|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.DarinHarbick@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Neighbors,
Hello Rural Lane County! I am sure that everyone will be super busy during this holiday season, so it’s always a good reminder to focus on what is truly important to us. This last week I have been busy attending legislative committees for Education, Health Care, and Behavior Health. We are working on important bills to introduce for this next year’s short session. My calendar has been full each day with research, listening to presenters to committees, and meeting with constituents that have come to the capitol. I also wanted to make sure that you were aware of the below important news:
NOVEMBER LEG DAYS REVOLVE AROUND STATE’S BUDGET DEFICIT
Legislators and staff were back in the Capitol this week to work on policy ideas for the upcoming short session. The conversation largely revolved around Oregon’s projected $888 million budget deficit, which the majority party claims is the result of President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," H.R.1.
But if the state government is losing all this money, where is it going? Back in the taxpayer’s pockets. The federal budget bill may not be as big a boogie man as some would have you believe.
The bill includes several provisions that relieve the financial strain on Americans by slashing taxes for the middle and lower classes and making it easier for businesses to succeed. It is estimated that H.R.1 will save the average Oregon taxpayer $3,157 in 2026.
Tax relief provisions include:
-
No Tax on Tips — Establishes a temporary federal income tax deduction of up to $25,000 for “qualified tips,” including cash or charged tips received from customers or through tip sharing
-
No Tax on Overtime — Establishes a tax deduction of up to $12,500 for qualifying employees receiving overtime pay that is reported on a Form W-2, Form 1099, or other specified statement
-
No Tax on Car Loan Interest — Establishes a tax deduction of up to $10,000 on a loan used to purchase a vehicle for personal use that was made in the U.S.
-
Increase in the Child Tax Credit — to $2,200 per child, and makes it a permanent, inflation-adjusted credit after 2026
-
Deduction for Seniors — Adults age 65 and older may claim an additional deduction of $6,000. This new deduction is in addition to the current additional standard deduction for seniors under existing law
-
Qualified Business Income Deduction — Makes the 20% qualified business income deduction permanent for pass-through entities, while also providing a minimum deduction of $400 for any business with $1,000 or more in qualified business income
-
Enhanced Business Expensing and Depreciation — Raises Section 179 small business expensing limits to $2.5 million (up from about $1.29 million), with a higher phase-out threshold of $4 million, and restores full bonus depreciation for capital investments, canceling the remaining phase-down of this expensing benefit
Oregon’s politicians have become overly dependent on federal dollars. The tax breaks worked into H.R.1 will be a welcome relief to hardworking Oregonians. Maybe this budget deficit will encourage state leaders to strengthen the economy, stabilize existing revenue streams, and support families and businesses instead of squeezing their constituents.
DEMOCRATS DECIDE TO USE $7.5 MILLION IN EMERGENCY FUNDING FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Last week, Oregon Democrats announced they would use $7.5 million from the Emergency Fund for the Oregon Health Authority to fund Planned Parenthood facilities.
Democrats argue the decision was necessary in lieu of federal Medicaid funds no longer available to fund Planned Parenthood until at least July 2026 per President Trump’s House Resolution 1. However, Oregon does not face a gap in access to reproductive health care services without its Planned Parenthood affiliates. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide all non-abortion reproductive health care services Planned Parenthood claims, with 270 locations across the state.
Further, taxpayers funded 81% of Oregon abortions from 2021-2025 – a nearly 80% increase from 2013-2015, in which taxpayers funded 45% of Oregon abortions – despite a recent poll showing that 53% of taxpayers oppose their dollars being used for abortion.
Given the availability and access to other clinics that provide reproductive health care services and Oregon’s strained financial climate, using emergency funding for Planned Parenthood is neither urgent nor necessary. We need to stop the political posturing and get back to listening to what Oregonians want – and use their tax dollars accordingly.
REVENUE FORECAST: ABYSMAL OR IMPROVEMENT?
Last Wednesday the Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) released its fourth-quarter economic forecast. They found that Oregon’s budget deficit now sits at -$63.1 million — up $309.5 million from the previous forecast of -$372.6 million.
Even though the state’s deficit has decreased, the job market doesn’t show it. Just this week, Intel cut hundreds more jobs in Oregon – bringing Oregon’s total job losses this year to more than 3,000. And Providence Oregon cut more than 150 additional jobs in its latest round of cuts.
A recent poll revealed how Oregon voters are feeling about the economy:
- 67% say the economy is seriously off on the wrong track.
- 66% say it would be difficult to find a similar job in Oregon if they left their current job.
- 64% say taxes are too high.
- 53% say they would be likely to explore relocating to another state to find a new job.
The poll surveyed a wide variety of individuals with backgrounds representative of Oregon’s current demographic. It is safe to say that more than half of Oregonians view the economic situation of the state negatively.
Oregon’s rising unemployment numbers and high taxes are harming families and forcing businesses to leave our state. If we want to see our budget grow, we must cut taxes and create an economic climate where businesses can thrive and grow – not fear loss and decline.
WHAT’S YOUR KICKER?
The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis announced a revenue surplus of $1.41 billion from the previous biennium, which will be reflected in this year’s tax surplus credit. Those extra funds will be redistributed back to taxpayers — you might know this as the kicker.
The kicker will be applied as a credit to your state personal income tax returns. It can either increase one’s return or decrease state taxes owed.
Curious about how much money you can expect in 2026? Use the “What’s My Kicker?” calculator!
OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS WELCOMES REPRESENTATIVE MATT BUNCH
Last week, we welcomed a new representative to the House Republican Caucus.
Born and raised in eastern Oregon, and an alumnus of Oregon State University, Representative Matt Bunch built an impressive career in insurance and financial management, while also giving back to his community as a development officer for the Oregon FFA Foundation and a bus driver for the Oregon City School District. Bunch and his wife of 40 years, Maryjane, have three children and four grandchildren.
Bunch was appointed to fill former Representative Christine Drazan’s seat after she was appointed to fill an open Senate seat. Bunch ran for House District 51 last cycle, but stepped down and endorsed Drazan when she announced her bid. He has already filed for reelection.
I am looking forward to working with Rep. Bunch and am positive he will be an invaluable addition to the caucus.
Looking for ways to get involved?
Register to testify!
- If there is a bill you are particularly passionate about, you can register to testify either in support or opposition to the bill.
- Advance registration is required! Registration closes 30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
- To register, go to https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1, select the “Bills” icon on the top right corner of your page, enter the bill number, and select “Register to Testify.” Or, call 1-833-588-4500.
- You will want to fill out the “Public Testimony Registration Form.”
- You will receive an email confirmation with an option to join Microsoft Teams if you can not testify in person.
Submit a Written Testimony!
- If you prefer not to testify in person, you can also submit written testimony in support or opposition to a bill.
- To submit written testimony, follow the same steps as you would to register to testify in front of the committee, but you will select “Submit Testimony” and fill out the “Written Testimony Submission Form.”
- Written testimony must be submitted up to 48 hours after the committee meeting start time.
Testifying on a bill gives you a voice in Oregon’s legislature. The voice of the people is the cornerstone of democracy! Let yours be heard today.
STAY IN TOUCH
Now that Leg Days are over for November, I will be doing some traveling and spending some time with my family for Thanksgiving. To keep updated on what I'm doing please visit and follow my Facebook page. You can also follow my activity on http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/harbick
Yours truly,
Representative Darin Harbick
House District 12
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1412
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-376, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DarinHarbick@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/harbick
| 
