By State Senator Suzanne Weber

Public Hearings This Week

SB 458 had a public hearing February 11th in Joint Committee on Transportation.

You all know how difficult our North Coast Highways are.  I have worked hard to gain traction on getting our issues into the forefront of other legislators minds.  Many of them recognize the danger as they have frequented the Coast.

We are taking another run at our Hwy 30 bill that would require an assessment of the condition of U.S. Highway 30, beginning at milepost 49 and ending at milepost 94.

SB 380 had a public hearing February 12th in Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue

SB 380 would add an exemption table to the estate tax.   For example, if you pass away with an estate value of less than 4.5 million dollars SB 380 would provide for a 1.5 million dollar exemption from taxation on that estate.

You can  register to testify at either of these hearings or both.  You can also submit written testimony for 48 hours after the start of the hearing.  I have included instructions below.

How t​o Register to Testify and Submit Written Testimony

Steps to Register Online

1. Open the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS)
2. Testify on a Bill:

• Click the bill icon.
• Enter the ​​​bill number.
• Select “Register to Testify” on ​the ribbon at the top of the page.

3. Testify on a Topic or Executive Appointment: 

• Click the committee icon.
• Choose the committee.
• Select the meeting date to view the agenda.
• Click “Register to Testify” next to the appointee or topic.

4. Fill out and Submit the Public Testimon​y Registration Form:

• Follow the instructions on the form (click (+) to access instructions).
• Submit the form.

5. Email Confirmation:

• You’ll receive a confirmation email with details to join the meeting by MS Teams or phone.
• Do not share your MS Teams link.​​

Steps to Su​​bmit Testimony Online

1. Open the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS)
2. Testimony on a Bill: 

• Click the bill icon.
• Enter the bill nu​​mber.
• Select “Submit Testimony” on the ribbon at the top of the page.

3. Testimony on a Topic or Executive Appointment: 

• Click the committee icon.
• Choose the committee.
• Select “Click to Submit Testimony” in the Staff Section.

4. Fill out and Submit the Written Testimony Submission Form

How to Testify in Committee Hearings

Before the Public Hearing

• Learn how to Register to Testify​.
• Advanced registration is required.
• The online registration ​​system opens when the public hearing is scheduled and closes 30 minutes before the meeting begins.
• Registering to testify does not guarantee an opportunity to speak. Your chance to speak may be affected by time constraints, technical issues, or other unforeseen factors.

In-Person Testimony

• ​Arrive early at the State Capitol to allow time for parking and security.
• Parking near the Capitol may be limited due to construction.
• All committee hearings take place on the first floor of the State Capitol.
• Enter through the doors at the center of the building on State Street. There is no entry from Court Street.
• An Information Desk is located inside the building for assistance.

Remote Testimony (via MS Teams or Phone)

• Use the MS Teams meeting link or phone number provided in your confirmation email to join at least 5 minutes before the meeting start time.
• MS Teams Instructions:
• • Keep your camera off and microphone muted until the Chair calls on you.
  • Review this guide if you are unfamiliar with MS Teams: Join a meeting in Teams.
• Phone Instructions:
• • Mute your phone upon joining the meeting. Press *6 to unmute when the chair calls you to speak.
  • Be aware that your phone number will be visible on the public livestream.

During the Public Hearing

• The Chair will open the public hearing for a specific bill.
• Committee staff may briefly describe the bill, and the bill’s sponsor may speak first. The Chair will then call names from the list of people who registered to testify.
• The Chair may set a time limit for testimony (for example, 2 minutes per speaker) to keep the meeting on schedule and allow more people to speak.

If Testifying Remotely (via MS Teams or Phone)

• Keep your camera off and microphone muted until your name is called.
• If you are watching the livestream on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS), close it before public testimony begins to avoid delays. Use MS Teams or your phone instead.

When Called to Testify

• In person: Move to a seat at the witness table.
• MS Teams/Phone: Turn on your camera (optional) and unmute microphone. Hit *6 on your phone to unmute.

Giving Your Testimony

• Start by introducing yourself to the Chair and committee members. For example: “Chair Jones, members of the committee, my name is (your name). I am from (city) or represent (organization) and am here in support/opposition to HB/SB (bill number).”
• Be concise and clear.
• Avoid repeating points already made by others.
• Follow the chair’s instructions, including any time limits.
• Be ready to adjust your comments if asked to shorten them.
• You may be asked questions by committee members. If you don’t know an answer, offer to follow up with more information later.
• When finished, mute your microphone or phone, turn off your camera, and leave the meeting. You can continue watching the OLIS livestream.

Rules of Decorum

• Everyone is subject to the same rules of decorum, whether testifying in person or remotely. Anyone who chooses not to follow the rules established by the committee chair may forfeit their opportunity to testify.

Missed Your Turn or Experience Technical Issues?

• You may submit written testimony up to 48 hours after the meeting’s scheduled start time. Learn How to Submit Testimony here.

Small City Allotment Grants – Call for Projects

The Oregon Department of Transportation recently announced its 2025 competitive grant program is open for proposals. The Small City Allotment (SCA) program was added to the 2017 transportation bill at the request of the LOC. Grant applications will be accepted starting March 3 through April 30, 2025.  This program allocates $5 million annually to a competitive grant program for cities with a population less than 5,000.  The grants can be up to $250,000, and allow smaller communities to leverage funds for transportation improvements.  In the most recent grant cycle, more than $17 million in qualified projects were submitted for consideration. The LOC is hoping to grow this program with the Legislature’s 2025 transportation funding package. More information on the program is available here. Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director – jmccauley@orcities.org

Wild Fire Maps

There has been a lot of talk about the Wild Fire Maps.

We have discovered that of the approximately 100,000 who got the property hazard zone assignment letter, only 287 so far as of the date of our records request have filed an appeal. That may be because the criteria for appeal is almost unappealable. However, you all should consider preserving your right to appeal because it expires on March 10 (60 days from the date of the letter + 3 days for the mail to move). That notice has to be RECEIVED by March 10.

If your property is in a trust or other entity, you must use legal counsel to appeal. But you do not need legal counsel to file the notice of appeal – you just need to check the box that you will be using counsel.

More information can be found here: Wildfire Hazard Map Contested Case Appeals FAQ

Around the District

https://readythechief.com/I had an opportunity to stop in and visit the Salvage Chief while I was in Astoria Friday.  With her list of rescues dating back to the 1950’s she is an asset we should be considering for our future disaster preparedness needs.  Currently moored in East Astoria near Marine and Environmental Research and Training Station, MERTS, she provides for training opportunity by Tongue Point Job Corps students as well as the Sea Scouts while looking for funding to haul out for a paint job and pump repairs.

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MERTS Forerunner pictured above

I was delighted to participate in the Mariners Hall groundbreaking!  In listening to the opening remarks by Executive Director Bruce Jones, I found these words to be so fitting and worth sharing with you all.

“We are all committed to a number of ideas: the idea that Columbia River Maritime Museum must remain a cultural and economic anchor of our community.

That residents of rural northwest Oregon should not have to travel to Seattle or Portland for world class cultural and educational opportunities, because we will provide those opportunities right here.

And if you spend some time in the Cedar and Sea exhibit you will see the quality of world class exhibit work we are planning for Mariners Hall.

We are committed to supporting local economic development both by hiring majority local contractors and subcontractors for Mariners Hall while under construction, and by attracting visitors who will spend money on local lodging, dining and shopping after Mariners Hall opens.

And we’re committed to the idea that Astoria deserves beautiful modern architecture that both complements our heritage and looks to the future.
In short, we are committed to our community, and intent on adding value here on the North Coast, in our state and the entire Pacific Northwest.”

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I had a visit from the Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders group as they were here to raise awareness and educate legislators.

 

Please join me for this weeks update on the 83rd Legislative Session.  You can watch on YouTube by clicking the picture below.  You can listen in on SoundCloud by following the link to the left.

I am always happy to visit with constituents in between committee meetings.  However, it is very difficult to make that happen without an appointment

The best way to reach out for an appointment or to make me aware of an issue is to email me at

sen.suzanneweber@oregonlegislature.gov

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716  District Phone: 503-300-4493
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-405, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen​.SuzanneWeber@oregonlegislature.gov
Website:  ​https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/weber/​