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To contact me, please click here: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends and Neighbors,
It has been a busy first week of our short session. While the days have been filled with hearings and lots of public testimony, I've been able to meet with several groups and community members. Connecting with my constituents reminds me why I'm here: to represent your voice here at the Capitol. Please read on to learn about all that has happened during Week 1. If you are interested in a certain bill, committee, or topic, you can follow along on OLIS.
Let Your Voice be Heard
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 olis.oregonlegislature.gov, 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.
Oregonians rallied together to refer the proposed transportation tax to the ballot in record time, collecting more than the 250,000 signatures to refer it to voters. They signed petitions that clearly set the election day to November 3rd, giving them the right to an election on that day.
Rather than allow Oregonians to vote on the measure in November, when participation is highest, Democrats are trying to fast track the election into a low-turnout primary, where far fewer Oregonians will have a voice.
Senate Bill 1599 moves the referendum from the November 2026 general election to the May primary election.
Sign up to testify against SB 1599 and let's keep the transportation tax referendum on the November ballot, where it belongs.
Click here and then click 'Register to testify' to testify in person or 'Submit Testimony' to submit written testimony.
Fertility Insurance Coverage
 Infertility is a devastating diagnosis for any individual or couple. Being a parent is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I cannot imagine what my life would be like if I was unable to have children. Cost is the number one barrier for those in need of treatments. That's why it is so important to me that insurance companies cover fertility treatments and so I have introduced HB 4155. There will be a hearing on Tuesday (2/10) at 3:00pm and we want the committee to hear from you. Please encourage anyone you know to submit a written testimony here before Thursday at 3pm (48 hours after the start of the hearing).
LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITOL UPDATES
Quarterly Revenue Forecast More Optimistic Than Expected
On Wednesday, Oregon’s State Economists presented their quarterly revenue forecast before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. Despite the majority party’s concerns that H.R. 1, the federal budget bill, would add $888 million to the deficit, the forecast instead showed an atypical surplus of $198 million. While the state budget remains in deficit, economic growth has begun to narrow that gap.
It appears that the tax cuts outlined in H.R.1 are actually driving the increased economic activity reflected in the new forecast.
Nationally, economic activity is picking up. Real GDP growth is projected to firm to 2.1% by 2026, supported by 2.7% growth in the first half of this year. Inflation is expected to rise modestly to 2.7%, a less severe pickup than previously feared. Perhaps more importantly, recession risks are down, and federal projections are becoming increasingly optimistic.
On the other hand, Oregon is far from out of the woods. While the national economy continues to recover from the pandemic, Oregon is trailing behind. The February revenue forecast is optimistic, and Oregon appears to be closing the gap relative to the national trend. However, Democrats are discussing a partial disconnect from the federal tax code.
This would essentially negate the progress made over this quarter. If Oregon decides to prioritize its already-bloated budget and reject the tax cuts in H.R.1, it would essentially reverse the benefits from H.R.1.
Negotiations are ongoing, but my office will continue to provide updates. Hopefully, the majority party will recognize this positive trend and pull back from their disconnect proposal.
When Democrats released their session priorities earlier this month, they claimed to be committed to prioritizing affordability, growing the economy, and restoring voters’ trust. If this is truly the case, we will not see them move ahead with a disconnect.
Responsible governance would look like enacting policies that keep money in the hands of Oregonians rather than prioritizing the State’s budget. That is what H.R.1 did, and we can see that it’s working.
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Week One Recap
Short sessions always fly by. Committee agendas were released last Friday, and my staff and I quickly realized we were in for a wild ride. So buckle up, here are a few key pieces of legislation we discussed in week one.
The Democrat caucus announced its “Federal Response Package” earlier this month. A majority of this package includes provisions that will further disrupt Federal Law Enforcement efforts across the state.
Several bills regarding immigration enforcement were debated in committees this week. Instead of tackling genuine accountability concerns, lawmakers are squandering taxpayer dollars and limited time in our 35 day short session on proposals that duplicate existing Oregon statutes, or attempt to solve nonissues.
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HB 4079 would direct school districts to adopt a response plan for when immigration officers enter the premises. ICE does not target schools. DHS said that there have been no arrests made on campus, although officers would be allowed to do so if a felon were to flee into a school or if a child sex offender were working there as an employee. In these situations, an arrest would be handled delicately and in the interest of protecting the safety of students.
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HB 4138 would require law enforcement agencies operating in Oregon to implement policies to ensure the officer is easily identifiable. DHS says that this would put agents’ lives at risk. According to the federal agency, ICE agents are facing a 1,150% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats. ICE is targeting highly sophisticated gangs and criminal networks. These entities will target agents, their spouses, and their children if they are identifiable.
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HB 4111 would create a civil course of action against federal law enforcement agents or law enforcement from another state. While the bill makes token exceptions, such as when “the release of sufficient identification may compromise the integrity of an authorized investigation,” prosecutors will find ways around this broad language and target law enforcement when they feel it is politically expedient. Officers should be able to focus on their jobs instead of being worried about being repeatedly slapped with a lawsuit.
While there is a broad consensus that violent criminals without legal status should be deported to their home countries, accountability must be pursued without resorting to polarizing rhetoric that incites fear and contributes to further violence. This session’s proposals are driven by politics, not solutions, and do nothing to resolve the real problems on our streets.
Planned Parenthood asserts that abortions only make up 10% of the combined services across its 12 locations in Oregon. Regardless, they reported that 2,500 abortions were carried out this year. That’s just about 50 school buses.
The federal administration targeted facilities, like Planned Parenthood, because those dollars are better spent elsewhere. Planned Parenthood claims that they are taking away people’s cancer screening and gendered healthcare, but that’s never what this was about.
It’s not an accessibility issue: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide all non-abortion reproductive health care services Planned Parenthood claims, with 270 locations across the state.
Planned Parenthood told committee members that 25% of its budget is made up of donations from its “very generous donors.” It doesn’t seem like they’re having trouble fundraising. Abortions won’t be banned in Oregon — we likely won’t even see a legitimate attempt to enact limitations on abortion — but federal tax dollars would be better served funding and staffing our foster care systems.
The Legislature discussed a bill that would update Oregon’s firearm permit, transfer, and large-capacity magazine (LCM) laws, and modify other key provisions of Ballot Measure 114 (2022). The measure, which included aggressive regulations on the purchase and transfer of firearms, is currently being challenged in court. Since voters approved it, the legislature has continued to debate its implementation.
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Updates where and how Oregonians may apply for a permit to purchase a firearm and adds a new eligibility requirement.
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Extends the deadline for permit decisions from 30 to 60 days, giving permit agents more time to approve applications or issue written denials.
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Increases the maximum fees for initial permits and renewals, including a specified portion for State Police background checks.
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Delays the permit-to-purchase requirement for firearm transfers until January 1, 2028.
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Creates an exemption from permit requirements for certain active and retired law enforcement officers.
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Requires any legal challenge to the Act to be filed in Marion County Circuit Court.
This bill does not resolve the constitutional problems with Measure 114 — in fact, it does the opposite. HB 4145 adds new barriers to firearm ownership, but not in the way proponents might suggest.
By increasing training requirements and permit fees, the bill would disproportionately impact lower-income and working Oregonians — effectively making lawful firearm ownership out of reach for many people who lack the time or financial resources to comply with increased regulations. By requiring that all legal challenges to the Act be filed exclusively in Marion County, lawmakers are creating yet another barrier for Oregonians who cannot afford the time, travel, or expense of pursuing a lengthy legal process far from where they live.
Oregon Association of County Clerks
 On Monday, I met with County Clerks from Jackson, Harney, and Yamhill Counties. It was exciting to hear perspectives from across the state on our elections and the other important roles their offices provide to our communities. Elections have become a hot topic in the news over the past few election cycles and I was encouraged to hear how each of them takes pride in pulling back the curtain and sharing the process with the community. If you have questions about your local elections processes, reach out to your local County Clerk.
Testifying for the Imagination Library
 On Tuesday, Leader Bowman and I testified on HB 4022. Many of you have heard about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library- a program that provides a free book every month to eligible children. With our state reading proficiency levels at a low, we need to do everything we can to encourage a love of reading at an early age. As a former teacher, I am passionate about early literacy. This bill would establish the Oregon Imagination Library Program. You can watch my testimony here.
Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees
 On Tuesday, I met with the Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees. We discussed state and university budget concerns and the need for utilization of universities as economic driving tools to create more qualified work force and inspire more business growth. I've often said that we need to look at our state concerns through a business lens. Our colleges and universities play a huge role in benefiting our state and economy.
Meeting With Canadian Consul General
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On Wednesday, I met with Canadian Consul General Craig Weichel. It was a pleasure to catch up and discuss the importance of our ongoing partnership. As someone who strongly believes in communication and connectivity, I value the relationships we maintain with leaders in other countries. These conversations help strengthen cross-border cooperation and ensure we continue working together on issues that matter to our communities. |
Young Republicans of Oregon
 On Wednesday, I met with the Young Republicans of Oregon. The Young Republicans (YRs) are the oldest political youth organization in the United States. Important to the growth of the Republican Party, the YRs reach out to registered Republicans, 18 to 40 years of age, and provide them with better political knowledge and understanding of the issues of the day. It is wonderful to see how the next generation cares about our policies, politics, and state as a whole. I may very well see these faces working at the Capitol in the future!
Head Start of Yamhill County
 On Thursday, I met with a team from Head Start of Yamhill County. Head Start is a comprehensive early learning program which offers free preschool and family services to qualifying expectant moms and families with children ages 0 to 5. They shared about their "home base" program to prepare children for preschool and advocated to save their state funding from any further cuts during this biennium (two-year budget cycle). My background is in early childhood education and I am very grateful for the work that Head Start does.
Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions
 The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) represents over 100,000 licensed agents, brokers, and consultants. They provide professional development, advocacy, and networking to ensure affordable health coverage. On Thursday, I enjoyed a visit from Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions. They represent NABIP Oregon, our state's chapter that offers localized support, industry insights, and educational resources, including the 2026 Capitol Conference and networking opportunities.
Oregon Brewer's Guild
 On Thursday, I met with members of the Oregon's Brewer's Guild (OBG). President Lisa Allen is one of my constituents and the owner of Heater Allen Brewing in McMinnville. OBG has been promoting breweries since 1992 and represents over 300 breweries, brewpubs, and tasting rooms in every corner of Oregon. We discussed the evolving industry and how alcohol sales are down across the state (and nation). There is a growing market for non-alcoholic beer, and many businesses are pivoting to meet those needs. You can participate in dry-January and still support your local breweries.
Life and Legislation With Lucetta
 My team is committed to keeping Oregonians informed about all that is happening during the short session. Our two most recent episodes provide updates about week 1: how to find and follow bills, what has happened so far, and the revenue forecast. You can listen to the podcast on your any podcast platform or watch the episodes on my YouTube Channel.
COMMUNITY KUDOS
Melt Down
 This February marks the 10th anniversary of Yamhill County’s grilled cheese–themed fundraiser, The Melt Down. It will be their biggest year yet, with more restaurants and businesses participating than ever before.
Throughout February, participating businesses feature a grilled cheese or cheese-inspired menu item, donating $2 from each sale to support the YCAP Regional Food Bank. It’s a creative, community-driven way to support local businesses while ensuring our neighbors have access to nutritious food.
For more details, the Newberg Graphic recently shared an overview of this year’s event and its community impact.
This is a wonderful way to support the community while eating delicious cheesy dishes!
Yours truly,
Representative Lucetta Elmer
House District 24
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-395, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/elmer
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