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To contact me, please click here: Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
On a daily basis this week, I saw pure political power exercised at the expense of Constitutional freedoms and the will of the people. Unfortunately, I even saw undeniable intimidation and harassment by one member against another just to move a bill out of committee. Members of the same party. Some lawmakers seem to be more focused on personal retribution and campaign talking points, rather than focusing on common sense solutions to real-life problems. Here are just a few of the issues that are in direct opposition to the rights and priorities of Oregonians:
- Raising the costs for energy and expanding the power of unelected bureaucrats
- Moving the date of the referendum election to May instead of November for political reasons alone which may all but eliminate the ability of voters to get statements in the voter’s pamphlet
- Advancing tax hikes and regulatory hurdles that Oregon businesses can’t afford and shouldn’t have to navigate; will this keep businesses in Oregon or attract more to consider locating here?
- Advancing unconstitutional barriers to limit 2nd amendment rights by bullying members into going against their own vote
With a Constitutional end date of March 8th, Short Session is moving quickly and the bad policy is never-ending. Frankly, I'm a little discouraged with the extreme partisanship this session shown in many of the bills. However, there was also a glimmer of hope shown this week on the House Floor. A very bad, one-sided bill, that would have increased liability insurance rates for businesses owners, based on failed models in other states, was voted down on the House Floor by members of the Majority party themselves. Members who have decided enough is enough. These moderate Democrats listened to their constituents and the pleads of the minority party. There is hope in Salem for common sense to prevail, at least there was last week on one issue, on one day.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
 Anna Scharf
State Representative - HD 23
HB 4145 - Gun legislation that will modify Ballot Measure 114. For more details about this bill, read my previous newsletter. This bill almost died in committee until Rep. Tran (D-Portland) was forced to change her vote, which ultimately led to a workplace complaint being filed. Read more here. The bill is headed to the House floor for a vote.
HB 4098 - Allows 3rd party lawsuits for insurance, a policy which drove up insurance premiums by 32-53% in California. You can watch my floor speech here about why this bill is extremely concerning. Like I said on the House Floor - we should just hang a bright neon sign that says "Oregon is closed for business." The bill died after failure to be reconsidered (voted down by the moderate Democrats).
HB 4114 - Creates a civil cause of action against Federal law enforcement agents and law enforcement agents of another state in specified circumstances. The way this is written is not ONLY about ICE. It is about all Federal law enforcement agencies (FBI, ICE, ATF, etc.) and law enforcement agencies of another state. Oregon law enforcement officers expressed concerns about the bill and how it would impact the ability for them to be able to work with Federal agencies (other than ICE) to protect Oregonians. The bill passed the House along party lines.
SB 1507 - Disconnects from the Federal tax code. This bill raises taxes on businesses and discourages investment in small businesses. This bill will negatively impact our economy, specifically adding a $311 million tax for employers. Again, I ask, why would any business stay, expand or locate to this state? It also stops Oregonians from enjoying the benefits of “No Tax on Car Loan Interest”. The math is pretty simple, and every member should vote no. Unfortunately, the bill has already passed the Senate Floor and just recently passed out of the House Committee on Revenue. The bill is headed to the House floor for a vote.
HB 4088 – Establishes that it is a state priority to protect organizations and providers administering abortions and gender affirming care, even to those here from other states where the practice is illegal. It will be interesting to see how this works with the ever-changing Federal landscape and Federal funding specifically Medicaid funding and treatment on minors. The bill passed the House along party lines.
HB 4091 - Establishes clear limits on when the Oregon National Guard may be mobilized under Federal authority without the consent of the Governor. Mandates that Guard units cannot be mobilized in ways that leave Oregon unable to respond to natural disasters, wildfires, earthquakes or other statewide emergencies. This legislation is political posturing and doesn't actually do anything, as the President can use Title 10 at any time - which calls National Guard into action. The bill passed the House Floor on a party line vote with one Democrat opposing the bill. (Rep. Tran – HD45, NE Portland, an active Lieutenant Colonel in the Oregon Air National Guard). The bill is already scheduled for a public hearing and work session in the Senate on 2/24.
PARTICIPATE IN THE PROSPERITY SURVEY
Governor Kotek’s Prosperity Council is asking the public to share their insights, experiences, and ideas on the state’s economic future.
The Prosperity Council is an outside advisory group convened by Governor Kotek to help shape strategies for Oregon’s economic prosperity and growth. The council includes representatives from different regions of the state, key industries, and labor, and is focused on three main areas: business climate, workforce and tools for growth. Its role is to develop practical recommendations for the near, medium and long term in each of these areas.
The Council had their first meeting last week and will conclude in June 2026, when a final report of recommendations will be delivered. This statewide survey will be circulated widely and remain open through March 20, 2026, so the council can consider this input as it develops its recommendations. As a note, all survey responses will be included in the public record. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
 Araya joined the Honorary Page program earlier this week. She is a Sophomore at Sherwood High School and lives in HD 23. It was truly a pleasure to get to know this remarkable young lady. She participates on the Mock Trial Team and Youth in Government Group as well as many other politically related activities. You may be looking at your future Representative or Senator.
HCR 201 PASSES
HCR 201 celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Oregon Fire District Directors Association. This resolution is very near and dear to my heart. I was happy to support State Rep. Court Boice (R-Gold Beach) who was the original Chief Sponsor of the legislation.
You can watch my Floor speech here.
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HB 4065 PASSES
This is one of my two priority bills this session, and I was pleased to see it pass the House unanimously and head to the Senate. Grass seed farmers have had a challenging few years, but one thing they should not face is seed companies refusing to pay them for contracted crops. The bill is already scheduled for a public hearing and work session in the Senate Natural Resources committee on 2/24.
You can watch my Floor speech here.
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The Dallas High School Morrison Alternative Campus toured the Capitol this week and I had the opportunity to meet with them in the gallery of the House Chamber. It was really fun taking a few minutes to talk with these students and answer their great questions. I love seeing our youth engage in the legislative process.
Recently I met with FFA students from around the state at their Legislative Conference at the Capitol. I had the opportunity to chat with them about the legislative session, as well as local and statewide issues, and the future of agriculture. I always enjoy meeting with FFA students. Their professionalism and passion for natural resources, representing all corners of the state, urban and rural, bring much needed voices to the issues we face today. They give me hope every time I talk to them. Indeed, our next generation of leaders are wearing blue jackets!
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I recently attended the annual SEDCOR Ag Breakfast. If you don't know about SEDCOR, it's a great organization within our community that cultivates business growth and provides networking support throughout Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties. If you are a business owner, I encourage you to seek out the opportunities that SEDCOR provides. Pictured with my daughter Megan (left) and Abisha Romano (right), SEDCOR Economic Development Manager - Yamhill County.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1423
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-387, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/scharf
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