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To contact me, please click here: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends,
It is hard to believe, but 2025 is officially coming to a close. We made it through a legislative long session, a governor’s special session, and a number of community conversations that shaped the policies and direction of our state. Below you’ll find highlights of this year’s accomplishments, along with updates on upcoming developments.
 Update on the Center Street Bridge
The Center Street Bridge seismic retrofit project is officially moving forward. On November 13, the Oregon Transportation Commission voted 3–2 to allocate an additional $100 million to the project and chose not to delay its timeline.
 The Center Street bridge is one of two one-way bridges that connects downtown Salem to West Salem and Polk County. Currently the Center Street and Marion Street bridges carry an average of about 90,000 vehicles each day. If these bridges were to fail, the nearest alternative crossing is in Independence, making this project an important step to keeping our connections across the Willamette River.
Because of the Marion Street Bridge's older design, it is not a good fit for retrofitting, so the Center Street Bridge is the only structure currently selected for these upgrades. The retrofit would also allow the bridge to carry two-way traffic in the event of an earthquake, ensuring Salem can stay connected to surrounding communities during a crisis. To read more about how this will affect traffic in downtown Salem, see my past newsletter from April.
Oregon Report Card Is In
The Oregon Department of Education released its annual Statewide Report Card earlier this month. Much like previous years, it showed persistent challenges facing our education system.
Despite a record-breaking budget and an additional 639 staff positions over the 2024–2025 academic year, ODE reported 2,300 fewer students and 258 fewer teachers compared to the prior year. While there was growth in certain roles—including 454 new educational assistants and 365 support staff—the number of classroom teachers declined once again, and district administrator positions once again increased.
 Academic performance remains a concern. In 2024, Oregon’s 4th-grade reading and math scores fell below the national average on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, signaling that our students continue to lag behind.
Although I do not serve on the education committee, I believe it is critical to acknowledge these issues. Our state’s education system is in need of meaningful improvements, and I hope this will be a priority during the upcoming 2025 legislative session.
M110 Audit Concerns
 After spending much of the 2024 legislative session working to address the failures of Measure 110, with the decriminalization of hard drugs, it is concerning to enter another short session with the measure’s shortfalls once again being highlighted, but for different reasons.
The original concern regarding Measure 110 was the failure of accountability for those struggling with substance abuse. That is why I was pleased to see HB 4002 signed into law in 2024, creating new pathways to treatment while still ensuring accountability.
Yet, the problems with Measure 110 continue to grow. A recent audit from the Secretary of State revealed that the Oregon Health Authority is not equipped to manage drug reduction programs and has failed to collect sufficient information from funded organizations. As a result, we have no clear data on how many people have been served, what outcomes have been achieved, or how taxpayer dollars are being used. This lack of oversight has led to flawed data, unclear goals, and an inability to measure success. Even basic tools, such as the Measure 110 hotline, were described as “poorly designed—redundant, inefficient, and costly.”
We are beginning conversations about how to close these gaps, but action must come quickly. Taxpayer dollars must be tracked and tied to measurable success. We are now nearly three years into the implementation of Measure 110, with three years of funding already spent. Let's not waste these resources and make these changes quickly.
 HB 2299
During the 2025 session, I had the honor of sponsoring HB 2299, legislation that strengthens protections for individuals harmed by the circulation of AI‑generated deepfake images.
Unfortunately, the urgency of these protections was highlighted earlier this month in Corbett, Oregon, where a teenage girl was victimized after sexually explicit deepfake images of her were created and shared without her consent. Previous Oregon law does not specifically criminalize the production or distribution of AI‑generated sexual images. HB 2299 goes into effect January 1, 2026; it closes this gap by making it a crime to knowingly create or distribute such material without permission.
 This case is just one example of why this legislation is more than just a statute; it is a commitment to safeguarding Oregonians from exploitation. By criminalizing this conduct, the law will ensure victims are better protected, perpetrators can be held accountable, and our legal system can keep in step with emerging technologies.
2025 Successes
In case you missed my end‑of‑session highlights, back in June, here’s a brief update on the many bills I was proud to help pass this year. To view funding wins for House District 21 you can visit my legislative website linked below.
HB 2307 Long Tube Lighting Delays
SB 180 Right to Speak Your Truth Act
HB 3766 Anti-Cyberflashing
HB 3167 Fair Ticketing
HB 3630 Clarification SB 498 (2023)
SB 485 Exemption from Taxable Estate Natural Resources
HB 2316 Home Start Land Act
 My website has some new features!
 I am happy to share that a new version of my legislative website has been launched to include some exciting new information and involvement opportunities. See below to view the new available pages and find connections to assistance like, government resources, legislative updates, past legislative successes and more!
February Session
The 2026 legislative short session is set to begin on Monday, February 2, 2026. It will be a 35‑day session and things will move quickly! If you would like to join us at the Capitol during session, you can view the legislative calendar by clicking below.
 This is always a busy time of year for me as the holiday events ramp up and this year was the same! Here are a few highlights:
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On November 28, Susanna and I enjoyed the fourth annual Downtown Salem Holiday Parade. There were over 40 participating groups this year. It was a wonderful event - and no rain! I grabbed a picture with the volunteers holding the opening banner at the start of the parade. |
Continuing a yearly tradition, Susanna and I attended The Nutcracker at the Elsinore Theater on November 29th. With both the parade and the Nutcracker filling one weekend it was a great way to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. |
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For many years the East Salem Rotary Club has helped with bell-ringing at the Salvation Army kettle at the East Salem Fred Meyer. Here I am with fellow Rotarian Dave Leonard at our volunteer post on a Friday evening. Merry Christmas to all! |
I was pleased to join my colleagues at Bridges Oregon's 4th Annual Pancakes with the Grinch event on December 6th. Thank you Bridges team for the incredible work you do to support families in our community. |
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Inspired by the success of the Salem Holiday Parade, I was happy to host a float in the Keizer Lights Parade on the 13th. It was one of the largest parades we have seen in years and once again the rain held back for a clear (yet chilly) evening. |
As always it is 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.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you all in 2026 with some exciting updates on my upcoming legislative priorities.
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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