In my last newsletter, I mentioned the upcoming virtual hearings for the state budget. I want to emphasize how important it is for my constituents to participate.

This is our chance for Southern Oregon to share our thoughts, views and priorities for the state budget. Often, the budget is controlled by the interests of the bigger, urban residents of our state and the rural voices aren't prioritized. This is our time!

Oregon is receiving $1.9 trillion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan. These funds will include a tax break on some unemployment benefits, an expansion of unemployment benefits, expansion of vaccination programs and funding for state and local government.

As part of the funding for state and local government, legislators were given to the opportunity to apply for grant money for our districts. I requested $54 million for House District 3.

The legislature is taking public testimony from Oregonians and I encourage you to participate and voice your support for these project and other Josephine County priorities.

*replacement of the Grants Pass Branch library building

(Written testimony for these requests can be submitted between now and 1pm on Sunday, April 18th HERE. If you want to give oral testimony by phone or web camera, you must register by 1pm on Saturday, April 17th HERE.)

*updates to the Cave Junction branch library

*new water distribution center for City of Cave Junction

*new building for the Williams branch library

*rehabilitation of the Illinois Valley Airport runway

*updates to the emergency response of Grants Pass Airport

*restoration of the Oregon Cave Chateau

*development of public parking in downtown Cave Junction

*expansion of Jubilee Park

*renovations to the Junction Inn

In addition to the projects listed above, I have also requested Capital Project funds to complete the Illinois Valley Homeless Shelter project. You can also support this project though it is not through the American Rescue Plan funds.

(Written testimony for these requests can be submitted between now and 1pm on Friday, April 23rd HERE. If you want to give oral testimony by phone or web camera, you must register by 5:30pm on Thursday, April 22nd HERE.)

You may have heard the news that came out late last night that Republicans have agreed to stop requiring bills to be read in full on the House Floor. I know this will be discouraging news to many of you. However, I want to share the reason WHY our caucus agreed to this. In exchange for speeding up Floor session, Republicans have gained an additional seat on the Redistricting Committee. Instead of the committee being run by the majority party, the committee will now have an even split of Republicans and Democrats. This committee is in charge of deciding the boundaries for legislative districts and will have implications for the next ten years. This was a huge win for Republicans as we now have a voice at the table that matters and can make decisions. This article has more details about last night's negotiations.