Salem, OR. –- Official Release: In a formal complaint filed Friday with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, a coalition of state lawmakers has alleged that the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 503 knowingly submitted false and misleading constituent testimony to legislators in support of House Bill 3838.
The complaint—submitted by Representatives Ed Diehl (R-Stayton), Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville), Republican Minority Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby),and others—details how SEIU distributed approximately 1,000 pre-printed “constituent postcards” to legislators, each claiming to represent personalized support for HB 3838. According to the complaint, at least two individuals named on the cards have publicly and adamantly denied ever agreeing to support the bill.
HB 3838 has received considerable opposition from care providers within the affected industries, including some care providers who are currently represented by SEIU Local 503 for the purposes of collective bargaining.
“These actions appear intended to mislead this elected body by misrepresenting support for legislation,” said Republican Minority Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “This action demonstrates a blatant disregard for the ethical rules which govern our work.”
“Submitting testimony on someone’s behalf without their permission is not only wrong, its egregious,” said Representative Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville). “HB 3838 on its own is a huge overreach of power, giving unelected bureaucrats the authority that we as legislators have. And now, on top of that, we must question the tactics proponents have taken.”
HB 3838 proposes the creation of a “workforce standards board” with sweeping authority over working conditions and compensation in long-term care settings. While supported by SEIU, the bill has been met with widespread opposition from care providers across Oregon—including some who are SEIU members themselves.
“The union’s actions raise serious questions about honesty in our legislative process,” said Representative Ed Diehl (R-Stayton). “Falsely attributing statements to Oregonians in order to manufacture political momentum isn’t just unethical—it undermines public trust. The public deserves better, and so does this institution.”
The legislators argue that SEIU’s conduct constitutes multiple violations of ORS 171.764, which prohibits false statements or misrepresentations to legislative officials by lobbyists. The complaint requests that the Ethics Commission investigate the extent of the violations and impose the maximum allowable penalties.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
And I helped!
Scanned about 1200+ postcards for this Freedom Foundation lawsuit.
Posted this article to Instagram