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As the 2025 Legislative Session comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the work we’ve accomplished together. While differing viewpoints are part of the process, collaboration and a shared commitment to Oregon’s future remain essential to achieving real results for our communities.
This week’s update includes a quick look at highlights from the final weeks of session, with a full recap to follow in a few weeks.
Serving as your State Representative for House District 15 continues to be an incredible honor. My team—Renée, Dru, and I—are here for you year-round. Whether it’s listening to your concerns, answering questions, or working alongside you for meaningful change, we remain committed to being accessible and responsive.
Now that we’ve adjourned, I’ll continue to send monthly updates throughout the interim.
- Shelly
Me, Renée, and Dru
Celebrating America’s Promise
Wishing everyone a joyful and safe Independence Day! As we celebrate the 4th of July, let us reflect on the enduring values of freedom, unity, and opportunity that define our nation. May this day bring you moments of gratitude, connection with loved ones, and renewed hope for a bright future together. Happy Independence Day!
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END OF SESSION TRANSPORTATION DRAMA: REPUBLICANS STAND UP FOR OREGONIANS WHILE DEMOCRAT LEADERS SCRAMBLE TO ADD BILLIONS MORE IN TAXES
The 2025 legislative session ended late Friday night with a flurry of last-minute efforts by Democrat leaders to push through massive new taxes for transportation funding.
Earlier that day, House Republicans delivered a major win for working Oregonians by defeating House Bill 2025 B—one of the largest proposed tax hikes in Oregon’s history. With an estimated $11.7 billion price tag, HB 2025 B would have imposed dozens of new taxes and fee increases, including a 12-cent gas tax, all to fund a progressive agenda that would burden families and businesses.
When it became clear that Democrats lacked enough support within their own caucus for such a drastic increase, Governor Tina Kotek stepped in with a last-ditch proposal to raise the gas tax by 3 cents. In so doing, the Governor did something that I haven’t seen done before when it comes to this transportation package. She united people. Everyone united in opposition to the plan: environmentalists, city and county governments, transit districts, rail and train advocates, Republicans, and Democrats.
The public response was overwhelming. Of the 252 people who submitted testimony on the bill, only two supported it: the Governor herself and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). 252 pieces of testimony is actually impressive considering the only few hours notice.
Governor Kotek’s push made her priorities clear—raising taxes on Oregonians took precedence over finding responsible solutions for ODOT’s budget. The reality is, there’s no need to raise taxes; the resources exist, but the Governor and legislative Democrats have chosen different priorities.
This debate was never truly about fixing roads. For Democrat leaders, the focus has consistently been on appeasing the public sector unions that support their campaigns, as shown by their push for costly project labor agreements and expanded prevailing wage requirements at ODOT.
Governor Kotek was absent from transportation discussions for most of the session, only to appear at the last minute with a desperate tax hike proposal aimed at satisfying union donors. After her plan failed, she blamed Republicans—even though Democrats hold a supermajority. Let’s be clear: it’s not the responsibility of Republicans to advance the supermajority’s agenda.
Now, the Governor is threatening layoffs at ODOT, but there are already hundreds of vacant positions that could be addressed first. These threats are nothing more than fear tactics designed to pressure Oregonians into accepting unnecessary tax increases. The Democratic supermajority—controlling the Governor’s office, ODOT, and both chambers—blaming Republicans for this failure is laughable and gaslighting. We fought hard with HB 3982 and a -8 amendment to HB 2025 to protect core road maintenance jobs—plowing roads, filling potholes—without raising taxes.
Yet, despite 80% of Oregonians opposing a gas tax hike and 71% of 4,100 public testimonies rejecting HB 2025’s $11.7 billion tax grab, Democrats shot us down. ODOT wouldn’t even meet with us after we proposed our plan in April.
This isn’t just about ODOT. Oregon has been losing thousands of private sector jobs to other states for years now due to policies that make Oregon less competitive – and don’t forget Oregon’s environmental policies. A couple quick examples: 7 sawmills closed and 462 mill jobs lost since 2024. Intel eliminated 3,000 jobs in Oregon last year. In 2024, Oregon lost 2,500 manufacturing jobs. Where’s the outrage over that? Let’s talk to people in Mill City, Sweet Home and Coos Bay. You want to talk job loss? I’ll bet those in the timber industry in Oregon have words after politicians chose the spotted owl over people.
I don’t want anyone to lose their job, but the supermajority’s priorities are skewed, and their refusal to work with us proves it. Budgets reflect values, and until those change, ODOT will keep struggling. I urge you to see through the blame game and consider the real impact on our state’s economy and roads. This is about more than a transportation package—it’s about who we’re fighting for.
Oregonians deserve better than a false choice between higher taxes and essential services. It’s time for real solutions—not political games.
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Victory for Women’s Health: HB 3064 Passes!
This legislative session, I was proud to carry House Bill 3064, a bipartisan, bicameral effort to ensure insurance coverage for women’s post-reproductive health. This bill is deeply personal—not just for me, but for the millions of women navigating the often-overlooked stages of perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.
As a self-described geriatric millennial/Gen X perimenopausal woman, I never expected to be on a soapbox about menopause. I certainly didn’t plan to become “the face of menopause.” But after my own lived experience of struggling to find answers, being failed by healthcare providers, and being denied coverage for hormone therapy—I knew I had to act. And unfortunately, my story is not unique.
To quote Dr. Mary Claire Haver, “Menopause is inevitable. Suffering is not.” This bill helps ensure that.
HB 3064:
- Requires insurance coverage for post-reproductive health needs, including evidence-based treatments for menopause-related symptoms.
- Encourages providers to recognize reproductive transitions in diagnosis and care.
- Promotes better health outcomes for women in the 30–40 years following fertility.
- Maintains insurer flexibility and is being clarified to apply only to FDA-approved treatments.
My motivation is simple: I want better for my daughters, for your daughters, for our sisters, mothers, and friends. Women deserve knowledgeable care, accessible treatments, and a healthcare system that values their full lifespan—not just their reproductive years.
I’m grateful to my colleagues for supporting this legislation—and to the many women who shared their stories. We’ve taken a meaningful step toward changing the narrative on menopause in Oregon and beyond.
REPUBLICANS KILL UNCONSTITUTIONAL GUN BILL
Last week, House Republicans successfully killed House Bill 3076, a bill that would hurt responsible firearms dealers by adding a new state licensing program, even though arms dealers are already highly regulated by the federal government.
All this bill would have done is add unnecessary strain to small gun dealers and waste taxpayer money on furthering their attack on Second Amendment rights.
However, SB 243 did pass, despite strong pushback from Republicans.
OREGON FACES AN ANTI-BUSINESS RECKONING
If you've been following this newsletter for any period of time this year, you know I've taken particular notice in the consequences of Oregon's anti-business policies. It seems like every week, there has been at least one story of a businesses closing down or leaving Oregon. It's not just anecdotal, either. The data tells us businesses are leaving. Our state economist has declared we are in a "manufacturing recession." Trucking industry representatives tell me we are in a trucking recession with many businesses closing. A recent University of Oregon study showed that Oregon businesses are being lured to states with better business climates.
That's why I am not shocked to see the headlines about the closure of the Pilot Rock sawmill—costing 62 jobs in Eastern Oregon—and the uncertain future for historic buildings in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown, now up for sale. These stories are stark reminders that Oregon’s businesses and communities are facing real challenges.
We need pro-business policies that support job creation, encourage investment, and help revitalize both rural and urban economies. Whether it’s a family relying on mill jobs in Pilot Rock or entrepreneurs trying to breathe new life into Old Town, our state’s prosperity depends on a healthy business climate. We cannot continue to ignore these warning signs.
During the 2025 interim (break from 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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