Press Release: Representative Greg Smith Visits Maupin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 23, 2022
Representative Greg Smith Visits Maupin
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 23, 2022
Representative Greg Smith Visits Maupin
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 23, 2022
Representative Greg Smith gives Legislative Update to Milton-Freewater Rotary
Milton-Freewater, Ore. – Yesterday, Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) gave a legislative update to the Milton-Freewater Rotary. “I want to extend my thanks to the entire community of Milton-Freewater, especially to Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer, Milton-Freewater Mayor Lewis Key, and Milton-Freewater Rotary President Cindy Timmons,” said Representative Smith.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 6, 2022
Representative Greg Smith Announces Adjournment of 2022 Legislative Session
SALEM, Ore. – Last Friday, the Oregon Legislature officially adjourned the 2022 Legislative Session.
Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) is recognizing the adjournment of the month-long session by highlighting legislation and funding allocations that were vital to District 57.
“During the 2022 Legislative session, the legislature was looking to invest in critical projects and programs (HB 5202)” said Representative Smith, “Municipalities and organizations all around the state submitted funding requests. As a Co-Vice Chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee and a member of its Subcommittee on Capital Construction, I was able to make sure these funds were allocated not only to Portland and urban areas, but also returned to hardworking tax payers in our rural communities. Below is a list of District 57 specific allocations.”
• $4,590,000 – Northeast Oregon Regional Acute Care Center
• $3,048,464 – City of Milton-Freewater Police and Dispatch Center
• $1,500,000 – Columbia Basin Apprenticeship Training Center
• $1,000,000 – Eastern Oregon University Visual & Performing Arts Scholarship
• $1,000,000 – Umatilla County Fairgrounds Infrastructure
• $1,000,000 – Gilliam County Fairgrounds Infrastructure
• $1,000,000 – Sherman County Fairgrounds Infrastructure
• $1,000,000 – Morrow County Fairgrounds Infrastructure
• $1,000,000 – Wheeler County Fairgrounds Infrastructure
• $1,000,000 – Wasco County Fairgrounds Infrastructure
• $900,000 – South Wasco County High School Track Renovations
• $500,000 – City of Dufur Sidewalk Improvements
• $500,000 – City Heppner of Community Development Fund
• $405,000 – Glover Hall Renovations (Wheeler County)
• $250,000 – Umatilla County Road Digitized Pilot Project
• $166,666 – City of Antelope Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Spray Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Mitchell Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Fossil Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Grass Valley Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Rufus Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Maupin Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Moro Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Wasco Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Tygh Valley Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Condon Community Development Fund
• $166,666 – City of Arlington Community Development Fund
“Recognizing that homelessness is a pervasive issue in the entire state, I was proud to co-chief sponsor HB 4123” said Representative Smith, “this legislation allocated grant funds to homeless response projects in eight communities across the state, two of which will directly benefit District 57.”
• $1,000,000 – Mid-Columbia Community Action Council Homeless Response System
• $1,000,000 – Umatilla County Homeless Response System
“For years, rural pharmacies have been hurt by excessive and unnecessary taxes, however, SB 1524 takes a major step in alleviating the problem” said Representative Smith, “this legislation exempts pharmacies with nine or fewer locations in Oregon from the Corporate Activities Tax. SB 1524 is a major win for rural Oregon and as the senior member of the House Revenue Committee, I believed it was paramount to include this provision within the bill.”
“The federal government’s new infrastructure package will be allocating funds to the State of Oregon specifically for broadband infrastructure” said Representative Smith, “HB 4092 expands the duties of the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council to ensure they are able to prepare the state for these incoming funds. Understanding that rural Oregon is in desperate need of expanded internet quality and access, my fellow co-chief sponsors and I supported the bill because it equips each of our communities with the necessary resources to implement broadband expansion.”
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 9, 2022
Representative Greg Smith Comments on Quarterly Revenue Forecast
SALEM, Ore. – Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) released the following statement in response to the revenue forecast announced today:
“Today’s revenue forecast continues the upward trend of previous forecasts. Despite the crises of the past two years, Oregon’s economy shows resiliency as its growth persists. However, it would be wise to remember that this strong economy Oregon is currently experiencing has been boosted by federal borrowing that may not be available in the future. Fiscal prudence is paramount when managing Oregon’s finances. However, a balanced approach is also essential and, as a Legislature, we must continue investing in critical programs.”
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 1, 2022
Representative Greg Smith Announces Committee Assignments for the 2022 Legislative Session
SALEM, Ore. – Today, the longest serving member of the Oregon House, Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) was appointed to the following committees:
“It is an honor to be the sole Republican that holds a gavel” said Representative Smith.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 20, 2022
Representative Greg Smith Announces 2022 Priorities
SALEM, Ore. – On February 1 the Oregon Legislature will convene the 2022 Legislative Session. Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) offered the following statements regarding District 57 priorities for the upcoming session.
Behavior Health – Local health professionals and law enforcement officers have shared how this issue has proliferated and affects the district. During the 2022 Legislative Session, I will be looking for every way I can help contribute to finding effective and sustainable solutions, both at the state-wide and local levels.
Second Amendment – As an ardent supporter of the Second Amendment, I was disheartened by the passage of SB 554 during the 2021 Legislative Session. However, I am proud to support a bill put forth by Representative Lily Morgan (R-Grants Pass) that would establish liability for specific crimes committed in “gun-free zones”.
Consumer Protection – I have proposed a bill for the 2022 Legislative Session that limits the amount certain residential general contractors proposing remodel or re-pair projects may collect before completion. For context, large contractors charge 100 percent of residential project costs up-front. Once payment is received, the consumer is at their mercy and completion of the project can often become an incredibly difficult process. This legislation would strengthen the consumer’s interests and improve project outcomes.
Housing – Studies have shown that rural Oregon needs more housing at all levels of income. While I will advocate for the various levels of development, my specific focus will be on District 57’s most pressing housing need: middle income housing.
I-5 Bridge Replacement – While seemingly not important to District 57, the replacement of the I-5 bridge between the states of Oregon and Washington is important to many other regions besides the Metro. Activities involved in the construction and eventual movement of commerce are critical to the five ports of District 57, including the Port of Morrow which is the second largest port in Oregon. As a member of the Joint I-5 Bridge Committee, I support the new bridge and will be intimately involved in its development.
Education Funding – Oregon’s youth are our future, and we must ensure their education is funded adequately. I’m told by local education leaders that the current funding levels are not sufficient. Last session, I fought to fully fund the State School Fund at $9.6 billion and in the 2022 session, will continue to fight to secure all resources District 57 schools require.
Predator Control – Predators have been killing Eastern Oregon livestock producers’ animals for years. I have signed on to two pieces of legislation that could help combat this in the 2022 session. The first is an appropriations bill put forth by Representative Bobby Levy (R-Echo) that would fund the Wolf Management Compensation and Proactive Trust Fund. The second is a bill put forth by Representative Christine Goodwin (R-Roseburg) that would authorize the creation of predatory damage control districts.
Balancing Power – For the past two years, there has been much discussion regarding the emergency powers of the Governor. Our office has received countless inquiries from constituents regarding what pushback was available and whether the actions were constitutional. I have signed on to two bills that seek to limit and combat these powers. The first of which is a constitutional amendment bill put forth by Representative Mark Owens (R-Crane) that would curtail the Governor’s emergency powers and give control to both the legislature and county governments. The second is a bill put forth by Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) that would end the Governor’s current emergency order.
Getting Back to Normal – We have all been slowly returning to ‘normal’ life, and I look forward to continuing this trend. However, we must balance this with sensitivity to the real threat COVID-19 poses to Oregon’s most vulnerable. The 2021 Legislative Session was a long and difficult session coupled with a full reconstructive shoulder surgery that I dealt with. This session, I am hoping to see many constituents in Salem again because, unlike last session, the Capitol is slated to be open to the public.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 18, 2022
Representative Greg Smith Comments on the Passing of Ryan Neal
BOARDMAN, Ore. – Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) said, “It is with a heavy heart we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Ryan Neal, Executive Director and CEO of the Port of Morrow. He has been a strong advocate for ports throughout the United States and abroad, and his work in economic development at the Port of Morrow has made our economy stronger in Eastern Oregon. Ryan has left a legacy of hard work, professionalism, and good will throughout our region and will be missed by all of us.”
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 11, 2022
Representative Greg Smith Encourages Firearm Safety
Heppner, OR – The National Rifle Association (NRA) offers various firearm safety opportunities at the regional level, including but not limited to, pistol training, rifle training, shotgun training, self defense training, and home firearm safety training. Due to increased demand, the NRA has added more of these local courses.
“As a staunch supporter of the second amendment, I believe firearm safety is of the utmost importance and would encourage all of my fellow gun owners to attend a course” said Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner), “I would also recommend that all of my non gun-owning constituents consider attending one of these invaluable courses.”
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 13, 2021
Oregon Legislature Passes Drought Relief Funding for Oregon’s Farmers
SALEM, OR – Today the Oregon Legislature passed SB 892 and SB 5561 to provide a $100 million drought relief package to support farmers and ranchers across the state who have been impacted by historic droughts and severe wildfires of the past two years.
“Our state is home to more than 37,000 ranch and farm operators and this funding package will assist many of them throughout Oregon, especially those located in the heavily impacted areas of the Klamath Basin and Jefferson County,” said Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) who carried SB 892 to the House Floor.
SB 892 passed unanimously in the House and 28-2 in the Senate. SB 5561 passed 52-3 in the House and 26-2 in the Senate. Both bills are headed to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 10, 2021
Representative Smith Comments on the Upcoming Special Session
SALEM, Ore. – Governor Brown has called the Legislature into Special Session on December 13. Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) released the following statement in regards to the upcoming Special Session.
“Next week, I will join my colleagues as we take up urgent matters that require convening the entire Legislature. The proposed rental assistance package will provide more than 250 families in District 57 with the funds necessary to keep them in their homes and property owners paid. Additionally, there is a drought relief package which includes funding for OSU Extension and grasshopper eradication.”
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
Paid for by Committee to Re-Elect Greg Smith | Pac ID# 3420
P.O. Box 215 Heppner, OR 97836
541-993-5236 | electgregsmith@gmail.com
