Legislative Summary

getting back to business

By OCA’s Political Advocate Rocky Dallum

Springtime is a busy time for ranchers with calving, branding, and preparing for the hot, dry summer months. It has been no different for OCA this spring as we respond to the evolving demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, adjust to the onslaught of news related to the state budget, continue to work with our natural resource partners and state agencies and engage in the political process during a critical election year. We know that the coming year will bring new challenges and changes to the way many of us live and work.

As you read this article, we all hope more Oregonians are safely getting back to business throughout the state, turning up our economic engines and figuring out ways to resume life considering the unfolding circumstances. Summer 2020 will be difficult in our communities as typical activities such as fairs, parades, rodeos and even campaign events are cancelled. OCA has continued to coordinate with other business and ag organizations to try and shape the re-opening of Oregon and the unique needs of farmers and ranchers.

In addition to our work advocating for relief from the new Commercial Activities Tax (CAT), we have joined others to push for the regional re-opening of the state (which the Governor has followed) and a variety of other needs. Specific to the ag sector, many of our partner organizations are working to ensure workable guidelines and appropriate resources to protect farmworkers. OCA has worked with NCBA and other organizations as the beef industry has been particularly susceptible to challenges and outbreaks in food processing.

We also continue to closely monitor the legislative response and potential for a special session this month. The May revenue forecast brought bad yet expected news on the financial situation for state government, including a $10.5 billion reduction in revenue over the coming five years. The Governor has required agencies to trim budgets by eight percent for the biennium, meaning an approximate 17 percent cut for the coming year. Any targeted program cuts and changes would need to be made by the legislature. In our discussions with Oregon Department of Ag and other agencies, we know this will mean reductions for wildlife services, wildfire response and other critical programs our members rely on. In the meantime, the Emergency Board has met several times to allocate funding for COVID recovery efforts. We have continued to work on our core issues with state agencies, whether that be following potential legislation for introduction or responding to developments on the wildlife front, ag practices, or tax and labor laws.

With all the upheaval the past few months, candidates for elected office have also had to shift their approach. Oregon’s vote-by-mail system avoided any changes to the election system in our state, but the stay-at-home orders and safety measures did limit the work that candidates were able to do to engage voters. Still, OCA has been able to continue to talk with legislators and new candidates about our priorities. The highest profile news from the primary in May, was former State Senator Cliff Bentz’s win in the crowded Republican primary to replace Greg Walden in the second Congressional District. Cliff has been a close ally, champion and advisor to our organization, the industry, and many of you across Eastern Oregon. We congratulate him on a successful campaign and wish him well in the general election. As for state legislative races, several other of “our own” are looking towards the general election. It has been a pleasure this spring getting to talk politics and policy with folks like Mark Owens in Harney County and Bobby Levy in Umatilla County, who as expected, won their first primaries as candidates for the Oregon House of Representatives.

OCA will continue to closely monitor and engage in discussions related to the ever-changing landscape related to COVID-19 and prepare for the 2021 session. We are sure to be active as the November general election approaches. Again, well wishes to all in your businesses, with your families and your work through these challenging and unprecedented times. We appreciate the engagement by members on all the issues OCA is facing and hope to see many of you in-person this year, perhaps at the Cattle PAC event at the Malott Ranch in September. • www.orcattle.com | Oregon Cattleman