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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

December 4, 2025 - Newsletter

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are in the last month of the year before we close out 2025. As the holiday season approaches, I want to take a moment to wish each of you joy, peace, and time spent with loved ones.

This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our community, our shared values, and the progress we’ve made together. It also reminds us of the importance of gratitude, generosity, and supporting our neighbors, especially those who may be facing challenges during the winter months. I am always encouraged by the way our communities come together to care for one another during this season of giving.

In this month’s newsletter, I’ll share highlights from my committees during November Legislative Days. This is where legislative committees gathered to review ongoing issues and prepare for the session ahead. You will also find information from the December Revenue Forecast and insight into Oregon’s current economic outlook. Legislators have been busy making bill draft requests to prepare to advance proposals that address key needs across the state. With that, I’ll cover some key timelines for the 2026 short session. I will also share and update on my activities in the district, news from state agencies, and beyond. Thank you for reading along and for your continued support and engagement. I look forward to serving you in the year ahead and working together to make our community even stronger.   As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance. Wishing you a joyful, safe, and meaningful holiday season.

Sincerely,

Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District

In this Issue: 

• IN THE CAPITOL
• November Legislative Interim Committee Days
• REP. LEWIS - COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS
• House Interim Committee On Emergency Management and Veterans
• Joint Interim Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety
• House Interim Committee On Judiciary
• December Revenue Forecast
• Legislative Timelines and the 2026 Short Session Ahead
• Celebrating the Life and Legacy of House District 48 State Representative Chi Têrêsa Nguyễn Hiền Hòa
• Welcome to the House - Representative Matt Bunch
• Holidays at the Capitol Return
• IN THE DISTRICT AND BEYOND
• Improving Road Safety Near Silverton Reservoir
• St. Paul Oregon Heritage Veterans Gravesite Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring William Cannon (1755–1854)
• Welcome Home 2-218 Field Artillery (Task Force Defender)
• Highlighting the Exemplary Work of the Oregon–Idaho HIDTA
• Count Down to America’s 250th Birthday
• Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year

IN THE CAPITOL

November Legislative Interim Committee Days

REP. LEWIS - COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS

House Interim Committee On Emergency Management and Veterans

On November 17th, the House Interim Committee On Emergency Management and Veterans held an informational meeting and received updates on statewide winter weather preparedness initiatives, a comprehensive report on the 2025 wildfire season, and data on the changing needs of our veteran community.

State and local emergency management officials highlighted plans for coordinated response to potential snowstorms, ice events, and flooding.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) shared a list of new winter readiness equipment that arrived as part of the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE), reviewed a dashboard of available equipment across the state, and shared information about their statewide search and rescue coordination and disaster preparedness stockpile that provides deployable interoperable communications equipment to restore critical services statewide during emergencies.

PacificCorp outlined improvements in communication networks and resource distribution channels to mitigate the impact of extreme winter events. The Oregon Public Utilities Commission (PUC) provided important information for power outage preparedness and safety, including:

• Be 2 Weeks Ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, among other things, needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks.
  
  
• Individuals with medical conditions that require power, can contact utilities ahead of an outage to register a Medical Certificate for additional outage communications and programs to access backup power options.
  
  
• Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car-charger for cell phones and other electronics.
  
  
• Keep vehicle gas tanks at least half full, as power outages may impact fuel pumps at gas stations.
  
  
• Make sure your utility service provider has current contact information for notifications by updating your account online.

More information can be found on the PUC website here.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) presented an overview of their winter maintenance role, shared an update on their hiring efforts to be fully staffed as winter arrives, outlined their winter service levels, and emphasized the importance of motorists using TripCheck when traveling so you “Know Before You Go”.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and local officials provided a comprehensive report on the 2025 wildfire season. While some areas across the state experienced significant fire activity, coordinated firefighting efforts and early warning systems prevented the worst-case scenarios. Officials highlighted lessons learned, including the need for continued investment in fire prevention, forest management, and community evacuation planning.

The committee recognized the dedication of first responders and the importance of ongoing support for firefighting personnel.

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) shared updated data on the changing needs of our veteran community. We discussed shifts in the geographic distribution of veterans across the state, persistent barriers to accessing federal benefits, particularly in rural areas, and a growing need for mental and behavioral health services. We also received information about the progress on veteran housing initiatives and disability claims support.

The committee continues to focus on improving Oregon’s all-hazards emergency management system. This includes winter storms, wildfire, seismic events, and emerging threats such as cyber disruptions.

We are also maintaining close oversight of veteran programs to ensure state agencies are meeting their obligations and using public resources effectively.

Ensuring that Oregon veterans receive timely, high-quality services remains one of my top priorities as I prepare for the 2026 short session.

Watch a replay of committee meeting and access meeting materials here.

Joint Interim Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety

The Joint Interim Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety met on November 17th to hear updates from Oregon’s key public safety agencies and review budget considerations. The committee’s primary function is to oversee, review, and make budget recommendations for state public safety agency programs. As part of this meeting, state agencies were directed to complete a budget exercise outlining how they would implement a 5% reduction if required. This reduction option was not a directive to cut budgets, but an important planning tool that helps the Legislature understand potential impacts to core services.

Agency leaders explained that meeting a 5% target would require difficult trade-offs, including reduced program capacity, delayed projects, and challenges in maintaining staffing levels across law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, and victim services.

My work on this committee, and the work on my closely related (Judiciary and Emergency Management & Veterans) policy committees includes additional updates on emergency response readiness, wildfire recovery progress, and the ongoing pressures from Oregon’s behavioral-health and drug crises. In the coming short session, I will focus on monitoring agency performance, evaluating the fiscal impacts of proposed legislation, and making budget recommendations that ensure a strong, accountable, and transparent public safety system.

Watch a replay of committee meeting and access meeting materials here.

House Interim Committee On Judiciary

The House Interim Committee On Judiciary met on November 18th for an informational session with invited speakers.

Key topics presented included:

Government Transparency and Public Records Law Reform with updates from the Oregon Sunshine Committee on promoting accountability in state and local government.

The Oregon Attorney General and partners discussed the SPIRE (Special Projects: Investigate, Respond, Enforce) pilot program and tackling organized crime across Oregon. This SPIRE is not to be confused with the equipment grant program of the same name.

The Oregon Public Defense Commission provided an update on efforts to ensure legal representation for unrepresented individuals. The report is encouraging, and the leadership of Interim Director Sanchagrin is much appreciated.

State agency officials provided a review of behavioral health and justice issues involving civil commitment and aid and assist system changes involving the implementation of HB 2005 (2025). The information presented highlighted collaboration between courts, public defenders, district attorneys, and behavioral health agencies to better support individuals with mental health needs in the justice system.

The meeting reinforced the committees’ focus on improving access to justice, strengthening public safety, and coordinating behavioral health services statewide.

Watch a replay of committee meeting and access meeting materials here.

December Revenue Forecast

On November 19th, the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis released the December Economic and Revenue Forecast. The quarterly revenue forecast shows that Oregon’s ending balance is now projected at $63.1 million, a significant improvement from earlier estimates in September. For a state with a $140 billion budget, this deficit is manageable but the economic challenges facing everyday Oregonians are not. Further evidence that there is no justification for new taxes or policies that place additional burdens on workers, small businesses, or the industries that keep our communities strong.

Despite the improvement on paper, wages are declining and key private-sector industries like manufacturing, construction, and the trades continue to lose jobs. Recent reporting shows that employers have averaged over 600 layoffs per month this year, a level not seen since the Great Recession. Meanwhile, government and publicly subsidized sectors continue to grow.

Public opinion reflects this anxiety:

• A majority are pessimistic about the job market.
• Two-thirds expect stagnant or declining wages.
• Two-thirds say it would be difficult to find a similar job if they left their current one.
• Over half say they would consider leaving Oregon for a new job.
• Over half say they would likely explore relocating to another state to find work.

Families are stretched thin. Businesses are struggling to stay competitive. This is not the time to add new burdens, especially proposals to tax workers’ overtime, tips, or raise billions in new revenue. Oregonians have been clear all year that they cannot afford additional tax hikes.

Oregon needs a healthier economic climate. One that encourages job growth, attracts investment, and keeps families here. That means prioritizing policies that support private-sector employers, not expanding government at the expense of the people who are already stretched thin. The increased burden that has been placed directly on the backs of businesses over the past decade are taking a heavy toll and cannot continue. It is time to acknowledge the importance of the business sector to the economy and well-being of our state.

As we head into the 2026 Session, I will continue advocating for a balanced approach that strengthens public safety, supports working families, and ensures Oregon remains competitive. Our focus must stay on rebuilding confidence in our economy and giving Oregonians a reason to stay and build their future here. The path forward is not higher taxes and more regulation… it’s creating the conditions for growth and opportunity. I remain committed to a balanced, fiscally responsible approach that helps build confidence in our economy and gives Oregonians a real reason to stay, work, and invest here.

The Oregon Economic Forecast provides information to planners and policy makers in state agencies and private organizations for use in their decision making processes. The Oregon Revenue Forecast opens the revenue forecasting process to public review. It is the basis for much of the budgeting in state government. The forecast reports are issued four times a year: March, May/June, September, and December. Links to the forecast details are provided below:

• Entire Document
• Summary
• Economic and Revenue Forecast Slide Presentation
• Oregon Reserve Funds: 2025 Q4 (Dec) Forecast

Legislative Timelines and the 2026 Short Session Ahead

The 2026 Short Session is just around the corner.  We will convene the session on February 2^nd. This is a 35-day session that moves at a rapid pace and the focus should be to rebalance the budget and fix unintended consequences from previously passed legislation. The short session must adjourn on or before March 8^th, 2026.

Legislators had until November 21^st to submit their requests to Legislative Council for the 2026 session. Bill drafts are to be returned to legislators for their review by January 9^th.  We will hold our third and final round of Legislative Interim Committee Days January 13-15, and bills drafts must be filed in their respective chambers no later than January 16^th for introduction.  The 2026 Session Deadlines Calendar is found in the graphic below and also available on OLIS here. 

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of House District 48 State Representative Chi Têrêsa Nguyễn Hiền Hòa

On November 17^th, legislators, community leaders, and Oregonians joined the family of the late Representative Hòa Nguyễn to memorialize and celebrate her life.

It is with deep respect that I pause to remember Representative Hòa Nguyễn and her dedicated service to the people of Oregon. Representative Nguyen brought a strong, compassionate voice to the Legislature, grounded in her commitment to community, public education, and ensuring that families across our state had the support they needed to thrive.

Her leadership, her advocacy, and her ability to work collaboratively across differences left a meaningful impact on the Oregon House of Representatives. She served with integrity and heart, and her contributions will continue to benefit Oregonians for years to come. My thoughts are with her family, friends, constituents, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Oregon is better because of Representative Nguyễn’s s service, and she will be truly missed. Watch a replay of the celebration here.  Rep Nguyen Legislative Memorial Program Booklet

Welcome to the House - Representative Matt Bunch

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to State Representative, Matt Bunch as he joins the Oregon House of Representatives. Rep. Bunch brings valuable experience from his work in public service and his strong engagement within the community. His background in local leadership and his commitment to practical problem-solving will serve the people of Oregon well.

I look forward to working closely with Rep. Bunch to continue advancing the priorities of the communities we represent, and to strengthen the collaboration across our neighboring districts and around the state.

Rep. Bunch was appointed represent House District 51 in the Oregon House by Clackamas County Commissioners on November 17th, following their appointment of Christine Drazan to the State Senate.

Holidays at the Capitol Return

With the reopening of the Capitol Rotunda, after several years of construction, the Capitol has “decked the halls” for the holidays once again! On November 21^st, crews raised the Capitol’s Grand Tree that was lit for the season this week. 

Musical performances will take place Monday through Saturday in the Capitol Rotunda, November 30 through December 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  School choirs and musicians will represent their communities from throughout Oregon. Visitors to the Capitol during this holiday celebration will be immersed in the atmosphere of the season as they listen to the choirs, view the beautiful decorations and watch the American Flyer model train circle a miniature village under Oregon’s official holiday tree.  Performances will be streamed live Monday through Friday. To view the Choir Schedule, click here.

 It is truly magical to visit the Oregon State Capitol during this most wonderful time of the year!

Holiday Shopping is available at the Oregon Capitol Store, online and in-person.

IN THE DISTRICT AND BEYOND

Improving Road Safety Near Silverton Reservoir

In late September, a constituent contacted my office about a missing Silverton Reservoir road sign, one that normally gives drivers ample notice to prepare for the turn. Without it, motorists were frequently missing the turn, then navigating a series of tight curves up the hill to find a place to turn around. This created an especially hazardous situation for school buses and larger vehicles. I’m pleased to share that after my office brought this concern to ODOT, the agency prioritized the issue and reinstalled the sign last month. My sincere thanks to the ODOT team for their quick response and coordinated efforts to improve safety on this stretch of road. And a special "thank-you" to my constituent who took the time to speak up and help make our community safer.

St. Paul Oregon Heritage Veterans Gravesite Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring William Cannon (1755–1854)

On November 14th, I had the profound honor of attending a truly historic Oregon Heritage Veterans Event in St. Paul, held at the Old Saint Paul Roman Catholic Mission Cemetery. The ceremony recognized William Cannon (1755–1854), the only known American Revolutionary War Patriot buried in Oregon or Washington and commemorated his extraordinary contributions to our nation.

In honor of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Oregon Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) hosted a gravesite wreath-laying ceremony, paying tribute to Cannon’s legacy. A Revolutionary War veteran, Cannon made his way to the Oregon Territory in 1811 at the age of 57, and later, at 88 years old, cast one of the historic 52 votes establishing a provisional government at Champoeg in 1843—a foundational moment in Oregon’s history.

I was privileged to stand alongside National SAR President General Michael Elston of Virginia, local dignitaries, and members of the community, including officials from Marion County, the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Historical Society, Oregon National Guard, and leaders from the St. Paul Community, St. Paul Mission, and St. Paul Parish Catholic Church. We were also joined by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Children of the American Revolution, who continue to honor our shared heritage.

Events like this remind us of the deep roots of our nation and the sacrifices made by those who came before us. It was inspiring to see generations come together to honor a Patriot whose courage and dedication helped shape both Oregon and our country. I am grateful to the Oregon SAR for organizing this meaningful ceremony, and I encourage all Oregonians to reflect on our shared history and the Patriots who made it possible.

Welcome Home 2-218 Field Artillery (Task Force Defender)

On November 16th, I had the honor of attending the 2-218 Field Artillery (Task Force Defender) Demobilization Ceremony at the Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove and join community members as we welcomed these brave Oregonians home after their service overseas.

Our men and women of the 2-218 FA have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, resilience, and dedication throughout their deployment. Their work, often far from home and their loved ones, reflects the very best of our Oregon National Guard. The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the sacrifice not only made by these Soldiers, but also by the families who support them every step of the way. I am deeply grateful for their service, proud of their accomplishments, and thankful for their safe return. Oregon is stronger because of them. As always, I remain committed to supporting our service members, veterans, and military families in every way I can. Please join me in welcoming home the Soldiers of Task Force Defender and thanking them for their service to our state and nation.

Highlighting the Exemplary Work of the Oregon–Idaho HIDTA

Oregon continues to face a severe drug and public safety crisis, one that impacts every community in our state. As I’ve shared in previous newsletters, the influx of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous illicit drugs has brought heartbreaking consequences. Rising overdoses, increased criminal activity, and tremendous strain on our law enforcement partners and first responders. In fact, just yesterday, a KOIN 6 News report citing “Large fentanyl ‘bricks’ found in a Gresham apartment”, seized by local authorities reflects the ongoing threat posed by illegal substances and the persistent substance-abuse challenges impacting communities across our state.   

Amid these challenges, I want to highlight the Oregon–Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, an organization whose work is saving lives and strengthening our regional response to drug trafficking every single day.

The recently released Q2 2025 HIDTA Times underscores just how essential this program is. HIDTA brings together federal, state, local, and tribal agencies with a single goal - disrupting the criminal networks driving the illicit drug trade in our region. The program’s recent successes highlight its effectiveness. Across Oregon, HIDTA-supported teams have conducted major operations, seizing hundreds of pounds of drugs, firearms, and cash, and shutting down significant trafficking networks in counties across the state. A full list of this quarters actions and interdictions can be found in their Q2 2025 HIDTA Time here. The work of the Oregon–Idaho HIDTA is a model of exactly the kind of coordinated, results-driven approach we need more of. These teams are removing dangerous substances from our streets, shutting down trafficking networks, supporting local police, and preventing future harm. Their work deserves recognition, our gratitude, and continued support and I remain committed to advancing policies that strengthen enforcement, improve accountability, and ensure that Oregon communities, families, and children are safe.

Count Down to America’s 250th Birthday

As 2025 comes to a close, I want to reflect a moment on the coming year as we approach the 250^th anniversary of the United States as a country.  In coming editions of my monthly newsletter, you will see a special section devoted to the history of our nation and state.  I am hopeful that it will serve as a reminder of who we are and what it means to be an American.

Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year