the legislation back to the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards and to the House Rules Committee to stop this ill-conceived measure. Those efforts failed and I opposed the measure’s passage with a “No” vote. The bill passed 31-26.
|
SB 180 & HB 3582 A - Protects Sexual Assault Survivors for Speaking Out and To Remove Time Limits for Sex Abuse Lawsuits
(Lewis: Supports)
Last week, SB 180 A passed unanimously off the House floor. The measure ensures that when victims disclose abuse in good faith, their words are treated as privileged communication — shielded from defamation suits. SB 180 A protects the rights of individuals falsely accused — allowing them to bring legitimate claims when they can show statements were made with malice. The act also gives survivors the power to defend themselves — including the ability to recover legal fees if they prevail, ensuring access to legal representation even for those without financial means.
|
I am a proud sponsor of HB 3582 A which removes the statute of limitations for civil claims based on child sexual abuse and sexual assault and the “knowingly” requirement. In other words, the bill allows future victims of sexual assault to seek accountability and justice by allowing victims to file lawsuits against alleged abusers, or organizations that employed them, when they are ready to come forward.
|
|
 |
Oregon courts have upheld the retroactive application of extended civil statutes of limitations in abuse cases, provided the legislative intent to do so is clear and the claim has not been resolved by a final judgment
Sexual violence is already underreported. We’ve made progress in encouraging survivors to come forward. These bills are a crucial step in protecting victims from being silenced by threats of legal intimidation and in ensuring they can seek justice when they are ready to share their story.
HB 5029 – Budget for Oregon State Police (Lewis Carrier: Supports)
Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Department of State Police for certain biennial expenses.
In my floor remarks, I encouraged support of this budget while noting that we are in the 3rd decade of providing insufficient funding for adequate state police patrols, putting Oregon near the bottom in the number of state police officers per 100,000 population. In the future, we need to fix this problem.
Watch a replay of my floor speech here.
|
SB 916 B – Allows Striking Workers to Qualify for Unemployment Insurance Benefits (Lewis: Opposed)
SB 916 B is a measure that makes Oregon the first state in the nation to extend unemployment insurance benefits to public employees while they are on strike and not showing up for work. The bill passed over significant concerns from public education leaders and small business advocates.
Republicans proposed a Minority Report which was a more measured alternative aimed at balancing worker protections with fiscal responsibility. This proposal would have limited benefit duration, implemented a short disqualification and waiting period, and required annual legislative reporting on the program’s impact. It also included a sunset clause in 2035 to allow time for evaluation.
|
Notably, school superintendents from Oregon’s largest districts urged lawmakers to reject the proposal, warning it could further destabilize already underperforming school systems. Despite this, the majority party advanced the bill, which opponents say could increase financial strain on the state’s unemployment insurance fund and disrupt services in essential sectors.
The bill prioritizes political alliances over the needs of students, small businesses, and local governments - and very likely will put education funding at risk as legislators weigh the consequence of taking funds away from the classroom and students in favor of giving the money to those who will benefit as a consequence of this bill. Critics also warn that by allowing public employees to strike while receiving benefits, the legislation may remove incentives to resolve disputes quickly—posing long-term risks to educational stability and economic recovery. I opposed this measure with a “No” vote on the House floor. Being first in the nation to pass sweeping laws is not always a good thing – Ballot Measure 110 that decriminalized drugs being a good example.
Throughout the session I have greatly appreciated that so many of you reached out and shared your views, concerns, or support on the measures being considered. Many of those emails focused on issues involving the Wildfire Risk Map, Pharmacy Benefits, Funding Wildfire Response and Transportation for which I offer my positions.
SB 83 – Wildfire Hazard Map Repeal (Lewis: Supports)
In my last update, I was hopeful that SB 83 would advance through the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment as it did in the Senate. Instead, the day before the second-chamber deadline, the bill was moved to the House Rules Committee where it is being used by the Majority party as political leverage - prioritizing power plays over the needs of property owners unfairly impacted by the current regulations. This action harms Oregonians through lost property value, higher insurance costs, and lack of transparency. Oregonians deserve action – not political games and games that involve taking your kicker money and increasing your taxes.
HB 3212 - Pharmacy Benefits (Lewis: Sponsor)
The measure creates additional rules and requirements for pharmacy benefit managers and a policy or certificate of health insurance or other contract providing for the reimbursement of the cost of a prescription drug. The measure has been stalled in the House Rules Committee.
The measure aims to improve reimbursement practices for local and independent pharmacies by increasing transparency and oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). It requires PBMs to provide clearer explanations of payment calculations and prohibits unfair reimbursement rates that fall below a pharmacy’s acquisition cost for medications. The bill also strengthens enforcement mechanisms and gives the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services more authority to hold PBM’s accountable.
Requiring fair payment standards and increasing transparency, HB 3212 will help ensure small, independent pharmacies can cover their costs, remain financially viable, and continue to serve their communities – especially in rural and underserved areas where they may be the only accessible healthcare provider. As many small pharmacies struggle to keep their doors open, this bill is of great importance. At the present time it is stalled.
HB 3940 – Beverage containers surcharge for purposes of wildfire prevention and response (Lewis: Opposes)
HB 3940 effectively imposes a beverage tax and raises the timber harvest tax, grazing land tax, and Oregon forest land protections tax. I oppose using the Oregon Bottle Bill program to finance unrelated projects or state services like this. I’m also concerned that what is being proposed as a “one-time exception” could set a precedent for future requests, potentially undermining the long-term success of Oregon’s iconic Bottle Deposit Program that has been working for well over a half-century.
The Governor has publicly declared she supports using $1 billion of your kicker to help pay for wildfire suppression.
The Oregon Constitution says the kicker money belongs to you. The only way the governor can steal your kicker is if two-thirds of lawmakers go along with her plan. For my colleagues and I, it’s a hard no.
Lawmakers for months have discussed existing revenue streams and proposals to consider that help fund wildfire suppression and don’t involve raising the cost of living or taking the kicker.
The kicker belongs to Oregonians who are feeling the crushing weight of the high taxes and regulations that make our state unaffordable. There are plenty of ways to fund wildfire costs that don’t involve taking from the pocketbooks of tax-burdened Oregonians.
|
There has been a lot of chatter about a transportation package this session though it has yet to materialize and appears to be shaping up like a mirage on the horizon – all shimmer, no substance, but a huge price tag. It’s being sold as a visionary solution to our crumbling infrastructure and rural-urban divides, but when you get closer, the promises start to evaporate, and the proposals come straight for your wallet.
Talks of reform and modernization as political window dressing, while the real burden – higher fees, new taxes, and layers of regulation falls squarely on working families, small businesses, and rural communities. There’s growing skepticism about whether the balanced, statewide improvements it claims actually exist, or if it’s just another spending spree wrapped in climate language and bureaucracy.
Until the majority party puts forward a plan that’s transparent, equitable, and fiscally responsible, I won’t chase after a mirage while Oregonians are left stranded in traffic, dodging potholes, and wondering where their money went.
The majority party’s shimmering proposal includes dipping into your wallets even deeper. I am simply unwilling to travel a road that imposes new taxes on hard working Oregonians who are already experiencing the crushing weight of high taxes, food prices, housing costs, the sixth highest transportation costs in the nation and the most expensive gas tax in the nation.
Last month, I began serving as a member of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) Safety Task Force. The task force was established in the wake of the recent revelations of abuse and misconduct within OYA. It brings together lawmakers, advocates, survivors, and experts to conduct a thorough review of policies, oversight structures, and facility conditions. Its mandate includes proposing actionable reforms to prevent future harm and rebuild public trust in the system designed to protect vulnerable youth.
The disturbing reports of abuse and systemic failure within the agency demand not only swift accountability but meaningful, lasting reform. I am committed to this critical work to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of every young person in Oregon’s care.
The task force held its first meeting on May 16. We will have opportunities for public input and survivor testimony to help guide our priorities.
I look forward to working alongside my task force colleagues and the community to restore safety, integrity, and hope to our juvenile justice system.
|
 |
On May 14th Armed Forces Day was commemorated with great pride at the Oregon State Capitol. The event brought together military personnel, veterans, families, and members of the public to honor the service and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces. Ceremonies included a formal flag-raising, stirring speeches from state officials and military leaders, and a moving performance by the Oregon National Guard band. Displays of military equipment and informational booths provided attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the different branches of the military. The atmosphere was filled with patriotism and gratitude, making the celebration a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who serve our nation.
On Memorial Day, I attended the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) Memorial Day observance. This year’s observance was particularly meaningful, as it marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II — a pivotal moment in history, and a generation that, sadly, is fast disappearing.
The ceremony, held at the World War II Memorial at the Oregon State Capitol Park, brought together veterans, families, community members, and state officials in a shared moment of remembrance and gratitude. It was a solemn and powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedoms and the enduring importance of remembering the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
Last month, we recognized Wildfire Awareness Month. As we head into the heat of summer, the State’s Fire Marshal’s May 5th flash alert is worth repeating.
News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal Posted on FlashAlert: May 5th, 2025, 9:27 AM
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.
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is proud to announce the return of its annual Veteran Benefit Expo, the state’s largest veteran resource event, on June 16th at the Salem Armory Auditorium, 2310 17th St. NE.
This marks the first in-person Expo since 2019 and will also feature a special 80th Anniversary Celebration of ODVA beginning at 10 a.m.
|
Organized by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and presented in partnership with the Oregon Lottery and the Oregon Military Department, the Veteran Benefit Expo is a one-of-a-kind event and a one-stop shop for Oregon veterans of all eras and walks of life to learn about and access the full range of their earned benefits and local resources.
|
|
 |
More than 65 participating agencies, nonprofits and service providers will be on hand to provide in-depth information and direct services across a wide range of benefit areas, including health care, disability claims assistance, housing, emergency assistance, long-term care, mental health, education, business, recreation and more.
This year’s Expo will also celebrate ODVA’s eight decades of service to Oregon’s veteran community, kicking off with the 80th Anniversary Ceremony at 10 a.m. on the Armory Auditorium stage, which will be immediately followed by a cake cutting and the opening of the Expo. The public is invited to attend.
This week celebrates North West Habitat for Humanity incredible milestone of completing their 50th home! This achievement is a testament to their unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to building strong communities and creating lasting change. Each home represents not just walls and a roof, but hope, stability, and a brighter future for the families. Their tireless efforts and support of their volunteers, donors, and partners have made a profound impact in the lives of so many. Here’s to celebrating this momentous occasion and to the next 50 homes and beyond.
Learn more about North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity’s current Peters’ Garden project in Silverton here.
Just in time for the summer season, Silver Falls State Park reopened its restaurant and campground facilities following extensive renovations aimed at improving visitor experiences. A recent ribbon cutting ceremony marked the occasion, with a crowd of nature enthusiasts, local officials, and community members.
The newly updated restaurant features locally sourced menu options, while the modernized campground offers improved amenities, including accessible sites and enhanced infrastructure. The updates preserve the natural charm of the park while adding much-needed convenience.
Summer is just around the corner and the falls are calling you to your next adventure in House District 18.
Congratulations to the graduating students of House District 18 and to students across Oregon! Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have brought you to this important milestone. As you step into the next chapter—whether it’s college, career, service, or something uniquely your own—know that your future is bright and full of opportunity. Wishing you all the best in the journey ahead!
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1418
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-385, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis
|
