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To contact me, please click here: Rep.CourtBoice@oregonlegislature.gov
The Court Report | The Boice of Reason
Hello Friends,
Every month, I’m reminded just how fortunate we are to call this beautiful corner of Oregon home. From the courage of our veterans and first responders, to the grit of our fishermen and farmers, to the ingenuity of our small business owners — it’s the people who make this region strong.
This season, I’ve been out across Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties — visiting local industries, checking in with fire crews, and standing shoulder to shoulder with those who keep our communities running. There’s a lot happening across our district and our state, and I want you to hear it directly from me.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. It’s an honor to serve you and to keep working hard for the people and places that make Southern Oregon great.
Yours truly,
Representative Court Boice
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1401
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-382, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.CourtBoice@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boice
Representative Court Boice has nearly 90 quick ‘links’ following that represent his most important House Floor speeches, various committee testimonies, remonstrances, and radio and television interviews. He believes there are many multiple issues that will be of interest to all his friends and the citizens he represents in the Southwest Corner of Oregon - District 1 - Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties. He wants you to know precisely where he stands on all issues.
Click here to access.
Having lived my entire life on and around the Southern Oregon Coast, I’m truly humbled to lead this group of legislators. The Oregon Coast is world-renowned and a vital part of our state’s geography, economy and cultural diversity. Our State Representatives and Senators stand ready to tackle the needs of our coastal communities — from tourism and economic development, to livability, fishing and natural resources — in this uniquely important region.
Click here to check out the press release.
10/30/25 Lars Larson - National Talk Show Host
Click here to listen.
10/20/25 KQEN News Radio with Kyle Bailey
Click here to listen.
9/29/25 KPNW with Bill Lundon
Click here to listen.
9/16/25 KQEN News Radio with Kyle Bailey
Click here to listen.
Rep Boice on annual free veterans jet boat tour. Jerry's Jets donated the boat, and Rep Boice piloted the gang up the Rogue!
I’m incredibly proud of the 61 Rural Volunteer Fire Departments across Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties. Did you know that 74% of Oregon’s firefighters are volunteers? These men and women receive no pay—they simply serve their neighbors with hard work, courage, and heart.
I had a great visit Friday with Myrtle Point Chief Willie Burris, who’s served 14 years in leadership, and Fire Board Member Pam Lewis. Our conversations always remind me how vital these departments are to the safety and strength of our small towns.
One of my biggest and most important goals is to continue doing everything possible to secure funding and resources for Oregon’s fire teams—especially our Rural Volunteer Fire Departments in House District 1.
I also want to thank Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple and Deputy State Fire Marshal Travis Medema for their ongoing support in Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties. And of course, a huge appreciation to the Oregon Department of Forestry – Fire Protective Associations Division for their tireless work to keep our communities safe.
Click here to read the FINAL 2025 Fire Season Update from the Oregon Department of Forestry.
In this short audio report with Lars Larson from October 2nd, 2025, I share an on-the-ground update from the Rogue Wilderness Canyon and Agness area, recorded just after helping move the last group of firefighters from Paradise Lodge downriver.
At that time, the fire had grown to about 17,000 acres, and light rain had finally begun to fall — a welcome sign of relief. We also discuss the urgent need for better access and management in roadless wilderness areas so crews can respond more safely and effectively.
🎧 Click here to listen to the full update.
Looking back on mid-October: Day 40 of the Paradise/Moon Complex Fires — the blaze was only 34% contained, though thankfully showing little recent expansion.
That one hit close to home. The Paradise Lodge “Ol Judge” — which I built in 1989 and named for my grandfather, Allen Boice, Sr., Curry County’s longest-serving commissioner — stands near the fire zone.
Check out this truly threatening 15-second video above! (Click the picture to watch.) Our jet boat and crews speed away from the rapidly-growing fire.
Our family’s history runs deep here. The Taylor Cain, the last vessel of the legendary Jerry’s Mail Boats fleet, was christened by Bill McNair and me back in 1997.
Looking back on the most intense four of the Moon Complex wildfire and my 10 days of jet boating firefighters into the wilderness:
The morning of September 26th, we gathered at Paradise Lodge for the 7 a.m. fire meeting — the very day the flames made their explosive run downriver toward Agness. It was a sobering reminder of both the power of nature and the resilience of our communities.
Representative Boice Requests Urgent Response From US Forest Service Regarding Burned Timber Salvage - Moon Complex Fire
Representative Boice speaks at the Charlie Kirk Tribute.
Click the links below to watch videos of each speaker's remarks:
Click here to watch the beautiful bagpipe tribute.
Click here to watch a drone flyover of the event.
I recently had the honor of visiting the Roseburg VFW’s Wall of Remembrance at the corner of Walnut and Chestnut Streets.
This is truly a must-see — a powerful reminder that all our Veterans gave some, and some gave all. We must never forget their sacrifice.
James Dobson – Founder of “Focus on the Family” died recently at 89. He influenced 5 different Presidents. This man Loved the Lord, He loved America, He loved our Veterans, Liberties, and our Constitution. James Dobson believed that solid families are a crucial part of our foundation for a healthy U.S. society. I followed Mr. Dobson for over 40 years. His impact on me and my beliefs has been enormous.
District 1 Senator Brock Smith and Representative Boice attended the Coquille Tribal and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Press Conference in Bandon recently. Both Legislators and former County Commissioners have worked for many years on Salmon and Steelhead Fish Recoveries.
Brock Smith and Boice met with ODF&W Director Colbert and Coquille Tribal Chair Meade. The welcome announcement was for a major step forward in the Coquille Tribe and ODF&W combined management agreement for Salmon Recoveries on the Coquille River. A joint effort along with many Salmon and Trout Enhancement Local Volunteers to improve the performance of the critical Hatchery Program.
Last month, I attended the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s public meeting at the Port of Brookings Harbor. Around 40 fishermen — commercial, charter, and sport — voiced deep concern about proposed restrictions on bottom fish bag limits.
With four major ports in my district — Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, and Bandon — and close ties to Coos Bay and North Bend, I know how vital Pacific fishing is to our recreation, economy, and coastal heritage. I’ll continue to ensure our hardworking coastal citizens are heard and protected from overregulation.
I receive all different kinds of correspondence. Good, bad, and not so good! Sometimes I get emails that include a message that is humorous but relevant, like the image below. I hope this brings a laugh to your day!
I am proud to cover and announce for the Myrtle Point, Gold Beach, and Bandon Varsity teams as part of the 2025 season.🎙️
I had a great time with the legendary Bob LeBare—and what a gorgeous Friday evening in Myrtle Point! Local sports bring our communities together, and it’s always an honor to celebrate these talented young athletes and the families who support them.
I had the pleasure of visiting Con-Vey, an outstanding Douglas County company that’s making a national impact. Under the strong leadership of President Larecy, Con-Vey manufactures advanced lumber and plywood equipment that’s shipped across the United States — employing over 150 Oregonians.
Oregon Business & Industry continues to do exceptional work advocating for our businesses, both large and small. It’s companies like Con-Vey that remind me how critical it is to keep Oregon’s industries strong and competitive.
I’ve lived in Southwest Oregon my entire life, yet I’d never had the chance to visit the famous and fabulous Wahl Family Ranch until now. What an incredible place — 750 acres of beautiful, productive land about halfway between the Cape Blanco Airport and the Port of Port Orford, right on the ocean.
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The Oregon Farm Heritage Program (OFHP) does outstanding work to protect and promote Oregon’s farmlands, helping families like the Wahls keep these lands thriving for generations to come.
We’re so fortunate here on the South Coast to have such dedicated stewards of the land, preserving both our agricultural heritage and our future. 🌊🌾
Mary Wahl and family put out 250 sheep each of 20 straight days — a great tribute to the wonderful Curry County diversity and our unique ways of life! 🐑
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I spent a truly rewarding day learning from the incredible farmers of northern Curry and southern Coos Counties. Their innovation, hard work, and stewardship of the land continue to inspire me. Agriculture is the backbone of our region — and I remain committed to supporting the people who keep it strong.
Is It Official Election Mail?
A PSA from Secretary of State Tobias Read
Even though the May 2026 primary is still months away, Oregonians are already starting to receive mail and other communications about their participation in the next major election. To avoid confusion and combat misinformation, Secretary of State Tobias Read is raising awareness about how Oregonians can tell if the mail they are receiving is from an official source – or not.
“Oregonians are getting a lot of different information from a lot of different sources about our elections – that’s why it’s so important for our citizens to have the tools they need to sort out fact from fiction,” said Secretary Read. “If you get something in the mail about voter registration or an upcoming election, the easiest way to tell if it’s from an official source is to look for the official election mail logo.”
If Oregonians receive mail about an election that does not have the official election mail logo, here some important things to keep in mind:
- If the mailer does not display the official election logo, it did not come from your local or state election office.
- Third-party groups often use outdated or incorrect data.
- Your local election office maintains the most accurate, up-to-date voter registration information. If you want to make sure your registration is correct, go to oregonvotes.gov/myvote or call 1-866-673-VOTE.
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About the Official Election Mail Logo
The Official Election Mail logo is a trademarked design that can only be used on mail pieces created by, or on behalf of, an election official that is mailed to or from a U.S. citizen for the purpose of participating in the voting process.
This includes items like balloting materials, voter reply mail. The logo design features an interpretation of the stars and stripes of the
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American flag, and the words “Official Election Mail,” clearly visible over the designation — “Authorized by the U.S. Postal Service.” It can only be printed in black or specific shades of blue or red. Oregon voters with further questions about election-related mail can reach out to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division or contact their local county clerk.
In The News
What You Need to Know: Governor Kotek's Special Session on $4.3 Billion Increase in Taxes and Fees to Fund ODOT
This section is brought to you by my esteemed colleague, Senator David Brock Smith. Thank you for your tireless efforts, Senator.
Governor Kotek called for a Special Legislative Session to Increase $4.3 Billion in Taxes and Fees to fund Oregon Department of Transportation operations, that the Democrat Supermajority failed to pass in the 2025 Legislative Session.
Submitted Testimony in Opposition
Republicans put forward multiple amendments to Governor Kotek's Transportation Tax Package. Senate Republicans offered two amendments before the final vote on the Senate Floor. Read the Press Release by Clicking Here.
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The -9 amendment would have given ODOT flexibility to use the money it already has in the budget where it is needed most, such as plowing snow, repairing potholes, and maintaining guardrails.
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The -5 amendment would have referred Kotek’s tax hike to the people, allowing Oregonians the final say on whether to shoulder $4.3 billion in new taxes.
Both of these amendments were rejected by the Democrat Supermajority.
Click Here to watch Senate Republican Leader Starr's Comments.
Click Here to watch Senator David Brock Smith's Comments.
Click Here to watch news story on the $4.3 Billion Dollar Legislation.
Click Here to read Senate Republican Press Release regarding passage.
Click each headline below to read the corresponding article.
After delays and missteps, Oregon Democrats pass road-funding bill
Oregon Senate passes $4.3 billion transportation package
Oregon Gov. Kotek is in no rush to sign her own transportation funding bill
Governor delay in signing transportation bill limits GOP time for referendum, experts say
This is a featured snippet from an article on The Williamette Week.
Nearly 23,000 Oregonians aren’t getting paid, but many must keep working.
As the government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, most of the nearly 23,000 federal employees in Oregon are still going without pay—including many required to keep working during the shutdown, such as airport screeners and air traffic controllers.
Analysis by OJP indicates that back pay for Oregon’s federal workers, mandated by the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, has surpassed $140 million already. Federal jobs are spread across all 36 Oregon counties, but the shutdown punishes some counties more than others.
Sherman County is the hardest hit; federal employees there make up 14% of the workforce and account for more than a quarter of the county’s total annual wages, according to state figures. Many are employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a branch of the nation’s Department of Defense.
The precise impact of the shutdown is difficult to measure, says Nicole Ramos, the Oregon Employment Department’s regional economist for the Columbia Gorge. “Not all federal government workers are furloughed, and some are not funded by appropriations,” Ramos says. “Not every federal worker is going unpaid at the moment.” Click here to read the full article.
The ODC Quietly Shortened Sentences Of Hundreds Of Prisoners, Including Murderers, Rapists, And Child Abusers
Oregon’s Department of Corrections 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.
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 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 ODC has yet to reexamine to prevent dangerous criminals from being released on our streets.
Gov. Kotek Stalls Signing The Transportation Package To Disrupt Ballot Referendum Efforts
Governor Kotek is 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. As of the day I’m writing this, the bill has been on her desk for 15 weekdays, a good sign that Kotek plans on playing the long game.
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.
Republicans attempted to negotiate a bipartisan package in good faith, only to be rejected by Governor Kotek and her Democrat Supermajority. Oregonians are struggling to make ends meet and these rising taxes and fees will hurt working families across the state. We urge the Governor to Veto the bill and convene Republicans and Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan package where the voices of all Oregonians may be heard.
My colleagues and I will continue to work against Governor Kotek and her Democrat Supermajority's efforts to increase the cost of living on Oregonians, their communities and the businesses that support them.
If you would like to read more information from the District, please Click Here.
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.
The Brewers Association’s annual competition receives thousands of beer and cider entries from around the world and Oregon continues to dominate.
Over the weekend, Oregon breweries and cidermakers celebrated 30 wins of the prestigious Great American Beer Festival awards.
“Oregon is a proud craft brewing state and we have the accolades to prove we’re among the top in the world,” said Sam Pecoraro, President of the Oregon Brewers Guild and brewmaster of Von Ebert Brewing, who won two gold medals this year. “Oregon breweries are facing major challenges with slumping sales and record closures. So please, seek out these award winners and help toast to keeping these breweries alive so they can win even more awards next year.”
To read more about the competition and the awards won, click here.
About the Oregon Beverage Alliance
The Oregon Beverage Alliance is made up of local brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, distillers and their supply and hospitality partners creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating $17 billion in economic activity for Oregon annually. Learn more: www.DontTaxMyDrink.org
This is a featured snippet from an article on The Oregon Journalism Project.
Earlier this year, Grant School District Superintendent Mark Witty faced a $900,000 hike in what his district needs to pay this coming year to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund.
It was a crippling announcement. The cause of the increase? Lousy investment returns by the state agency empowered to invest public employees’ money. And when investment returns are poor, the state has to fund pension obligations by forcing local governments to make up the difference.
“We had to make significant cuts,” said Witty, whose small district educates 470 kids in grades K–12. “It’s been traumatic for people.” Click here to read the full article.
This story is produced by the Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit investigative newsroom for the state of Oregon. OJP seeks to inform, engage, and empower Oregonians with investigative and watchdog reporting that makes a significant impact at the state and local levels. Its stories appear in partner newspapers across the state.
This is a featured snippet from an article on The Oregon Roundup.
Neighbors of alleged former Tren de Aragua house in Lake Oswego report ambulance visits, fast motorcycles, "trashed" house, landlord on speed dial.
The office of former Oregon Medicaid provider Uplifting Journey LLC, locked during business hours and mostly empty except for stacked matresses and full plastic garbage bags, on Broadway in Portland yesterday.
The Portland office of the Oregon company that received over $2.3 million in Medicaid reimbursements for addiction recovery services in less than a year, ending just three days after King County, Washington prosecutors charged a man who lived in the company’s Lake Oswego halfway house with kidnapping, torturing and attempted murder of a Seattle woman, was closed yesterday and vacant except for several mattresses and large black trash bags filled with unknown items. Click here to read more.
The Oregon Roundup is shaking up coverage of Oregon politics and policy to give Oregonians a more accurate, complete view of what’s happening in our state.
On The Willamette Week
After another session in which some lawmakers tried again—and failed again—to raise the $1 million threshold at which Oregon’s estate tax kicks in, state Rep. Kevin Mannix (R-Salem) and co-petitioner Michelle Mhoon have filed a ballot initiative to do away with the tax completely. Initiative Petition 51, the “End the Death Tax Act,” would terminate the tax on the estates of Oregonians who die after Jan. 1, 2027. In their July 15 filing, Mannix and Mhoon aim to place the initiative on the November 2026 ballot. The issue has surfaced repeatedly in Salem, in part because Oregon is one of only a dozen states that levies an estate tax. Lawmakers have made certain changes over the years to benefit families who own natural resource businesses, but the tax for individuals has remained unchanged for decades. In March, the Common Sense Institute published a white paper on the estate tax that compared Oregon to other states.
Oregon’s estate tax brings in a lot of money: $339 million in 2024, according to the Legislative Revenue Office. That number increased 297% over the past decade, more than any other source of significant state revenue.
On Central Oregon Daily
Oregon's pharmacies and patients who rely on them are becoming less accessible after legislative actions, according to an advocacy group representing the state's pharmacists. Lawmakers did not pass a bill or extend the CAT tax exemption, both of which could cause some pharmacies to close. Since 2008, more than 200 pharmacies have closed across Oregon, according to the Oregon State Pharmacy Association. The owner of Westside Pharmacy says the cuts are difficult to manage. "So it's heartbreaking that I honestly sometimes feel like our government is just trying to put us out of business. And where is the support for what we're about, what other community businesses are about. It's hard," said Kristen Erickson, owner of Westside Pharmacy.
On KPTV
Oregon ranks on the bottom five for education systems among all 50 states, according to a new WalletHub study released on Monday. The new study compared things like math test scores, safety, dropout rates, and 28 other factors. Oregon came in at 47th overall. The state also ranked low for math and reading test scores, coming in at 45th and 44th. The dropout rate is high across the state according to the report, sitting at 7th worst in the country. Massachusetts came in the first spot for overall best school systems and New Mexico ranked as the worst overall. Idaho has the highest dropout rate.
On Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon will receive federal emergency funding to support recovery efforts in three southwest counties that experienced intense storms and floods between March 13- 20. President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a major disaster declaration for public assistance in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties. The state, tribes, eligible local governments and nonprofits can receive public assistance on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair and replacement of damaged facilities, according to a news release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA. Gov. Tina Kotek in late May asked Trump to declare a disaster after parts of southern Oregon in March and April experienced flooding from rapid snowmelt, record-level rainfall and overflowing rivers.
On The Oregonian
Kaiser Permanente, including its northwest clinics, will stop providing gender-affirming surgeries for minors starting next month amid efforts by the Trump administration to restrict access to such care. “After significant deliberation and consultation with internal and external experts including our physicians, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause surgical treatment for patients under the age of 19 in our hospitals and surgical centers,” the nonprofit health care system said in a statement Wednesday.
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