October 2, 2023 – Rep. Lucetta Elmer: Newsletter
September was filled with more exciting developments in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 legislative session. I am encouraged by the progress being made on potential legislation to improve housing and the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Although I cannot share specifics on some of these developments, I anticipate having more concrete information by the end of October. My next town hall is scheduled for October 11th in Carlton with a town hall in Lafayette to follow on November 15th. Make sure to connect with me on social media for regular updates and alerts about future events: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and legislative website.
Read below for other legislative updates, details on upcoming events, and news about my appointment to the House Republican Leadership Team!
Willamina High School Bulldog Bash!
I am continually impressed by the programs and opportunities provided to students at Willamina High School. Team Elmer attended the Bulldog Bash which showcased more of the current and ongoing projects of Willamina Kustoms. Keep up the good work, Bulldogs!
HB 3332 “Buy America” Ceremonial Signing
One of the bills I chief sponsored, HB 3332 the ‘Buy America’ bill, was honored with a ceremonial signing in September. Ceremonial signings are a commemorative opportunity only provided to a few pieces of legislation at the Governor’s discretion. It was an honor to have this opportunity to invite business leaders from House District 24 in addition to representatives from Cascade Rolling Steel Mills to celebrate this “win” for our community. Click here to read more about the event.
September Legislative Days
For the last week of September, legislators returned to the Capitol for our scheduled “Legislative Days”. During this time, committees reconvened for informational hearings. Here were some of the topics discussed in each of my committees:
- Business & Labor:
- Implications of Paid Leave Oregon program and clarification on whose responsibility it is to pay for this program in certain circumstances with private contractors
- Economic Development & Small Business:
- Potential impact of Semi-Conductor Industry on Oregon
- Reportedly could result in multimillion-dollar revenue
- Potential impact of Semi-Conductor Industry on Oregon
- Discussed Tax Measures 5 & 50 which capped yearly property tax increases at 3%
- Mayors from around Oregon testified in support of increasing the cap in order to improve funding of local services
- From my perspective, I do not think that more tax dollars will solve this problem as I have not seen current funds being spent efficiently
- Oregon is the 13th highest taxed state in the nation although the services funded by these taxes remain insufficient (we have more work to do in order to become a fiscally responsible state)
- From my perspective, I do not think that more tax dollars will solve this problem as I have not seen current funds being spent efficiently
- Mayors from around Oregon testified in support of increasing the cap in order to improve funding of local services
- Early Childhood & Human Services:
- More background information highlighting the prevalence of childcare deserts across the state
- A promising bipartisan conversation ensued regarding the overlap in needs between our aging adult population and childcare deserts. Recent trends show that older adults are often times dissatisfied with the quality of life and loneliness associated with current housing solutions. Multigenerational housing could be a potential solution for both of these societal issues. This is a solution that I would be a strong in supporter of.
- More background information highlighting the prevalence of childcare deserts across the state
- Higher Education:
- Effects of Pac 12 Exits on University of Oregon and Oregon State University
- No conclusions were reached but this issue remains an ongoing conversation that will be followed up with again in committee
- Effects of Pac 12 Exits on University of Oregon and Oregon State University
Click on the respective committee in order to read the full agenda or watch the recorded meeting: Business and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business, Early Childhood and Human Services, and Higher Education.
The next Leg Days are scheduled for November 6th-8th. Or click here to see the committee agendas which will be posted online as they are available.
Returning to the Capitol for Legislative Days felt a lot like going back to school. Even though I enjoyed a “Summer” break I missed connecting with all of my friends and colleagues in person.
Oregon House Republican Leadership Appointment
Prior to the start of September Legislative Days, the House Republican Caucus nominated a new leadership team. Those elected include Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River), Deputy Leader Mark Owens (R-Crane), and Representative Kim Wallan (R-Medford) as Whip. In addition to these positions, I was selected alongside three of my colleagues to serve as an Assistant Leader. I am honored to have been selected and look forward to continuing to develop partnerships with my Democratic and Republican colleagues alike in order to pass sensible, business-friendly, and family-oriented legislation.
Measure 110
In November of 2020, Oregonians passed Measure 110 also known as the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act. Current statewide trends in drug use and addictions indicate that Measure 110 has fallen short of its goal to ameliorate these issues. The Measure 110 task force and work group have been working towards ways to improve this legislation in hopes of combating the ongoing drug crisis in Oregon. Residents of House District 24 are all too aware of its effects. I am encouraged by the recent progress that the aforementioned groups are making. I am in constant conversation with McMinnville Chief of Police Matt Scales and Mayor Remy Drabkin who are also in support of the developments being made.
Wildcats get a “W”
Every Fall, I enjoy returning to my alma mater, Linfield University, to cheer on the Football team. This year was no different. Congratulations to Linfield on their 70-14 win over Willamette this last weekend!
Kudos to WOU President
Thank you, Dr. Jesse Peters, for visiting me at my Salem office. I always enjoy our conversations and appreciate your diligent advocacy for WOU. During his visit, we discussed the college hunger crisis and the importance of equitable access to funds for public universities across Oregon.
Register to Vote for November 7th Special Election
October 17th will be the last day for voters to register for the upcoming November 7th special election. Feel free to reach out to the Yamhill County Clerks office to check your current registration status, update your address, or to sign up to volunteer during the election. For more information on frequently asked questions or instructions to apply to be an Election Board Worker, click here.
McMinnville Scottish Festival
Come and explore the Scottish roots of McMinnville at the annual Scottish festival next weekend, October 6th and 7th. From face painting to whisky tasting, sheepherding demonstrations, haggis eating competitions, and a beer garden, this event truly has something for people of all ages! Click here to learn more.
Upcoming Town Halls
I hope to connect with more community members at my upcoming town hall this October 11th. Stay tuned for more details on my town hall in Lafayette which will be held on November 15th at the Community Center. For more frequent updates, make sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
As always, my door is open. Please feel free to reach out at any point if myself or my team can be of assistance to you. During the interim I am spending much of my time at my in-district office so I look forward to getting to meet with more of you in person.
All my best,
Representative Lucetta Elmer
House District 24
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: rep.lucettaelmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/elmer
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