Oregon Senator Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) introduced a reform in lawmaking before the Senate Committee on Rules. Senate Bill 1006, a bipartisan effort led by Thatcher, upholds the separation of powers and reaffirms that only the Legislature has the authority to propose laws. The bill would prohibit state agencies, statewide elected officials, and other entities from directly introducing legislation, requiring all proposed laws to go through a legislator or legislative committee.

“The Oregon Constitution is clear: the Legislature is the only branch of government responsible for making laws,” said Senator Thatcher. “The executive and judicial branches play critical roles in enforcing and interpreting laws but writing them is not their job. Yet, for too long, they have been enabled to bypass the system, introducing legislation without any direct accountability to the people. This practice undermines the role of the Legislature and, ultimately, the voice of the people. SB 1006 is about restoring the proper balance of power and ensuring that Oregonians’ elected lawmakers determine the laws that govern our state.”

Oregon is one of seven states that allow non-legislative entities and unelected bureaucrats to draft Bill measures. Oregon is the only State that allows them to directly introduce bills without a Legislative member. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 40 states specifically prohibit it. In this legislative session alone, 266 bills have been introduced by the state’s executive and judicial branches—a number significantly higher than the bills introduced by most individual legislators. SB 1006 would strengthen accountability, transparency, and the fundamental principles of representative government.

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Oregon legislature has drifted from the rule of law, and reels their authority onto citizens forgetting who they represent. Last session it came to a head that a constitutional law passed in 1979, which requires bill summaries must result in a score of at least 60 on the Flesch readability test, equivalent to an 8th-grade reading level, was being ignored. The Oregon Constitution further requires that every legislative act be plainly worded, avoiding technical terms as far as practicable. After weeks of refusing to comply, they have now come up with a “Digest” short statement that complies, but lacks the true nature of the bill, and the true summary remains unscored and out of compliance. By ignoring citizens in the legislative process signals a disrespect for the law and their oath of office.

The Oregon Constitution must be adhered to when drafting and passing legislation. This ensures that any new laws are consistent with the state's foundational legal framework. To pass a law and for the Governor to sign a law that has questionable compliance with the constitution is a disservice to citizens and obstruction of law. Oregon’s lax adherence to separation of powers has made the obstruction of law easier and more prevalent. It has cost citizens millions in lawsuits, when challenged.

The public may submit testimony by 1pm on March 21. Keep tracking this bill on Oregon Citizens Lobby.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-22 13:48:47

Last Update: 2025-03-22 23:41:39

Over the last nine months, more than fifty healthcare, public safety, and government organizations convened as part of an ‘EMS Modernization’ workgroup, led by State Representative Dacia Grayber (D-SW Portland) and sponsor of HB 3572. The result is an Emergency Medical Services Workforce & Funding package that provides $9 million in short-term workforce solutions, enables greater flexibility in redistributing ambulance resources around the state, and sets a long-term strategic path for a healthy EMS sector in Oregon.

“Like many sectors, EMS is in a workforce crisis,” says Representative Grayber. “The difference with this crisis is that when you call 9-1-1, it might mean that nobody’s coming”.

In 2024, HB 4081 passed authorizing the EMS Modernization Task Force to address inefficiencies and low ratings in Oregon’s emergency medical system. It has recently made headlines in Fossil, Ore, where the area currently has no full-time EMS resources, and is being covered by neighboring communities by Spray Ambulance. Spray had 13 active medical responders in 2020, prior to the pandemic, and now has a skeleton crew of only six regular volunteers.

A Philanthropy News Digest study found the pandemic has caused volunteerism to drop significantly. But to build up a volunteer system, there needs to be trained EMTs. The consequences of 2020, under Governor Kate Brown’s executive order, 30,800 workers in healthcare services filed for unemployment according to the state’s employment records. The state’s healthcare is still struggling to recover from residual effects and bad policies that continue to deter volunteers.

"Emergency services are a fundamental responsibility of government. I am deeply concerned to see rural fire and ambulance services operating at unsustainable deficits. That’s why I am standing alongside Rep. Grayber and first responders across the state in championing a comprehensive, bipartisan solution. Oregonians—particularly our rural seniors—are relying on us to address this critical issue without delay.” said Rep. Breese Iverson (R-Prineville).

The EMS Modernization Act implemented many of the systemic reforms originally devised by a 2010 Task Force, and passed the legislature with overwhelming support in 2024. However, the bill didn’t come with any funding.

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House Bill 3572, and its companion bill HB 3380, are set to change that. These bills include:

• $9 million in short-term workforce solutions, including subsidizing the cost of paramedic licenses, rural paramedic student loan forgiveness, an increase in the Rural EMS Volunteer tax credit, allowing alternatives to Oregon’s two-year associate degree requirements, and a regional innovation fund for local workforce pilot programs.
• The creation of an EMS Mobilization Plan that will allow for a more efficient distribution of ambulance resources around the state when surge capacity is needed.
• The creation of a Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Oregon EMS, providing recommendations for long-term stability and health of the EMS sector.
• Administrative funding to fully staff the State EMS Program.

House Bill 3572 and 3380 are scheduled for Public Hearings on March 20th, and testimony can be submitted until March 22 by 3pm. to the House Committee on Behavioral Health & Healthcare.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-22 13:48:18

Last Update: 2025-03-22 23:42:43

The Oregon Joint Committee on Ways and Means will tour the state for six public hearings to hear directly from Oregonians regarding the 2025-2027 budget. Oregonians are encouraged to sign up to testify about which projects and programs the state should prioritize this budget cycle.

Legislators are constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget every two years. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget framework stresses fiscal responsibility, protects core services, and maintains flexibility during an uncertain economic time. Approximately 32% of the current state budget is supported by federal funds. The framework also contemplates scenarios where actions by the federal administration impact Oregon's economy and budget.

Senator Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means says, "This framework is a starting point. Oregon's economy remains stable, but with limited resources and federal uncertainty legislators will have to make tough choices about which projects and programs to fund, and ensure those choices are aligned with Oregon values."

The framework continues current service levels for existing programs, including fully funding the governor's request for $11.4 billion into the State School Fund for K-12 education, assuming the adoption of oversight and accountability measures.

It includes $150 million for responding to wildfires or other natural disasters, as well as $100 million to the Emergency Fund to maintain a nimble budget that can respond to unforeseeable events.

The framework additionally includes $271.9 million in good governance, targeted reductions, largely through eliminating long-term vacant positions.

The net fiscal position of the state is $987.2 million before any one-time investments into key areas legislators are reviewing this session, including affordable housing, homelessness prevention, early literacy, behavioral health care, child care, and community safety.

The information used in the creation of this framework is from the March revenue forecast and economic outlook; the final budget will be based on the May forecast. It is set amid uncertain economic headwinds from the federal government, including trade wars and the potential of a looming recession.

"Oregon's budget is designed to leverage federal funds to help more Oregonians, not plug federal funding holes," said Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "We are facing significant uncertainty from the federal administration and must demonstrate fiscal responsibility during these times."

The federal uncertainty comes from the conflict Oregon’s sanctuary state policies has with the security measures the federal government is taking to rid the country of criminals. The state is also going against the policy to stop mutilation of children. Because Governor Kotek refuses to cooperate with security measures and protection of children, the state is facing a reduction in federal funding.

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This year will be the first time since at least 2005 a community budget hearing has occurred on tribal lands when the committee visits Warm Springs on April 4.

The dates and locations of the community budget hearings are:

Gresham | Saturday, March 22 (10:00am – 12:00pm)
Mt. Hood Community College, College Theater
26000 S.E. Stark Street, Gresham, OR 97030
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Astoria | Friday, March 28 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Liberty Theatre Astoria
1203 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR 97103
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Warm Springs | Friday, April 4 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Old Warm Springs Elementary School
1112 Wasco Street, Warm Springs, OR 97761
Members of the public can register to testify here.

La Grande | Friday, April 11 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building #339
1 University Boulevard, La Grande, OR 97850
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Salem, Statewide Virtual Testimony Prioritized
Wednesday, April 16 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Oregon State Capitol Building, Hearing Room F
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Klamath Falls | Friday, April 25 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Klamath Community College, Building 4 Commons
7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Members of the public can register to testify here.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-22 13:39:49

Last Update: 2025-03-22 23:42:10

Oregon Senate Committee on Education pushed forward on SB 1098, which aims to keep obscene and sexually explicit books on the shelves of school libraries by “prohibiting discrimination” when selecting or retaining school library materials. House Republicans say this is wrong.

In the work session, Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction) presented -1 amendment that would put the decision of library materials in the hands of the local school board as to what is acceptable to that district. Chair Lew Frederick's (D-NE Portland) rebuttal was to say school districts are influenced by outsiders implying they can't be trusted, therefore they need state oversight by the Department of Education. He continued by saying there is no requirement for the child to pick those books that are offensive. Robinson thought they should error on the side of caution and focus on getting children to read and give parents confidence in what they pick from the library won't be offensive. Then Frederick turned to racial concerns that discrimination happens no matter what the case. He doesn't want books separated out because of ethic positions.

“If a book on our school library shelves does not meet the standard to be read aloud on the House floor, it should not meet the standard for our schools,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “Discernment is not discrimination. Common sense is not censorship. I urge this body to do everything it can to restore decency in our schools.”

“House rules say a person may not use indecent or profane language during a debate. By gaveling down a member for reading the language from a book available in school libraries, this body is admitting the language is indecent or profane, which we have been told would not be allowed in our schools” said Rep. Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg). “It must be one or other. We can’t have both.”

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“It is the job of locally elected school boards and parents to determine what is appropriate for our children to read, not the state,” said Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Stayton). “If this bill passes, we are failing Oregon families by eroding their trust in our education system.”

This bill pass out of committee along partisan lines With Frederick, the sponsor of the bill, as carrier on the Senate floor. Parents are encouraged to defend their position as school board members and write your legislator. The deadline to file for school board position is March 20.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-17 18:46:57

Last Update: 2025-03-18 23:48:18

Oregon House Republicans have introduced bills cutting taxes in a likely attempt to hold Democrat leadership accountable for their stated priority to lower the cost of living for Oregonians. Early in the session, Democrats published their number one priority was “Keeping more money in Oregonians’ pockets.” Their “Oregon Forward” agenda seems to be losing footing.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby), made it clear: “House Republicans want families to keep more of what they make by cutting income taxes and opposing new taxes and regulations that increase the cost of living. Lowering costs for Oregonians, starting with their tax bill, is our top priority.”

A recent poll commissioned by House Republicans found that a whopping 79% of Oregonians favor cutting taxes to make Oregon more affordable and 70% favor eliminating state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. The same poll showed that Oregonians see the cost of living as the top issue they face with 56% of Oregonians saying that taxes are too high. The statewide poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies between January 4–7th of this year, and surveyed 500 registered Oregon voters with a ±4.38% margin of error.

House Republicans have introduced legislation to cut taxes for working Oregonians. However, the likelihood of a hearing is slim in a Democrat majority session.

• HB 3753 – Income Tax Cut.
• HB 3914 – No Tax on Tips.
• HB 2234 – No Tax on Overtime.
• HB 2176/HB 2114/SB 762 – Repeals the CAT Tax.
• HB 2301/SB 764 increases Estate Tax exemption/exempts family business.
• SJR 22 – Senior citizens property tax cut.

Meanwhile, Democrats seem to have lost their agenda for “keeping more money in Oregonians’ pockets" introducing:

• SJR 15 – abolishes kicker refund.
• HB 3362 – a 4% tire tax.
• SB712 SB 712 – increases property value 3% annually.
• HB 2525 – quintuple increase to political tax credit.
• SB 682 - cost recovery, a retro tax on fossil fuel entities.
• HJR 6 – constitution amendment to impose a property tax for a flush fund to cover emergencies.
• SB 687 – allows local governments to impose fuel tax or vehicle registration fee without voter approval.
• HB 2977 – increase lodging tax by 1.5% for wildlife fund.
• HB 2528 – allows OHA to tax nicotine products without vote of legislature.
• SB 526 – impacts the cost of washing machines requiring they be equipped with a microfiber filtration system.
• HB 551 - bans reusable plastic bags.
• SB 916 – increases unemployment rates allowing striking workers to collect unemployment.

“By cutting taxes for working families, nearly tripling standard deductions, HB 3753 is a direct way we can help the most tax-burdened Oregonians keep more of their paycheck,” said Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), Vice Chair of the House Revenue Committee. “While House Democrats look for ways to take more money from Oregonians to fund an ever-growing and inefficient government, House Republicans stand with families desperate for relief.”

“Eliminating taxes on tips helps thousands of Oregonians working in the hospitality and service industries keep more money in their pockets as they face inflation and rising costs,” said Rep. Mark Owens (R-Crane), House Republican Assistant Leader and co-chief sponsor of HB 3914.

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"Oregonians who work extra hours to support their families deserve to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. No Tax on Overtime is a great way to give working Oregonians real, tangible relief from rising costs," said Rep. Boshart Davis (R-Albany), House Republican Assistant Leader and chief-sponsor of HB 2234.

Oregon ranks as the 10th most expensive state to live according to Forbes while another report by Finance Buzz found that Oregonians pay the highest rate in state income taxes in the country. Nine states have made major cuts to income taxes in 2025, according to the Tax Foundation. There are also 39 states changing some part of their tax code.

Tax cuts are argued to increase an individual or family's disposable income, improve income distribution, spur spending, and help grow the economy. The benefit depends on whether the priority is to lower the cost of living or inflate government.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-14 20:24:44

Last Update: 2025-03-14 22:31:43

Oregon Governor Kotek didn't help her reputation for being the least liked Governor in the U.S. by drawing national attention with her proclamation calling March 10 Abortion Provider Appreciation Day. As the Oregon legislators get pushback on HR 3 honoring Black Drag, Kotek gave objectors a thorn by her announcement reaffirming her administration’s commitment to maintaining access to abortion care in Oregon.

Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, Kotek’s administration and Democrat leaders have repeatedly tried to make abortion an issue implying some injustice is occurring. It’s a crisis they just can’t muster since the Supreme Court decision simply put the decision in states’ hands.

Kotek defends providers, “Here in Oregon, we understand that abortion is health care, and providers are appreciated and can continue to provide care without interference and intimidation. To our providers and to the patients who live in Oregon or have been forced to retreat to our state for care, know that I continue to have your back.”

Immediately following the November election, Governor Kotek directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to partner with OHSU to replace the state's three-year supply of Mifepristone - a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 20 years ago for use in miscarriage management and to end a pregnancy. Governor Kotek continues to work with providers and the OHA to monitor and identify ways to mitigate federal threats to reproductive care.

According to Oregon Health Authority data, of the 10,075 abortions provided in Oregon in 2023, 1,661 were patients who reside out-of-state, reflecting a nearly 60% increase from the prior year.

Oregon taxpayers are providing this service at a minimum rate of $300 per exam for the Mifepristone medication. Surgical methods run $750 and can increase to over $1500. That’s a minimum of $3,022,500 to $7,556,250 at $750, and of that, $1,245,750 is Oregonian’s generosity to out-of-state patients.

Kotek pledged continued support for patients and providers using taxpayer funding. “As states continue to pass laws targeting abortion patients, providers, and people assisting patients, and as the effects of criminalization play out across the country, today’s proclamation demonstrates continued support for patients and providers.”

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When Kotek was Speaker of the Oregon House, she worked to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) in 2017. Then, as Governor, she directed regulators to ensure that insurers were in full compliance with the law including corrective action plans and ongoing monitoring.

In 2023, she signed the Access to Reproductive Health Care law, House Bill 2002. The bill that instigated the Senate walkout because it allows abortions on children without parent’s knowledge. It also provides state funding to support the work of community organizations and clinical partners to ensure that people across the state have access to reproductive health care. The reproductive health care includes abortions and transgender treatments.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-14 13:00:00

Last Update: 2025-03-14 22:31:03

Oregon Senate Republicans took to the floor to highlight the urgent challenges facing Oregon’s education system and outline real solutions to help fix them. Oregon’s education system needs real change, not more bureaucracy. Lawmakers spend more and more on education that never improves graduation rates or test scores.

“Oregonians are tired of watching the same problems get worse, session after session. Parents are frustrated, teachers are burned out, and students are falling behind,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “And yet, the system remains unchanged—bogged down by layers of bureaucracy, misplaced priorities, and policies that put politics over students.”

In 2024, the Let Them Learn Oregon ran out of time to get School Choice petitions IP5 and IP6 on the ballot, even though the Oregonian reported there was overwhelming support. IP6 has now been introduced as SJR 33 sponsored by Senator David Brock Smith (R-Coos) on behalf of Let Them Learn Oregon. SJR 33 will refer to the voters a constitutional amendment that establishes the right of a parent to choose a school choice option with funding.

Donna Kreitzberg, director and founder of Let Them Learn Oregon, wants Oregon to join 16 other states with school choice. She says the concept is bi-partisan crafted with the input of parents, grandparents, teachers, students, legislators, constitutional attorneys, and school choice think tanks and policy advocates from about 20 states. She states, “This measure will constitutionally protect homeschoolers and private schools from government interference and allow such learning environments to choose the curriculum and use education practices that best fit the needs of their students. This constitutional school choice measure will allow any student to choose a nonpublic learning environment that works best for the student. Families will be able to direct $7600 to pay for such education, including homeschooling, private school tuition, transportation, education therapy, tutors, etc.”

“Oregon education continues to play last place across the nation, even though the legislature has continued to provide more funding than ever before,” said Senator Brock Smith. As reported in the Oregonian on January 28th, 2025, ‘Oregon fourth graders who were tested in early 2024 ranked second worst in the country in math and tied with 10 other states for third worst in reading.’

SJR 33 lays the foundation for public school reform. “The current public education system is broken,” says Representative E Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls). “Fundamental reform is necessary, and we must return to common sense education principles. Excellence in education is not an option, we must do better, and this omnibus education legislation is a great step in the right direction.”

Rural Oregon Legislators have introduced SB 1100, the Oregon Education Reform Act, which is a comprehensive education reform bill. It requires instruction in a neutral manner, prohibits biological males in female sports, provides resource peace officers for each school, prohibits Covid-19 immunization for school attendance, requires parent notice of harassment, requires curriculum posted on district’s website, and provides tax credit for rural teachers and families that homeschool or pay a private school.

Bonham said, “Instead of lowering expectations and adding red tape, the focus must be on empowering students, parents, and teachers. No more political games. No more using our kids as bargaining chips. Just real accountability.”

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Republicans Senators have proposed a package of bills that will support SJR 33 and SB 1100:

Funding Education First (SJR 25): “Ensures school funding is prioritized within first 80 days before any other budget measure.” said Bonham.

Grants to Schools with Chronic Absenteeism (SB 456): Two out of every five students are missing too much school. We know kids don’t just wake up one day and decide not to go to school. They face real challenges that require real solutions,” said Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook).

Removes Cap for Virtual Public Charter School (SB 562): “Education should be about opportunity, not restriction. If a school isn’t working for a child, they should be free to find one that does,” said Senator Bruce Starr (R-Dundee).

Incentive Program for Child Care (SB 567): “A child’s future doesn’t begin in a classroom; it begins in the earliest years, with access to safe, reliable care. Supporting working parents and increasing child care availability isn’t just an economic issue—it’s an investment in the well-being of our children,” said Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City). “It’s results that matter, not money,” added Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction).

Let Them Learn Oregon wants Oregon parents to have a choice to provide specialized education that fits their child’s need. They are asking for emails to committee members requesting a hearing.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-13 12:18:58

Last Update: 2025-03-13 23:22:15

Chief Justice Meagan A. Flynn, Oregon Supreme Court Justice, Sponsored SB 95 to increase judicial positions in Oregon circuit courts. Flynn served for nearly six years on her appointment by Governor Kate Brown before elected. Reported by Ballotpedia, Flynn scores as a mild Democrat based on her past partisan behavior before joining the court.

Justice Flynn is also sponsoring SB 96, which increases the salaries for all state court judges. However, the increased amount is left blank. The last increase was $5,000 annually on July 1, 2020. Current salaries range from $147,136 for circuit court judges to $159,040 for the Supreme Court.

Proposed added positions in SB 95 to Circuit Courts are:

• Crook and Jefferson in the 22nd district has 3 judges proposed to raise to 4 judges.
• Lane County, 2nd district, has 15 judges proposing 17 judges.
• Clackamas County, 5th district, has 11 judges, proposed to raise to 13 judges.
• Morrow and Umatilla, 6th district, has 5 judges proposing 6 judges.
• Douglas County, 16th district, has 5 judges proposing 6 judges.

These eight new positions requested in SB 95 will add $1,177,088 to the budget, plus the increase proposed in SB 96. Both bills are scheduled for a work session March 3, and subsequent referral to the Ways and Means Committee.

It seems like the public isn’t tracking how liberty and freedom is related to courts, leaving all testimony to supporting judges, Bar members and organizations who want favorable standing with judges. One testimony claims the judicial branch needs to be prioritized for the preservation of our democracy. The questions Oregonians should be asking is what is their definition of “democracy”. Is it the “republic” of our founding fathers, or mob rule? A judge and law firms should know America is a Republic.

Why are they asking for more judges? Judges made a difference in Ballot Measure 114, which amended the Oregon Constitution on gun rights passed in 2022. The Measure has had five lawsuits filed against its passage. Four were consolidated in Portland court and the other was filed in Harney County. Gun owners lost in the Portland case, but the judge gave time for the legislature to make the constitutional changes. HB 3075 proposes to override the unconstitutional issues in the ballot measure. The unconstitutionality was known by Secretary of State Shamia Fagan, who allowed it on the ballot in violation of Article IV of the Oregon Constitution.

Meantime Harney County’s single judge put a hold on the Ballot Measure 114 challenge in his court. This created an uproar from the Executive and Legislative branches calling for a second judge in Harney County.

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HB 3075 and other bills are now requiring a challenge to legality of a bill to be filed in the Marion County Circuit, referred to as stacking court cases. Designating a court that is sure to give proponents a favorable decision, is not forbidden or condoned by Oregon constitution or statutes. Until Measure 114, it was never an issue that legislators and administration would use such tactics to compromise our Republic and require certain cases to be heard in certain counties.

Governor Kate Brown appointed 112 judges, and Governor Kotek has appointed 12 circuit court judges, and together they dominate courts. The voters confirm these appointments because no one dare run against them.

Now SB 95 proposes to add 8 more judges and gives Governor Kotek authority to fill these positions prior to an election. Oregonians have remained silent for far too long.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-10 17:40:09

Last Update: 2025-03-11 00:00:10

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has sponsored HB 2528, which gives the Oregon Health Authority extraordinary added powers. This is not the first time she has tried to make an empire out of OHA. This time her impetus comes from big pharma. She wants OHA to regulate any nicotine product including the power to outright ban any nicotine product they dislike without a vote of the people or without a vote of our elected representatives.

Under HB 2528, unelected OHA officials could ban vaping/cigarettes at a whim and effectively destroy a hundred local small family businesses losing an estimated $176 million of health care tax dollars from the current tobacco tax. This is a new way for politicians to outsource both power and decision making to unelected agencies in violation of the U.S. Supreme Court Chevron decision.

The big pharma lobby will benefit from this bill. Why would they want to ban nicotine, an addictive habit – because it is not addictive, and a proven aid to prevent the next covid or bird-flu pandemic. It is the man-made pyrazine chemicals added to nicotine that creates the addiction, the same chemicals they add to air fresheners, and many unhealthy foods that has made Americans overweight.

In 1970, the Harvard Medical School wrote Congress to ban pyrazine. Instead, they did the opposite and allowed it to be added to junk food. Nicotine has health properties that protects you from many viruses including covid - that's why smokers, without complications, didn’t get covid. When covid broke out, a French researcher published a medical paper for countries to distribute nicotine to cure covid. Instead, they did the opposite. Nicotine is in most vegetables we eat daily - eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, all night-shade vegetables.

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The economic benefit to the lie is serving big pharma, a significant donor to legislators. Nicotine is a preventive agent and cure for multiple sorosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, arthurites, stypsis, diabetes, dissolve brain tumors and cancer, and calm ADHD in children. (Search Dr. Bryan Ardis Show on nicotine for all his research.)

Oregon Citizens Lobby provides alerts on bills of public interest, and provides links to write testimony. A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday. A War Room is held every Thursday, 8:30am to 3pm at Ike Box (one block from the capitol) with training and visits from legislators.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-10 17:37:25

Last Update: 2025-03-10 23:59:46

The deadline to file appeals to the State Wildfire Risk Map is March 10, 2025. Public sentiment has become clear in opposition to these maps. Will the Oregon legislature pursue Senate Bill 79?

State Representative Vikki Breese Iverson (R-Prineville) says, “My district was deeply affected by last year’s wildfire. We need to not only repeal the wildfire maps, but we also need to undo the damage caused by these maps.” She has identified four key policy changes that is needed to begin repairing the damage:

• Explore every opportunity to incentivize private insurance companies to offer plans to rural Oregonians again;
• Offer tax relief to Oregonians who lost their homes in major wildfires and pass HB 3139;
• Invoke state coordination to improve federal forest planning; and
• Return management control of our millions of acres of federal forest land to state and local governments (LC 4525).

What caused all this controversy? In 2021, SB 762 passed creating an updated wildfire program, which has opened a backdoor effort to prevent people from living in rural areas. This bill included one extremely controversial requirement – the establishment of a statewide wildfire risk map used to regulate people’s properties. Samantha Bayer exposes how legislative bills SB 79, SB 78, SB 77 and SB 73 are attacks on rural Oregon’s right to exist. Bayer also points out the legislators' hostility supporting the idea that people should not be allowed to live in areas mapped as high hazard on the state map is a threat against rural Oregonians. Representative Paul Evens (D-Monmouth) put his hostility in writing bulling the Greater Idaho Movement, which will further the demise of rural Oregon. He writes: “For the counties asking for assistance in capital construction funding for repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of county courthouses and justice facilities, I have suggested that we must prioritize funding for counties that intend to remain a part of Oregon for the duration.”

During testimony in 2021, Robert Powell, an avid researcher, exposed the connection of mapping to the Rockefeller Foundation, which established an environment-related program in 1969. Shortly after, the United State established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. In 1973, the Foundation gave $500,000 to Oregon State University to create a report, “Man and his activities as they relate to environmental quality,” based on the 1971 UN General Assembly Resolution 2581. The resolution came from the Stockholm Declaration, “Rights and obligations of citizens and governments with regard to the preservation and improvement of the human environment.”

Out of the OSU report came legislation SB 100, passed in 1973, which created an institutional structure for statewide planning. It required every Oregon city and county to prepare a comprehensive plan in accordance with a set of general state goals while preserving the principle of local responsibility for land-use decisions. It included setting up an NGO, 1000 Friends of Oregon, to deal with opposition that Oregonians were being deceived. Deceived they were. Under cover came the “Wildlands Project”, and when the UN Biodiversity treaty failed at the Rio Accord, they changed the name to “Commission on Sustainable Development” that is openly visible in SB 79.

Along came SB 762 and the new fire map that enhanced the purpose of the Rockefeller’s donation to OSU, to further the UN’s goal removing 30% of humans from the world. Biden followed with his 30 x 30 Executive Order 14008 dated January 27, 2021 and revoked by Executive Order 14148 and 14154, January 20, 2025, by President Trump. However, the revocation has not stopped the Democrat leadership in Oregon from pursuing SB 79 and like bills.

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Oregonians need to recognize that the surface explanation for mapping has nothing to do with convenience, insurance or safety. Up until the time President Trump took office, there has been many intentional attempts to remove citizens from their land with fires and floods – Maui, North Carolina, Tennessee, Los Angeles, and they will continue until forced to stop. We all remember the Bundy standoff to protect ranchers Dwight and Steven Hammond’s right to graze their cattle on public lands and protect their property from an out of control fire. Oregon’s loose enforcement has allowed backburns to get out of control blaming climate change.

When climate warming became unprovable, the name was replaced with climate change. In 2022, the Rockefeller Foundation announced that it would make the fight against climate change central to all of its work. At the same time, Governor Kate Brown took significant executive action to address the climate crisis, and Oregon adopted a revised Climate Protection Program in November 2024.

Oregon property owners will need to diligently follow this legislature and respond accordingly, by following Oregon Citizens Lobby Alerts.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-09 17:07:38

Last Update: 2025-03-09 23:55:09

Oregon is at risk of forfeiting the 30%+ federal money that helps subsidize Oregon schools. On February 5, Trump signed an executive order, "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports," to bar trans women from female sports and locker rooms in federally funded institutions and followed-up by withholding funding for noncompliance. The order may only last as long as Republicans hold the white house, and the bill in congress is being blocked by Democrats. Still, can Oregon’s education survive without federal funding for four plus years?

Oregon Republican legislators want more stability for education and have introduced HB 3740 and SB 618 telling school districts and certain private schools to designate sports by biological gender. The bill forbids males from playing in female sports.

The bill in congress also seeks to add new wording to Title IX equality legislation so that "sex shall be recognized based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth." No more mixing the human race with fury animals and providing litter boxes in school bathrooms.

Representation Dwayne Yunker (R-Josephine County) agrees and has sponsored HB 2439, which removes the term "gender identity" from certain laws, including those related to education. Oregon has defined "gender identity" as an individual's gender-related identity, whether or not that identity is different from the individual's assigned sex at birth, including but not limited to a gender identity that is transgender or androgynous (being of two coexisting sexes). This definition was added to all laws referencing sexual orientation in 2021 (House Bill 3041). The bill also clarified that "gender expression" refers to the manner in which a person represents or expresses gender.

It isn’t really about discrimination when the inequity hinders the other party. Trans women with masculine bodies and strength becomes the aggressor victimizing the female gender. In the same way, Oregon leaders have become the aggressors victimizing school boards and students by refusing to consider HB 3740 and HB 2439.

If the Trump Administration investigates Oregon school policies, they will also find HB 2002 is in violation of Trump’s child mutilation executive order. HB 2002 pass by Democrats in 2023, allows children to get abortions without parents knowledge, and allows for “gender reassignment” surgeries.

Now, a detailed legal opinion from the Oregon Legislative Counsel Committee (OCL) has uncovered a critical policy conflict that places Oregon public schools at odds with federal law. Representative Bobby Levy (R-La Grand) lead an investigation that produced a stark divergence between state and federal regulations regarding transgender student participation in athletics.

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Representative Ed Diehl (R-Scio) says, “The opinion reveals that Oregon policy, backed by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), mandates that public high schools allow transgender students to compete on athletic teams aligning with their gender identity. However, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has clarified that Title IX, as currently enforced, prohibits such participation. This discrepancy could expose Oregon schools to federal investigations, sanctions, or even the suspension or termination of funding.”

The Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) said state school districts would look to guidance from OSAA and the Oregon Department of Education. OSAA says they will continue to act under the direction of the Association's members and in compliance with applicable law. The Department continues to say they are researching the options. OSBA has indicated they will file a complaint and believes that will stall the freeze on funding, but will it?

Is the Legislature and Governor willing to lose around $1.6 billion, or $2,011 per pupil and hold 1,246 schools hostage in 197 school districts? Write the Oregon House Committee on Education to give HB 3740 and HB 2439 a hearing.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-09 14:15:56

Last Update: 2025-03-09 23:56:09

Tonight we heard President Trump give his first speech to lawmakers and the nation. He soke of ending DEI, closing the border, remove race and ‘wokeness’ theories out of schools and military, banned men from playing in women’s sports, opened up pipelines, and rid wasteful spending and will balance the federal budget.

Oregonians should ask Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield to explain why they are not complying so Oregonians can benefit. Why aren’t they cutting taxes, why are they putting Oregon at risk of losing $39 billion in federal funds for the biennial budget and another $38 billion in Medicaid and direct federal aid for homeless and road repairs. That’s 55% of the state budget, all because they have some grand connection to 7.8% of Oregon's population that is LGBTQ+, which is less than the national average of 9.3%, and 4.98% that are noncitizens.

Kotek and Rayfield are gambling with the state putting it on the verge of bankruptcy for their ideologies of DEI, solar farms, sheltering as a sanctuary state, which translates into protecting criminals, abusing children, raising energy costs and welcoming noncitizens with full benefits. As they hold fast on climate change, it is freezing nearly $200 million DEQ federal funds.

Where was Kotek and Rayfield during President Trump’s first term? Did they not learn that what he says, he does?

How is Oregon Legislature preparing for the demise that is sure to come if Kotek keeps up her losing power play? Representative Paul Evans (D-Monmouth) is Co-Chair of the Public Safety Subcommittee for the Joint Committee on Ways & Means with Co-Chair Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend), are responsible to provide a budget with a 10% cut. Evans states, “a reality where federal funding is dramatically cut (e.g. 50% of past levels) … that could demand as much as a 25% cut in our total funds budget; and … where we receive less than 50% federal support because of the devastation of the federal workforce to deliver funding, even if it is appropriated by the Congress.” He says that roughly translates into approximately $500,000,000.

Now that transparency is more apparent, Evans can't coverup by blaming federal workforce cuts to minimize the effect of Democrat policies, says a lot about how the truth has been concealed pointing the opposite direction. Kotek’s power play will ultimately lead to more drastic cuts to meet the requirements of a balanced budget.

The legislature continues to hear agency budget presentations as part of the informational Phase I hearings. One of Evans’ recommendations is to bully against the Greater Idaho Movement. He states: “For the counties asking for assistance in capital construction funding for repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of county courthouses and justice facilities, I have suggested that we must prioritize funding for counties that intend to remain a part of Oregon for the duration.”

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To counter Kotek’s resistance to federal requirements and help with the budget, Evans has sponsored HB 2892 “ensuring that counties wishing secession would receive lowest priority funding for services they apparently want to be delivered by another state or territory.” The bill summary says the state may not give money to a county for capital construction unless the county attests that it will not secede. It has yet to receive a hearing.

President Trump asked Democrats to work together in strengthening the country. Kotek and Rayfield’s response was no departure from their partners in congress – resistance. That leaves this state in a financial alert over federal funding cuts as a consequence.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-09 13:52:17

Last Update: 2025-03-09 23:57:08