Return From Blackout Dates - End of Spring

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Rep. Darcey Edwards

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To contact me, please click here: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov


Return From Blackout Dates - End of Spring

Dear friends,

I’m happy to be back in touch after the state’s election blackout period.

As we wrap up May and head into summer here in House District 31, I wanted to reach out with a few updates and some great ways to stay connected with our office and our wonderful community.

This is such a joyful time of year across House District 31! With graduations, local events, community gatherings, and summer activities in full swing, there’s a real sense of energy and excitement in the air. I’m truly looking forward to getting out and seeing so many of you in the weeks ahead.

Below you’ll find some community updates, upcoming opportunities to get involved, and resources that I hope will be helpful to you and your family.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime my office can be of assistance. While we’re out of session, email is the best way to connect with us:

Email: rep.darceyedwards@oregonlegislature.gov

Thank you, as always, for staying engaged and for sharing your thoughts with me. I genuinely value your input and am grateful to serve you.

Warm regards,

Representative Darcey Edwards


Measure 120 Defeated:

Following the defeat of Measure 120, Oregonians made their priorities loud and clear.

At a time when families and small businesses are already struggling with higher everyday costs, voters overwhelmingly rejected more taxes and fees on hardworking Oregonians. I was proud to oppose both the proposed gas tax increase, and the registration fee increase when we voted on it here in the legislature, and I’m glad to see our community stood together in support of greater affordability and fiscal responsibility.

Across our state, people spoke clearly in favor of practical solutions, accountability, and protecting working families. I want to sincerely thank everyone who stayed informed, engaged in the process, and made their voices heard. This outcome shows a strong commitment to keeping Oregon focused on common-sense policies that truly support our families and communities.


Agency Rulemaking:

Medicaid Rule Update

Oregon Health Authority is proposing changes to Medicaid pharmaceutical dispensing rules to allow 12-month dispensing for selected hormone therapies and treatments. The proposed update would amend OAR 410-121-0146 to improve continuity of care and reduce treatment interruptions for eligible patients.

Comments due: June 21, 2026, by 5:00 PM

Contact: OHA — medicaid.rules@oha.oregon.gov | 503-979-8907

Remote Public Hearing – OAR 410-121-0146

June 16, 2026 10:00 AM (Pacific Time)

Join via ZoomGov: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1617787051?pwd=Ybn7dpNFEqX1uX9Mwln6pRX05HTUPB.1

Meeting ID: 161 778 7051 Passcode: 113976

Join by Phone: 1-669-254-5252 (San Jose) 1-646-828-7666 (New York)

Rules Updating Oregon Retail Food Code

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting public comments on proposed updates to Oregon’s Retail Food Code. The proposed changes would update Oregon’s food safety and retail food regulations before final adoption.

Written comments are due by June 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Public Hearing Information June 16, 2026 | 3:00–4:00 PM

  • Hearing link: https://oda.direct/rulemaking • Meeting ID: 249 898 141 677 526 • Passcode: 9w7Ty32S • Call-in number: 503-446-4951,,98826791#

Comments may be submitted:

  • By email: rulemaking@oda.oregon.gov
  • By mail: ODA, 635 Capitol Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
  • Online: https://oda.direct/rulemaking

Oregon Tax Season Update

The 2025 Oregon personal income tax filing deadline was April 15. Here's where things stand:

  • 2 million+ returns processed out of 2.2 million expected
  • 1.6 million+ refunds issued
  • 90% of refunds sent via direct deposit
  • Average refund issued in under 12 days

Challenges this season included federal tax law changes, reduced IRS staffing, and high demand from this year's kicker tax credit.

Still waiting on your refund? Visit oregon.gov/dor and use the "Where's My Refund?" tool. Logging into your Revenue Online account lets you view any letters sent to you — responding quickly helps speed up your refund.

First-time Oregon filers or those with missing information may experience longer delays. Most remaining returns will be filed by the October 15 extension deadline.

For questions, contact the Oregon Department of Revenue at oregon.gov/dor


2026 District 31 High School Graduates

I’m so excited to celebrate the remarkable Class of 2026 graduates across House District 31! This is such a proud and joyful milestone for our students, their families, dedicated educators, and entire communities. Congratulations to all of you — your hard work and accomplishments truly shine.

Here are the upcoming graduation ceremonies I look forward to celebrating with you:

  • Scappoose High School — June 5, 6:00 PM, McNabb Field
  • St. Helens High School — June 5, 7:00 PM, Doc Ackerson Stadium
  • Rainier Junior/Senior High School — June 5, 7:00 PM
  • Banks High School — June 5, 7:00 PM
  • Clatskanie Middle/High School — June 6, 7:00 PM, Gymnasium
  • Vernonia High School — June 6, 7:00 PM

13 Nights on the River Returns This Summer!

Columbia View Park will host free Thursday evening concerts starting June 4 through August 27. Gates open at 4 p.m. and music starts at 5 p.m. This year's presenting sponsor is Wauna Credit Union. 

Upcoming performances:

  • June 4: River Divide Band
  • June 11: Gabriel Cox
  • June 18: Bon Bon Vivant
  • June 25: Hit Machine

The full lineup runs through August 27. Vendor spaces are available but limited — visit sthelensoregon.gov to fill out a vendor form.

13 Nights on the River

Summer Reading at Banks Public Library

Summer Reading is back at the Banks Public Library! Sign-ups begin June 1, and participants will receive a free book while supplies last.

Readers can also participate in drawings, special events, and collect Reading Dragons trading cards throughout the summer. Be sure to collect all nine new dragon friends!

Registration is open through July 15, with events running from June 18 through July 28.

View the full event schedule here: https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?locations=7

For more information, contact the Banks Public Library at 503-324-1382 or bankspl@wccls.org.


Capitol Phone: 503-986-1431
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/edwards