September 23, 2021
Special Session on Redistricting
Earlier this week, my legislative colleagues and I met in Salem for what was scheduled to be a one-day special session to vote on new legislative district maps. Our one-day session has now turned into a week-long event.

On Monday, the Senate passed new districts on a party-line vote. The maps were then sent to the House for a vote where negotiations between the two parties fell apart. The Oregonian has an excellent in-depth article about the first day of session that you can read HERE.

The House returned to the Capitol on Tuesday morning to resume session only for us to be quickly sent home as we received word that an individual in the Capitol on Monday had tested positive for COVID. At the current moment, we are scheduled to have session on Saturday to vote on the redistricting plans. If the legislature does not agree to maps by Monday, Secretary of State Shemia Fagan will be in charge of drawing new district lines.
Department of Revenue - Medford Office Closed
The Department of Revenue’s Medford office (3613 Aviation Way) will be temporarily closed from September 22, 2021 through October 8, 2021 due to construction.
 
A secure drop box will be available for taxpayers to deliver any necessary payments or documents, which will be removed daily from the drop box by office staff. The Medford office will mail receipts directly to customers.
 
The office will return to normal business hours, 8:00am to 5:00pm, on Monday, October 11, 2021.
 
The Department of Revenue continues to expand features available through Revenue Online. Individuals can view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online to learn more.

To get tax forms, check the status of refunds, or make payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email [email protected]. People may also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish).
Oregon Employment Department Updates
The Oregon Employment Department shared numerous updates with my office this week and I wanted to pass them along to you.
  • OED recently launched their "Back to Work Campaign" to help people find jobs and to assist employers in finding workers. You can learn about their area events at WorkSourceOregon.org.
  • The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit that most Oregon employers already qualify for, and it can save a business up to $9600 per new hire by hiring individuals who face barriers to employment, such veterans, people receiving SNAP or TANF, or people recently released from prison. More information is at OregonTaxCredit.org.
  • The Employment Department is working to implement HB 3389, the employer payroll tax relief legislation. There are two parts to this legislation. First, it rolls back the UI tax experience rating for years 2022 through 2024 to the pre-pandemic 2020 UI tax experience rate (benefit ratio). The rate will be based on an employer’s experience rate prior to the pandemic. Second, the relief plan allows employers who meet certain criteria to defer up to one-third of their 2021 UI taxes until June 30, 2022, without accruing interest or penalties on the deferred amount. Employers need to meet all conditions to be eligible for UI tax deferral and forgiveness.
National Public Lands Day
This year, National Public Lands Day falls this Saturday, September 25th and you can visit a national park for free!
Dutch Bros
I'm a few days late, but I want to extend a sincere CONGRATULATIONS to the entire Dutch Bros organization on their IPO launch last week. It's great to see a local company represented on the stock market!
All my best,