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If you're having trouble viewing this message, please visit my legislative web page at http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/prozanski/, click "News and Information" on the left.
Dear friends,
Governor Kotek has called a special session of the Legislature on August 29 to address Oregon's transportation funding crisis. Please refer to my July e-bulletin for my perspective on the Legislature's failure to pass a proposed package during the recently concluded regular session. (Since the bill before the Legislature for special session will be a revenue bill, it must start in the House of Representatives. Accordingly, the Senate will not convene until Labor Day, September 1.) I look forward to addressing this critical need for our state and local governments. The Governor's office has shared basic elements of the bill but over the next three weeks, I'll be reviewing the detailed language — once it's made available — and gathering additional input from county and municipal officials. Hopefully, the final bill will provide necessary funding to address the transportation and transit needs of our state, regional and local governments.
In advance of the special session, I would like to invite Senate District 4 residents to join me; Speaker Julie Fahey; Senator James Manning; and Representatives Lisa Fragala, John Lively and Nancy Nathanson for a joint town hall on Saturday, August 23, at 11 a.m. We'll recap the recent regular session and respond to questions from constituents.
When: Saturday, August 23, 11 a.m.
Where: Springfield City Hall, Council Chamber (225 Fifth St.)
Please submit questions in advance using this form. Doing so will enable us to best prepare and prioritize topics.
Like many of you, I've monitored with dismay Trump administration's efforts to erode civil liberties and protections. Among tactics being used by the administration is allowing ICE and other federal agents to conceal their faces with masks. Having heard from constituents who share my concern about this tactic, I've engaged Legislative Counsel to research and advise me whether federal law preempts (takes precedence) over Oregon law in this area. If Oregon is not preempted from taking action, I plan to introduce legislation prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing masks when carrying out official duties. Exceptions could be authorized by a judge.
Below you will find information on:
- Elements of the Proposed Transportation Bill
- Proposed Farm Stand Rules
- Work Zone Safety
- "Checks Without Claims" Initiative
I hope this information is helpful and informative for you or someone you know. As always, feel free to share your comments, questions or concerns with me by phone, mail or e-mail.
Elements of the Proposed Transportation Bill
Governor Kotek's office has not yet released a detailed summary of her proposal to address Oregon's transportation funding crisis. Primary elements of the bill were shared at a press conference and in a briefing for legislators. As reported by Dirk VanderHart of Oregon Public Broadcasting, the proposal will:
- Raise Oregon's 40-cent-per-gallon gas tax to 43 cents beginning in 2026. That change is likely to raise around $150 million a year.
- Raise vehicle title and registration fees. Registration fees would increase by $42 and titling fees by $139. Electric vehicles, which do not pay gas taxes, would be required to pay an additional $30 on top of existing fees.
- Double the payroll tax for transportation, currently set at 0.1 percent. The tax, created in 2017, sent roughly $130 million to state transit agencies last fiscal year.
- Require drivers of electric vehicles and hybrids to enroll in the "OReGo" program, which charges drivers for miles driven.
- Require more frequent auditing of the Oregon Department of Transportation so the Legislature has better insight into the progress and cost of major road projects.
- Eliminate existing statutory language allowing for tolling on Portland-area highways.
As stated above, I'll be reviewing the language — once available — and gathering additional input from local officials.
Proposed Farm Stand Rules
Recently, I have heard from many constituents concerned about proposed rules for farm stands put forward by Oregon's Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). I want to make sure the proposed rules don't have unintended consequences or adverse impact on Oregon's farmers or land use laws. Last week, Gov. Kotek directed DLCD to pause their rulemaking. This will allow everyone to review the actual proposal. Unfortunately, misinformation has circulated. Here’s a link.
Additionally, I received the followed information from 1000 Friends of Oregon, an advocacy organization supporting the proposed rules:
- "The proposed rules would not limit activities like U-pick berries, pumpkin patches, or U-cut Christmas trees, which are already considered farm use and allowed outright.
- "They would make it easier and quicker for farmers to know when and how to secure a permit for favorite farm activities like hayrides, farm-to-table dinners, and concerts. These activities aren’t going anywhere – the rules are just clarifying what permit is needed for which.
- "[The proposed rules] would not introduce new authority for local governments to revoke valid permits or impose new fees.
According to 1000 Friends, the proposed DLCD rules would apply to new farm stand permits. If an existing operation is lawfully permitted, they shouldn’t need to make any changes.
Other land use advocates have expressed concerns that the proposed changes could be interpreted to allow an expansion of non-conforming activities on Exclusive Farm Use lands.
It's my understanding that the language is designed to protect Oregon's agricultural lands and farmers from big development that drives up the cost of farmland and prices out small family farms. As a member of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Wildfire, I'll be working to ensure that the proposed rules — if they move forward — don't adversely impact current farm stand practices.
Work Zone Safety
With the busy summer driving season upon us, workers around Oregon are putting their lives on the line to keep our roads safe, clear, and flowing smoothly. From construction crews and flaggers to tow truck drivers and incident responders, these workers are often just feet — often inches — from passing vehicles.
In 2023 alone, Oregon saw 584 work zone crashes, 572 injuries, and 10 fatalities. All of these losses were preventable. Slow down! As alarming, according to ODOT: Near misses are severely underreported, happening every day but not always making it into official statistics.
Work zones are a shared space. As drivers, we are part of it, and our choices directly impact the safety of those working there. We can help by:
- Paying attention. Distracted driving is one of the top causes of work zone crashes.
- Slowing down. Speed limits in work zones are set for everyone's safety.
- Moving over. It's Oregon law—when you see roadside workers, emergency responders, or maintenance crews, move over or slow down five miles below the speed limit.
- Planning ahead. Check TripCheck.com or call 511 for up-to-date road and work zone conditions.
Remember: Fines double in all work zones, even if workers aren't present.
"Checks Without Claims" Initiative
The Oregon State Treasury launch a new effort to proactively return unclaimed funds to Oregonians — without requiring any action on their part. This year, individuals in every Oregon county will receive payments as part of this initiative, reinforcing Treasury's commitment to reconnecting Oregonians with their unclaimed property. They want to ensure that Oregonians recognize this program as legitimate and keep an eye out for their incoming payments.
You can find details on the initiative, here, and check for unclaimed property using the Treasury's' online database. Nationally, one in seven people have unclaimed property!
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