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To contact me, please click here: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 Transportation Special Session wrapped up earlier this month, and we’ve also held the first of three interim committee meetings since June’s close of session.
With the crisp autumn air settling in, it’s a season of change and reflection. I recently returned from some travel with my family. This week, I’m busy catching up on emails, preparing for various meetings and events, as well as our next interim committee days before pumpkin pies, turkey, and all the holiday fixings fill our tables.
This newsletter highlights what’s been happening in your Capitol, my activities, as well as interesting information from around the state and beyond. Thank you for tuning in. It’s a privilege to keep you informed as we head into the final months of the year.
Sincerely,
 Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
In this issue:
View previous newsletters here.
The Senate closed out the Special Session on October 1st, exactly one month after the House introduced HB 3391, the Governor’s $4.3 billion transportation tax package. Senator Chris Gorsek, who had recently been released from the hospital, made a brief return to the Senate floor just before the vote. His attendance gave the Democrat supermajority the number of votes they needed to pass the bill without any Republican support.
Before the final vote, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr, made a motion to suspend the rules and introduce two amendments. One to allow ODOT to reprioritize existing funds toward its core services, and another to refer the $4.3 billion tax package to voters. Both amendments were quickly rejected by the majority party.
In response, Senate Republicans walked off the floor, standing with the 93% of Oregonians who submitted written testimony opposing the measure. The process ignored the voices of thousands of Oregonians who made it clear that they simply can’t afford another round of tax increases to fund what they see as continued mismanagement at the state level.
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Following several hours of debate, Democrats pushed the bill through and sent it to the Governor’s desk. To date, the bill remains unsigned by the Governor — intentionally stalling efforts to refer her transportation package to the ballot.
After the Senate President signs the bill, marking its official passage, the Governor has 30 weekdays to add her signature. Weekday is the keyword here, because signature collectors will only have 90 calendar days to collect the 78,116 signatures necessary for a ballot referendum. The collecting process cannot begin until the governor signs the bill.
Voters have made it clear that they want a say on this piece of legislation. In fact, of the more than 6,000 pieces of public testimony on the transportation tax package, 93% of Oregonians opposed it. They expressed that the cost of living in Oregon is already barely manageable; and $4.3 billion in new taxes and fees over the next ten years would significantly hurt them and their families.
By sitting on the bill until the very last second, Kotek can shave off 43 calendar days from the time signatures can be collected — making it as difficult as possible to refer the bill to the people.
This is hypocritical of the governor, who called an emergency Special Session over a holiday weekend, claiming the bill needed to be passed immediately to save Oregon infrastructure and jobs.
A strong leader would be confident enough her bill would pass, even if it ended up on the ballot. A good leader would stand on business, believing wholeheartedly that citizens would pass a ballot measure because it benefits them and improves their quality of life.
On a positive note, the referendum team is highly organized and ready to hit the ground running the second Kotek signs the bill.
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In late September, legislative committees met to organize and adopt committee rules for the first of three scheduled interim committee days that will take place before the 2026 Session.
Below is a summary of the topics covered in each of my committee assignments, as well as links to watch replays of the meetings.
On September 29th, the House Interim Committee on Emergency Management and Veterans heard several important presentations focused on Oregon’s preparedness for natural disasters and ongoing support for veterans across the state.
We received an in-depth briefing on Oregon’s readiness for a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, an event that could leave many communities functioning as isolated “islands” without access to power, roads, or communication for weeks. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management outlined current efforts to strengthen local resilience, improve emergency coordination, and help counties update continuity and recovery plans.
The committee also heard from experts on the tsunami warning system, who shared progress on expanding sirens, signage, and wireless alerts along the coast. Public education remains a key part of making sure Oregonians know evacuation routes and how to respond when minutes matter most.
The committee also heard from experts on the tsunami warning system, who shared progress on expanding sirens, signage, and wireless alerts along the coast. Public education remains a key part of making sure Oregonians know evacuation routes and how to respond when minutes matter most.
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State officials briefed us on new federal emergency management directives, including updates to the National Response Framework and new opportunities for pre-disaster resilience grants and mitigation funding. These federal changes will help Oregon better align local and state efforts with national standards for preparedness and recovery.
Finally, the Oregon Health Authority shared updates on the Veterans Services Grant Fund and new behavioral health initiatives. These programs are expanding outreach, suicide prevention, and mental health support for veterans across Oregon, particularly in rural and underserved communities. I continue to request information from state agencies on how they are spending Ballot Measure 96 dollars in compliance with the letter and the intent of the measure passed overwhelmingly by voters in 2016. This measure allocated 1.5% of lottery net proceeds toward veteran services. It was intended to enhance services to veterans, not to supplant for general fund dollars dedicated to those services. The proceeds are spread amongst a number of state agencies, and it remains difficult to get an accounting on how those funds are spent. As a result, we call on state agencies to give us an agency-specific accounting to our committee. I believe an audit of those funds across agency lines is in order and I will continue to push for better accounting of how those dedicated funds are used.
Preparing for large-scale emergencies and caring for those who have served our nation are two of the most important responsibilities we share. As vice-chair of the committee, I remain committed to supporting efforts that strengthen Oregon’s emergency response systems and ensure veterans have access to the care and resources they deserve.
Watch a replay of the committee meeting and access meeting materials here.
On September 30th, I had the privilege of attending the Oregon Senate Interim Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs to hear an inspiring presentation from retired Lieutenant Colonel Dick Tobiason, the driving force behind the National Medal of Honor Highway project. This moment brought me back eight years ago in my first term in the Oregon House where I wholeheartedly sponsored HB 2100 (2017) that bloomed into this amazing coast-to coast tribute. It was a proud moment to stand and applaud Dick for his diligence and dedicated efforts to fulfill his mission on this project.
Dick shared the remarkable story of how U.S. Highway 20, which stretches more than 3,300 miles from the Oregon Coast to Boston, has been officially designated as the National Medal of Honor Highway across the United States. This effort began right here in Oregon, where advocates and veterans’ organizations first proposed the idea to honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s Medal of Honor recipients.
Oregon became the first state to designate its portion of U.S. Highway 20 in 2018, and through the dedication of Dick and his fellow veterans, every state along the route has now joined in recognizing this historic and unifying tribute. It’s a powerful reminder that the values of service, sacrifice, and courage are shared across every community in our nation.
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Listening to this presentation reinforced my deep appreciation for the veterans and advocates who work tirelessly to preserve the legacy of those who have served with the highest distinction. The Medal of Honor Highway stands as a living memorial, a ribbon of respect stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Coast.
I want to thank Dick for his leadership and for ensuring that Oregon continues to play a proud role in honoring our nation’s heroes. Dick credits his friend, Bob Maxwell, for the inspiration in starting this project. Bob, a World War 2 Medal of Honor recipient from Bend, passed away a few years ago. He lived long enough to see Oregon’s Medal of Honor highway bill passed and dedicated with signage. I had the distinct honor of meeting Bob in 2018 and in his honor, I want to pay tribute to him.
Robert D. Maxwell served with the U.S. Army 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in World War 2. A few days after his unit landed on the beach at Anzio, Bob was wounded and was hospitalized for several months, returning to his unit in time for the invasion of southern France. On September 7, 1944, he was standing guard when attacked by a German platoon, armed with machine guns and 20 mm antiaircraft weapons, that had infiltrated through the lines, coming to within a few yards of the command post. Maxwell, along with 2 fellow soldiers fought off the German attack armed only with their .45 sidearms. During the attack, Bob jumped on a grenade to prevent injury to his officers inside the command post. He sustained severe injuries to multiple parts of his body from the grenade blast. While being assisted, he was knocked to the ground by a second grenade blast. Bob was subsequently awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry in action. Robert D. Maxwell was the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 98.
I’ve had the honor of meeting another Medal of Honor recipient during my time in the Legislature. Leroy Petry was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2011for his actions in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008. He also is honored with the completion of the National Medal of Honor Highway.
Watch a replay of Dick’s presentation here.
 
On September 30th, the Oregon House and Senate Judiciary Committees convened to hear updates and presentations from a range of invited speakers on issues affecting public safety, law enforcement, and child protection.
The meeting began with a review of Oregon crime statistics, providing lawmakers with the latest data on trends in property crime, violent crime, and public safety outcomes. The presentation highlighted areas of improvement as well as ongoing challenges for law enforcement agencies across the state.
Next, the committees heard from the Oregon Law Enforcement Identification, Standards, and Practices office, which outlined recent efforts to strengthen officer training, accountability, and adherence to professional standards.
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The Department of Corrections presented their health delivery system report, offering recommendations for improving access to healthcare, mental health services, and treatment programs for incarcerated individuals, emphasizing both operational efficiency and inmate wellbeing.
The committees also discussed HB 4086 (2024), which addresses child welfare concerns. Reports highlighted the scope of child abuse investigations, with a focus on children exhibiting complex sexual behaviors. Presenters detailed assessment protocols and intervention strategies designed to support affected children and prevent further harm.
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In addition, the Seattle Lead and Lane County deflection program provided an overview, showcasing strategies to divert individuals with behavioral health needs away from incarceration and toward community-based support services.
Finally, the Oregon Sunshine Committee provided an update on transparency initiatives, public records accessibility, and ongoing efforts to ensure open government practices remain strong across the state.
Overall, the meeting brought together experts and lawmakers to discuss critical topics in criminal justice, child welfare, corrections, and government transparency, helping the committees guide future legislative priorities.
Watch a replay of committee meeting here.
The Joint Subcommittee on Public Safety met on September 30th to review how Oregon is strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness. We received reports from various agencies and held work sessions to acknowledge receipt of the following reports and approve agency grant requests to move them to the Full Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.
Work Sessions:
Agency Reports & Grant Requests
22. Public Employees Retirement System – Preliminary Changes to Actuarial Methods and Assumptions
21. Department of Administrative Services – Compensation Plan Changes
1. Judicial Department – Compensation Plan Changes
2. Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability – Compensation Plan Changes
6. Department of Emergency Management – Emergency Management Performance
7. Department of Emergency Management – Homeland Security
8. Department of Emergency Management – Security Enhancements for Nonprofits
9. Department of Emergency Management – Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
10. Department of Emergency Management – National Earthquake Hazard Reduction
11. Department of Emergency Management – Next Generation Warning Systems 1
12. Department of Corrections – FORGE Fatherhood
13. Department of the State Fire Marshal – Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness
The committee meeting concluded with the Oregon Military Department’s overview on the State/Federal National Guard Authorities and Costs. They emphasized the dual mission: State activation or emergencies and disasters under the Governor, and federal activation for national defense and overseas missions. Budget planning remains crucial to balance state emergency needs with federal obligations while maintaining readiness and supporting Guard members.
Overall, the meeting highlighted Oregon’s commitment to equitable support for public safety staff, enhanced emergency preparedness, and stronger resilient communities across the state.
Watch a replay of committee meeting here.
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Earlier this month, the House Republican Caucus elected Representative Lucetta Elmer to replace Representative Christine Drazan as House Republican Leader. I extend my sincere congratulations to Representative Elmer.
Leader Elmer announced the new leadership team for the 2026 Legislative Session last week.
Representative Alek Skarlatos from Winston was elected deputy leader alongside Leader Elmer..
Representative Virgle Osborne from Roseburg was elected in 2024 for a two-year term as Whip. The whip traditionally ensures the legislative process runs smoothly. They measure how much support there is or isn’t for a bill, which helps the caucus make decisions that are in the best interest of Oregonians.
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Representatives E. Werner Reschke from Malin, Anna Scharf from Amity, and Ed Diehl from Stayton were appointed as assistant leaders. They assist the leader and deputy leader with administrative tasks. Trying to organize a gaggle of politicians is no easy feat.
Representatives Vikki Breese-Iverson from Prineville, and Greg Smith from Heppner, were appointed as Ex-Officio members.
“Each member of this team brings a deep well of experience and character,” said Leader Elmer. “Their loyalty and wisdom are what steady us as we work toward practical, lasting solutions for Oregon.”
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On October 2nd, I was honored to attend the Marion County ReEntry Initiative Breakfast at the Keizer Civic Center, where community leaders, service providers, and law enforcement came together to support one of our state’s most successful reentry programs. This initiative has become a model across Oregon, reducing recidivism by offering real opportunities for a new start.
The stories shared at the breakfast were inspiring reminders of the power of perseverance and the impact of a community that believes in accountability, second chances, and public safety. As a long-standing member of the Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council, it is always a pleasure to attend this event and hear of the continued success of the reentry initiative. I am grateful to all who make this work possible and remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen families, restore lives, and build safer communities.
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On October 8th, it was a pleasure to attend the Department of Public Safety and Standard's round-table discussion with law enforcement leaders and hear their concerns and needs going into the 2026 session. Law enforcement leaders bring an important public safety perspective to the work we do in the Legislature. It was also good to visit with colleagues from my former career.
Also on October 8th, I was honored to join the Molalla community in celebrating the grand opening of Chief Yelkus Park. This new public park is named in recognition of Chief Yelkus (1843-1913), the last Chief of the Molalla Indian Tribe, to honor the area’s first people and preserve their history for future generations.
The park is rich in cultural significance, with a playground themed around the Molalla Tribe’s foundational Story of Coyote and Grizzley. Families will enjoy the large coyote play structure, balance boards, a log jam, reed shaped columns, and educational signage that connects play with learning. In addition, the park includes amenities such as picnic tables, benches, lighting, restrooms, bike racks, and a drinking fountain, making it a true community gathering place.
This project reflects the commitment of the City of Molalla to invest in public spaces, made possible through the generous support of the Molalla Communications Company. Chief Yelkus Park will stand as a lasting tribute to heritage, storytelling, and community, and I look forward to seeing generations of Oregonians enjoy this special place.
Thank you to the city, local leaders, and all partners whose hard work make the project possible. This park will serve as a lasting tribute to our heritage and a gift for future generations.
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On October 10th, I had the opportunity to attend the Oregon National Guard Labor Summit in Salem. It was a great event that brought together Guard members, labor leaders, and state officials to strengthen partnerships that support Oregon’s workforce and those who serve our state and nation. The summit featured excellent presentations and hands-on demonstrations that showcased the many ways military training aligns with skilled trades and technical careers. I appreciate the Oregon National Guard and all the partners who are working to connect service members with good jobs and career opportunities across Oregon.
I also had the opportunity to meet with members of the Guard to hear an update on the bill passed last session to provide financial enhancements for those members of the National Guard who choose to re-enlist. The results to date are very encouraging.
Oregon’s Department of Corrections (ODOC) quietly reexamined the sentences of hundreds of prisoners after the Oregon Supreme Court ruled in July that trial courts could grant pre-sentence credit for time spent in jail awaiting a ruling on an unrelated crime.
The ODOC slashed time off of sentences left and right, rescheduling release dates for 350 prisoners, and even releasing some violent offenders without notifying prosecutors or victims. This threat to public safety is very disturbing and should be of concern to all Oregonians.
The resentencing guidelines failed to make exceptions for violent crimes, including murder, rape, assault, and child sex abuse. In at least two cases, two prisoners serving time for sexually abusing children have already been released.
The Oregon District Attorneys Association (ODAA) did not approve of the State’s interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling, arguing that the guidelines disproportionately favored inmates serving multiple sentences or facing convictions in more than one county. The ODAA asked Governor Kotek to issue an immediate pause on the resentencing guidelines. Kotek refused.
The Legislature is working on a bill to correct the new guidelines during the 2026 short session. Until then, Kotek must be pressured to issue a stay for the last 500 sentences the ODOC has yet to reexamine to prevent dangerous criminals from being released on our streets.
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If you are a senior or disabled homeowner in Oregon, you might be able to borrow money from the state to pay your property taxes to the county through the state’s property tax deferral program.
To qualify, you must meet all of these requirements as of April 15, 2025:
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- 62 years old or older
- Disabled and receiving or eligible to receive federal Social Security Disability benefits
- Own the property and have a recorded deed in your name
- Have both owned and lived on the property for at least the last five full years
If you haven’t lived in and owned your home for the last five years, you may still qualify for the program if you meet the following criteria:
- Your previous home was in the Property Tax Deferral program.
- The new home must have a lower real market value (RMV) than your last home.
- You must sell the old home and purchase the new home within a 1-year time frame.
- You must not finance more than 80 percent of the purchase price of the new home.
- You must satisfy the deferral lien on the prior homestead.
- You must have homeowners’ insurance that covers fire and other casualty.
- Your 2024 household income must not exceed the annual limit $60,000.
- Your net worth is less than $500,000.
- Either:
- You don’t have a reverse mortgage.
- You were on the Property Tax Deferral program with a reverse mortgage before 2011.
- You have acquired a reverse mortgage; the reverse mortgage information schedule for more details in the years 2011-2016 (See Form OR-RMI for requirements).
- The real market value of your homestead, as shown on the 2024-25 tax statement, is less than the limit allowed by statute.
To participate, you must file an application with the county assessor either by April 15 or file late from April 16 to December 1 and pay a fee.
A lien will be placed on your property, and the state will become a security interest holder. Upon disqualification or cancellation from the program, the following must be repaid in full before the lien or security interest on the property will be released:
- Your property taxes that the Department of Revenue has paid.
- The accrued interest (6 percent annually).
- The cost of recording and releasing the lien.
- A $55.00 filing fee on manufactured structures.
The Oregon DMV will be changing its rules on the knowledge test. Beginning October 1, an individual pursuing a driver’s license will only be allowed two attempts at the Class C knowledge test, or motorcycle endorsement knowledge test, per day.
According to the DMV, the rules are changing because staff observed people taking the test multiple times, back-to-back, hoping to pass by chance instead of studying the driver’s manual and learning the information.
Limiting the number of tests allowed per day will free up staff and reduce wait times for other patrons. Additionally, the DMV hopes this will encourage people to take driver safety seriously.
October is Fire Prevention Month, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal and Oregon Fire Marshals Association invite all Oregonians to Take Charge of Fire Safety by buying, using, and recycling rechargeable batteries safely.
Rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, power many of our everyday devices, such as smartphones, laptops, wearable technology, e-scooters, power tools, electric vehicles, and much more. While they are convenient and powerful, they can create serious fire risks if not used correctly.
“Rechargeable batteries, especially lithium-ion types, are incredibly useful but can be dangerous if they’re not used or stored the right way,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Since more families are using them at home, it’s important to know how to use them safely.”
“Oregon’s fire service personnel see firsthand the impact fire can have on families and communities,” said Lora Ratcliff, president of the Oregon Fire Marshals Association. “Fire Prevention Month is about taking simple steps that make a big difference, whether that’s charging batteries safely, checking smoke alarms, or creating a home escape plan. By working together, we can reduce fire risks and help keep Oregonians safe.”
Safety Tips for Rechargeable Batteries
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Buy Only Listed Products.
When buying devices that use rechargeable batteries, make sure they are tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to meet established safety standards.
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Charge Devices Safely.
Always use the charger that comes with the device or one approved by the manufacturer. Charge devices on a hard, flat surface and avoid charging them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Unplug devices once they are fully charged.
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Dispose of Batteries Responsibly.
Do not put rechargeable batteries or devices in the trash or regular recycling bins. They can start fires. Instead, take them to a designated battery recycling location. Visit http://www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
While rechargeable batteries are a growing risk, the top causes of home fires in Oregon remain the same year after year:
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Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from stovetops.
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Heating equipment, such as space heaters, should be kept at least three feet from anything that can burn.
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Electrical issues, including overloaded outlets and faulty wiring, are major contributors to home fires.
Fire Prevention Month is a great time to check your smoke alarms, review your home escape plan, and talk with your family about fire safety. A few minutes of prevention can save lives.
Learn More
For more information on home fire safety, including downloadable resources, safety checklists, and educational materials, visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website at www.oregon.gov/osfm.
About the Oregon State Fire Marshal
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.
About the Oregon Fire Marshals Association
The Oregon Fire Marshals Association is a nonprofit organization made up of fire code officials, industry leaders, and individuals dedicated to protecting of life and property against fire. The OFMA provides education and discussion on current fire and life safety issues to understand and improve fire codes and standards. Learn more at ofma.net.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1418
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-385, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis
October marks Domestic Violence awareness month, a time to stand with survivors, honor those we’ve lost, and recommit ourselves to ending abuse in all forms. As someone who spent much of my career in law enforcement, I’ve seen the deep and lasting impact domestic violence has on individuals, families, and entire communities. No one should ever live in fear in their own home. I am deeply grateful for the incredible organizations and professionals throughout our state and in House District 18 who dedicate themselves to helping survivors rebuild their lives. From law enforcement officers and victim advocates to shelter staff, counselors, and volunteers, your compassion and commitment makes a real difference every single day. These organizations play a vital role in helping survivors and strengthen our communities.
In Marion County, the Center for Hope and Safety in Salem provides emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling for those escaping abuse.
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In Clackamas County, Clackamas Women’s Services offers a wide range of support, from emergency housing and counseling to legal advocacy and community education. |
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