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To contact me, please click here: Rep.EdDiehl@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends,
We continue debating and discussing key issues impacting Oregon families, including taxation, fairness in women's sports, and parental rights. As discussions unfold, concerns remain about balancing government oversight with individual freedoms.
Earlier this month, House Republicans took decisive action to protect the integrity of women’s sports, locker rooms, and bathrooms. House Bill 2037, designed to ensure that only females compete in women’s athletics and have access to intimate spaces, was brought to a vote. Despite heartfelt testimonies from young female athletes advocating for fairness, the bill was unfortunately defeated along party lines, with every Democrat legislator opposing the bill.
The battle for fairness in women’s sports is far from over. Female athletes deserve a level playing field—one where their hard work, dedication, and dreams are honored. It is unacceptable for girls and women to be forced into unfair competitions or uncomfortable situations in their own locker rooms.
While the vote was disappointing, House Republicans remain committed to defending the rights of female athletes and ensuring that girls have the opportunity to compete in a fair and protected environment. We will continue this fight—for fairness, for opportunity, and for the future of women’s sports.
Honoring Courageous Women
I had the honor of welcoming Reese Eckard, Maddie Eichen, and their moms to the Capitol. Reese, an accomplished athlete at Sherwood High School and second oldest of 7, has been high jumping since 5th grade and placed 4th at the Oregon State track and field championships last week. Reese is also one of the brave young women quietly, confidently, and respectfully taking a stand for fairness in women’s sports. At the championships, she refused to stand on the podium with a male athlete who unfairly competed with females.
Reese, thank you for your courage, for standing up for the truth and Title IX, the federal law meant to protect you from this discrimination. I understand you’re stepping up to ensure your two younger sisters have their rightful chance to compete fairly in sports. I commend you for your stand for fairness in women’s sports. Thank you for giving me the honor of recognizing you!
WATCH my courtesy:
After the vote failed, I addressed my democrat colleagues who called our courtesy to female athletes in the Capitol “mean” and “cruel,” having the audacity to claim there are better ways to discuss this—after they had denied these girl’s the appropriate place to discuss this: a public hearing.
I firmly disagree with the idea that a male’s identity should override Title IX and the rights of female athletes. These girls deserve to be heard—and they deserve fairness.
Democrats ignored the pleas of their constituents when they introduced a bill that would add billions in new taxes and fees to fund transportation. House Bill 2025 is a massive tax and fee increase, amounting to over $2 Billion per year as recently reported by the Oregonian. One of many taxes in the bill would increase the gas tax 55 cents per gallon by 2028, tying the tax to inflation starting in 2029. The current gas tax in Oregon is 40 cents per gallon.
Raising our gas tax to 55 cents per gallon would bump Oregon up to fourth place in the nation for most expensive gas taxes, replacing Washington.
We already have RECORD TAX REVENUE.
House Bill 2025 would be the SINGLE LARGEST TAX INCREASE IN OREGON HISTORY. By 2034 the cost will be over $2B per year. On average that's over $1,140 in new taxes and fees on average for every Oregon household!
Just say NO.
Tell your legislator NO to House Bill 2025. Go to No Tax Oregon and fill out the form, it will only take a minute.
During a Committee Hearing, Democrats admitted that HB 2025 will raise “at least $1 billion a year” in revenue through increases to the payroll tax, the vehicle privilege tax and the vehicle use tax, and adding a new tax on the sale of new and used vehicles called the transfer tax. It also significantly increases the cost of registration and title fees, along with higher costs for drivers’ licenses, drivers’ license renewals, and drivers’ tests. See a breakdown below:
The Republican Solution:
By contrast, my colleagues and I introduced a bill last week that refocuses ODOT’s budget without any new taxes. HB 3982 preserves operations and maintenance that are key to the core functions of ODOT by cutting spending on non-essential programs, rather than asking Oregonians to pay more.
With a state budget that has doubled over the last decade alone, we reject the premise that politicians must make life more expensive for Oregonians if we want to fix potholes, plow the snow and keep our streets safe.
HB 3982 would:
- Prevent a projected $0.60 increase over ten years to Oregon’s hidden gas tax (Clean Fuels Program).
- Redirect over $134 million of current spending on climate initiatives towards critical functions.
- Redirect $38 million in funding for passenger rail service towards critical functions.
- Redirect the payroll tax over two years to provide truckers with a tax credit on future tax bills, repaying them for years of unconstitutional overpayments.
- Adopt recommendations from the managerial review of ODOT, including the creation of the Major Projects Office.
- Modernize fuel taxes and regulations to reduce tax evasion and facilitate easier compliance.
House Democrats approved Senate Bill 1098, a measure that restricts local school boards from removing explicit and inappropriate books from school libraries. Under the guise of protecting against discrimination in educational materials, the bill ensures that books cannot be banned based on the author’s protected class, which includes categories such as race, gender, sex, disability, and age.
While proponents argue that this bill safeguards access to books discussing different religions, races, and sexualities, what it truly does is strip parents and local educators of their ability to determine what is appropriate for students. This legislation places ideological politics ahead of parental rights, undermining trust in the school system and limiting school districts' authority over learning materials.
Classrooms should be free of political agendas. Decisions about educational content should be made by parents and school administrators, not politicians pushing radical policies.
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.
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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