Newsletter June 16

View Online
Rep. Mannix

Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov


15 Days To Go!

Hello Friends,

This marks the final edition of our bi-weekly newsletter for the 2025 legislative long session. It has been an eventful and, at times, challenging journey—filled with complex policy discussions, meaningful collaboration, and continued dedication to serving the people of Oregon. I remain deeply grateful for the progress we’ve made and the many important bills that have advanced through both chambers, but I am also reminded of the important work left to be done in the next few weeks and our goal to protect Oregon from bad policies. 

Rep. Kevin Mannix

Legislative Updates

Transportation Update:

In the weeks remaining before constitutional sine die, we have a lot to accomplish. First and foremost, I am a member of the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment, which introduced HB 2025 earlier last week. There are many good elements in the committee bill including major reforms to ODOT operations to make them more efficient and effective, thus reducing costs; significant increases in oversight by the legislature as to ODOT operations; improved operations systems designed to provide transparency as to expenses; and a reduction of operations in areas that do not really relate to transportation. However, I voted against approving HB 2025 as a proposed bill on Monday, June 9 because I think much more work needs to be done on this important issue, keeping affordability for our constituents in mind. We had the opportunity to hear from the public last week and will continue to dive into conversations in the next few days, and I will be attentive to all input.

HB 2025

Happy Trails Day!

On June 7 we celebrated National Trails Day. Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful trails in the world. In honor of this year’s National Trails Day, I want to take a moment and highlight my legislation from 1995 which provided that owners of land who allow persons to use a property for recreational purposes are immune from liability for any injuries suffered by the user of the land.

Oregon trail

This is important because many communities and private landowners feel free to allow folks to hike on private or community trails for example, many trails which access beaches on our Oregon Coast are through private or city owned trails. We have updated our law this year to enhance the protection. Now we need to look for ways to help encourage the development of more trails in our beautiful state – and to keep them in good shape.

Headed to the Governor:

HB 3766

HB 3766, which allows individuals to bring a civil action against someone who shares an intimate image to their computer or electronic device without consent, has passed through the House and Senate and is now headed to the Governor's desk for signing. I am thankful for the opportunity to work on the passage of this bill and equip victims with tools to push back against violations of their dignity and personal safety. 

Happenings

Flag Day Recap

June 14 was flag day. While I encourage everyone to fly the United States flag on this day, I would like to use this opportunity to present this photo of Cameron Schwabauer, who is an active-duty US Army soldier currently stationed overseas. I had purchased the flag pictured below in 2009 after it was flown on the 150th anniversary of statehood and I was proud to send it as a gift to Cameron when he asked if there was some way I could provide him with a flag to display with his deployed unit. Cameron is a native Oregonian, and he is one of my constituents. Best wishes to Cameron and his unit! I am honored this flag can now serve as a symbol of support and connection between home and those serving our country abroad.

Cameron

Welcoming Representative Riecke Smith

Smith

On June 9 the House of Representatives welcomed Sue Riecke Smith who was sworn in as a State Representative for House District 26, replacing Courtney Neron Misslin, who was appointed to our Senate. I attended the swearing-in ceremony and the reception afterwards.

Here I am with Governor Tina Kotek, Representative Riecke Smith, and two of her daughters: Julia Emerson (McKay 2011) and Jessica Smith (McNary 2003).

Welcome aboard, Representative Riecke Smith!

New Signage in Salem

Salem sign

I am happy to welcome a new piece of signage to our city which reflects Salem’s identity and enhances the city’s landscape. After years of effort and collaboration, the new "Welcome to Salem" sign on Portland Road NE stands as a bright, inviting marker for residents and visitors alike. Designed with Oregon state symbols and installed with fresh landscaping, this project not only replaces the aging wooden sign but also highlights the community’s dedication to making Salem more welcoming. I hope you can take the opportunity to drive by and take a look in the weeks to come. 

Farewell to the Blanchet Board

After 30 years of service as a board member for Blanchet Catholic school, on June 11, I officially stepped down and completed the latest my term for my position. The Board held a nice celebration in my honor and has elected me as an Emeritus Board Member.

Rotary

We started planning Blanchet in early 1994, incorporated in March 1995, and opened the school in the Fall of 1995 with 115 students. We project an enrollment of about 435 for Fall 2025. Our school has no debt and owns the 23-acre campus. We are approved to be a Catholic school, but we are not owned by the Church - we are "owned" by our community!

I am grateful for the outstanding service of so many people who have made Blanchet a great success and I look forward to continuing to support Blanchet as an Emeritus Board Member and proud parent, with Susanna, of three Blanchet alumni. Pictured above are Blanchet Catholic School leaders - new Board Chair Nicole Kennedy, outgoing Chair Loui Fromwiller, President Bob Weber, and Principal Rob Smith, after the June 11 board meeting and the award presentation. 


It is always an honor to represent you in the Oregon Legislature. If there are things my office can assist you with in the months to come, please do not hesitate to reach out via the information below.

Yours truly,

Signature

Representative Kevin Mannix
House District 21

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1421
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-384, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mannix