Commentary by, E. Werner Reschke, State Representative of Oregon, House District 55

We have concluded the 4th week of 22 weeks in the long legislative session of 2023. With a new House Speaker & Senate President, both chambers seem to be moving at a slightly slower pace than with previous sessions. This extra time is good, as it allows legislators, the media and the public to better keep up with what is happening and give their opinions on various bills.

Your Voice Matters
As I have emphasized previously, public testimony on bills can now be given in-person or remotely. This is a major benefit for Oregonians who want to share their thoughts on a bill but can’t afford the time or money to travel back and forth to Salem. When a public hearing is scheduled for a bill, next to it is a link to “Register to Testify”. Everyone must do this at least 30 minutes prior to a public hearing, whether testifying in person or remotely. If you sign up remotely you will receive an email with a link to click when the hearing starts. Then you listen for your name to be called and you can testify to the committee. Note, written testimony is allowed to be submitted 48 hours after the beginning of any public meeting by a House committee.

Advocating for Rural Health Care
This past week the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care held public hearings on two of my bills. HB 2552 expands income tax credits for rural medical providers. HB 2602 creates a new income tax credit for nurses who work in a rural setting. Both bills, if approved by the legislature, would help Sky Lakes Medical Center, among other rural hospitals in Oregon, be more competitive in recruiting and retaining skilled medical workers.

Helping farmers and small businesses; building generational wealth
As the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Revenue, I have cosponsored and been able to get public hearings on several bills which would bring direct tax relief to farmers and small businesses, as well as help families build generational wealth. HB 2142 exempts the sales of agricultural products to wholesalers from the Corporate Activities Tax. HB 2433 would raise the exemption for businesses from the Corporate Activities Tax from $1 million to $5 million in annual revenue. HB 2624 would raise the exclusion from the Oregon’s estate tax from $1 million to $2 million.

Housing, homelessness & semiconductors
These three topics are dominating the attention of most legislators early in the session. The Governor has a goal of signing a housing package within the first 60 days of the 2023 session. Other large and important issues being discussed are funding for rural needs and water issues. The contents of each of these omnibus policy & funding packages is still in the discussion phase. I am working to ensure the focus is not merely on the amount of money spent, but rather how the money is spent. Moreover, these policies and funding must use a statewide lens and not just bring benefits to the Portland-Metro area.

Your liberty first,
E. Werner Reschke

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