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To contact me, please click here: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we move into November and we have adjusted our clocks for the end of daylight saving time, I’m reminded how quickly the seasons change and how important it is to stay mindful of safety as the days grow shorter. With darkness arriving earlier, visibility on our roads decreases, and it becomes even more important to watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and children heading home from school or activities. This time of year is also a great opportunity to check a few important home safety items, like inspecting smoke detectors and replacing batteries or expired units, cleaning out dryer vents, and ensuring outdoor lights are working properly. Small steps like these can make a big difference in keeping your home and family safe through the colder months.
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Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but before the holiday season begins, the Legislature will meet in Salem for the second round of interim committee days to prepare for the upcoming 2026 short session. In this month’s newsletter, I’ll be sharing updates on what’s happening in the Capitol, around the district, and beyond.
As always, thank you for staying engaged and taking the time to read these updates. If I or my office can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.
Sincerely,
 Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
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
In this Issue:
View previous newsletters here.
Tune in for Legislative Interim Committee days on Monday, November 17-19. This is the second of three scheduled Legislative Interim Committee days to take place before the 2026 Session. During these days, committees hold informational hearings on topics that could lead to legislation in upcoming session, hear updates on implementations of past legislation, and receive reports from state agencies.
I continue to serve on the following committees:
Click on the links above to follow along and see what’s happening in my committees.
Oregon’s next legislative session is a short session that convenes on February 2, 2026. You can access the legislative calendar for important dates here.
The Oregon State Capitol has been under construction for over three years. Talks on the Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance and Safety (CAMS) project began as early as 2008. The seismic renovations have cost taxpayers $595.7 million. The renovations aim to address space needs, historic preservation, fire, safety and accessibility, and sustainability. Comprehensive seismic upgrades, the bulk of the renovations, were proposed in 2013.
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On September 29th, the Capitol building reopened to the public after being closed to the public and staff this summer in a push to finish interior restorations. The reopening came with a welcome surprise: The historic rotunda was completed and available for viewing for the first time since 2022.
The CAMS project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2026.
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I encourage you to check out the newly opened rotunda. The Oregon Capitol is your building as much, if not more so, than it is ours. More of the Capitol building will become available to the public in the upcoming months.
On October 27th, Marion County’s new Behavioral Health Crisis Center celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. For 30 years, the center, formerly known as the Psychiatric Crisis Center, has provided 24/7 crisis intervention, assessment and stabilization services to individuals and families, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The name change to Behavioral Health Crisis Center reflects a more comprehensive approach, integrating behavioral health and substance use supports. This facility represents a major step forward in how our community responds to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Too often, people in crisis end up in hospital emergency rooms or local jails, places that aren’t designed to provide the kind of care or support they truly need. This new center changes that. It provides a safe, compassionate space where individuals can receive timely help from trained professionals, with the goal of stabilizing them and connecting them to ongoing care and community resources.
I am deeply impressed by the collaboration that made this center possible. Marion County officials, local law enforcement, healthcare providers, and state partners all worked together to make this vision a reality. It’s a great example of what can be accomplished when we come together around a shared purpose, supporting the health and well-being of our neighbors.
This project reflects a growing understanding that public safety and public health go hand in hand. As a former police chief, current member of Marion County’s Public Safety Coordinating Council, and now as your State Representative, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to have effective options for mental health intervention. Facilities like this one will help ease the burden on first responders and emergency departments while giving individuals and families the support they deserve.
I’m proud to see Marion County leading the way, and I’ll continue working in the Legislature to ensure communities across Oregon have the resources they need to strengthen behavioral health services and improve outcomes for all Oregonians. This is important work and so much more needs to be done. It is not acceptable as a state to rank at or near the bottom in behavioral health services.
In late October, I had the pleasure of visiting Silver Bells Tree Farm in Silverton, a shining example of the hard work, tradition, and innovation that defines Oregon’s agricultural heritage. Touring the farm and meeting with those who dedicate their lives to this industry was a reminder of how deeply agriculture and forestry are woven into the fabric of our communities. The Christmas tree industry, along with our broader agricultural and natural resource sectors, plays a vital role in supporting Oregon’s economy. These industries not only provide jobs and sustain local businesses, but they also strengthen rural communities and keep our state’s economy vibrant. From family farms to large-scale operations, their success fuels growth, preserves open spaces, and reflects the resilience that makes Oregon unique.
I’m grateful to the team at Silver Bells Tree Farm for their hospitality and for sharing the work they do year-round to bring joy to families across the country during the holiday season. Supporting industries like these is essential to maintaining the vitality of our communities and ensuring a strong future for Oregon agriculture. It is indeed an honor to represent Oregon’s Christmas Tree District.
 
I had the honor of attending the open house for the new Aurora Fire District Station 910 on November 8th. It was inspiring to see so many members of the community come together to celebrate this important milestone for public safety in our region.
The new station represents years of planning, collaboration, and dedication from local leaders, first responders, and residents who care deeply about keeping our community safe. With modern facilities and improved response capabilities, Station 910 will help ensure that our firefighters have the tools and resources they need to continue providing exceptional service to the people of Aurora and the surrounding areas.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Aurora Fire District Board, and all the men and women of the department for their tireless work and commitment to protecting lives and property. The open house was not only a celebration of a new building but also a reminder of the strength and unity of our community.
It was a privilege to join Senator Girod at this event and be part of this special day. I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact Station 910 will have for years to come.
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In late October the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) issued their final update for the 2025 fire season as follows:
“Friday, October 17th marked the end of the 2025 fire season for all Oregon Department of Forestry districts. With ODF’s Southwest Oregon District as the first to go into fire season on June 1, and Central Oregon District as the last out. There were 138 days of fire season statewide this year.
Over those 138 days, there were 1,156 fires for 24,788 acres burned on ODF-protected lands with 94% of fires kept at 10 acres or less. That’s 118% of our 10-year average for number of fires, but only 36% of the 10-year average acres burned! Fires on ODF protection accounted for more than half of the total fires statewide across all jurisdictions, but only about 7% of the total statewide acres burned.
Stopping most fires while they were small was in large part thanks to safe and aggressive initial attack by our local folks. Despite an incredibly rough 2024 fire season, fire fighters came back this year ready to protect Oregonians. That’s a testament to the professionalism and dedication of those willing to take on the challenge of fighting wildland fire across our state.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal responded to eight conflagrations during the 2025 fire season. The first conflagration, the Rowena Fire, started early because of difficult fuel and weather conditions on June 11. This rapid, wind-driven fire consumed 56 homes. Over the next month, five additional conflagrations occurred. Over late July and early August, the Oregon fire service did not respond to any conflagrations, primarily because of excellent local responses within the 305 statewide fire districts. The combination of two OSFM programs were critical in these successes, the 2025 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant and the Engine Program.
In mid-August, the toughest fire of the season sparked near Sisters, the Flat Fire. The fire directly threatened the community of Sisters and surrounding areas with more than 4,000 homes in some level of evacuation. More than 827 homes were saved, an incredible testament to the heroic work by firefighters, fuels treatments over the last decade around the community, and significant work by the communities to complete defensible space and home hardening measures. The OSFM’s last deployment was September 27 to the Moon Complex in Southern Oregon.
ODF’s Complex Incident Management Teams were deployed to 6 large fires this year for 73 days total. About 350 people from across ODF’s divisions and the Protective Associations went out with the teams to serve those communities impacted by wildfire.
Once again, ODF’s Severity Program played a vital role in fire detection and aggressive response across the state. The program is managed by ODF to strategically move additional resources around the state based on fire conditions to augment local capacity. Resources are used by both ODF and OSFM—and often our federal partners—to help keep fires small. Through this partnership, the Oregon fire service had access to these critical aviation resources within fire districts on wildland fires, which greatly contributed to keeping fires out of communities. Additional severity funding from the Legislature this year allowed us to contract four additional aircraft - two helicopters and two fixed-wing air attack platforms - bringing the total program aviation fleet to 18. Severity aircraft logged more than 1,300 flight hours, dropped more than two million gallons of water, and delivered about 300,000 gallons of retardant and BlazeTamer.
As things wind down after the “official” fire season, please remember that wildfires do happen outside of declared fire season in all parts of the state. Stay safe by focusing on the conditions where you are instead of the date on the calendar. While the end of fire season doesn’t mean the end of fires, it does mean the end of ODF-imposed fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands. Debris burning may still require a permit from your local fire department and slash burning always requires a permit from ODF. Also, debris burns spreading and/or reigniting is by far one of the top human causes of wildfires on lands ODF protects. Please check out our burning safety tips video and fact sheet and share with others.
ODF and OSFM want to thank all of our dedicated fire fighters for the countless hours spent away from their families this summer to protect Oregonians, communities, and our natural resources. We also thank you for your continued interest, engagement, and support through another fire season. If you have any questions, we are available to you year-round”.
The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) 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. On November 7th, the Oregon Department of Revenue shared the following Oregon “kicker” information:
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 they 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. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2024 tax return, should file now so they can claim their kicker credit when they file their 2025 tax return next year.
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DOR Kicker Calculator
Personal income taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using the “What’s My Kicker?” calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.
Taxpayers may also hand-calculate the amount of their credit, by multiplying their 2024 tax liability before any credits—line 24 on the 2024 Form OR-40—by 9.863 percent. This percentage is determined and certified by OEA. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating their kicker amount.
Other important kicker information
The state may use all or part of a taxpayer’s kicker to pay any state debt they owe, such as tax due for other years, child support, court fines, or school loans.
Taxpayers may choose to donate their kicker to the Oregon State School Fund for K-12 public education, but they must donate the entire amount. The donation is permanent and cannot be taken back.
Taxpayers may also choose to donate all or part of their kicker to any or all of the 29 charities approved by the Charitable Checkoff Commission. Taxpayers use Form OR-DONATE to designate their donation to charity.
2026 Tax Filing Season
In January 2026, the department will announce the date taxpayers can start filing 2025 Oregon tax returns.
The department will continue to offer Direct File Oregon as free option for taxpayers to electronically file their 2025 state tax returns. However, the IRS announced they will end the IRS Direct File program for federal tax returns.
The fastest way for taxpayers to claim and receive their kicker will be to file electronically and use direct deposit to receive their refund. The department plans to begin making refund payments in mid-February 2026.
The length of time to process a return and refund payment will depend on factors including:
- When the IRS opens electronic return filing and processing;
- When a taxpayer files their return;
- Completeness of a return;
- Number of returns received by the department; and
- Refund amount.
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More than 757,000 Oregonians receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including working parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. These benefits make a real difference in helping families meet their most basic needs.
As Congress continues working to reach an agreement and end the federal government shutdown, I know that many Oregonians, including those here in House District 18, have been feeling the effects of the uncertainty with regard to the SNAP program, which helps thousands of residents in our district keep food on the table each month. What exactly is happening with SNAP benefits? I understand how confusing and chaotic the news has been during the shutdown, so I will do my best to explain where we’re at.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund the food stamp program despite the ongoing government shutdown. The ruling required the administration to release SNAP benefits by the following day. The Trump Administration moved to block the Judge’s order, yet many states moved to release benefits regardless of legal proceedings — Oregon being one of the first.
While the Trump administration recognized that millions of Americans are now facing food insecurity, it argued that the USDA cannot use its $6 billion contingency fund to pay for benefits during the shutdown because Congress did not approve the money, adding that even partial reimbursement would be “catastrophic.” USDA concurred, saying its contingency funds are for true emergencies, like natural disasters, not a government shutdown.
As of last Friday, November 7th, Oregon families woke up to find that SNAP benefits had been restored to their Oregon Trail Cards. Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) employees worked quickly after Thursday’s 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.
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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:
Oregonians can find local food resources on ODHS' online hubs:
FIND FOOD ASSISTANCE RESOURCES AND HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supports 42 million low-income participants — approximately 757,000 of whom are Oregonians. That is 1 in 6 Oregonians who rely on the benefits to feed their families.
In fiscal year 2023, SNAP benefits supported 24.5 percent of Oregon households with children and 47.3 percent of single-parent families.
If the government shutdown continues to affect SNAP benefits, here are some resources you can utilize.
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EMERGENCY FOOD RESOURCES
A new report shows Oregon ranks 51st among U.S. states and the District of Columbia for adults and youth with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder, including higher rates of adults and youth with serious thoughts of suicide than the national average. The 2024 findings show Oregon ranks:
- 51st for adults with mental illness
- 49th for adults with serious thoughts of suicide
- 48th for adults with substance abuse disorder
- 47th for youth ages 12-17 with substance abuse disorder
- 47th for youth ages 12-17 with at least one major depressive episode
- 43rd for adults with mental illness reporting an unmet need for treatment
- 36th for youth ages 12-17 with serious thoughts of suicide
Another report shows that despite billions in new investment, Oregon’s mental health system remains strained by high need and limited access, with substance abuse and mental health challenges often going untreated until crisis.
Oregon’s behavioral health system needs greater accountability and oversight with an urgent focus on early intervention. Simply throwing money at the problem isn’t working. Every life lost to suicide or substance abuse is a result of inaction. We can and must do better.
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This Veterans Day, I attended the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony, held at the Oregon Capitol State Park in Salem. The event brought together veterans, families, and community members to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation in uniform.
The ceremony featured remarks from dignitaries and special guests, the singing of our national anthem, a solemn wreath-laying, and the playing of taps, a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and service that define our veterans and their families. |
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As a veteran myself, this day holds special meaning. It is a time not only to reflect on the cost of our freedoms but also to express our deep gratitude to those who have worn our nation’s uniform. To all veterans across House District 18 and throughout Oregon, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued contributions to our communities.
Let us honor our veterans not only on this day but throughout the year, by supporting them and their families in every way we can.
A replay of the ceremony can be viewed on ODVA’s Facebook page here.
Additional photos can be viewed here.
Oregon Veteran Resources
If you’d like to support veterans or connect with services, here are some resources available in Oregon:
- Lines for Life – Military Helpline – 24/7 free, confidential crisis and support line 📞 1-888-457-4838 | Text “MIL1” to 839863 | www.linesforlife.org
- Team Rubicon (Oregon Region) – Veterans volunteering to serve communities after disasters🔗 www.teamrubiconusa.org
- Transition Projects (Portland Metro) – Housing and employment support for homeless veterans🔗 www.tprojects.org
On November 10th, we celebrated the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, founded in 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. From the earliest battles of the American Revolution to today’s global missions, the Marines have built a proud legacy of courage, discipline, and unwavering dedication to our nation.
For two and a half centuries, the Marine Corps has stood ready to defend freedom wherever duty calls, on land, at sea, and in the air. Their motto, Semper Fidelis, “Always Faithful” - reminds us of the enduring bond Marines share with one another, and with the country they serve.
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