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Dear Oregonians,

This will be the last newsletter I send as your Secretary of State. Serving in this role has been an incredible honor. My career has taken its fair share of twists and turns, but I can say without a doubt this has been the most unexpected chapter. When the Governor called and asked me to serve, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. But I am so glad she did, and I am so glad I said yes, because it has been such a wonderful experience being a part of this agency.

From day one, I knew what my mission had to be: Rebuild public trust in the Secretary of State’s Office. I believed the best way I could do so was by providing steady leadership, free of agenda or drama, and allowing this agency’s staff to do the work they do best. I’m proud of the culture I’m leaving behind, knowing this agency will be in good hands as we welcome a new Secretary of State in January.

As for me, I’m very much looking forward to returning to my writing and spending time with my family. I wish everyone a peaceful and blessed holiday season.

Sincerely,

LaVonne Griffin-Valade
Oregon Secretary of State

Archives: Winter images from our Highway Department collection

The Oregon State Archives is host to a collection of images depicting our great state in all its beauty. These images come from our Oregon Highway Department collection and we thought this would be the perfect time of year to share them. If you’d like to see the other images in the collection, you can contact the Archives reference desk.

Audits: The latest performance audit of High School Success

In December, the Audits Division released its latest performance audit of Measure 98, otherwise known as the High School Success program. Oregon voters passed Measure 98 in 2016 to address low graduation rates and prepare students for college and careers. From 2017 to 2023, over 230 districts and schools reported spending $125 million each year in Measure 98 grants to expand dropout prevention, college and career opportunities, and CTE for Oregon students. Auditors found High School Success grants have expanded important programs for student success, but the Oregon Department of Education needs better data to determine overall effectiveness. Read the full audit on the Secretary of State website.

Elections: Certifying the results of the 2024 General Election Secretary Griffin-Valade officially certified the results of the 2024 General Election. The Secretary was joined by Governor Tina Kotek, who signed the certificates of ascertainment for Oregon’s electors, who are convening at the Capitol today to officially cast their ballots for President and Vice President. Detailed and official election results can be found on our website, OregonVotes.gov Save the date! Oregon’s next Kid Governor, Rosie, will be inaugurated on January 16th. See our press release to learn more about Rosie and her platform: addressing climate change in our communities.

Corporation: Track legislation affecting your business on our website

OSBA has launched its Small Business Legislation webpage. This page is meant to eliminate the need for small businesses to search Oregon’s Legislative Information System (OLIS) for keywords, bill numbers, and more. OSBA is doing that work and presenting a more reasonable list of bills we think will have an impact on the small business ecosystem. For now, users can view the bills we tracked in 2023 and 2024. Once the next session begins, we’ll list new bills and update the page monthly to keep small businesses informed.

Finally, keep an eye out in January for OSBA’s Annual Report. Each year, we compile data and stories to assess the state of small business in Oregon. It’s a wonderful reflection of the work OSBA does and helps tell the stories we hear from Oregon businesses.

Constituent Services

The Secretary of State’s Office receives many requests for information or assistance each month. Below are some of the most common topics constituents reached out to us about last month, and helpful information related to them. If you need assistance, contact us at oregon.sos@sos.​oregon.gov.

1. I need to obtain the title for my vehicle, but I am not able to reach the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. What do I need to do to obtain the title?

If the dealership is no longer in business, you will need to file for a certificate of no record. You can do so on our website here.

2. I have received an alert regarding the Corporate Transparency Act. Who do I speak to if I have questions?

All questions should be directed to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Their website includes an FAQ, small entity compliance guide, brochure, and more.

3. Navigating the Employment Department’s new system for tracking claims has been challenging. How can I submit unemployment claims or get an update on my application?

If you would like to check on the status of your application or submit claims you can do so via phone by calling 1-877-345-3484 or via email using the contact us form on their website.

For questions regarding Paid Leave Oregon, please find information on their website here.

4. I would like to petition for a new law in Oregon. How would I go about doing so?

If you would like to make or change state law you can do so through statewide initiatives and referendums process. Find more information on our website here. Additionally, you can contact your state legislators to advocate for the new law.

5. I am not sure what requirements are necessary for me to start my business. Who can I talk to for help?

If you have questions regarding business registration type and the necessary requirements, contact the Office of Small Business Assistance at (503) 986-2193.