Sine Die!
“This session, as Democrats passed legislation that focused on opposing the federal administration, Republicans fought to deliver real solutions that cut costs and improve the livelihoods of the people we serve here in Oregon” - House Republican Leader @LucettaElmer
Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to this country secured the freedoms we enjoy every day.
On this Memorial Day, the Oregon House Republicans remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We owe them a debt that can never be repaid.
“Revenue may be up on paper, but that is not the same as real economic growth. It is up because the majority party raised taxes on Oregonians by disconnecting from federal tax relief, not because Oregon families and employers are thriving.”
On May 15th, our Nation remembers those who gave their all on the line of duty. We honor those, and their loved ones, who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and uphold the pillars of our democracy.
“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” ~Albert Pike
200 flags in the driveway
199 flags for Oregon fallen—no new names this year
1 for all others in the country
182 firefighters—3 additional names will be added in June 16th
Two wreaths: one represents the loss of loved one and the other represents the loss of colleague
“Oregon retail employment began falling again about three years ago and is now down nearly 6% compared to 2019, according to state figures. Retail jobs are down nationally, too, but only by about 1%.”
Once again Oregon lags behind the national average in an economic sector that provides key entry-level jobs.
https://t.co/K59vrACjm8
Today, a coalition of businesses, labor unions and trade associations filed suit challenging the state’s authority to implement the Climate Protection Program.
The Governor should have moved to repeal this program from Governor Brown on her first day in office, but instead, those in the crosshairs of this disastrous policy will have to seek relief in the court system.
They should never have been in this position in the first place.
“Protecting instructional time is the right goal, but this executive order does not address the deeper challenges facing our education system. Simply mandating more time, without stronger standards or accountability, risks placing additional strain on teachers, parents, and taxpayers without improving student outcomes.”
He is risen ✝️
Today we celebrate the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair, and life over death. May the miracle of Easter fill your heart with renewed faith, peace, and joy.
"He is not here; He is risen, just as He said." - Matthew 28:6
At today’s State Futures briefing, Rep. Willy Chotzen highlighted Oregon Democrats’ immigration package and their role in a coordinated, multi-state effort to resist federal enforcement.
At the same time, Oregon is suing over the President’s executive order on election integrity. So let’s ask a simple question: what are we actually trying to accomplish? I don’t believe most Oregonians want chaos or division. I think we want solutions.
We want an immigration system that is welcoming, efficient, and humane. But we also want one that is safe and lawful.
We want elections people can trust.
Elections that are fair, secure, and accessible for every eligible voter.
BUT…we don’t need to fall into extremes or political narratives to get there! We CAN choose a better path.
House Republicans will continue to stand for public safety, transparency, and the rule of law, and we welcome anyone who wants real solutions to join us.
The ONLY way to fix this is with a new governor, new legislature and a new political direction. 20 years of the same Democrat ideas has led to this dismal result.
https://t.co/zUe4ECW8nO
$18,300 more for the basics is not normal. Hardworking Oregonians are being asked to do more with less while their costs keep climbing. It’s time to get serious about lowering costs and restoring affordability. Clearly, Democrat Supermajority politicians are doing the opposite.
https://t.co/umsNa5NHN4
From .@CSInstituteOR , Oregon is the 5th least affordable state in the country, suffering from 2nd highest income tax burden and “structural cost pressures.”
Oregon ranks as the fifth least affordable state in the nation when comparing incomes to the cost of essentials such as housing, groceries, insurance and child care, a report based on federal & state data found.
https://t.co/sZfgxBVrMw
“This is deeply concerning, but not entirely surprising. Republicans been raising concerns in committee for some time about the sustainability of our health care system and the growing administrative burdens placed on providers,” said Leader Elmer.
When Oregon lawmakers tell you there are revenue shortfalls, after 20 years of THEIR tax and economic policies, they only can blame those they see in the mirror.
Rising liability insurance costs are putting Oregon’s outdoor recreation industry under serious strain. Ski resorts, rafting companies, and guides say premiums are climbing so fast that some businesses may be forced to raise prices or shut down.
@BoshartDavisAg - great post!
TL;DR
Like AZ and NV - in the not to distant future - OR drivers will be Californicated - but by WA instead.
TL;DR2
It is always a bad idea to let a foreign government be in a position to put a chokepoint on your economy.
Not talking about Iran.
Talking California and Washington.
Here are our observations.
1. Be grateful you are not California - yet. You are like Nevada or Arizona though - where refinery regulations in another state directly impact the costs your driver's have to pay.
2. Oregon’s high gas prices are caused are a mix of structural problems and policy costs.
Structural problems:
Oregon is an energy island with no refineries and no oil production, relying mostly on Washington refineries and the Olympic Pipeline for supply. Should pipeline deliveries be interrupted for any reason - prices spike.
Global oil prices also matter. With crude recently pushing $100/barrel, that pressure shows up at the pump.
3. But policy costs matter even more.
Crude prices go up and down. Taxes just go up and up and up.
Oregon drivers pay about 81¢ per gallon in taxes and program costs:
• 40¢ state tax
• 18.4¢ federal tax
• 23¢ from the Clean Fuels Program (a low carbon fuels program)
The CFP cost is often the least discussed part of the price, even though it’s a real component drivers pay.
But here is the fun part.
The 2025 Washington State Refinery Economic Impact Study states that :
4. All five WA refineries must change product mix or function by 2050 to meet net-zero goals. Scenarios predict anywhere from a 65 to 95% drop in conventional petroleum production -
So unless WA implements policy changes - OR drivers will see less refined product at much higher prices.
Oregon's pipelines: https://t.co/x8B8FFLILc
Olympic pipeline driving up prices: https://t.co/WWrVkuWW6f
“At a time when Oregon is ranked one of the worst states to do business in and has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, we should be working towards strengthening business competitiveness, reducing costs, and protecting jobs. This does the opposite,” said House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer.