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To contact me, please click here: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends,
As November comes to a close let us all pause and reflect on the many blessings we have experienced this year. I am deeply grateful for the honor of serving House District 21, and I want to extend heartfelt thanks to my incredible team whose dedication makes this work possible. I also want to extend thanks to each of you for your commitment to our Salem-Keizer community.
 Liability stresses at winter sport recreational facilities:
Sadly, the opportunity for Oregonians to enjoy skiing and other outdoor recreation at a facility which charges admission is getting more expensive and less available.
 Click here to read more
We are fortunate that, since 1995, we have greatly limited the liability of property owners who allow Oregonians, at no charge, to come on their property to enjoy activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and so forth. This is based on landmark legislation which encouraged property owners to allow Oregonians on their property, but that law is limited to situations where there is no charge for admission on the property. Where there is a charge for admission, such as for amusement parks and ski resorts, this protection did not apply, but property owners could ask their customers to sign a waiver removing most of their liability and therefore keeping insurance costs down.
Because of a recent Oregon Supreme Court Decision, the protection these waivers provided to these companies is no longer recognized. So, these facilities have watched their insurance premiums skyrocket and coverage options disappear as insurers leave to friendlier states. Now there is only one insurance company left in Oregon which is willing to insure ski resorts and at an extensively high premium cost.
 I was proud to sponsor legislation that would have addressed this issue in the recent session. Unfortunately, despite having a clear solution, those who control the legislative process did not allow the bill to move forward.
In most states operators of outdoor recreational facilities have access to reasonable insurance so they can keep prices low and let more people enjoy their facilities. Oregon should follow their lead. I remain committed to supporting legislation that lowers costs and protects access to outdoor recreation for all.
Crime rate increasing in Oregon:
 We need to be aware that many Oregon political leaders “just don’t get it” when it comes to addressing our crime issues. According to the 2024 FBI Compellation of crime statistics, Oregon has the 5th WORST crime rate in the United States, out of the 50 states. Many years ago, in my earlier round of legislative service, we managed to reform the public safety system in Oregon so that we were among the eight BEST crime rates in the nation. Yes, this has been a dramatic reduction of public safety coupled with a dramatic increase in the crime rate.
Since I returned to the legislature in 2023, I have fought hard to strengthen our public safety system. We have had some successful legislation, but there is much more to be done.
Shortened Sentences for Criminals:
The Department of Corrections has made a big mistake in its interpretation and application of an appeals court decision in July regarding sentencing. As a result, hundreds of serious criminals are seeing dramatic reductions of their sentences. The District Attorneys are, quite properly, in an uproar about this, and I fully support them. This bad interpretation of sentencing requirements, which reduces sentences imposed by our judges, needs to be fully corrected.
 The Department of Corrections has also failed to follow statutory requirements that victims be notified in advance as to these sentence changes, putting vulnerable people at risk and ignoring the rights of those who were victims of these crimes. I will do all I can to correct these major mistakes. It appears that it is possible to reestablish the original sentences, and I will support those efforts.
 Remembering Representative Hoa Nguyen
We began November legislative days on a solemn note, honoring the life of Representative Hoa Nguyen, who faithfully served House District 48. Representative Nguyen entered the Legislature in 2023, the same year I returned to service. Our memorial service provided an opportunity to appreciate her dedication to her family and to public service. It also helped all of us to consider the importance of maintaining a sense of our values and our faith as we engage in public service. I wish her family comfort, strength, and peace as they grieve her loss, remembering the many lives she touched.
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Capitol Planning Commission Appointment
In addition to my involvement with new interim committees, I have also been appointed to serve on the Capitol Planning Commission. During the 1990s, I had the opportunity to sit on this commission and play a key part in projects such as the preservation of the Capitol Mall and the addition of the parking structure underneath it; shape long-term development plans for other state buildings; and enhance public access to civic spaces inside the Capitol. I look forward to the opportunity to serve in this capacity again and finding out what projects lie ahead this next year.
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November Revenue Forecast
Earlier this week I joined my colleagues for the November legislative days, where we received the latest revenue forecast for the end of the year. With this report we saw a $246 million drop from the original $309 million projected deficit. This has been a brutal year struggling with rising costs in our community and pressure from government agencies to meet their rising costs needs as well. This forecast shift is a welcomed improvement showing our state may not be suffering as much was originally shown.
The economic picture for the community, however, showed a drastic difference. The new forecast shows a decline in wages, employment rates, and large deficit in workers for industries such as construction, manufacturing, and trades. The job market in Oregon has continued to struggle, with employers reporting an average of over 600 layoffs per month.
This comparison is a good reminder that our Oregon economy is struggling, and we must support our people by doing what we can to keep Oregon affordable and make it a place where our economy can thrive. This is currently not the case. A few steps I believe would help us succeed in this task are: removing red tape for businesses to flourish, allowing larger businesses - which provide stable jobs families - to stay in Oregon, and decreasing the barriers for families to pass along generational wealth.
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 Oregon Kicker 2025:
The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has confirmed a revenue surplus of more than $1.41 billion in the 2023-2025 biennium, triggering a tax surplus credit, or “kicker,” for the 2025 tax year.
The surplus will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2025 state personal income tax returns filed in 2026. It is not sent to taxpayers in a check. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes he or she owe.
Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return, and also file a tax year 2025 return, can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. If you have not yet filed a 2024 tax return, file now so you can claim the kicker credit when you file your 2025 tax return next year!
DMV changes:
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.
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SNAP Update:
As of November 7th, Oregon SNAP benefits have been restored to Oregon Trail Cards. Oregon Department of Human Services employees worked quickly after the Thursday federal order to ensure that systems were in place so funds could be made available as soon as possible.
All Oregonians who utilize the SNAP program have their full monthly benefit available and ready to use on their Oregon Trail Cards.
Before shopping, people should check their EBT card balance to make sure their benefits have been issued. There are several ways to find out how much money is in your account.
If you are expecting a SNAP balance and don’t see one, call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. Electronic theft of benefits from EBT cards is on the rise nationwide. Take steps to protect your card and benefits.
ODHS will continue to share updates at: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx
It is always an honor to represent you in the Oregon Legislature. If there are things my office can assist you with, do not hesitate to reach out via the information below.
Yours truly,
 Representative Kevin Mannix
House District 21
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1421
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-384, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mannix
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