The closure of schools for nearly two years during the COVID-19 pandemic has had definite negative effects on young people, Linn County Oregon Juvenile Director Torri Lynn told the Linn County Board of Commissioners Tuesday morning.

Lynn said that the Juvenile Department is seeing an uptick in referrals now that schools are back in full session and many of the young people are exhibiting significant behavioral issues.

Lynn said there were 59 referrals in April, which seems to be trending as normal this year.

Lynn said the behavior issues are likely linked to the isolation of students and for many, a lack of a positive role model during the closure.

Board Chairman Roger Nyquist asked Lynn if he thought school closures were a bad idea,

Lynn said yes, “absolutely a bad idea” adding he said the same thing as closures were being proposed two years ago.

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“During the COVID closures, we only saw the highest flyers,” Lynn said. “We talked about this. That we might lose kids educationally and other kids would be on the edge. We probably won’t get these kids back.”

Commissioner Sherrie Sprenger asked how the county can combat what appears to be an escalating issue.

Lynn said the key will be early intervention and appropriate response, but he added, like everywhere else, it is difficult to find staffing.

Overall, in April there were 206 young people on probation or pending court appearances in Linn County, with 47 assessed as high-risk.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-05-24 16:14:01

Last Update: 2023-05-24 16:22:26

A bipartisan group of legislators urge the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO), who in 2022 misreported a $500,000 donation under a false name from the now-disgraced cryptocurrency executive Nishad Singh, to return the contribution immediately.

“The culture of corruption among top Oregon Democrat politicians is increasingly evident and incredibly disturbing,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). We have argued since the beginning of Session that the need for accountability and transparency has never been greater. We have also argued that investigations must be conducted by outside, independent counsel. They can’t escape this any longer.”

Last week, The Oregonian reported: “The Democratic Party has not returned the $500,000 donation. But with FTX filing for bankruptcy, it is possible that the FTX bankruptcy trustee will seek to claw back any FTX-linked funds donated to political organizations.”

Jake Thacker, an Oregonian living in Portland, told NPR that he lost at least $70,000 when FTX came crashing down. Who knows how many other Oregon investors lost their money while the DPO received the largest contribution the committee had ever reported?

Over the weekend, The Oregonian Editorial Board wrote: “In her first significant decision as the acting secretary of state, Cheryl Myers slashed a proposed fine against the Democratic Party of Oregon for misreporting a $500,000 donation – the organization’s single-largest ever… Despite the seriousness of the incident, Myers cut the proposed $35,000 fine to just $15,000 and pledged to drop a criminal investigation into whether the party knowingly gave a false name unless new evidence merits it. In exchange, the Democratic Party of Oregon pledged to submit a detailed summary of training and practices adopted to prevent future mistakes; provide documents when asked to verify contributions; and face additional fines if it fails to meet these and other modest obligations."

“… Myers claimed that the settlement “serves the public interest” by giving the agency greater oversight to ensure better compliance and marks a win for transparency."

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“But in reality, transparency, oversight, and the public interest appear to have little to do with this case. Rather, a deeper look at the relationships, the investigation and the kidglove settlement raises significant questions about the ability of Democrats to hold accountable their own party. And the reduction in fine – which Gov. Tina Kotek panned in a call with the editorial board – is a disheartening decision that undermines efforts to rebuild trust in the agency."

“The Democratic Party of Oregon, unsurprisingly, has donated and/or received thousands of dollars to and from Democrats currently in office, including Gov. Tina Kotek and Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. In fact, Rosenblum, whose office is authorized to take on campaign finance complaints and oversees criminal prosecutions, has given the Democratic Party of Oregon more than $100,000 over the years.”

It comes as no surprise that Rosenblum has no intentions of pursuing a criminal investigation into the Democrat Party.

The Oregonian Editorial Board went on: “Oregon is one of the only states in the country without campaign contribution limits, and the only protection for Oregonians comes from an elections division that is willing to hold all political players accountable – even friends.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-05-23 10:41:39

Last Update: 2023-05-23 10:58:04

From Friday, May 26 through Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., a timed use permit will be required for each personal vehicle accessing Multnomah Falls from Interstate 84 Exit 31 in Oregon.

ODOT is trying to encourage people to see Multnomah Falls via public transit, by bicycle or by tour/shuttle. View Travel Oregon's Car-Free trip guide to learn more.

Time-limited permits are needed if you arrive by personal vehicle at I-84 Exit 31 for Multnomah Falls.

If you want to visit Multnomah Falls by personal vehicle, the best way is to get a permit and take I-84 to Exit 31.

Reserving a permit Multnomah Falls (I-84) timed use permits will be available online for a $2 transaction fee per permit up to two weeks in advance of your visit.

A limited number of permits will also be available for same-day pickup without a fee at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.

Using your permit

• Permits are only valid at the Multnomah Falls parking lot at I-84 Exit 31.
• A Timed Use permit reservation does not guarantee parking.
• One permit needed per vehicle or motorcycle.
• Keep your permit with you after you park. Print your permit or show the digital copy.
• Please arrive as close to your one-hour time slot as possible, starting at the time indicated on the permit. Permits are only required from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• You may stay longer than an hour, however if you leave after your time slot you will not be allowed to enter the site without a valid Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit for a subsequent time slot.

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Timed use permits will not be required on the Historic Columbia River Highway/U.S. 30 in 2023. However, parking is extremely limited at the small lot along the Historic Highway/U.S. 30 at Multnomah Falls.

ODOT says that last year’s 2022 Waterfall Corridor timed use permit pilot was successful in providing a safer, more reliable, enjoyable experience for visitors within the corridor. However, without a dedicated funding source, partners cannot staff and operate the full system and will instead focus our limited resources on the main sources of congestion and safety concerns at the most visited site in the corridor: Multnomah Falls.

ODOT says that project partners will target congestion at Multnomah Falls in 2023. The effort will help reduce congestion by:

• Reducing safety concerns and backups on I-84 with required timed use permits at Exit 31, the Multnomah Falls parking lot on Interstate 84.
• Using a flagger to direct traffic at the Historic Columbia River Highway/U.S. 30 crosswalk at Multnomah Falls.
• Using a private concessionaire to manage the small parking lot along the Historic Highway/U.S. 30 at Multnomah Falls. The concessionaire will operate this lot on a first come, first-served basis. There are six ADA parking spots at this lot for those with valid ADA placards. When the parking lot is full, vehicles will not be allowed to stop or wait for an open space.

--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-05-22 17:13:39

Last Update: 2023-05-22 17:46:33

Two Honduran Nationals residing in Gresham, Oregon have been indicted in federal court for transporting hundreds of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and several pounds of powdered fentanyl from California to Portland for resale.

Kevin Martinez-Avila, 27, and Allen Moya-Vargas, 29, have been charged with conspiring with one another and others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, in February 2023, investigators from the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team (WIN) learned a drug courier from California was transporting a large load of fentanyl to somewhere in or around Portland. On February 22, 2023, WIN investigators located the courier’s vehicle and followed it to a residence in Gresham.

Soon after, investigators observed Martinez-Avila drive away from the residence. They stopped his vehicle, searched it pursuant to a state search warrant, and located 47 grams of powdered fentanyl.

Inside the Gresham residence, investigators located Moya-Vargas, 150,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and more than seven pounds of powdered fentanyl. Investigators believe the residence was being used by Martinez-Avila and Moya-Vargas’ drug trafficking organization to unload and store fentanyl brought to the Portland area before it was distributed to others.

Both men have now made their initial appearances in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo.

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They were arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on June 27, 2023.

If convicted, Martinez-Avila and Moya-Vargas face maximum sentences of life in federal prison with 10-year mandatory minimum sentences.

This case was investigated by WIN. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WIN includes representatives from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments, Oregon National Guard Counter Drug Program, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-05-21 14:15:24

Last Update: 2023-05-21 14:25:18

Oregon legislative bill HB 2002 has caused a lot of drama at the Oregon State Capitol for many different reasons, largely the fact that it would strip away parental rights in Oregon.

Critics of this radical legislation being pushed by the Democrats are concerned that it also legalizes and removes all investigations/accountability of live-birth babies who die from infanticide.

Representative Ed Diehl (Republican HD-17) says that it's a “state-mandated wedge between parent and child”.

“Oregon’s implementation of so-called “gender-affirming care” is harming children and young adults, and House Bill 2002B will lead to an expansion of that harm”, says Diehl.

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Diehl explained, “The Healthier Oregon Plan, which offers free health insurance to those who don’t qualify for the Oregon Health Plan because of immigration status, will be expanded this year to cover all age groups. And the Oregon Health Authority confirmed that when it comes to Oregon Health Plan coverage, residency is assumed (they do not verify) and eligibility moves forward without delay based on that assumption. So, with House Bill 2002B, Oregon will soon be offering abortions and so-called gender-affirming care to everyone, regardless of residency or immigration status.”

He concluded, “Despite the DCBS claims that detransition services are covered in the base bill, it is clear based on the State’s Legislative Council opinion that the bill does NOT include detransition services. This LC opinion matches the legislative intent, when my -11 Amendment to include detransition services was flatly rejected by the Democrats.”

HB 2002 is being held up by the Republicans in the Senate, who have walked out in protest of the bill.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-21 00:57:36

Last Update: 2023-05-21 17:15:34

Staff and volunteers of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA) are busy preparing campgrounds and trails for summer visitors. According to the US Forest Service, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) motorists this year will notice more safety education and sound monitoring activities. These will include courtesy sound checks, sound enforcement checkpoints and sound education programming.

“We are excited to welcome summer visitors to the dunes,” said Central Coast Deputy District Ranger Jeremy Aujero. “As a multi-use recreation area, there is a place here for everyone. With that in mind, we’d like to remind visitors to respect closures, out-of-bounds zones, noise limits, and quiet hours. We appreciate everyone’s help to care for the land and provide a family-friendly place where people can visit for generations to come.”

The US Forest Service says that safety is paramount to ensuring a family-friendly environment at the ODNRA and this season, there will be a greater emphasis on noise safety levels.

Forest Service staff and partner agencies will be conducting a variety of sound outreach, education, monitoring, and enforcement activities on the ODNRA intended to help OHV riders understand what the sound limit is, why it’s important, and how to comply. OHVs found to be in violation of the sound limit may be subject to citation.

Excessive sound poses a potential disturbance to adjacent landowners, other recreationists, and sensitive wildlife. Noise regulation and monitoring are important aspects of OHV management. The Oregon Dunes Management Plan (1994) establishes standards for OHV sound rules and sound monitoring. The current OHV sound limit for the ODNRA is 93 decibels, as measured from an OHV’s tailpipe while the vehicle is stationary.

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Several scheduled events at the ODRNA may increase visitation at various times:

• Northwest Raptor Rally: May 18-21. Expect heavy traffic around the Hauser area and south portion of the dunes.
• UTV Takeover: June 21-25. Expect heavy traffic Horsfall and Hauser area and the entire southern portion of the dunes. Some entrances may have restricted access.
• Dune Fest: August 8-13. Expect heavy traffic in the Umpqua Day Use areas. Some entrances may have restricted access.

For more information about recreation opportunities, please visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area website or call the Reedsport office at 541-271-6000.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-05-20 17:25:53

Last Update: 2023-05-20 21:12:08

There has been some media coverage about what the best solutions are to address carbon emissions. Some groups are advocating for removing the choice of natural gas equipment in new homes and businesses and mandating electric alternatives.

According to the nonpartisan firm, DHM Research, 70 percent of voters in Oregon and Southwest Washington oppose a ban on new natural gas hookups in homes and buildings. And recently the Oregonian published an editorial about the Eugene City Council’s decision to ban the use of natural gas in new homes, expressing a strong preference for sound policy and science over political posturing.

A closer look at the source of emissions shows that electricity is responsible for 60 percent of emissions in Oregon. In fact, Oregon electric utilities rely on nearly as much natural gas for power generation as all the natural gas utilities in the state deliver to customers. In 2017 electric power consumption used 104,362 million cubic feet compared to 137,515 used by residential, commercial, industrial and vehicle fuel. In 2021, electric usage increased to 140,145 compared to 134,046 customer use. NW Natural has published their Vision 2050: Destination Zero reporting their plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 for the energy services provided to 2.5 million Northwest residents.

NW has developed three scenarios that incorporates energy efficiency and conservation through building shell improvements, deep retrofits, and advanced heating equipment; lower-carbon fuels such as renewable natural gas and clean hydrogen; and technology that extracts carbon alongside natural gas combustion.

Portland General Electric has a 2040 goal of zero emissions on the power serving customers and net zero emissions that is based on one plan dependent on homeowners and businesses adopting to their renewable clean energy or time-based programs. Their program requires consumers to change their habits, ending operations at coal plants, adding more wind and solar facilities with battery storage. Consumers have two choices: generate thier own power with solar panels or pay more for electricity that they claim is 100% renewable.

But, as reported by NW Natural, currently electricity can’t be generated without natural gas. PGE says, to reach the 2040 goal they will require technology advancements they are working on developing to fully eliminate emissions from our power supply. Among them will need to be a new battery design that is low in emissions to produce and that can be recycled. Another is manufacturing wind and solar equipment in the U.S. with low emissions. It doesn’t seem that emissions for production in China goes into the calculation.

PGE development funding comes from the Renewable Development Fund made possible by a community of more than 235,000 Green Future customers, the largest renewable program in the country. Funds come from a portion of the payments that Green Future Choice and Block customers voluntarily pay in addition to their standard PGE electricity bill. Since its inception in 1999, the Renewable Development Fund has awarded 87 projects with more than $16.5 million, creating 16.6 MW of renewable generation.

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Oregon’s majority party has made it their goal to eliminate fossil fuels including natural gas, even though they have a zero emissions plan as good or better than the electric plans. And in order for the electric plans to ween off of natural gas, their emissions will increase due to battery useage.

Outside of emissions, legislators never address the abuses of children as young as six years old that mine cobalt for battery production for solar and wind storage and electric vehicles. Electric vehicles may emit less omissions to drive, but need to be driven 37,000 miles to make up for the higher emissions to manufacture them. The new Hummer EV emits approximately 341 grams of CO2 per mile driven making it worse than every fossil fuel sedan, even the heaviest.

Akio Toyoda, the president and grandson of the founder of the giant Japanese car company, is bucking the trend towards electric vehicles and is listening to consumer polls. “People involved in the auto industry wonder whether EVs are really okay to have as a single option. But they don’t speak out loudly,” he told reporters. "I believe we need to be realistic about when society will be able to fully adopt battery electric vehicles…. And frankly, EVs are not the only way to achieve the world's carbon neutrality goals."

World studies have shown that price drives consumers, not emissions. When the war on natural gas forced a surge in price in 2022, almost all parts of the world turned to a cheaper coal even though it is dirtier. And there is the human aspect. How much value is given to children’s lives over CO2 emissions that vegetation needs to make the earth green?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-05-20 12:29:36

Last Update: 2023-05-19 03:02:28

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission took advantage of Governor Tina Kotek’s directive to make state tax compliance a requirement for the agency, by proposing to raise the surcharge tax.

The May 18 meeting dealt with issues that arose over OLCC former employees gaining preferred access to rare liquor products by creating a series of new policies restricting employee access.

Republican leadership has called for an investigation into various activites of OLCC, including land purchased, and have requested Democrat leaders create a Joint Oversight and Accountability Committee. However, all such requests are going into a dark hole.

Now OLCC is proposing to double the current “temporary” surcharge of fifty cents first enacted in the 2009-2011 budget cycle and has continued ever since. The proposal would increase the current fifty cent surcharge on each bottle of distilled spirits to one dollar per bottle. On top of that surcharge, Governor Kotek's budget for 2023-25 includes a line item for an additional fifty-cent surcharge on distilled spirits which is estimated to raise $45.2 million for the general fund.

Restaurants are still recovering from the pandemic when inflation hit. Many have closed their doors permanently. Oregon restaurants support local distillers, and these cost increases trickle down to the consumer, which they can’t afford to lose. You can watch the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) testimony on how this tax increase will hurt small bars and restaurants the most at a time when the Governor and the OLCC Commission should be supporting them.

The increase is proposed to provide funds for mental health and addictions, but the funds go into the general fund and has no guarantee of use. If the funds are needed, shouldn’t the legislature make the proposal as they did with the current surcharge, ORLA asked.

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“We are a very [substance] abusive state,” said OLCC Chair Marvin Révoal. “As we move forward your comments will be well received and accepted. We are not trying to convince one another as to what to do. We’re going to continue this [public] process because it’s very important.”

The Commissioners heard initial testimony at their April 20 and May 18 Commission meetings, and will accept written comments through June 5, 2023. To submit written comments; visit ORLA's Take Action page.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-05-19 14:32:55

Last Update: 2023-05-19 16:38:55

In April, Oregon Gervais School District Superintendent, Dandy Stevens, wrote to the community that Gervais School District filed a lawsuit on March 30, 2023 against several social media giants.

Stevens writes, “In the last year, many of us have observed employees or former employees of various social media platforms testify before Congress subcommittees on how teens are targeted by these platforms using very sophisticated algorithms designed to constantly engage and even provoke our youth.”

The Gervais School District is suing Meta, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Google and YouTube claiming social media hurts their students’ self-esteem and mental health encouraging engagement in destructive or vandalism aimed at district property, targeting of teachers and fellow students with follow-up posts meant to shame and cyberbully individuals. The lawsuit claims their “techniques are both particularly effective and harmful to the youth audience.”

“Additionally,” Stevens writes, “because of the extent and often extreme bullying, the district has seen an increase in the mental health issues of students in relation to body image, social standing, self-esteem, and friend groups to name a few. This requires significant time by counselors, teachers and administrators to address these situations which include working with parents on situations they are often not aware are occurring. Dealing with these issues takes time and financial resources away from the general operations of our buildings.”

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Stevens states they have two goals with this lawsuit. “The first is that we want social media platforms to make changes in how they design their programs and platforms so that the negative targeting of our youth, which often results in mental health and safety issues, stops. It is a constant barrage on our youth that is difficult for them to navigate in a healthy way. The other goal is that the district is seeking to bridge the gap between the resources we are having to use and the budget we have available.”

The district was approached about being a part of this litigation by attorneys Keller Rohrback LLP based in Seattle, the district felt it had the documentation and evidence to support that social media companies are causing harm to students. It will cost the district nothing if they lose, and any monies gained, the district will seek input on the spending priorities.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-05-19 11:07:47

Last Update: 2023-05-18 21:28:30

As ten Republican Oregon State Senators have reached the ten day limit on the Oregon Constitution's limit for unexcused absences that forbids them from holding office in the next term, Senate President Rob Wagner has taken to the floor to describe the crisis.

Article IV, Section 15 of the Oregon Constitution says:

Punishment and expulsion of members. Either house may punish its members for disorderly behavior, and may with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member; but not a second time for the same cause. Failure to attend, without permission or excuse, ten or more legislative floor sessions called to transact business during a regular or special legislative session shall be deemed disorderly behavior and shall disqualify the member from holding office as a Senator or Representative for the term following the election after the member's current term is completed.

The second sentence in that section was amended to the Oregon Constitution by the voters in 2022. Democratic legislators proposed it as an amendment to the Oregon Constitution for the purpose of removing a strategic tool used by the minority Republicans.

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Following his announcement of the lack of a quorum, Senate President Wagner gave a short speech berating the missing Republican Senators, saying,

"Today is another extremely challenging day for Oregon...Certain Senators continue to disrespect our democracy...It has been made clear: This walkout is about shutting down debate on this floor and stopping bills that the people of Oregon say they want. Chief among them is our bill to protect access to reproductive health care."

Republican Senators David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) and Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) have not been participating in the walkout. Senator Fred Girod (R-Lyons) is not yet at the ten day threshold because he has been excused for medical reasons.

Oregon Firearms Federation Director Kevin Starrett, saw this moment as a victory for Republicans noting, "The Democrats love to drone on about the rights of minorities and pat themselves on the back for their demands for “equity and inclusion.” But in the end, they are transparent frauds. The far left “OPB” was right. The Democrats, in their zeal for retribution, screwed up. They now have zero leverage. The Senate Republicans have demonstrated amazing courage and selflessness and now the Democrats are wetting themselves."

Starrett supports the walkout, as there is anti-firearms legislation pending, which would not pass if the walkout were to continue.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-19 09:50:20

Last Update: 2023-05-19 11:05:29

In recognition of National Police Week and in response to Oregon’s drug crisis, House Republicans attempted to withdraw four pieces of legislation to prioritize public safety and Measure 110 reform. Democratic committee chairs never advanced these bills in committee. The Democratic majority -- under the leadership of Majority Leader Julie Fahey -- voted each bill down on the floor, despite bipartisan support on three of the four votes.

A recent poll among Oregonians revealed that:

• 63% of respondents would support a tweak to Measure 110 to reinstate criminal punishments for the possession of illegal drugs while continuing funding for drug addiction services.
• 65% of respondents felt that Measure 110 has made addition and overdoses in the State of Oregon worse.
• 63% of respondents felt that Measure 110 has worsened the homelessness crisis.

While none of the motions received the required 31 votes to withdraw a bill, three of the four bills had bipartisan support and split evenly in tied 30-30 votes.

• HJR 29 – Proposal for a constitutional amendment that would bring Oregon in line with all 49 other states requiring a unanimous verdict if not guilty, as well as a unanimous verdict if guilty. Motion to withdraw from Rules failed - Ayes, 25; Nays, 35.
• HB 2135 – Eliminates the current “catch and release” system which allows criminals to commit a crime, get arrested, get released, and then commit another crime after release. Motion to withdraw from Judiciary failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 30.
• HB 3603 – Provides that in cases where a defendant is charged with a sexual offense or domestic violence, evidence of the defendant’s commission of prior sexual offenses or domestic violence is admissible. Motion to withdraw from Judiciary failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 30.
• HB 2310 – Reestablishes criminal penalties for possession and distribution of street drugs, including fentanyl, that were stripped by Measure 110, while still supporting the rehabilitation funds that go towards expanding access to rehabilitation programs. Motion to withdraw from Judiciary failed - Ayes, 30; Nays, 30.

“HB 2310 would have done what most Oregonians are asking for. Not only did this body fail to meet the moment today, but I would like to point out that this bill was never even scheduled for a public hearing to gain the input of Oregonians. Do we not want to hear what they have to say? We must hold drug users accountable to prevent future tragedies,” said Representative Rick Lewis (R-Silverton), former Chief of Police for 28 years, on the House floor.

Just this week alone, it has been reported that:

• Portland overdose deaths have climbed nearly 50% this year.
• 8 overdose deaths were reported over the weekend in Portland by what is suspected to be fentanyl.
• Thousands of Portland residents are leaving the city as it grapples with the fentanyl crisis.
• Few drug offenders bother calling a treatment hotline to have their fines for possession waived.
  • Only 5 people in Multnomah County have taken up this offer.

Just yesterday, Washington lawmakers voted to keep drugs illegal. Today, Oregon House Democrats voted to keep drugs legal.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-18 06:24:59

Last Update: 2023-05-17 18:14:01

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) has sent a letter to Governor Tina Kotek urging her administration to take executive action to waive and refund fines related to OR-OSHA’s COVID-19 rules. Representative Boshart Davis suggested that, with the exception of willful and egregious violations, these fines should be cleared to allow Oregon employers and the state to continue to recover from the pandemic and its impacts.

“I’ve talked to plenty of business owners who were doing their best to keep their employees and the public safe during the pandemic, but simply had a hard time keeping up with often changing rules and a complex regulatory landscape,” said Representative Boshart Davis. “The pandemic is over and OR-OSHA’s COVID-19 rules have been suspended. It only makes sense that these fines should be suspended and refunded as well.”

In her letter to Governor Kotek, Representative Boshart Davis referenced media reports suggesting outstanding fines total approximately $800,000. An estimated $100,000 has already been collected by OR-OSHA. Representative Boshart Davis said eliminating these fines would represent a gesture of good will between state government and the employer community and would also allow OR-OSHA regulators to focus their time and attention on keeping workplaces safe prospectively, rather than events that occurred in the past.

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“I think even state regulators would admit that the rollout of COVID-19 rules was often confusing, conflicting, and difficult to navigate for everyday Oregonians,” said Representative Boshart Davis. “The state does not need this money. Let’s accelerate our state’s recovery process by wiping out these fines and working together with the employer community to move our state forward. I urge Governor Kotek to get this done.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-05-18 06:06:57

Last Update: 2023-05-17 18:05:57