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To contact me, please click here: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
The legislature just wrapped up a Special Session, and as always, there’s a lot to unpack. Looking ahead, the next short session begins in February, and between now and then I’ll be working on key issues that affect our rural and frontier communities.
I want to make sure you have the chance to hear directly about what happened, ask your questions, and share your thoughts on what’s ahead.
I hope you can join me on Tuesday, October 7 at 6:00 PM (PT) for a virtual town hall. We’ll talk about the Special Session, what’s coming up in February, and what I’m working on during the Interim.
Registration is recommended to save your spot, and you’ll also be able to submit questions ahead of time when you sign up.
ODA will be holding its first Rules Advisory Committee meeting on Oct 15, 2025. The purpose of the RAC is assist ODA in developing the rules for implementing SB 777.
Here is a link to the public notice.
- Date and time: October 15, 2025, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Meeting URL: Click here to join meeting
- Phone number: 503.446.4951,,557662146#
- Meeting ID: 2633167265477
- Passcode: uv6pY3oD
A new section is now live on the Oregon Law Help website to help Oregonians prepare for and recover from natural disasters, including wildfires. This site was developed by the Oregon State Bar, the state court system, and legal aid partners to make it easier for people to understand what steps to take and what resources are available.
The site includes information on:
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Preparing for a disaster (including a wildfire checklist)
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Immediate steps to take after a disaster
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What to do if your home is damaged or destroyed
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Navigating insurance claims
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Replacing lost ID and important documents
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Disaster recovery aid (FEMA grants, unemployment assistance, SBA loans, tax relief, and more)
This resource could be especially valuable for our communities, where wildfire and other disaster impacts are all too familiar.
You can visit the site here: Oregon Law Help – Disaster Assistance
The Oregon Agricultural Heritage Commission is recruiting for a commission seat representing the interests of Farmers and Ranchers. Commissioners serve 4-year terms, are recommended by the Board of Agriculture, and are appointed by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). The term for this seat is from January 2026 through January 2030; commissioners are eligible to serve two consecutive terms.
About the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program:
The State Legislature established the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program (OAHP) in 2017 to provide voluntary incentives to farmers and ranchers to support practices that maintain or enhance both agriculture and natural resources such as fish and wildlife on working lands.
How to apply to be on the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Commission:
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Applications may be emailed to Nicole Bettinardi at nicole.bettinardi@oweb.oregon.gov, or sent by mail. Mailed applications must be postmarked by November 1, 2025, to be considered for a position.
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The application deadline is 5:00 pm on November 3, 2025.
2025 - 2026 Regional Grant Program Now Open!
We're excited to announce that EOVA's regional grant program is now open and accepting applications. We welcome your projects that align with our program's key initiatives to:
• Drive visitation from Eastern Oregon’s key domestic and international markets.
• Develop destination-based products that are in concert with the Eastern Oregon’s natural environment, support the stewardship of the state’s resources and its rich history.
• Tie into or enhance one of EOVA’s marketing and development pillars of Outdoor Recreation, Culture & Heritage, or Culinary & Agritourism.
Applications are due October 27, 2025 by 11:59pm.
VIEW GRANT PROGRAM & GUIDELINES
We know times are tight for many families, and making sure people have access to food is a top priority. If you or someone you know is looking for support, the Oregon Food Bank has resources available across House District 60.
👉 Find a food assistance site near you: Oregon Food Bank – Find Food
Local food pantries and assistance programs are available in Baker, Grant, Harney, and Malheur counties. Please share this resource with anyone who may need it.
As always, if our office can help connect you to local services, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sign Up for Western Treasure Valley Food System Partnership News
Contact Me
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1460
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-475, Salem, OR 97301
Capitol Email: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Capitol Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/owens
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