On Monday, the House of Representatives gaveled in the 82nd Legislative Assembly. I, along with 21 newly elected members, took the oath of office. I was lucky to have my family by my side.

It's an honor to represent you in the Legislature again.

In this last election, Republicans broke the Democrats' supermajority in the House. That means Democrats cannot pass new taxes without Republican votes. While Democrats still have a majority, this is good news for your pocketbook.

**Important Message on Public Comment**

We just got word that the process to sign up to testify before a committee has been changed.

You must register in advance to provide verbal testimony during a committee or subcommittee meeting. Registration closes one hour prior to the scheduled start time of the meeting.​

There are three ways to register:

• Look up the committee or subcommittee meeting agenda on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) website and follow the testimony registration link on the agenda. The system will send you an email with a registration meeting link and instructions for delivering your verbal/video testimony using the Microsoft Teams platform.
• Look up the committee or subcommittee meeting agenda on the OLIS website and call the listed toll-free number. The phone system will provide you with a phone number and access code to call into the meeting and deliver your verbal/audio testimony.
• On the day of the hearing, come to the public access station at the State Capitol building to deliver your testimony via a publicly provided laptop. Please note that this option is intended for those who do not have internet access or an available phone.

The 2023 Oregon House Republican Caucus

House Republicans' Letter to Governor Tina Kotek

On Monday, the entire House Republican Caucus sent the newly sworn-in Governor, Tina Kotek, a letter about how she can work with us to create a better Oregon. As the House of Representatives, our responsibility is to hold her accountable. We hope that she will work with Republicans on the most significant issues facing Oregonians. 

Committee Assignments

This session, I will serve as the Vice-Chair of the House Committee On Housing and Homelessness. On a statewide level, homelessness is a crisis and is becoming an increasing problem for rural communities. We must find real solutions to the underlying issues driving homelessness, not just bandaids.

I will also serve on the Joint Committee On Transportation, Joint Committee On Semiconductors, and Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety.

You can track what these committees are up to by clicking the links above.

An Update on Measure 114



In November, voters narrowly passed Measure 114, one of the country's strictest gun control laws. The implementation and constitutionality have been challenged in court. Harney County Circuit Judge Robert Raschio issued a temporary restraining order, so the law is not currently being enforced, pending further court action.

I will not be surprised if gun control advocates bring forward legislation this session in an attempt to "fix" Measure 114 to make the obviously unconstitutional provisions constitutional.

As always, I will stand for you and your Second Amendment Rights.

Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant

The Oregon State Fire Marshall is rolling out a new grant opportunity to support communities in reducing wildfire risk for their residents. The Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program is a competitive opportunity open to local governments, including special districts, structural fire service agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Eligible applicants can apply for wildfire risk reduction projects, equipment, and staff to support local efforts. 

Please use this link to apply for the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b2e4cfe07589480a953d5d89da825614

Applications must be received no later than 5 pm on January 31, 2023. Please also frequently check our grants website for all the latest grant-related documents. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/OSFM-Grants.aspx

The Fire Marshall's office will also hold an optional virtual informational clinic to answer questions about the program. The clinic will be held on January 12, 2023, at 2 pm. You do not need to attend the clinics to be eligible to apply. However, they encourage you to attend or watch the recording before you apply for this grant opportunity.

You can direct clarifying questions about the grant to the Grants Manager, Shaun Parkman, at OSFM.Grants@osp.oregon.gov

Here are the Microsoft Teams link and details:

Join on your computer, mobile app, or room device 

Click here to join the meeting 

Meeting ID: 296 143 745 727 

Passcode: xdgR7H 

Or call in (audio only) 

+1 773-917-3509,,590513010# 

Phone Conference ID: 590 513 010# 

Statewide Small Business and Microenterprise Grant Assistance

Business Oregon is now taking grant applications from small businesses.

These grants will be awarded between $2,500 - $30,000 per business. Microenterprises whose owner meets who meet low- and moderate-income (LMI) criteria can qualify for up to $10,000 in grant funding. Small businesses can qualify for $2,500 per LMI employee retained up to $30,000 in funding. 

Eligibility Requirements: A microenterprise (five or fewer employees) or small business (more than five employees) that:

• Was in business prior to March 8, 2019
• Can document COVID-19 impact (lost revenue, mandated closures, workforce issues, supply complications, etc.)
• Was generally stable/strong prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
•  Has an owner and/or employees who meet low- and moderate-income (LMI) criteria 

This program will launch on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. and will close on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Applications for this grant program will be processed on a lottery basis.

To register and apply, visit www.ccdbusiness.org/oregonsbma. 

As always, you can contact my office with any issue you have with state government. I am here to serve you. You can contact me at Rep.JeffHelfrich@oregonlegislature.gov or 503-986-1452.

Sincerely,

Jeff Helfrich