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Continue to watch SB 1599, the bill designed to yank the transportation tax referendum off the November ballot and onto May.
We know that Oregonians already gave them clarity: the people gathered the signatures and demanded a referendum after Kotek jammed through her $4.3B tax hike in Special Session last August and September. Now she's racing a clock of her own making while brushing aside legal concerns raised by Republican leaders who warned Secretary of State Tobias Read that Democrats' "special procedures" for a rushed May election are an end run around the law. Read's response, in essence, was: if Democrats pass it, he'll comply—because apparently in Oregon, "election integrity" now means doing whatever the Governor tells you to do. Who wins? Politicians. Who loses? Oregonians.
And here's the bigger problem: this isn't an isolated incident - it's a pattern. While the Governor works overtime to manipulate when you get to vote on their gas tax, payroll tax, and fee hikes, her Democrat members also flirted with a proposal that would've cut voters out of local gas tax decisions altogether, letting local governments raise fuel taxes without asking you first - until public outrage forced them to back off.
Then there's another favorite move: if they can't get enough money from you through taxes, they look for ways to take what's already yours. This week, they held a hearing on SJR 201, a constitutional referral to redirect part of your kicker refund to government programs - because in Salem, the "solution" to overspending is always to raid the taxpayer.
And if you're a small business owner or working family trying to stay afloat, Democrats are pushing higher burdens there too. SB 1507 advances Oregon's "partial disconnect" from federal tax policy by eliminating specific breaks - Democrats call it "budget repair," but it functions like a tax increase that will land on employers and Oregonians who are already struggling with affordability.
The "raw power" mentality isn't limited to taxes and spending - it's showing up inside the Capitol itself. One of the most disturbing stories this week was the allegation that a powerful Democrat chair created a hostile environment and pressured a colleague during a live committee meeting connected to HB 4145 - the bill Democrats are using to rewrite and expand Measure 114's gun permit system by raising fees and extending wait times. If Democrats truly believed "every vote is sacred," they'd start by respecting the votes of the legislators sitting next to them—and the voters outside the building. HB 4145 should be killed immediately as now it is inextricably linked to Representative Jason Kropf's inexcusable behavior towards a colleague. It would have never passed committee had members been allowed to vote on their own accord.
Finally, as families are getting squeezed and rural Oregon is fighting to survive, the activist, progressive, left is pushing something even more radical: the PEACE Act, a ballot initiative moving toward qualification that would effectively criminalize huge parts of Oregon life - hunting, fishing, raising livestock, animal research, and even pest control. They are reporting that they already have 90% of the signatures required to get on the ballot. This is a full attack on farmers, ranchers, hunters, fishermen, and families who depend on food production and wildlife management - and it tells you exactly where the progressive machine wants to take this state next. Imagine if Democrats played political games about when this gets on the ballot, like they are with the gas tax referendum?
- Shelly
This session, I introduced two bills, and here is the update on their status.
HB 4129: Capping Oregon's Low Carbon Fuel Standard
This bill does two things: caps Oregon's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) at its original legislative intent and preempts local governments from drawing down critical fuel storage infrastructure that would threaten the whole state's fuel supply.
This bill is dead, but I expect it to get an informational hearing next week. Because the bill is dead, I tried to adopt the Low Carbon Fuel Standard portion of the bill into one of the Transportation omnibus bills. Democrats voted it down. You can watch me talk about the issue here. Last month, the industry estimated that the LCFS program was contributing 23 cents per gallon to pump prices.
Fuel, Freight, and the Future of Rural Enterprise
I had the opportunity to speak this week at the Oregon Logging Conference - Logging, Construction, Trucking and Heavy Equipment Expo - in Eugene regarding the proposed 2026 Oregon Transportation Tax Referendum.
We discussed the Legislature’s recently passed $4 billion transportation tax package, and the disproportionate burden it places on rural communities. With increases to the gas tax, payroll taxes, and registration fees, the proposal would significantly raise costs - particularly for those that drive longer than 5 miles to the grocery store or the job site.
I appreciated the strong turnout, thoughtful dialogue, and the clear message from those in the room: rural Oregon and hard-working Oregonians must have a voice in policies that directly affect its economic competitiveness and way of life.
A Special Farm Mom Reunion at the Capitol
In 2015, Megan Seibel and I, had the honor of representing our respective regions in the America’s Farmers Mom of the Year program.
I represented the Northwest from our family’s farm near Tangent and Albany, while Megan represented the Southeast from her farm in Virginia. Though we came from different corners of the country, we shared the same heart for agriculture and raising the next generation.
Recently, Megan was in Oregon as a guest speaker for REAL Oregon and stopped by the Capitol to say hello. I was honored to extend her a Floor Courtesy on the House floor - a special full-circle moment for two farm moms who once represented our regions on a national stage.
Agriculture connects us far beyond state lines, and it was a joy to welcome my fellow Farm Mom to Oregon.
YMCA at the Capitol
Always great to meet up with my friend and valued community ally, Chris Reese, CEO of the Mid-Willamette Valley YMCA. We discussed the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our community through its focus on youth development, and healthy living.
The Mid-Willamette Family YMCA remains a welcoming place for all - investing in our children, supporting families, and fostering meaningful connections that help our region thrive. I am grateful for Chris’s leadership and our continued partnership.
NWUCA at the Capitol
I had a fantastic visit with members of the Northwest Utility Contractors Association (NWUCA), from HD-15, during their time at the Capitol this week!
NWUCA represents the contractors and suppliers who build and maintain the critical underground utility infrastructure that keeps our communities running - from water and sewer systems to the essential groundwork that supports homes, farms, and businesses across Oregon and Southwest Washington. These projects may be out of sight, but they are absolutely vital to public health, economic development, and the strength of our rural and urban communities alike.
I truly appreciated the chance to connect, hear about their priorities, and discuss the challenges impacting their industry. Conversations like these are invaluable as we work to support infrastructure that is reliable, efficient, and built to last.
Thank you, NWUCA, for making the trip and for the important work you do every single day!
Leadership Gresham at the Capitol
It was a pleasure to meet with Leadership Gresham during their Government Day in Salem. This diverse group of business owners, nonprofit leaders, and senior executives represents a diverse cross-section of industries and brings a strong commitment to strengthening their communities.
I appreciated their thoughtful questions, engagement, and clear desire to build lasting connections that advance both local and regional priorities. Leadership Gresham is cultivating informed, collaborative leaders who are invested in meaningful community impact.
During the 2026 legislative session my office will continue to keep you updated and informed - and is always at your service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.
Talk soon,
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis
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