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To contact me, please click here: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
As the year winds down, I want to take a moment to thank you for the way you continue to show up. Whether it is at town halls, through emails and phone calls, or in conversations out in the community, your engagement matters. Serving House District 60 is a responsibility I take seriously, and I do not take for granted the trust you place in me to represent a district that spans more than a third of Oregon.
We don't always agree on everything with each other, and that is okay. Hearing different perspectives helps keep me grounded in the real impacts of the policies we debate in Salem. If there is one thing I have learned this year, it is that listening matters just as much as legislating.
As you will see, I even learned that lesson firsthand while filling in as Santa this season. It turns out that no matter how hard you try, you cannot please everyone, but you still show up and do your best.
However you mark this time of year, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, a joyful holiday season and a safe, healthy start to the new year. I look forward to continuing the work ahead together.
Be safe,
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In early December, I joined Senator McLane for several town halls across the district. Thank you to everyone who came out, asked tough questions, and shared what’s on your mind.
House District 60 covers more than a third of the state, so I work to hold as many in-person town halls as I can, along with virtual options for folks who can’t travel. Hearing directly from you matters to me. Your feedback, whether we agree or not, helps shape how I approach legislation and advocate for our communities.
I’ll continue scheduling town halls across the district, and I hope to see you at a future stop.
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I appreciated the opportunity to attend the RFPA dinner and spend time with the men and women who do so much for our rural communities.
Our Rural Fire Protection Associations are the backbone of emergency response in many parts of Eastern Oregon. Their dedication, long hours, and willingness to step up when their neighbors need help does not go unnoticed.
I am grateful for the work they do and remain committed to supporting our RFPAs and the volunteers who keep our communities safe.
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Have a Medicare question?
The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program uses trained counselors to educate and advocate for Oregonians with Medicare.
Scholarship programs assist people in Oregon and Siskiyou County, Ca. on their journeys to earning a degree. We welcome learners from all walks of life – high school seniors, community college transfer students, adults and parents.
We look for students who believe success is the result of hard work, the ability to learn, and in making the most of the opportunities available where they live.
Find the Ford Family scholarship that is right for you, then follow the steps to apply. Applications close on March 2, 2026.
Learn More.
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon fire service, road crews, and power companies are busy cleaning up after a strong windstorm that swept across the Pacific Northwest. The storm knocked out power to thousands of Oregonians. The Oregon State Fire Marshal would like to remind everyone of the danger of carbon monoxide when heating or temporarily powering your home. The deadly gas can build up quickly in your home.
“Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless and tasteless gas produced by generators, propane heaters, and other carbon burning sources,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Having working carbon monoxide alarms in your home and taking a few simple steps can mean the difference between life and death.”
Carbon monoxide safety tips:
- Only use heaters intended for indoor use.
- Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home.
- Always use generators outdoors in a well-ventilated space, at least 20 feet from any building or opening.
- Ensure proper ventilation for all fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces, water heaters, furnaces, and dryers.
- Keep vents and chimneys clear of debris and check for any gaps, leaks, or rust.
- Never leave a car running in the garage.
- Always use barbecue grills outside away from all doors, windows, vents, and any building openings.
Oregonians should also know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- confusion
If you experience these symptoms, leave the area, get to fresh air, and call 9-1-1.
First responders see an increase in calls related to carbon monoxide during the winter months. It is important to practice these carbon monoxide tips as more storms are forecasted over the coming week. For more tips, please check out the fire safety section of our website at oregon.gov/osfm or the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association
The collaborative groups of High Desert Partnership are pleased to share an exciting new funding opportunity for 2026. This one-time funding is designed to encourage people and organizations to get involved in the community or create new outlets where people can gather, connect, and contribute. Five grants of $5,000 each will be awarded to seed small-scale, grassroots projects such as community events, gardens, gatherings or festivals. At least two awards will be reserved for youth-led initiatives.
Access the grant explanation and application here and please contact Denise at 541-589-0901 or denise@highdesertpartnership.org for questions.
We are excited to announce the return of our full school tour program for the 2025-2026 school year. We are booking school tours now!
The school tour program will begin October 13 and run through May 29. Tour times are 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can accommodate one school per time period, up to 90 students. We ask that you also have adult chaperones in a ratio of at least one per 5 students, not including the teacher.
School tours are one hour in length. After Spring Break, schools have the option to add the tower tour (observation platform) for an additional 30 minutes.
Please use this form https://oregoncapitol.com/school-tour-request-form/ or call 503-986-1388. School tours are booked first come, first served. Please select your first three date and time options.
In addition to our on-site tour program, we will continue to offer a live guided virtual tour program. Virtual tours are available at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesdays for up to 100 students. If you are interested in scheduling this option, please fill out this form https://oregoncapitol.com/virtual-tour-form/ or call us at 503-986-1388.
When you book your tour, we will give updated information about our security screening, new bus parking spaces and our new school tour staging area.
We look forward to seeing you next school year!
Sincerely,
Visitor Services
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DEQ to Host Informational Webinar on John Day River Basin Temperature TMDL Replacement on Jan. 15, 2026
Oregon DEQ will host an informational webinar on Jan. 15, 2026, to share details about the John Day River Basin Temperature Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) replacement project. The webinar will provide an overview of the rulemaking process and the technical approach to revising the TMDLs and associated Water Quality Management Plan.
Meeting information: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026
Join via Zoom
Join by phone: 877-853-5257 US Toll-free Meeting ID: 860 8617 6791
This webinar is open to the public. DEQ encourages community members and interested parties to attend and learn more about the project.
Additional information
To learn about the John Day River Basin Temperature TMDL replacement project, please visit:
For questions or more information, please contact:
Trea Nance TMDL Basin Coordinator Trea.nance@deq.oregon.gov
The Rural Visibility Project engages government, businesses, and community members, to highlight the great work that is being done in rural communities, as well as the needs. Each month we will partner with a variety of organizations and communities to highlight a different theme before ending the month with a community conversation that engages rural leaders and advocates of all kinds.
2026 Months at a Glance
January – Mini: RVP Primer
February – Small Business and Downtowns
March – Mini: Rural Development Hubs
April – RVP Live at Regards to Rural (RDI’s Biennial Conference)
May – Local Capacity for Local Priorities
June – Mini: Rural Appreciation/Community Festivals and Celebrations
July – Building Rural Sector Economies
August – Mini: Rural Nonprofits
September – Childcare and Early Learning
October – Mini: Resiliency
November – Healthcare Access and Affordability
December – Mini: Tribal and Rural Investment
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1460
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-475, Salem, OR 97301
Capitol Email: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Capitol Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/owens
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