Most Recent News/Updates
OSCC Legislative Update: April 5th, 2021
Here’s latest update from our Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) legislative counsel, outlining what’s happening (OSCC Political Observations), activity on major issues, and what’s coming up. Any opinions expressed or implied are those of OSCC and do not necessarily reflect those of the Springfield Chamber or its representatives.
Appeal for reasonable revisions to OR-OSHA COVID-19 Permanent Standard Draft Rules
OR-OSHA should be providing workers and local businesses with certainty, not layering new regulations on local employers nearly 14 months into the pandemic that pose barriers to already challenging economic recovery efforts.
How to Submit Testimony
Learn how to submit written testimony with a video how-to from the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce
Appeal for reasonable revisions to OR-OSHA COVID-19 Permanent Standard Draft Rules
OR-OSHA should be providing workers and local businesses with certainty, not layering new regulations on local employers nearly 14 months into the pandemic that pose barriers to already challenging economic recovery efforts.
Coalition Letter Urging Extension of PPP Deadline
March 3, 2021
The Springfield Area Chamber joins 12 Oregon chambers of commerce in support of letter to congress urging extension of the Paycheck Protection Program deadline.
ILR Leads Letter Urging Congress to Pass COVID-19 Liability Protections
February 1, 2021
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce signed on to the Institute for Legal Reform's letter to Congress urging members to consider targeted and temporary liability protections in the next COVID relief package.
Appeal for Small Business Remedy and Relief
12/15/20
The Springfield Chambers wrote a letter to Governor Kate Brown and Lane County representatives to the Oregon legislature to recognize the critical role small business plays in sustaining our state’s economy and to prioritize substantial remedies for small business employers.
Chamber Calls for City Council's Focus on Business Recovery
9/4/20
Read letter to the council here
What’s Happening (OSCC Political Observations)
With the April 13th deadline for bills to advance out of policy committees in their chamber of origin, committee schedules are utterly packed with scheduled work sessions and bills are either living, dying or being amended by the hour.
We are starting to witness a number of “sneaker amendments” being introduced stealthily at the 11th hour with no foreknowledge or public participation. These amendments will ultimately be rammed through. But yes, this is the most “transparent legislature in history.”
Committee agendas are packed. In many cases, OSCC is monitoring three committees and corresponding with committee members at the same time.
To add the workload, lawmakers are expected to begin deliberations over traditional state budget bills as well as how to allocate $780 million worth of federal aid associated with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) over the coming week. Though lawmakers in the House did agree to a narrow compromise that will allow for waiver of the requirement that bills be read in full during consideration of budget bills, the continued backlog of policy bills as well as pressures from the first chamber deadline in the Senate and House will likely result in the Legislature continuing to work very long hours in the weeks ahead.
We continue to believe there will be little appetite to open the Capitol building to the public for the entirety of the 2021 session.
Budget. This week, the budget writers will begin their review of projects that have been submitted for ARPA funding. Over the past 10 days, legislators have been collecting and submitting capital funding requests that would be eligible for $780 million in one-time federal funding. These projects would be in addition to the normal funding projects eligible for capital funding from the state.
Taxes. We believe the “air is out of the balloon” on tax issues right now due to the large infusion of cash the state will receive from the Federal government as part of the $2.6 billion ARPA allocation to Oregon. The bills to disconnect businesses from Federal CARES Act tax benefits (SB 137, HB 2839) as well as bills to tax PPP loans (HB 2253) have lost steam.
However, we continue to be on guard with SB 139 which would eliminate Oregon’s lower tax rates for pass-through businesses. The reason we still believe this bill is viable is because although the legislature no longer needs the revenue, a critical mass of Democrat legislators in both the House and Senate oppose these lower rates on principle.
Bills OSCC is Concerned About
100% Clean Electricity Mandate (HB 2021) There continues to be a significant amount of behind-the-scenes discussions between environmental groups, investor-owned utilities and Democrat lawmakers regarding the development of this policy. As of this writing, no updated language has been released publicly. The bill is scheduled for public hearings and possible work sessions on three upcoming dates (including today) where we will most likely get our first look at the language that has been developed behind closed doors. As soon as updated language becomes available, we expect the debate surrounding HB 2021 to become one of the key flash points in this year’s session in much the same way that “Cap & Trade” was a flash point for 2019 and 2020.
Indirect Source Regulatory Program (HB 2814) Representative Maxine Dexter (D-Portland) shared with stakeholders last week that her bill to establish one of the most expansive indirect source regulatory programs in the country will be amended into a study bill examining the same issue. The DEQ-led study will specifically focus on diesel emissions, with the goal of preparing legislation for the 2023 legislative sessions. As with most study bills, HB 2814 will likely end up in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for a review of its budget impacts. OSCC is part of the coalition in opposition to the bill will meet with other groups to reassess strategy for the rest of the legislative session.
Presumption of Retaliation (SB 483) SB 483 as amended creates a rebuttable presumption that an employer has engaged in retaliation or discrimination if – within 60 days of an employee or prospective employee reporting a labor or workplace safety violation – the employer takes an adverse employment action against that person. The presumption of retaliation is rebuttable upon by a demonstration of a preponderance of the evidence. The bill is set for a Senate floor vote as soon as this week.
Expansion of Oregon Family Leave Act (HB 2474) This bill would expand Oregon’s family leave law down to the smallest of employers (1 employee) and add new provisions. This bill is a work in progress that OSCC is monitoring.
Bills OSCC is Supporting
Repeal Oregon taxes on federal stimulus payments (SB 842). OSCC is testifying in support of this bill which would ensure all Oregon residents get the full amount of their Federal Economic Impact Payments without state taxation. You can see OSCC testimony here.
Tax Credit for Forgiven Rents (SB 330). OSCC continues to support this bill, which would give commercial landlords a tax credit, to be taken over 5 years, for forgiven rents. We believe this is an elegant way to keep landlords as whole as possible while helping struggling small businesses to be able to keep their business locations intact. You can see OSCC testimony here.
Unemployment Insurance Rate Reduction (HB 3389). OSCC testified for and strongly supports this bill, which would enact a number of policies that would help struggling small businesses to lower their unemployment insurance liability. Among other things, the bill would revert an employer’s experience rating back to 2019 levels and update Unemployment Trust Fund solvency requirements to lower tax rates into the future.
Engage with your Springfield Area Chamber Advocacy Team
The Springfield Chamber advocates and works with elected representatives around issues, policy, and legislation of impact and interest to our members at all levels of government. The 2020 Legislative Priorities reflect our commitment to members and to the Springfield Area Chamber’s mission: fostering a prosperous community by strengthening, representing, and promoting business. We encourage our members to stay informed and engaged with the Chamber and elected officials as we pursue these state-wide legislative priorities.
Our Chamber's 2020 Legislative Priorities 2020
Our Chamber's Economic Development Priorities
Keep up with the CAT
The Oregon Department of Revenue recently implemented a new email subscription service which will make it easier for our members to keep track of the latest news about the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT).
The fourth quarter is going to be busy and you will want to be up to date on the latest CAT information. The CAT policy team is planning to host electronic training sessions, provide training videos, and hold public hearings on two additional rounds of administrative rules in the fourth quarter of 2020.
The best way to keep up with it all is to sign-up to receive updates on the CAT.
Be sure to follow Revenue on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Support for the passage of a Pandemic Relief Bill Before the end of 2020
12/4/20
The Springfield Chambers wrote a letter to our congressional delegation appealing for passage of a bipartisan COVID Relief Bill. You’ll find it substantiated by data pulled from US Census Bureau polls. Given the Governor’s freeze orders and subsequent “extreme risk” restrictions on small business, and despite a solid commitment by local communities to support them, our businesses are facing hard winter months ahead.
OSCC Calls for Small Business Relief
The Oregon State Chamber issued a statement and call for action in response to new and mounting COVID restrictions and the impacts on small business. Please utilize the function and give you and your Chamber / business / community a voice, in your own words, as some 500+ like you have already.
You can find the full statement and a quick link to email legislators and Governor’s office at this link: https://www.oregonchamber.org/advocacy-in-action
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Supports Legislative Redistricting Reform – Endorses IP57
August 19, 2020
Joining a growing and impressive statewide coalition of bipartisan supporters, the Springfield Chamber board of directors voted to endorse IP57, a pending ballot measure calling for greater transparency and bipartisan balance in the redrawing of voting districts. Every 10 years, the US Census requires that states must re-draw legislative and congressional electoral districts to account for population changes. Currently, these legislative and congressional districts in Oregon are drawn by legislators and subject to a veto by the Governor. IP57 proposes the creation of an independent Citizens Redistricting Commission charged with drawing legislative and congressional districts through a transparent, fair and impartial process.
Why should I care?
New district lines based on the 2020 census will be especially important because Oregon is projected to gain a sixth U.S. congressional seat due to population growth, we need to make sure the process for drawing new district boundaries is fair.
Creates an independent commission to draw fair and impartial districts so that every vote matters.
Provides a greater opportunity for under-represented communities like low-income Oregonians, persons of color, rural Oregonians and seniors to have a voice in their representation.
Creates better geographic, economic, social, community and political diversity in drawing the district maps for our state legislators and congressional representatives.
How does Oregon stack up nationally?
Only twice since 1911 has the Oregon legislature passed a redistricting plan that became the final adopted plan.
Advocates across the country in red, blue and purple states are fighting to reform redistricting to put people in charge of the process.
Only four states in the West – including Oregon – don’t have some form of independent redistricting.
As recently as 2018, five states passed redistricting reforms: Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Utah
Seven states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Montana and Washington have independent citizen redistricting commissions
How would redistricting work under the proposal?
Read HERE
More: FAQs on redistricting in Oregon HERE
What can I do?
Liability Protections to Businesses Affected by COVID Pandemic
Letter to Federal Delegation - Liability Protections 8/24/20
The Springfield Chambers wrote Senator Beyer and Representative Lively to ask for support in enacting the employer liability protections needed to balance our state’s
economic recovery alongside public health goals.
Extend Liability Protections to Businesses Affected by COVID Pandemic
June 17, 2020
The Eugene and Springfield chambers have rallied regional public sector partners - City of Eugene, City of Springfield, Lane County, Lane Transit District, Lane Community College and Willamalane – to ask state legislators’ and the Governor’s support for temporary, targeted, and timely liability protection.
Liability Protections Needed to Shield Employers from Litigation Abuse
May 22, 2020
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce wrote a letter on behalf of small business owners to Oregon Representatives: Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Peter DeFazio about the need for support for fair and reasonable small business and employer protections against litigation and penalties during the phased reopening of our state.
Business voices needed in request to delay the Corporate Activity Tax
April 22, 2020
With the signatures of over 300 local area businesses, today the Springfield and Eugene Chambers submitted a letter requesting the delay of the Corporate Activity Tax to Governor Kate Brown and members of the Oregon legislature. Please continue to utilize the form below to submit your name and company in support of delaying the Corporate Activity Tax.
Downtown Springfield Respite Shelter to Springfield City Council
May 4, 2020
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce responds to concerns from downtown business community supporting solutions for the compassionate care of vulnerable populations, while stressing the need to avoid consequences detrimental to the hard-earned revitalization in the downtown Springfield.
Extend and Restore the Original Intent of the CARES Act for Small Business Relief
April 20, 2020
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce issues an appeal to Oregon federal delegation requesting the restoration of original intent of the CARES Act, and expansion of funding for small business assistance through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP.)
READ THE LETTER TO REPRESENTATIVE DEFAZIO
READ THE LETTER TO SENATOR WYDEN
Chamber Board of Directors Endorses LCC Bond
April 15, 2020
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce endorses the Lane Community College Bond Measure that will ensure critical investment in local workforce development and training and improved campus safety and security.
The Mayor and City Council
make up the legislative branch of Springfield’s City government. Each
of the six members of the City Council is elected by citywide vote and
represents an area of town called a ward. The Mayor is also elected by
citywide vote. The Mayor and City Council members serve without pay as
volunteers for four-year terms. They set City policy and make decisions
regarding ordinances and resolutions, authorizing contracts, setting
City goals, and adopting the City’s annual budget. The Mayor and City
Council also appoint the City Manager, City Attorney, Municipal Court
Judges, and many residents to serve on advisory committees. The Mayor
and City Council guide the City staff to provide the highest quality,
lowest cost service to the residents of Springfield.
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages
engagement between elected officials and chamber members as a way to
inform and to be informed on issues of interest and impact to the
chamber community. Local non-partisan elections are a great opportunity
to deepen our understanding of each other. While the Chamber will not be
making any candidate endorsements, we seek to inform our members and
voters by engaging in dialogue with those interested in serving and
representing our community.
Damien Pitts appointed to Springfield City Council Representing Ward 1
In a unanimous decision, Springfield City Councilors Monday, March 1st, selected Damien Pitts to represent Ward 1 on the council.
Request to be added to a chamber news or committee mail list:
- Chamber news/information: contact info@springfield-chamber.org for guidance and questions.
Government Issues Committee and Business Advocacy Council Liaison:
- Contact: Max Molzahn, Membership Development Manager Max@springfield-chamber.org
Economic Development Committee and Government Issues Committee Liaison:
- Contact: Dani Thompson, Economic Development Specialist Dani@springfield-chamber.org
Attend the Chamber’s Government Issues Committee
- Meetings are every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 7:00-8:00am at the Hilton Garden Inn, Springfield/Eugene and are open to all Springfield Chamber members. Contact: Max Molzahn, Membership Development Manager and GIC Liaison for information or to sign up for mail list Max@springfield-chamber.org
Attend the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee
- Contact: Dani Thompson, Economic Development Specialist for information or to sign up for mail list Dani@springfield-chamber.org
Access your Member Benefits with the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce
Because your Springfield Chamber holds a membership with the OSCC Springfield Chamber members not only are assured representation but extended access to state-wide policy resources, information, and expert legislative counsel. To learn more visit: https://www.oregonchamber.org/
Sign up for Advocacy in Action Alerts from the Oregon State Chamber. A valuable tool that will keep you up to date on legislative issues and make it easy to contact your state legislators.
Visit the Springfield Chamber’s Online News Source.
- Weekly updates during the Oregon legislative sessions are posted on The Bottom Line.
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