|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
Since my last newsletter, harvest on the farm has wrapped up but life is far from slowing down.
Representative and Minority Leader Christine Drazen (R-Canby) was appointed to fill State Sen. Daniel Bonham's seat after he resigned from Senate District 26. This meant that caucus elections needed to be held to select a new minority leader. Our newly elected House Republican Leader is State Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville).
As the new leader, Rep. Elmer has asked me to be a part of her leadership team. I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to working with her and the other members of the elected and appointed leadership team.
My colleagues know me as the person that is not afraid to bring up the difficult questions to get to the right answers. I’m not afraid to rock the boat. I believe that is what brings forward the best solutions for Oregonians not just from the Republican caucus, but from the House as a whole. Pictured below is the leadership team in its entirety.
We are gearing up for November Legislative Days this month, where Sub Ways & Means committees will be reviewing agency proposed budget cuts. The Governor has instructed each agency to look in their approved 2025-27 budget where they could cut spending by 4-5%. Stay tuned to learn more about what potential cuts may be coming in next update.
I hope you find the remainder of this newsletter interesting as there are some helpful updates. As always, thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
 Anna Scharf
State Representative - HD 23
GOV. KOTEK STALLS SIGNING THE TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE TO DISRUPT BALLOT REFERENDUM EFFORTS
Governor Kotek seems to be intentionally stalling efforts to refer her transportation package to the ballot by not signing the bill.
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 from the same official passage date to collect the 78,116 signatures necessary for a ballot referendum. The collecting process cannot begin until the governor signs the bill. So by not signing the bill she is eating into the 90 days available for gathering signatures. It is estimated that by running out the clock, signature gathers will have around 45 days left max to gather the signatures.
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.
I find the situation full of hypocrisy since the Governor originally called an emergency Special Session over a holiday weekend, claiming the bill needed to be passed immediately to save Oregon infrastructure and jobs. Ironically, at least two other Democrats publicly agree with me as Senator Sollman (D – Hillsboro) and Senator Golden (D-Medford) have both issued letters requesting Kotek quit delaying the process and sign the bill allowing the people the option to vote.
|
FEDERAL SHUTDOWN UPDATE
Last month, I shared an update regarding the federal shutdown, which unfortunately still continues. As I'm sure you are aware, this is affecting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) which includes more than 750,000 Oregonians.
Last week, Governor Kotek declared a 60-day food security emergency and directed the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to provide $5 million to food banks around the state. Oregon’s $5 million comes from unspent federal funds appropriated for low-income families (TANF). The distribution will be handled by the Office of Emergency Management.
Today, we learned that ODHS received new guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about November SNAP benefits.
In the new guidance, USDA is directing states to issue households 50 percent of their normal monthly SNAP benefit amount for November.
While the guidance specifies the benefit percentage, it is not a simple or automatic calculation. ODHS is now reviewing the guidance and working to understand how it will be implemented and its impact for Oregonians who count on SNAP to help meet their food needs. It will take time for ODHS to make the necessary technical updates and coordinate benefits issuance accurately and fairly.
Unemployment and poverty rates in Oregon are above the national average. A government shutdown has real and dangerous consequences for the people that live here. Oregon families should not be used as bargaining chips in political negotiations. They deserve leaders that fight to maintain essential services without disruption. I encourage you to write to Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and ask them to vote yes on a clean, bipartisan, short-term funding measure and ensure Oregon families do not go hungry.
Should you need assistance during this challenging time, here are some local resources:
In addition, ODHS has also updated its online hubs to help Oregonians find local food resources:
ODHS will continue to provide updates on its web and social media channels. For the most up-to-date information, Oregonians should continue to monitor:
The ODHS federal shutdown updates page: www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx
Presenting a legislative update with State Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville) and State Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Dundee) in Yamhill County. Hosted by McMinnville Chamber of Commerce and Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce. A big thank you to the chambers for putting the event together.
Participating in the McMinnville Properties groundbreaking event of the Marriott AC Retreat at the Evergreen Campus. This amazing hotel will be a wonderful addition to the Evergreen campus and the Yamhill County area. I was honored to stand alongside so many wonderful people dedicated to its success as we broke ground on the project. Read more about the new structure here.
Attending the Newberg Center Portland Community College Open House. Speaking to a group of high school kids about career readiness and the importance of finding opportunities to continue their skill building was an unexpected opportunity while attending the event. Read more about the new campus here.
Speaking with the Dallas Leadership class. I always enjoy being invited back to talk about the Legislative process, engaging, advocating and the importance of civic engagement at every level. Enrollment for this year’s class is closed, but you can learn more about this opportunity here.
Attending the Casey Family Program seminar in Little Rock, Arkansas along with Legislators from other states. Being Vice-Chair of the Early Childhood and Human Services Committee, this was a great opportunity to learn how other states are funding their public assistance programs and providing services for children and families.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1423
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-387, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/scharf
| 
