EDITOR’S NOTE: Civic leader, writer, storyteller, rural community leader LaNicia Duke is taking a deep dive into the happenings in Salem. Here she looks the impacts Federal legislation is having on Oregon government budgets. Legislative Days – “Leg Days” are happening this week, and there’s a lot at stake for many programs.
I’m excited to share some information I know many of you will find helpful as we continue navigating what’s happening in our state Capitol and within the Oregon Legislature.
Legislative Committee Days will take place Monday, November 17th through Wednesday, November 19th, 2025. These meetings happen outside of the formal legislative session and are known as interim committee hearings. They’re open for the public to watch online, although only invited speakers will be able to testify.
Because of major changes stemming from H.R. 1—also referred to as the “big, beautiful budget bill”—Oregon’s government is now facing a significant budget crisis. Signed into federal law on July 4, 2025, Title VII of H.R. 1 is the section that deals with federal taxes. Since Oregon uses a “rolling reconnect” policy, the state automatically ties its definition of taxable income to the federal definition for both personal and corporate income taxes. In practical terms, any changes Title VII makes to federal taxable income directly and immediately affect Oregon taxpayers and Oregon’s revenue…