Rep. Reschke urges Special Session to repeal Measure 110

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Rep. Reschke urges Special Session to repeal Measure 110

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Representative E. Werner Reschke today urged Governor Tina Kotek to call a special session of the Oregon Legislature for the sole purpose of repealing Measure 110. Rep. Reschke cited the worsening addiction crisis, which recently saw a mass overdose event in the streets of Portland, as well as public opinion polling showing Oregonians want the measure repealed in urging the governor to take action. 

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KCC’s Yamasaki appointed to state HECC board

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KCC’s Yamasaki appointed to state HECC board

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Gayle Yamasaki, a project manager at Klamath Community College (KCC), was recently appointed by the Oregon State Legislature to serve a four-year term as a commissioner representing Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).

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Oregon Tech awarded $18 million for geothermal project

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Oregon Tech awarded $18 million for geothermal project

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Oregon Institute of Technology has successfully secured $18,160,000 in state bond funding to complete a full renovation of the university’s unique geothermal heating and hot water system at its Klamath Falls campus.

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Two Losses for Life & Liberty

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Two Losses for Life & Liberty

SALEM, Ore. - On May 1, the Oregon House of Representatives passed House Bill 2002 - a bill expanding abortion, removing parental consent laws; and today House Bill 2005 - an anti-Second Amendment gun law. 

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Ban on polystyrene passes Oregon Senate, moves on to House

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Ban on polystyrene passes Oregon Senate, moves on to House

SALEM, Ore. - “Polystyrene is a threat to the health of our communities and our land,” said Senator Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro), sponsor of Senate Bill 543. “This is a step towards a more sustainable and mindful approach to consumption and a commitment to preserving the health, beauty, and diversity of Oregon for generations to come.”

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Reps Morgan & Reschke introduce legislation to reinstate accountability in Oregon's Drug Laws

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Reps Morgan & Reschke introduce legislation to reinstate accountability in Oregon's Drug Laws

SALEM, Ore. - On Monday, Representative Lily Morgan (R-Grants Pass) and Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) announced the introduction of HB 3549. It would reform Oregon’s drug laws broken by Ballot Measure 110.

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With big changes proposed, state to hold off on release of next wildfire risk map

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With big changes proposed, state to hold off on release of next wildfire risk map

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Legislature will be considering a number of recommendations for changes related to the statewide wildfire risk map during the 2023 session, some of which would substantively change the map itself. Following conversations last week with the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, the state has decided to postpone the release of an updated draft of the map, which was planned for March 2023.

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Commentary: 2023 Legislative Session Begins

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Commentary: 2023 Legislative Session Begins

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

The 82nd Legislative Session began this week on Tuesday. Constitutionally, the session runs a maximum of 160 days, between January 17 and June 25. State lawmakers will be debating policy on behalf of their constituents as well as passing a balanced budget for the next two years (2023-2025).

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Oregon Lawmakers move to end sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products

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Oregon Lawmakers move to end sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products

SALEM, Ore. - Late last week, the Oregon legislature introduced HB 3090 which would end the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products, including cigars, hookah, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco. 

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Rep-Elect McIntire announces committee assignments for 82nd Legislative Session

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Rep-Elect McIntire announces committee assignments for 82nd Legislative Session

SALEM, Ore. – Friday, Representative-Elect Emily McIntire (R-District 56) announced her placement on the following committees for the upcoming 82nd Legislative Session:         

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Emergency rental assistance closing

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Emergency rental assistance closing

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will close the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) Portal and stop accepting new applications after 11:59 p.m. PDT today, March 14, 2022.

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Oregon House and Senate pass farmworkers overtime bill

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Oregon House and Senate pass farmworkers overtime bill

SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Senate approved House Bill 4002 on a vote of 17 to 10. This legislation establishes overtime pay requirements for agricultural workers in Oregon after 40 hours per week. These requirements will be phased-in over a five-year period.

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Rep. Reschke files for State Representative, Oregon House District 55

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Rep. Reschke files for State Representative, Oregon House District 55

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Representative E. Werner Reschke filed today with the Secretary of State’s office as the Republican candidate for House District 55 in the Oregon Legislature for the 2023-2024 term.

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Republican Legislators respond to second special session

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Republican Legislators respond to second special session

SALEM, Ore. - Today Oregon House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) and Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) released statements regarding the conclusion of the second special session of 2021.

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Oregon Legislators add $100 million to Rental Assistance program

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Oregon Legislators add $100 million to Rental Assistance program

SALEM, Ore. - Today the Oregon State Legislature in a special session passed SB 5561 (2nd Special Session of 2021) that adds an additional $100 million in state funding to the federal Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) to help tenants and landlords in need. The Legislature also passed SB 891 (2nd Special Session of 2021) to ensure tenants who apply for rental assistance before June 30, 2022, cannot be evicted until their application is processed. The protections end on Sept. 30, 2022.

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Governor continues to erode faith in Public Health Institutions with new mask mandates

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Governor continues to erode faith in Public Health Institutions with new mask mandates

SALEM, Ore. – Governor Brown has issued two new mask mandates just weeks after lifting them. This time, for K-12 students – the group least likely to become seriously ill, be hospitalized, pass the virus to others, or die from COVID-19 – and state employees.

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