Friends and neighbors,

Budget conversations are ramping up as we get closer to the session's end. The recent revenue forecast was great news for taxpayers and budget writers alike. If projections hold, Oregon taxpayers will receive a $5.5 billion kicker, the largest kicker refund in Oregon history!

It's hard to say what that means exactly for you, but earlier this year, when economists estimated a $3.9 billion kicker, Oregonians with an income of $33,000-$58,000 could receive about $820 back.

This revenue forecast means that legislators also have more money to invest in critical needs around the state. Budgets reflect priorities. That's why I was proud to help introduce HB 3627 last week to fully fund our schools to the tune of $10.4 billion. District leaders and teachers have told the Legislature they need at least $10.3 billion to maintain the current service level. Yet the Governor's Recommended Budget only asked for $9.9 billion, and Legislative leaders have offered $10.1 billion. It's time to give our students and teachers what they need!

You may have heard about the resignation of Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan last month. It came to light through media reports that Fagan had a side hustle (making $10,000 per month, plus a $30,000 bonus for each business license that she helped secure outside of Oregon) for a marijuana company named La Mota. The owners of the troubled cannabis shop also had given Fagan $45,000 in campaign contributions while owing millions in unpaid taxes. We now know the owners of La Mota also owned a business that was caught in 2018 for diverting marijuana to the black market. 

I always welcome your feedback, questions, and comments. Please send me a note at Rep.JeffHelfrich@oregonlegislature.gov or at 503-986-1452.

Talk soon,

Representative Jeff Helfrich

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Community Conversations

The Dalles

Policy Update

Transportation News

Funding for Hood River-White Salmom Bridge and Bridge of the Gods Clears Transportation Committee

Last week, the Joint Transportation Committee passed HB 3622, a bill to begin funding replacements and seismic upgrades for two bridges critical to our state's economy and transportation system. Both are within House District 52.

I have been advocating for this funding all session, and I am encouraged to have it pass the committee unanimously!

We had a chance to show the federal government that Oregon was serious about replacing a dangerous and outdated bridge. I supported the bipartisan consensus amendment to protect open and fair public procurement processes and ensure we do not rob rural areas of the state of their fair share of infrastructure investments. 

It's unfortunate that Legislative leadership chose partisanship over passing a bill. There is no reason that transportation should be a partisan issue. Oregon’s transportation system faces funding challenges, and if this is any indication of how we will work together on a 2025 package, it is going to be very, very challenging process.

In April, the Joint Transportation Committee unveiled the -2 amendment to HB 2098, which would have funded $1 billion for the bridge as well as:

• Recommit to the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project
• Identify funding sources that do not rob rural areas of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
• Codify Oregon’s policy outlined in ORS 279A.015(5) to protect the integrity of the public procurement process to ensure minority contractors have an equal opportunity to build the new I-5 bridge and prevent cost overruns for taxpayers

Fortunately, there is still time before the end of the session to fund Oregon's $1 billion portion of the I-5 Bridge Replacement in a budget bill, but it is unlikely to have any other importation protections outlined above.

Standing Up For Law and Order

Last week, the House voted on four bills that would have made our communities safer. Unfortunately, none of the bills moved forward. 

It's no secret that Oregon has a serious drug problem. Measure 110 has left thousands of Oregonians behind by increasing access to dangerous drugs, while failing to get those struggling with addiction into treatment. A recent analysis from Willamette Week showed that the system has helped only five people in Multnomah County get into drug treatment.

A recent analysis from Willamette Week showed that the system has helped only five people in Multnomah County get into drug treatment. According to a recent statewide poll, 63% of Oregonians support reforming Measure 110 to reinstate criminal penalties for drug possession while still funding services. HB 2310 would have done exactly that. I was proud to support the bill, but unfortunately, it failed on a vote of 30-30. 

Take a look at just a few of the headlines from last week in the media:

Good Housing Bills on the Move

The House passed Senate Bill 599 this week. I joined with Senator Elizabeth Steiner (D-Portland) to advocate for this bill allowing tenants to use their rental home to run an in-home childcare center, provided the state licenses the childcare provider. This will be a step in the right direction to help alleviate many parents' struggles when finding childcare. It had good bipartisan support on the House floor and will now head to the Governor's desk for her signature!

Later this week, I expect the House to pass Senate Bill 1069. As the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness, I sponsored this bill to allow landlords and tenants to communicate by email, if both parties agree. Communicating exclusively by mail is expensive, time-consuming, and ineffective. It’s time we allowed our tenants and landlords to communicate electronically. 

Around the Capitol

Armed Forces Day and Police Week

I have spent my life in the military and public safety.

I know firsthand the sacrifice these men and women make daily to keep our communities safe, and I will always stand with heros in blue!

Last week, I honored our police officers' spouses, like my wife, who receive calls about something happening to their husband or wife. My wife, Shawna, got a few of those calls over the years. Fortunately, I could come home to my family each time, but many aren't so fortunate.

Last week, in honor of National Armed Forces Day, the Oregon National Guard held ceremonies on the Capitol Mall to celebrate our military's sacrifice. The events included an F-15 flyover and a firing of a 105mm M119 in a salute to all those who serve.

Working with the District

It was a beautiful day in Welches on Saturday to talk with the community about what's going on in Salem and their local needs. We talked about the local senior center, water, school funding, mental health, and more. Thank you, everyone, for coming out, and thank you to the Rhododendron Water Association for hosting me!

Wasco County is in Salem! It was my honor to recognize Commissioners Phil Brady and Steve Kramer on the House Floor.

White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler and Port of Hood River Commissioner Mike Fox came to Salem to talk about funding the bridge replacement.

I had a great time in Corbett two weeks ago talking to the community about local issues!

After my community conversation at the Grange in Corbett, I took a quick tour of the Corbett School District and met with the hard-working staff! Thank you for all you do to educate our kids!

I enjoyed lunch at the Corbett Country Market after the community conversation. Great BBQ!