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Here are some highlights from the past week and helpful community information for you!
- Shelly
 THE FIGHT TO CO-OPT THE TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE
This week, the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment held three public hearings on the Democrat's "one big beautiful" transportation tax hike bill, released only on Monday morning. The bill raises or creates over 40 taxes and fees, raising over $2 billion per year by 2035.
I have consistently blasted both the process and the policy. HB 2025 writes a blank check to ODOT without any meaningful attempts at serious reform of the agency. I spoke out strongly against the introduction of the bill on Monday - watch that here.
This week on the House Floor, I detailed the recent failures of ODOT and how the "accountability" measures will NOT deliver the results that Oregonians deserve out of their transportation department. The persistent failures at ODOT underscore a fundamental truth: accountability cannot be legislated into existence if the underlying culture resists change. For months, I have heard directly from frontline maintenance and operations workers about the toxic work culture. That starts at the top – it’s a cultural issue.
I haven’t seen anything to make me believe that these measures will work for those workers. It’s just more reporting, more process, and more bureaucracy. You can watch my whole speech here.
On cue, all the special interests have begun trying to co-opt the bill for their own purposes.
Over the course of the public hearings, we heard a lot from the paid professional advocates about how much they want to take from Oregon workers to pay for their pet projects. After reviewing dozens of pieces of testimony submitted on behalf of transit districts, it's clear that they intend to use a boost in payroll tax funding to buy EV buses that cost up to three times as much as a traditional clean diesel or natural-gas-powered bus. Let me be clear, they want to raise every working Oregonian's taxes to pay for EV buses (mind you, only 2.6% of Oregonians use these transit services.) Let me also be clear, these same transit agencies got more people where they needed to go before they started receiving money from your paycheck.
The environmentalists are pushing another 4% car sales tax to fund the building of bicycle and walking paths and EV subsidies. If this trend holds, I suspect the bill will get worse before - and if - it gets better.
That would be on top of these tax and fee increases:
It would make Oregon have the fourth most expensive gas tax in the nation. We recently asked Oregonians what a .15 cent increase in gas prices would do for them. Watch their responses here.
Republicans—including myself— continue to offer an alternative plan that will prioritize road maintenance and safety without raising taxes or fees, and without diverting funds to projects that do not directly benefit drivers, such as certain transit and climate initiatives. Our approach will stabilize ODOT but was rejected in favor of a package that increases costs for Oregonians at a time when many are already struggling with inflation and economic uncertainty.
There is now a preliminary effort underway to refer the tax hike to the ballot if it gets passed. I think Democratic Representative John Lively (Springfield) is right when is is quoted as saying: "If it’s referred, it won’t pass. There’s no question. You’ll never convince enough people.”
DUTCH BROS' RELOCATION: A TROUBLING SIGNAL
FOR OREGON'S BUSINESS CLIMATE
This week, Dutch Bros—a homegrown Oregon success story—announced it will move its corporate headquarters from Grants Pass to Phoenix, Arizona. Dutch Bros is probably the most successful business to come out of Oregon in decades. While Dutch Bros will maintain some small operations in Southern Oregon, this departure should be a wake-up call for Democrats who continue pushing some of the nation's worse business policies.
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This move is not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend: Oregon businesses are increasingly looking elsewhere due to our state's worsening business climate. The reasons are clear. Oregon's employers face a mounting burden of high taxes, unpredictable and ever-changing regulations, and lengthy, complex permitting processes. According to a recent analysis by Oregon Business & Industry (OBI), the volume, speed, and complexity of new regulations have "significantly eroded Oregon's business climate in recent years," making it more difficult for businesses to grow, invest, and create jobs here.
OBI's research highlights that 36% of Oregon small businesses are considering closing, selling, or moving out of state because of the regulatory environment. Only 7% believe the business climate will improve in the coming year. These are not just statistics—they represent lost jobs, lost tax revenue, and lost opportunities for communities across Oregon.
When a company like Dutch Bros, which started as a small coffee cart in Grants Pass and grew into a national brand, decides it can no longer thrive here, it's a clear sign that our policies are pushing businesses away. If we want to keep Oregon competitive, we must address the high costs, regulatory uncertainty, and lack of support that are driving employers out of state. I will continue to advocate for meaningful reforms to restore Oregon's reputation as a place where businesses—and the families they support—can succeed.
Editorial: Blinders on, legislators press on with SB 916
But none of it mattered. Last Wednesday, all but one Democrat in the Oregon House voted yes on SB 916, the most expansive initiative of its kind in the country. The bill, pushed by Democrats’ union donors, allows striking public and private employees to collect up to 26 weeks of unemployment pay after two weeks on the picket line. The bill now goes back to the Oregon Senate on Monday to vote on the House-amended version...
...Legislators are trying to find all sorts of ways to dismiss the likelihood of these unintended consequences. But SB 916’s risks are clear and known. Oregonians should not forget that once the fallout begins.
More Oregon workers are part time as labor market cools
The number of Oregonians working part-time jobs hit its highest point in a decade last year, another sign the state’s labor market is cooling off. Nearly 23% of Oregon workers had part-time jobs last year, up 4 percentage points from 2022. The share of people working part time rose nationally, too, but not nearly as fast. That’s according to a new report by Henry Fields, a workforce analyst for the Oregon Employment Department.
Portland police arrest two, seize drugs and weapons in downtown raid
The Portland Police Bureau's Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a downtown apartment, leading to the arrest of two men and the seizure of drugs, a firearm, and body armor. On Friday, May 30, around 9:30 a.m., officers served the warrant at an apartment located in the 1400 block of Southwest 12th Avenue. Reportedly, due to the presence of at least one firearm, the Special Emergency Reaction Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team were deployed. The operation involved breaching a door, which resulted in noise and broken glass, and police announcements were made over a public address system instructing the apartment's residents to exit.
OBI Releases Oregon Regulatory Impact Analysis
As of 2023, Oregon was the seventh most heavily regulated state in the nation, according to a study released today by the Oregon Business & Industry Research and Education Foundation. Moreover, Oregon’s regulatory burden has been increasing rapidly, swelling by 5.6% between 2022 and 2023 alone. If that pace continues, Oregon’s regulations will double by just 2036. The growth of Oregon’s regulatory burden will further erode job and business creation while increasing costs for consumers. A 10% increase in regulations is correlated with a decrease of 0.5% in the number of businesses and a decline of 0.6% in employment for small businesses that remain, according to the study.
New fencing to prevent homeless camping at 1 site in Portland will cost $900K
The Oregon Department of Transportation is spending nearly $900,000 to erect permanent wrought iron fencing alongside Interstate 405 in Southwest Portland in an effort to prevent homeless camping near the freeway. The transportation agency is collaborating with the city of Portland on the project with the state covering the construction costs and the city footing the bill for ongoing maintenance.
Wildfire funding is a ‘must do’ for the session, legislative leaders say. So what’s the plan?
An idea that insiders say is floating to the top of the list of contenders comes from Malin Republican E. Werner Reschke. He wants to use the interest generated by Oregon’s Rainy Day Fund savings account to pay for wildfire. For the 2025-27 session, that interest is around $160 million – which gets lawmakers more than halfway to the $280 they’re looking for.
Reschke favors pulling more money out of the body of the Rainy Day Fund itself to cover the other half, though doing so would be complicated. The powerful co-chairs of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee, who have flagged that they’re going to safeguard Oregon’s reserves in case the economic outlook worsens, would need to be convinced to give up, at minimum, the interest on the Rainy Day Fund, which currently rolls back into that savings account. That fund is projected to hit $1.9 billion as the 2023-25 biennium comes to a close.
“My thinking is: We have enough money in our system right now. We don’t have to ask taxpayers for more of their money,” Reschke said. On Monday, Fahey said that the House Revenue Committee that Marsh and Reschke sit on will likely unveil a plan for funding wildfire soon...
...Reschke, in the House, said he assumed there was some calculus behind stalling wildfire bills to see if Republicans might concede to hold back the kicker. He pointed to Senate Bill 83 – a bill that would repeal a wildfire risk map and associated home hardening requirements – which has been stalled in the House Rules Committee instead of sent to a floor vote. “I’m hoping that as we get closer to the deadline here that we do something,” he said last week. If lawmakers don’t come up with a revenue stream for funding wildfire, they’ll end up paying fire suppression bills out of the general fund anyway, just like they had to do last December, Reschke said.
Fahey said on Monday that she’s not holding the wildfire map “hostage,” as Republican lawmakers suggest. She argued that if lawmakers are going to repeal requirements for how Oregonians in high-risk areas must harden their home against wildfire, then she wants to see dedicated funding to support alternative fire prevention efforts. “It’s not about holding anything hostage. It’s about holding ourselves accountable to delivering that funding mechanism,” she said. “You can’t take something away without a plan for what’s replacing it.”
Lawmakers compromise on 10 weeks of unemployment for striking workers, not 26
Striking workers in Oregon will be limited to 10 weeks of unemployment benefits if lawmakers again OK a contentious proposal that underwent last minute changes this week. Senate Bill 916 would change Oregon’s unemployment rules, allowing workers on strike to collect unemployment after a two week waiting period. The hotly contested bill has the backing of powerful union groups and most Democrats, who argue that it levels the playing field between workers and employers in union negotiations by ensuring workers could still provide for their families if they go on strike. But it is opposed by Republicans, cities and school boards which argue it will be expensive to implement and will likely result in more frequent and longer strikes.
18 more men sue over alleged sexual abuse by ‘Dr. Cold Fingers’ at Oregon youth prison
Two more suits were filed Tuesday adding another 18 men who allege a former youth prison doctor sexually abused them in his medical clinic when they were boys in custody. The suits, filed against the state of Oregon and former Oregon Youth Authority directors and superintendents of MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, allege Dr. Edward Gary Edwards abused the boys between 2002 and 2016, fondling their genitals for his sexual gratification. They also contend Oregon Youth Authority ignored staff reports about the alleged sexual abuse, fostering a “culture of silence” that shielded a perpetrator.
Bill to speed up evicting squatters heads to the governor’s desk
regon House Bill 3522 passed the Senate unanimously Wednesday, and now heads to the governor’s desk. This bill makes it easier for property owners in the state to remove a squatter. The bill would allow an owner or landlord to evict a squatter after providing only 24 hours written notice...
...Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo) was a sponsor of the bill. The vote was also unanimous in the House of Representatives.
Bill to allow 10 weeks of unemployment for striking workers heads to Kotek’s desk
A bill to allow unemployment for striking workers cleared both chambers of the Legislature Thursday after last-minute amendments and drama. Senate Bill 916 would change Oregon’s unemployment rules, allowing workers on strike to collect 10 weeks of unemployment benefits after a two week waiting period. The hotly contested bill has the backing of powerful union groups and most Democrats, who argue that it levels the playing field between workers and employers in union negotiations by ensuring workers could still provide for their families if they go on strike. But it is opposed by Republicans, cities and school boards, which argue it will be expensive to implement and will likely result in more frequent and longer strikes.
Scholarship to diversify Oregon’s teacher ranks drops racial preferences amid legal threats
A state grant for Oregon university students pursuing teaching degrees will no longer be restricted to students of color or those who speak a first language other than English, after the Legislature voted Thursday to broaden who can receive the scholarship out of fear the program could face legal challenge. While the bill hit a snafu during a Wednesday Senate vote — failing to secure the necessary 16 yes votes with seven senators absent — senators reconsidered it Thursday and passed it to Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk. For years, the grant has offered financial support to “culturally and linguistically diverse” Oregon college students studying to become educators. Now, it will be open to any teacher candidates demonstrating “experience with diverse populations...”
...The lawsuit was brought by a white teacher, fluent in Spanish and English, who was rejected from a state program that reimbursed diverse educators renewing their teaching licenses. After the standards board modified the program to allow educators with second language fluency to apply, the lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed.
Oregon Supreme Court to review gun control Measure 114 in November
The Oregon Supreme Court has agreed to review the state appellate court ruling that found gun control Measure 114 constitutional under state law. The state’s high court set oral arguments for Nov. 6. Voters narrowly approved the measure in November 2022 but the regulations have never gone into effect, blocked by a Harney County judge’s ruling that they violated the state constitution. The measure limits gun magazine capacity to 10 or fewer rounds, requires a permit to buy a gun and closes the so-called “Charleston Loophole” by requiring the completion, not just initiation, of a criminal background check to buy or transfer a gun.
Oregon State Hospital could owe more than $7M a year in fines, among other troubles
It has been a rough couple of months for the troubled Oregon State Hospital. In March, a patient died while in seclusion after not being checked properly by staff after a fall. Citing medical privacy laws, the hospital has not released that patient’s name. The patient is the 21st person who has died since 2020 while in the care of the hospital and their death set off a series of investigations that have placed the hospital in jeopardy of losing its accreditation and federal funding.
Turning Tassels, Changing the World!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Your dedication, hard work, and resilience have brought you to this exciting milestone. As you take your next steps—whether it's college, a career, the military, or something uniquely your own—believe in your potential and keep striving for greatness. We’re so proud of each and every one of you. The best is yet to come!
Everyday Heroes: Albany’s Police Patrol Team
From our friends at the Albany Police Department:
We are proud to welcome two new patrol officers to our department! Officer Rappé and Officer Padilla will begin their training to serve our community with integrity and dedication. Welcome to the team!
From ODOT:
Lochner Road Still Closed
REMINDER: Contractor Canby Excavating is performing road construction until August 29, 2025, requiring a complete road closure of Lochner Road AND Ellingson Road with detours in place. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained throughout the work. Have questions? Contact Public Works Engineering at 541-917-7676 during regular business hours.
Burn Season Cut Short Due to Conditions
From our friends at Linn County Fire Department:
The Linn County Fire Defense Board is enacting a closure on backyard burning starting Monday, June 9, 2025, following the Oregon Department of Forestry's announcement that fire season will begin the same day. With high temperatures forecasted this weekend and early vegetation fires already occurring, conditions are becoming too dangerous to continue allowing open burning. This step aligns with our longstanding practice of mirroring ODF's fire season regulations.
Big Trucks, Big Fun—Right in Your Backyard!
From our friends in City of Albany:
Do you like BIG? Do you like CITY? Do you like TRUCKS? Then you're in luck! On Tuesday, June 17th from 10-11am at the Albany Main Library back parking lot, check out the cool vehicles from the city!
Score Big with the Helicopter Golf Ball Drop!
From our friends at Oregon Aglink:
Support Adopt a Farmer and enter to win $1,000 in our 17th Annual Helicopter Golf Ball Drop on August 8th! Purchase golf balls here!
Serving and Smiling: Deputies and Kids Together
From our friends at the Linn County Sheriff's Office:
What works when you are a deputy and need a little boost for the day? Yes, coffee and donuts are good, but hanging out and mentoring kids in our community is the best! We love their energy, sense of humor, curiosity and the fact that they still usually think we are pretty cool!
Here at the Linn County Sheriff's Office, we love all the opportunities we get to interact with the kids in our community. Sometimes we educate them about how to keep themselves safe or about what an awesome job we have (yes, we are starting some recruiting early). Other times, just getting a high five from them makes our day! We also get to participate in some great community events throughout the year like Shop with a Cop, our Special Needs Ride, Cast with a Cop, and more! We hope the kids we get to interact with have a fun time because I guarantee you we do!
Taste and Shop Local at Tangent Farmers Market This Saturday
From our friends in the City of Tangent:
This weekend marks the first Tangent Farmers Market! 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 33935 Highway 99E. Below is the list of vendors participating. Please visit the Tangent Farmers Market on Saturday, June 14!
Join the Fight Against Hunger for Veterans—Donate Today!
From our friends at the VFW Post 584:
Our VFW Post is competing against the other VFW Posts statewide to see who can bring the most canned food to our State convention next weekend. If you can spare a few cans of food it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support. We will have a collection box out until next Thursday for donations. This food is distributed to homeless Veteran shelters and military families in need. Let's show the other VFW Posts how we got to be All-State and All-American.
Make a Difference: Volunteer with the YMCA
From our friends at the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA:
At the YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that lasting personal and social change happens when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors.That's why we focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are proud to be a place for all.
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available, including: Gardening, Hosting Bingo, Book Exchange, Veterans Day Parade, and events throughout the year. Be part of something bigger and make a difference today! Want to learn more or get involved? Contact us here!
On the Field, In the Classroom, and at the Capitol
This week, I welcomed a special guest - Lindsey Moulder - an exceptional young woman from La Pine, to shadow me for a day. She recently graduated from La Pine High School, so she is from HD-55, but since she is basically family – I got the privilege to host her and do the Floor Courtesy.
Lindsey shared about her experience:
“Shadowing Representative Shelly Boshart Davis at the Oregon Capitol was an unforgettable experience. From a mini tour of the building to receiving courtesy on the House floor, meeting my district’s state representative, and sitting in on a Rules Committee meeting about policies that directly impact my community—I gained a powerful, firsthand look at how our government works and the people behind it.”
I wish Lindsey all the best as she embarks on an exciting new chapter.
Watch my Floor Courtesy video, here.
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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