Search Results

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Read more about our Board of Directors. / About / Board of Directors / Board of Directors Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. All League of Women Voters of Oregon Board Officers and Directors are generally affiliated with their local Leagues and are either appointed by the Board or elected by League member representatives at our annual meeting in May. We're looking for you! Our state's next great democracy heroes are out there right now – they just don't know it yet. They're community leaders, professionals, and passionate citizens ready to make history on our Board of Directors. Could one of them be you? Sign Up President (Interim) Mark Kendall Mark is serving as interim President until May 2026. Read More president [at] lwvor.org 1st Vice President and Communications Chair Barbara Klein Barbara was born and grew up in the northeast. Step by step, living in many states, she’s made her way around the nation to land in southern Oregon. Read More communications [at] lwvor.org 2nd Vice President and Action Chair Jean Pierce Jean was introduced to the League in 2008 after she retired as a Professor of Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Read More advocacy [at] lwvor.org Secretary Mimi Alkire Mimi Alkire lived in Portland, Oregon, from 1966 until 2005, when she and her husband moved to Bend. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Treasurer Kermit Yensen Kermit graduated from Denison University with a B.A. in Economics, and from Harvard Business School with an MBA. Read More k.yensen [at] lwvor.org Issues and Positions Chair Stephanie Haycock Stephanie joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as Issues and Positions in 2025. Read More issuespositions [at] lwvor.org Development Chair Jackie Clary I moved to Ashland at age six, spent my idyllic childhood in Lithia Park, building dams in the creek, watching OSF rehearsals - long before paid actors - with Angus Bowmer (our neighbor) directing. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Nominating Committee Chair Annie Goldner League of Women Voters of Deschutes County since 2003 and on the local league board since 2017, as Event Chair and Program/Study Chair until present. Leader for LWVDC Study on Affordable Housing, completed in February 2021. Read More nominating [at] lwvor.org Voter Newsletter Editor Jim Buck Jim joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as Voter Newsletter Editor in 2023. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Youth Director Evan Tucker Born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, civic engagement runs deep for Evan. Read More youthpresident [at] lwvor.org DEIJ Chair rhyen enger rhyen has held the position of LWVOR DEIJ Chair since 2025. Read More deij [at] lwvor.org Membership and Youth Outreach Chair Diana DeMaria (Interim) Diana was born and spent her early years in Colorado. Read More youthoutreach [at] lwvor.org Events Chair Eileen Burke-Trent League of Women Voters Member since 1998. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Voter Service Chair Marianne Germond Marianne joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as the Voter Service chair in 2025. Read More voterservice [at] lwvor.org Director Marty Power Marty joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as a Director in 2025. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Director Barbara Keirnes-Young Barbara joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as a Director in 2025. Read More barbara.ky [at] lwvor.org

/ About / Biennial Reports / Biennial Reports Biennial Report 2021-2023

The study archive features LWVOR studies and related resources. / Study Archive / Study Archive Older studies are available here: 2018 – Hard Rock Mining Hard Rock Mining in Oregon – Full Study (PDF, 40 pgs) Hard Rock Mining Study Summary (PDF) Hard Rock Mining Study Consensus Questions (WORD) Hard Rock Mining Study Outline (PPT) Hard Rock Mining Position Statement (PDF) 2016 – Postsecondary Education Study Update Postsecondary Education Study Update – Full Report (PDF, 54 pgs) Executive Summary (PDF, 4 pgs) Consensus Questions for Local Leagues (PDF, 7 pgs) 2016 - Election Methods Study Election Methods Study - Full Report (PDF, 71pgs) Positions from other Leagues (PDF) Executive Summary (PDF) 2015 – Children at Risk PDF available here: Children at Risk Study 2015 For Press: Children at Risk Press Release Media Supplement – Overview of Study Children at Risk Executive Summary 2012 – Coastal and Nearshore Oregon: Using and Protecting Our Natural Resources An overview of the complex, interconnected issues and challenges that must be addressed in making decisions to manage the natural resources of the coastline; reflects the economic, social, and cultural impacts of these management decisions with particular emphasis on marine reserves and ocean energy. C oastal and Nearshore Oregon (48 pgs; pdf) Executive Summary (5 pgs; pdf) Acronym List (2 pgs; pdf) Mapping the Dynamic Oregon Coast (pdf) Coastal Study Presentation (pdf) Links to additional Information (Word document) 2009 – Water in Oregon: Not a Drop to Waste Part 1 is a concise review of the current Oregon laws and regulations for water resources and water quality. Part 1: Regulating Water in Oregon (36 pgs; pdf) Water in Oregon Part 1 2009 Online Version (4 pgs; pdf)Part 1: Executive Summary (PowerPoint)Part 1: Slideshow Presentation Part 1: Printable Slideshow (pdf) Part 2 covers the current issues facing water quality and quantity from the perspectives of stakeholder groups throughout the state; 2010. Part 2: Issues and Perspectives (40 pgs; pdf) (html)Water in Oregon Part II 2010 Online Version (4 pgs; pdf)Part 2: Executive Summary (PowerPoint)Part 2: Slideshow Presentation Part 2: Printable Slideshow (pdf) 2008 – Election Methods: Review of Alternatives and Oregon Proposals Election Methods Full Study (PDF, 40 pgs) Study PowerPoint Presentation (PPS file) Board Count Elections (PDF, 2 pgs) Condorcet Elections (PDF, 2 pgs) Executive Summary (PDF, 3 pgs) Multiple Seat Methods - Detailed Discussion (PDF, 30 pgs) Oregon Vote Tally Equipment Summary (PDF, 1 pg) 2007 – Redistricting in Oregon Redistricting in Oregon Full Study (PDF, 32 pgs) Redistricting in Oregon Summary (PDF, 4 pgs) 2006 – Oregon’s Homeless Youth Oregon's Homeless Youth Full Study (PDF, 24 pgs) Bibliography, Oregon's Homeless Youth (PDF, 6 pgs) Interviews and other Contacts (PDF, 4 pgs) Oregon's Homeless Youth Audio Presentation (link to SoundCloud, 17 min 19 sec) 2005-2007 – The Oregon Judiciary: Challenges for the 21st Century Overview of Oregon Judiciary Part 1 (PDF, 14 pgs) Overview of Oregon Judiciary Part 2 (PDF, 40 pgs) Questionnaire for Presiding Judges (DOC, 3 pgs) Questionnaire for Trial Court Administrators (DOC, 3 pgs) 2005 – The Trial Jury in Oregon’s State Courts 2005 – Oregon Taxes: Myths and Facts Full Study (PDF, 1 pg) 2004 – Funding Oregon: The Ins and Outs of State Finance Full Study (PDF, 2 pgs) 2004 – Campaign Finance Reform 2003 – Understanding Oregon’s Electricity Issues 2002 – Land Use: Progress and Challenges 2001 – Oregon’s Initiative System 2001 – Mental Health in Oregon 2000 – Farmworkers in Oregon 2000 – Effects of Measure 11 on Juvenile Justice 1999 – Shift in Oregon Household and Business Tax Burdens 1999 – K through 12 School District Financing 1998 – A Study of Oregon State Parks Oregon State Parks, Part 1 (PDF, 7 pgs) Oregon State Parks, Part 2 (PDF, 9 pgs) 1996 – Election Laws Study 1988 – Childcare In Oregon

Read more about the positions of the League of Women Voters. / Our Positions / Our Positions We advocate on policy issues. Our testimony, actions, and campaigns are based on League of Women Voters principles and League positions formed through studies and member consensus at the local, state, and national levels. Statements of position are expressions of general agreement, affirming a basic philosophy in general terms. See our Position Index .

LWVOR Legislative Report: a weekly publication during session, covering a range of League issues and topics. / Advocacy / Legislative Report / Legislative Report The Issues The Legislative Report is a comprehensive newsletter covering what is happening at the Oregon State Capitol, published each week during the legislative session. Looking for past Legislative Report emails? Find them here ! LWVOR Testimony 2026 Subscribe to the LR Climate Emergency Updates on clean energy bills, climate justice topics, climate lawsuits and more. Natural Resources Updates on coastal issues, forestry, recycling, resource management and more. Education Updates on education related policies in Oregon. Revenue Updates on revenue related bills in Oregon. Governance Updates on cybersecurity bills, campaign finance, redistricting, election methods and more. Social Policy Updates on social policy related bills in Oregon. LWVOR Testimony Matrix - 2026 Testimony Scroll Here For Full Table!

Natural Resources Overview The League of Women Voters of Oregon is actively working on a number of natural resource issues including water, wildfire preparedness, energy conservation, air quality, and more. Read More Natural Resources Reports Mar 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 Done! The 2026 legislative short session closed before 5p on March 6. But the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) is a year-round system so you can use it to review the bills, read testimony, find votes, and watch recorded committee hearings. We encourage you to e-Subscribe to committees of interest. Read More Mar 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of March 2 The end is near! Policy Committees, except for Rules, Revenue and some Joint Committees are now closed for the session. The focus is on some contentious bills and those all-important budget decisions. Read More Feb 23, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/23 The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Natural Resources continues to receive reports as they grapple with balancing the budget. Read More Feb 16, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/16 The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Natural Resources continues to receive reports as they grapple with balancing the budget. Read More Feb 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 Information on the 2026 session is live! Bills are posted and committee agendas are beginning to be posted. We encourage you to e-Subscribe to the bills you want to follow and the committees of interest. Read More Feb 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 The Full Ways and Means Committee will hold a public hearing from 5-8p on Feb. 3rd. Individual League members are encouraged to participate, but remember that only our League President can speak on behalf of the League. Read More Jan 26, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of January 26 The Natural Resource agencies have been implementing legislation passed in 2025 and previous legislative sessions. Read More Dec 1, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of December 1 The League again supported federal legislation to expand the Smith River Recreation Area. The North Fork of the Smith River has scenic, historic and recreational values. We have supported this effort in the past with approval from LWVUS. Read More Oct 13, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of October 13 Governor Kotek signed Executive Order 25-25 on Oct. 6 to accelerate the pace of renewable wind and solar project development in the state of Oregon before the clock runs out on critical federal clean energy tax credits. Read More Aug 11, 2025 Legislative Report - Sine Die - Week of August 11 This legislative report summarizes the Natural Resources portfolio work that took place over the 2025 Legislative Session. Read More Jun 30, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/30 The big wildfire funding bill HB 3940 B that the Wildfire 35 workgroup worked on for one year had four of its six funding recommendations included in the B engrossed bill that passed on a party line vote 3-2 on June 25th Read More Jun 23, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/23 The proposed HB 2025 Transportation package, if not agreed upon by the legislature in a truly bipartisan manner, is expected to be taken to the voters by a new political action committee “No Gas Hikes’ per an OPB article. But the bill must pass the legislature before it can be referred to voters. Read More Jun 16, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 HB 2025 is the comprehensive Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) which is being worked in a new committee: Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment. The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. Rep. McLain, Co-Chair, said she would share information by the first of the coming week. Written testimony was taken through Saturday. Read More Jun 9, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/9 The latest transportation funding proposal was revealed June 4th by a group of Democratic lawmakers. Per the Oregonian article, it would “significantly boost funding for public transit and climate-friendly pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.” June 6, the House and Senate Republicans released their legislative concept (bill) to fund the transportation budget for 2025. Read More Jun 2, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/2 The omnibus bottle bill SB 992 A, a conglomeration of several bills introduced this session to address problems with beverage container redemption in the Portland area, is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. Read More May 26, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/26 Along with the transportation package, wildfire funding has been a challenge for the legislature. The Governor has weighed in on the concept of taking at least a part of the “kicker” to fund wildfire: lawmakers have an option if they can agree on a better use for the kicker money. With a two-thirds supermajority vote in each chamber, they can opt to suspend the refund. That’s happened once since the policy was enacted in the late 70s. Read More May 19, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/19 With $756 million LESS General Fund revenue for state services in 2025-27 and $34 million LESS Lottery Fund revenue, our Natural Resource agencies will be hard hit unless the requested various fee increases in these agencies are approved. Read More May 12, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/12 Another very difficult wildfire season looks to be on tap for 2025. It is expected, currently, that conditions will deteriorate to the point that all of Oregon will be at high risk for large wildfires by August 1, with the Eastside reaching that state by July 1. Coupled with a slowdown in getting staffing in place due to the current federal funding landscape, the season is likely to be extremely challenging not only for Oregon but the entire Northwestern United States. Read More May 5, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/5 The Co-Chairs of Ways and Means provided their framework for the 2025-27 state budget. Note on the last page the potential effect of federal budget cuts. On Friday President Trump published a general outline of his proposed budget for the federal government (Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026). The document assumes much of the funding for this fiscal year that he has held back will continue and a 22% additional cut in “discretionary spending”. We now need to see what our May 14th state revenue forecast will be. Then our legislators need to decide how much, if any of those federal cuts will be backfilled by state monies. Read More Apr 28, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/28 The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies or facilitate an agency’s mission. Read More Apr 21, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/21 OPRD is working on a Land Disposition Policy, which they have never really had. This started out as a means to “reducing expenses,” but is turning into something much better, a properly worded policy document that hopefully gives OPRD another tool without encouraging giveaways. It is meant to be a part of, and to mirror, the existing policy on acquisitions. The Parks Commission is adopting the new policy at their meeting. Read More Apr 14, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/14 The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies. Read More Apr 7, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/7 The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies. Read More Mar 31, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/31 At this time in the session when bills are being considered to move forward, agendas will be changed related to the ability of Legislative Counsel to provide amendments and the Legislative Fiscal Office to provide fiscal impact statements to calculate the cost of these bills. Be sure to check the bills you might be following to confirm when a public hearing or work session is actually happening! Read More Mar 24, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/24 The Oregon Legislature began its 2025 session with a record number of bills filed before the session opened, at least in the 25 years that the Legislature’s Office of Legislative Counsel has been counting. The record-breaking continued this week, with 3,391 bills filed as of Wednesday. That’s nearly 100 more than the previous modern-day record set in 2001. This from an Oregonlive news article. Read More Mar 17, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/17 The Joint Committee On Ways and Means took action on March 14 on five bills to rebalance the 2023-25 budget. The bills go to the respective chambers for a vote where they should pass and be sent to the Governor for her signature. The legislature will then focus on the 2025-27 budgets. Read More Mar 10, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/10 On March 7, the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction held public hearings and work sessions on five bills to rebalance the 2023-25 budget. Read More Mar 3, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/3 The Co-Chairs of the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water are working on a broad package of water-related bills, the 2025 Water Package. There is a Water Caucus raising the awareness of the need to address Oregon’s water needs. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor, a map that is updated every Thursday. Read More Feb 24, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/24 We are pleased to learn that Business Oregon’s Infrastructure bill, HB 3031 with a -1 amendment to clarify the criteria to be used to access the proposed $100 million fund, will have a public hearing on Feb. 26 in the House Committee On Housing and Homelessness. Although there are a few issues yet to resolve, the League expects to support this important funding bill. Read More Feb 17, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/17 Our state agencies often receive reimbursable grants where the agencies do the work required in the grant and apply to reimbursement. With the uncertainty of that reimbursement, many projects that were planned by agencies are on hold. Read More Feb 10, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/10 As we all hear news daily from the federal government, Rep. Gomberg provided some concerning information about the potential loss of federal funding here in Oregon: Thrown into uncertainty was the Oregon Health Plan. Read More Feb 3, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/3 Bills we are watching: SB 726 Requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. Read More Jan 27, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 1/27 How to protect productive agricultural ground and forests by determining what uses should and shouldn’t be allowed on private agricultural and forest land in the state is top of mind as the 2025 session of the Oregon Legislature gets underway. Read More Jan 20, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 1/20 A League member attended virtually the Dec. 18-19 Board of Agriculture meeting. Peter Kenagy, Albany area farmer, announced the reactivation of the Ag for Oregon group who will be advocating for agricultural land use protections and address the expansion of agri-tourism. Read More Dec 20, 2024 Legislative Report - December Interim 2024 Look for a new lobbying group to Keep Oregon Farming by advocating for MORE uses on farmland. A separate group will be advocating for reducing the current number of uses on farmland. Read More Oct 1, 2024 Legislative Report - September Legislative Days During the Sept. Interim Days, there were many presentations related to the importance of agricultural lands. Agriculture is the second most important and most stable industry in Oregon. Read More Jun 10, 2024 Legislative Report - Interim Week 6/10 We have begun to work on legislation and budgets for 2025. With your help, we can continue to make a difference. Join us and volunteer! Read More Apr 22, 2024 Legislative Report - Sine Die 2024 The League provided comments to the Board of Agriculture as the 2024 session began. Oregon agriculture is the second most important and most stable industry in Oregon because of the hundreds of “crops” grown here. Read More Mar 4, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 3/4 SB 5701, the omnibus budget bill for 2024 was amended at the end of the session. The League was pleased with the breadth of programs funded as well as the policy bills that were also funded. But there were disappointments, too. Read More Feb 26, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/26 SB 5701 is the omnibus budget bill for 2024. It is currently populated with the items approved during the November and January Legislative Days. Read More Feb 19, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/19 SB 5701 is the 2024 omnibus budget bill. It is currently populated with the items approved during the November and January Legislative Days. Read More Feb 12, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/12 The Dept. of Environmental Quality presented information on the status of our Title V air quality program fees after the significant increase adopted in 2023. Read More Feb 5, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/5 The 2024 short session runs Feb. 5 through March 10th. Bills in most committees must be scheduled for a work session by Feb. 12 and acted on by Feb. 19th in the first chamber. The legislative calendar is posted on the Oregon Legislature website. Read More Jan 15, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 1/15 The 2024 short session runs Feb. 5 through March 10th. The legislative calendar is posted on the Oregon Legislature website. Bills will be posted soon on OLIS. Committee bills were introduced during the January 10-12 Legislative Days. Read More Nov 13, 2023 Legislative Report - November Interim Volunteers are still needed to cover important issues like Air Quality, Recycling and Toxics. The League needs your voices! Training provided. Read More Oct 2, 2023 Legislative Report - September Interim We hope you read the October 1st LWVOR All-Member Newsletter with the list of volunteers needed for the League’s Natural Resources Team. The League depends on YOU to help advocate—using our adopted positions. Read More Aug 18, 2023 Legislative Report - Sine Die The League’s Natural Resources Team added volunteers Paula Grisafi (Toxics) and Carolyn Mayers (Wildfire) and sadly lost a member, Kathy Moyd, who worked on both Climate and Natural Resource issues and was a valuable former NASA engineer with a variety of expertise and willingness to attend meetings virtually, provide written and verbal League testimony using League positions and personal expertise. Read More Jun 26, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/26 In spite of the drama, the 2023 legislative session had more success than failure as you will see below. We hope you wait for our Sine Die Report in August—after the Governor has signed the bills—or not, for a more complete report on the bills we worked on and their outcome. HCR 38 was passed and set the process for the February 2024 short session. Read More Jun 12, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/12 LWVOR joined with others in support of HB 3229. The bill would increase federal air quality (Title V) operating permit program fees that have not been increased for many years. The bill is in the W&M Capital Construction Subcommittee where amendments are being discussed. Read More Jun 5, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/5 The end of the session may be seen soon, although the official sine die is June 25th... (Oops! “Sine die” doesn’t pass the reading test…it’s "end of the session" I should use.) Bills are stacking up in the Senate as there is still no quorum to be able to vote on those bills—policies and budgets. If there is no resolution by the 25, look for a special session before the Sept. 15t deadline when many agencies will be unfunded. Read More

/ Join / Donating to LWVOR / Donating to LWVOR Your contributions to the League of Women Voters of Oregon, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. There are multiple ways you can donate to LWVOR: Donate via our secure online form . Set up a monthly checking account deduction. If you name LWVOR as a beneficiary of your IRA or 401(k), your distribution will not be taxed. Beneficiary forms are available from your account administrator. Leaving a bequest to the LWVOR in your Will or Trust may lower estate taxes, although we recommend consulting with an estate planning professional. Notifying the League of your plans will ensure that we follow through with your wishes. Designate a percentage of your life insurance policy to benefit the LWVOR. Donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to the LWVOR is tax deductible and may reduce your capital gains taxes. Giving our League an endowment is pivotal to the continuance of LWVOR’s 100+ years of influence on voting rights and voter education in Oregon. Your generous gifts can create a perpetual revenue stream for the League. Investing $25 can give the League $1 annually, based on 4% expected market gains. The Oregon Community Foundation manages close to 450 endowments for the benefit of communities throughout Oregon and is now celebrating its 50th year.

Find Board and member resources here. Learn more. / Resources /

Learn more about the Oregon Student Mock Election and Youth Council programs. / Youth / Youth Civics Civics Education Program Oregon Student Mock Election Our classroom ready materials help students gain the knowledge they need to participate in our democracy. Read More Youth Engagement and Activities Youth Council Build power for yourself and your community on the LWVOR Youth Council. Read More Girl Scouts Collaboration Voter Girl Local Leagues can build relationships with Girl Scout troops to earn Citizen and Democracy badges. Read More

Mimi Alkire lived in Portland, Oregon, from 1966 until 2005, when she and her husband moved to Bend. From 1975 to 2005, she worked as a middle and high school mathematics teacher in several Portland Public Schools. Beginning in the late 1980’s, she also taught adjunct adult education mathematics courses at Portland Community College. She and her husband, John Alkire, lived and raised their two children in SW and SE Portland. After retiring from teaching in 2005, she started her own business as a mathematics education consultant for the USDOE, various state departments of education, and large urban school districts across the country. She helped teachers and administrators understand and implement the Common Core State Standards for mathematics. She retired from that work in 2023. Mimi was an active member of the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County (LWVDC) beginning in 2017. She served as the LWVDC Membership Chair from 2017 to 2021 and then as Vice President from 2021 to 2023. During her Membership Chair tenure, LWVDC membership went from about 30 to 130 members. Her Deschutes County League work also included chairing the Get-Out-The-Vote committee; roster manager, book club (Freedom Readers) organizer, DEI discussion group, fundraising committee, videographer for First Thursday Speaker Meetings, and proofreading the newsletter (Cascade Echoes). She also served as a Co-Chief Petitioner for a Deschutes County ballot measure (M9-148) that would make the county commissioner election nonpartisan. They were able to gather enough signatures to make the November 2022 ballot and the measure passed. After returning to Portland at the end of 2022, she joined LWV of Portland as a volunteer in support of Voter Service. Her passion is getting out the youth vote and is she is currently also serving LWVOR as a co-chair of the Youth Outreach committee. In that role she oversees the Student Mock Elections for Multnomah County and the state. She was elected LWVOR Secretary in 2023. Mimi Alkire Secretary Mimi Alkire lived in Portland, Oregon, from 1966 until 2005, when she and her husband moved to Bend. From 1975 to 2005, she worked as a middle and high school mathematics teacher in several Portland Public Schools. Beginning in the late 1980’s, she also taught adjunct adult education mathematics courses at Portland Community College. She and her husband, John Alkire, lived and raised their two children in SW and SE Portland. After retiring from teaching in 2005, she started her own business as a mathematics education consultant for the USDOE, various state departments of education, and large urban school districts across the country. She helped teachers and administrators understand and implement the Common Core State Standards for mathematics. She retired from that work in 2023. Mimi was an active member of the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County (LWVDC) beginning in 2017. She served as the LWVDC Membership Chair from 2017 to 2021 and then as Vice President from 2021 to 2023. During her Membership Chair tenure, LWVDC membership went from about 30 to 130 members. Her Deschutes County League work also included chairing the Get-Out-The-Vote committee; roster manager, book club (Freedom Readers) organizer, DEI discussion group, fundraising committee, videographer for First Thursday Speaker Meetings, and proofreading the newsletter (Cascade Echoes). She also served as a Co-Chief Petitioner for a Deschutes County ballot measure (M9-148) that would make the county commissioner election nonpartisan. They were able to gather enough signatures to make the November 2022 ballot and the measure passed. After returning to Portland at the end of 2022, she joined LWV of Portland as a volunteer in support of Voter Service. Her passion is getting out the youth vote and is she is currently also serving LWVOR as a co-chair of the Youth Outreach committee. In that role she oversees the Student Mock Elections for Multnomah County and the state. She was elected LWVOR Secretary in 2023.

Join the LWVOR Youth Council to advocate for issues you care about! Register voters, work in the legislature, learn how nonprofit organizations operate and more! Support Youth Council Show Your League Pride! Show your support for the LWVOR Youth Council by making a donation today. For each donation of $20 or more you will receive an exclusive League Pride button! Your contribution empowers our young leaders by helping to send at least two Youth Council members to LWVUS Convention 2026. Donate Now! Here's How It Works Make a donation with our secure online form in the amount of $20 or more. Funds go directly toward our goal of raising $5,000 to send at least two Youth Council members to LWVUS Convention 2026. Receive one League Pride button for each $20 donation. Please note the number of League items you request in the donation order form. They will either be dropped off by a League volunteer in the Portland metro area or mailed first class postage to your address in the United States within three business days. Proudly wear your new League Pride button knowing you're directly supporting Oregon's young leaders! Donate Now! Youth Council In Action Youth Council leaders attend the 2024 LWVUS Council in D.C. Former Youth Council leader Sarah Napier speaks on the LWVUS Council floor. Youth Council hosted a successful Youth Voter Summit in 2023. Ready to Support Our Next Generation of League Leaders? Donate at the link below to help us send two Youth Council members to LWVUS Convention 2026. Donate Now!

/ Advocacy / Protecting Voters. Improving Elections. The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. Get tips on effective advocacy. Learn how to communicate with your legislators. Advocacy In Oregon Legislative Reports Published weekly during each legislative session, this report covers news from the Capitol. Read More Advocacy In Oregon Our Testimony Read our testimony letters related to gun safety, governance, education, climate action, and more. Read More Advocacy In Oregon Campaign Finance In Oregon A historical look at campaign finance in oregon. Read More Advocacy In Oregon Committees and Coalitions LWVOR Advocacy Team members serve on legislative workgroups and committees. Read More The Power of Nonpartisan Advocacy The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. We advocate for issues, not parties or candidates, and believe in free, fair, and accessible elections for all. Read more Sign Up For Email We Need Your Support Today! Donate Your donation empowers voters and defends democracy.

Manage your LWV of Oregon email subscriptions. Learn more. / Manage Your Subscriptions / Manage Your Subscriptions You can sign up for any of our email communications , including our quarterly Voter, monthly All-Members Newsletter and weekly Legislative Report (during sessions). To update your subscriptions once you’ve signed up, access your profile by clicking the “Manage your subscriptions” link at the bottom of any Mailchimp email, pictured below. If you have any questions, please contact us at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Learn more about the League of Women Voters of Oregon. / About / About Our Principles The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States. The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of the proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible. The League of Women Voters believes that every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education which provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination. The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government. The League of Women Voters believes that responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; that it should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems which affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy, and adopt domestic policies which facilitate the solution of international problems. The League of Women Voters believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems, and that the development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace. The League of Women Voters of Oregon is an organization fully committed to equity and diversity. We actively value differences and recognize that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the organization and the work we do. LWV of Oregon strives to be an inclusive organization, where diversity is valued, respected and built upon. There shall be no barriers to full participation in LWV of Oregon on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, age, sexual orientation, culture, religion or belief system, disability, political perspective or affiliation. The League seeks to empower citizens to understand governmental issues and to participate in the political process. Our Mission Our Mission LWVOR is a grassroots, nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. Our Vision The League seeks to empower citizens to understand governmental issues and to participate in the political process. We seek to provide balanced, accurate, nonpartisan information to all Oregonians. We Need Your Support Today! Donate

Legislative Process Day 2023 Thank you for attending LWVOR's Legislative Process Day! Please take a moment to tell us about your experience by filling out our event evaluation form . Agenda 10:00 - Welcome and introductions 10:15 - 10:30 - Senator Rob Wagner 10:30 - 10:50 - Joel Henderson and Max Robinson of Talking Book and Braille Library 10:50 - 11:00 - Senator Tim Knopp 11:00 - 11:30 - Misty Freeman, Legislative Policy Research Office, Director 11:30 - 12:00 - Natalie Brant, Reference Coordinator at the State Library of Oregon 12:00 - Lunch begins 12:10 - 12:30 - Aram Peterson, Solution Architect for the Oregon Legislature 12:30 - 1:00 - Advocacy Team Coordinator presentations 1:00 - 1:30 - Networking (stay after the event to chat with Advocacy Team Coordinators!) Program Printable program available here , featuring speaker bios and full event agenda. LWVOR Advocacy Team Looking for ways to get involved? Contact our Advocacy Team! We are seeking volunteers across all areas: Natural Resources, Governance, Climate Emergency, and Social Policy. Rebecca Gladstone, Advocacy Chair, b.gladstone@lwvor.org Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, peggylynchor@gmail.com Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, n.turrill@lwvor.org Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator, climatepolicy@lwvor.org Jean Pierce, Social Policy Coordinator, socialpolicy@lwvor.org Legislative Process Day Speakers Senator Rob Wagner State Senator Rob Wagner (he/him/his) represents Oregon Senate District 19. Senator Wagner serves as the Senate President and has played a key role in the statewide budgeting process. Read more. Senator Tim Knopp State Senator Tim Knopp represents the citizens of Senate District 27, which includes the Central Oregon communities of Bend, Redmond, Tumalo, Sisters, Black Butte, and Eagle Crest, as well as other parts of Deschutes County. He has served as the Senate Republican Leader since 2021. Read more. Misty Freeman Misty Mason Freeman serves as the Director of Oregon’s Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO). In her work, she leads a continuing staff of 50 and seasonal staff of 30 in providing nonpartisan committee services, policy research, and language access services for the Oregon state legislature. For more information about LPRO, check out the website here . Misty holds a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Public Policy with a Minor in Rural Studies from Oregon State University. A policy generalist, Misty has applied her toolkit to a variety of topics, including natural resources and environment, human services, housing, and more. In her free time, Misty enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her partner and their pup. Aram Peterson Aram is a solution Architect for the Oregon Legislature. He has been with the Information Services Dept here for 21 years and has a BS in Computer Information Systems from DeVry Institute of Technology. Natalie Brant Natalie is currently the Reference Coordinator for the Government and Information Services Division at the State Library. This division works to connect State of Oregon employees, officials, and legislators to resources and services that support informed decision-making. Natalie has been with the State Library for about 6 years and specializes in the subject areas of health policy, education policy and general social policy issues within state government. Joel Henderson Joel Henderson has been with the State Library of Oregon for over 18 years. He spent 13 years as the Administration Specialist with the Talking Book and Braille Library, during which time he served as the point person for their partnership with LWVOR. This past January, he moved up to his current position as the Volunteer and Donor Engagement Coordinator for the State Library as a whole. Max Robinson Max Robinson joined the State Library in winter of 2021. As the new Administrative Specialist and Recording Studio Coordinator for Talking Books, he looks forward to serving as liaison to the LWVOR. Max earned a master’s degree in library science at Emporia State University in 2022. In his free time, Max enjoys taking walks with his wife, Laura, and their baby, Abigail. The three of them also share a love for baseball, music, and reading! Event Resources Legislative Committee schedule for November 7 (Tune in virtually or in-person after the event!) 2:30 PM House Interim Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water 2:30 PM House Interim Committee On Higher Education 2:30 PM Joint Subcommittee On Public Safety 2:30 PM Senate Interim Committee On Education 2:30 PM Senate Interim Committee On Finance and Revenue State Library of Oregon handout (pdf) State Library of Oregon website Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) Thank you to our sponsors and supporters! Members of the League of Women Voters

A tool for League members. Learn more about hosting hybrid events. Hybrid Event Toolkit Offering resources for creating successful hybrid event experiences that focus on brand messaging, content, technology, and logistics. Start Now Key Elements Of Hybrid Events 1 Checklist for Set-Up What A/V equipment is best for running a hybrid meeting? What Zoom webinar settings optimize virtual engagement? We have put together a checklist of hybrid equipment and best practices to review before your next meeting or event. More Info 2 Event Management Hybrid events benefit from flexible ticketing, consistent messaging, social media outreach, and more. See below for resources centering around marketing and ticketing your event for both in-person and virtual registrants. More Info 3 Optimizing Engagement Hybrid events involve balancing the needs of both in-person and virtual attendees. We have created a space for resources that offer best practices for optimizing virtual engagement while preserving the in-person experience. More Info Tools For Your Toolkit Essential Components of Running Hybrid Meetings A/V Equipment Marketing and Ticketing Virtual Engagement Collaborative Experiences Meeting Equipment Online Facilitator

I moved to Ashland at age six, spent my idyllic childhood in Lithia Park, building dams in the creek, watching OSF rehearsals - long before paid actors - with Angus Bowmer (our neighbor) directing. When I was thirteen, we moved to California where I lived until returning to Southern Oregon when I retired. The in-between years held all the usual events: school, work, marriage, children (two incredible sons), volunteering, finishing college (graduating from UC Davis at age 49), career (library adult literacy coordinator in various California counties), and finally retiring, more or less. League history: I have been a member (inactive now and then) of LWV since I was 27 and felt it has influenced and directed my adult life in more ways than I can list here. League has been one of the first things I look for when moving to a new community, and in the case of Crescent City, when I found there was no League, we tried to start one, partnering for a while with Curry County. Since returning to Oregon, I have been a member of two leagues: Rogue Valley and Coos County. As a member of the state board, I have broadened my understanding and appreciation of League. LWV is a unique and valuable organization that has so much to contribute and I have been hooked from my very first meeting, all those years ago. As a member of the State Board this last year, I have broadened my understanding and appreciation of League. I have been hooked from the first meeting, all those years ago. Jackie Clary Development Chair I moved to Ashland at age six, spent my idyllic childhood in Lithia Park, building dams in the creek, watching OSF rehearsals - long before paid actors - with Angus Bowmer (our neighbor) directing. When I was thirteen, we moved to California where I lived until returning to Southern Oregon when I retired. The in-between years held all the usual events: school, work, marriage, children (two incredible sons), volunteering, finishing college (graduating from UC Davis at age 49), career (library adult literacy coordinator in various California counties), and finally retiring, more or less. League history: I have been a member (inactive now and then) of LWV since I was 27 and felt it has influenced and directed my adult life in more ways than I can list here. League has been one of the first things I look for when moving to a new community, and in the case of Crescent City, when I found there was no League, we tried to start one, partnering for a while with Curry County. Since returning to Oregon, I have been a member of two leagues: Rogue Valley and Coos County. As a member of the state board, I have broadened my understanding and appreciation of League. LWV is a unique and valuable organization that has so much to contribute and I have been hooked from my very first meeting, all those years ago. As a member of the State Board this last year, I have broadened my understanding and appreciation of League. I have been hooked from the first meeting, all those years ago.

League members serve on several legislative workgroups and committees. LWVOR also partners with coalition organizations on policy issues that align with our mission. / Advocacy / Committees and Coalitions / Committees and Coalitions League Representatives LWVOR Advocacy Team members serve on legislative workgroups and committees. Contact: lwvor [at] lwvor.org Coalition Against Hate Crime : Claudia Keith, Becky Gladstone, rhyen enger Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice: Claudia Keith and Arlene Sherett Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board (EPAB): Rebecca Gladstone Equal Rights 4 All Coalition: Jean Pierce Human Services Coalition of Oregon: Jean Pierce Legislative Gun Tragedy Prevention Coalition: Marge Easley North West Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Conservation Network: Peggy Lynch and Claudia Keith Oregon Housing Alliance: Nancy Donovan, Debbie Aiona Our Coalition Partners The League of Women Voters of Oregon is a member of several advocacy coalitions that align with our organizational mission and advocacy priorities. Human Services Coalition Housing Alliance NW Energy Coalition Coalition Against Hate Crimes Oregon Conservation Network Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Clean Energy Resilient Building Equity and Environmental Justice Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Emergency Priorities By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. All these priority bills were likely to have work sessions scheduled by 3/17, the session First Chamber Policy Committee Deadline. Following are updates on those six topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : SB 530 LWVOR Alert : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB 530 . Public Hearing was 2/15/23 in SEN E&E . The League provided supportive testimony . Read Oregon Chapter American Planning Association testimony . Sen Dembrow and OGWC Chair MacDonald testified . Here are the meeting materials . The fiscal has not been posted. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): LWVOR Alert : The League is an active RB coalition partner. BR campaign guiding principles . Informational Hearing was 3/14 , PH is 3/16 . Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . The fiscals have not yet been posted. 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13 and SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB 907 , PH 3/16 . SB 907 League Testimony. See below for more details. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , will change "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission" and modify membership and duties of commission and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets/goals. League Testimony . PH was 2/21, highlights: Sen Dembrow’s “ OGWC Modernization Presentation “ and American Planning Association testimony. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions and new clean renewable energy (DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ), requesting additional agency requests that were not included in the Governor’s budget. Other CE Bills - Supporting By Claudia Keith HB 2763 Creates a State public bank Task Force, Chief sponsors: Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. The League provided testimony . Work Session was scheduled for March 9 w -1 amendment . Partisan 4-3 vote moves the bill to JWM . HB 2087 . Forest Products Harvest Tax League Testimony . See Keep Oregon Cool, Natural Working Lands. Other CE Bills – Following - May Support By Claudia Keith HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Work Session 3/15 Clean Energy By Kathy Moyd HB 2530 -1 Directs State Department of Energy to, where appropriate, seek and apply for federal funds, and support other applications for federal funds, to be used to support development and deployment of renewable hydrogen and green electrolytic hydrogen. Directs department to provide education and increase awareness regarding renewable hydrogen and green electrolytic hydrogen. Defines "renewable hydrogen" and "green electrolytic hydrogen." Passed the House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee with a 6 -3 bipartisan vote. HB 3196 Authorizes the Environmental Quality Commission to establish by rule fee to be paid by community climate investment entities (part of the Climate Protection Program). Establishes Community Climate Investment Oversight Account. The League provided verbal and written Testimony . HB 2534 -1 Requires the State Department of Energy to develop a comprehensive state energy strategy that identifies optimized pathways to achieving state's energy policy objectives. Requires department to engage with state agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes and stakeholders in developing state energy strategy. Permits the department to convene an advisory work group. Requires department to periodically update state energy strategy. Directs the department to produce a report regarding state energy strategy and submit a report to the Governor and appropriate interim committees of the Legislative Assembly no later than November 1, 2025. Passed the House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee with a unanimous vote. Resilient Buildings By Arlene Sherrett We’re in the process of gathering support for the Resilient Buildings legislation hearings. Amended text was rolled out for SB 868-1 , 869-1 , and 870-1 (SB 871-1 still lags behind the others) this week and an informational hearing was held March 14, 2023. Members of the task force that worked on the foundation of the bill appeared to testify for it and other members attended in support. Committee members had questions about costs; one answer was that it is still unknown exactly how much federal money will be coming, but it is lots. Generally, support was expressed for passing the bills with one notable exception: Northwest Natural expressed some ongoing concerns with the bills but did not elaborate on what they were at the hearing. At this point nearly all written testimony supports the bills. Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report for more background. Information from the Oregon Conservation Network on each bill is available at the Building Resilience website . Access to the task force mailing list is through Nora Apter at noraa@oeconline.org . HB 3166, a whole-home energy savings program offering rebates for installing various electric energy high-efficiency devices and establishing a one stop for much needed information on incentives and technical assistance, was heard and is now waiting for referral to W&Ms. This bill dovetails with SB 869-1 (above). The only amendment was language declaring an emergency. HB 3056-3 extending funding for the heat pump grant and rebate program, was adopted by the House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee. The Fiscal Impact Statement shows a cost of $20.8M to be spent in the 2023-25 biennium. HB 3152 - 2 relates to residential gas utility ratepayers’ responsibility to pay or not pay for gas utility line extensions. The bill seeks to make sure that PUC regulations align with greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements, do not delay timely implementation of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and mitigate energy burden and risks of stranded assets for residential utility customers. A panel of speakers presented arguments for and against and over 50 pieces of written testimony came in, with approximately two thirds opposing. Two Public Hearings 3/1 and 3/13 . CE Equity and Environmental Justice By Arlene Sherrett SB 852 was up for a work session in the Senate Energy and Environment 3/7 and moved to JW&M. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a program especially for EJ communities to provide assistance with energy projects and activities. Fiscal $315K. HB 3196 PH 3/8 includes special provisions for Environmental Justice Communities but may not be exclusively targeted to the needs of those communities. How to navigate the online legislative website: Start here: Citizen Engagement Home (oregonlegislature.gov) Just about everything you need to know is on this page: attend a virtual committee meeting, attend a meeting at the capitol, look up a bill, follow updates on bill progress or receive email news from a Legislator. And much more, with more topics to click on down the left-hand sid. Interstate 5 (I5) Bridge Project By Liz Stewart and Arlene Sherrett Still in the analytical stages of the project. Stakeholders have been identified and engaged in the process of understanding the need to replace the bridge and options for what could responsibly replace it, as well as financial, environmental, cultural and community costs and risks of the project to ensure we get the best solution possible in bridge replacement. Washington state has committed to $1 billion for the project. The first appropriation is expected by July 2023. The remaining allocations to take place in progress appropriate amounts every two years until bridge completion. Oregon congressional and senate stakeholders are being lobbied to obtain their firm commitment to $1 billion. Draft Environmental Impact Statement to be released early this fall. It will have a 45–60-day comment period once that is released. Final environmental impact decision anticipated in 2024. Finance plan will be released in March and updated annually. Section 106 impacts (historical, cultural, archeological) are in process of being identified and stakeholders engaged. An online public open house is planned for April. The project team has held meetings to discuss the cost estimate, including scope, funding, and economic impacts. They are working with local and national equity leaders to create a framework for development of the tolling projects that result in benefits for communities that have traditionally been disproportionately negatively impacted by transportation decisions. The Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee (EMAC) has worked to help identify strategies to improve outcomes and access to travel choices for all demographics. They continue to explore equitable strategies used in other parts of the country, including reduced or free transponders, cash payment options for unbanked individuals, rebates or discounts for different income levels, and integrating benefits between travel modes, such as transit passes that accumulate toll credits. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The next forecast is due May 17. JW&M recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. Recent Bank Failures May Indicate Problems with Going Concern Standards, Liquidity Risk Disclosure Rules| Reuters. “… Focus on Traditional Financials: In addition, Baumann had some criticisms that the SEC may be too focused on non-traditional disclosures, such as environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. “The SEC is very interested in new climate disclosures, but fundamental things like risks in the financial statements of a bank, and understanding those financial statements, maybe some of the fundamentals, and blocking and tackling, some of those things may have been ignored,” he said. “I’m not opposed to ESG; I’m just saying maybe there is excessive focus on climate related disclosures versus issues like bank liquidity and asset liability duration risk. ESG isn’t going to take down our country, but inadequate disclosure of banking liquidity risks may.”.…” SEC Chair Responds to Questions on Potential Lawsuit on Climate Disclosure , Fast Paced Rulemaking | Reuters. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias will assist with addressing the $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . Green Bank's Public-Private Partnership Secures Carbon Credits for EV Charging Systems. The Economic Tides Just Turned for States | RMI. Treasurer Tobias Read Releases First -Ever Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard| OST. HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment: The League provided supportive testimony for Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment: … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with Fossil Fuel energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. Bill Calls for Oregon to Divest From Fossil Fuels | Chief Investment Officer CIO. ESG Battlegrounds: How the States Are Shaping the Regulatory Landscape in the U.S. | Harvard Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (March 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 62 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: Hawaii Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Big Island's Hu Honua Power Project - Honolulu Civil Beat. Older Swiss women take government to court over climate | Climate News | Al Jazeera Our Children’s Trust: March 15, 2023: Judge Denies 18 Republican Attorneys’ General Request to Intervene in Constitutional Climate Case Juliana v. United States . Oregon and PNW News Oregon eyes mandate for climate change lessons in schools | AP News. Oregon’s uncertain electric future - oregonlive. NW Natural in existential fight as Oregon eyes electrification - oregonlive.. What Oregon lawmakers propose to make buildings more energy-efficient | Northwest | ncwlife. U.S. Senate panel probes how crypto mining increases energy consumption – Oregon Capital Chronicle National & Global Here are the most and least disaster-prone states | The Hill. Alaska's Willow oil project is controversial. Here's why . | AP. Climate bright spot: Building sector decarbonization is well underway | The Hill. Opinion : What if climate change meant not doom — but abundance? By Rebecca Solnit | WP. Larry Fink (BlackRock Chairman and CEO) finds way to dodge ESG crosshairs | Reuters. Biden Wants Climate Change, Approves Willow Oil Drilling Project – Rolling Stone. FACT SHEET: President Biden’s Budget Lowers Energy Costs, Combats the Climate Crisis, and Advances Environmental Justice | The White House Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Learn more about effectively engaging with elected officials. / Advocacy / Effective Advocacy / Effective Advocacy Effective Advocacy: Communicating With Your Legislators Political action can take many forms. Contact with elected and appointed officials is one of the most effective ways citizens can influence policy and legislation. The expressed wishes and desires of the electorate ultimately influence most governmental decisions. Direct, personal lobbying can make a significant difference in an official’s vote or in an executive’s action. Use this guide to learn more about communicating with your legislators at every level from local to federal. Your Government Learn more Links to legislator lookup, county offices, senators, and more. Getting to Know Your Elected Officials Knowing your elected officials is relatively easy, and being acquainted is a big help when you need to communicate with them. Talking or writing to someone you know personally is almost always easier than dealing with a stranger, particularly a busy stranger. Whether or not you know the official with whom you want to communicate, some simple but important points should be kept in mind: be brief be clear be accurate be civil be persuasive be timely be persistent be grateful These points apply whether you are using the telephone, video calls, are testifying to a committee, or just writing a letter or an email. Some other common-sense rules are obvious to most of us: Don't promise rewards, offer deals, or make threats. Don't attack your opposition. Attacks on your opponents weaken your message. Meeting with Your Elected Officials Make an appointment by letter, video chat, or phone. Briefly outline the issues you wish to discuss in your letter or in your call. If you've had prior discussions about these issues, mention them. Don't insist on setting up the appointment through the official; he or she has competent helpers. Be as courteous with staff as you are with your elected officials. Arrive on time. Limit the issues you discuss to not more than three. Organize your presentation. Be brief, friendly, and to the point. Plan on not more than 15 minutes. Prepare a brief summary of your comments to leave with him or her, and documentation that confirms your message. The written message should restate exactly what you're asking of your elected official. Offer to provide additional information and assistance. Bring a second person to help present the message, but don't bring a crowd. If you're asked a question you can't answer, say so and ask for a chance to do some checking and provide the answer later. Send a thank you letter, whether the official has been able to help you or not. When You Write Keep your letter to a single page. If you must exceed one page, make the second page an attachment that elaborates on your one-page summary. Be absolutely sure you spell the official's name correctly and have the right address. If you're writing to several officials on the same subject, individualize the letters. Use your own words, not form letters. Clearly identify the issue (or bill) you are writing about, and only discuss one issue or bill per letter. Give definite and concise reasons for your position. Be specific. A few facts and figures supporting your position will be more effective than just stating your opinion. Explain the impact of the legislation or issue on you and other constituents. What needs are being met or unmet? Provide facts. Suggest, don't demand, a course of action. Be constructive. If you have expert knowledge or wide experience on the subject of your letter, let the legislator know of your expertise. Don't be condescending – be forthright and helpful. Ask, tactfully, for a response, and provide a return address. Express your appreciation – say thanks. More Resources The Legislative Process (PDF) Lobbying the Legislature (PDF) Overview of County Government Appropriate forms of address and salutation US President President (full name) The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. President: US Senator The Honorable (full name) US Senator Washington DC address OR Oregon address (look up on the web through each Senator's page) (Use DC address when Congress is in session; otherwise use Oregon address) Dear Senator (last name): US Representative The Honorable (full name) US Representative Washington DC address OR Oregon address (look up on the web through each Representative's page) (Use DC address when Congress is in session; otherwise use Oregon address) Dear Congressman/Congresswoman (last name): Governor The Honorable (full name) Governor, State of Oregon 254 State Capitol Salem, OR 97310 Dear Governor (last name): State Senator The Honorable (full name) State Senator (if to President, use President of the Senate) Interim address(es) OR State Capitol address (Use State Capitol address when Legislature is in session; otherwise use interim address) Dear Senator (last name): State Representative The Honorable (full name) State Representative (if to Speaker, use Speaker of the House) Interim address OR State Capitol address (Use State Capitol address when Legislature is in session; otherwise use interim address) Dear Representative (last name):