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
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?
SIGN THE PETITION
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.
READ THE LETTER HERE
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.
READ THE LETTER HERE
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.
READ THE LETTER HERE
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.
READ THE LETTER HERE
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.
READ THE LETTER HERE
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.
READ THE LCC 2020 BOND INFORMATION GUIDE HERE
