Oregon House Republicans

06/16/2026

It’s no secret that America’s education system leaves much to be desired. All corners of the political spectrum agree this is a problem, but no one seems to have a solution.

Here in Oregon, the majority party did away with graduation standards, removed requirements for opting out of State testing, and took away local control. Did these fantastical policies at least disguise Oregon’s lackluster education statistics?

Nope.

Oregon ranks:

46TH IN NAEP READING RANK GRADE 4 2024
Source: National Assessment of Educational Progress

48TH IN NAEP MATH RANK GRADE 4 2024
Source: National Assessment of Educational Progress

46TH IN CSI EDUCATION COMPETITIVENESS RANK 2024
Fall enrollment saw a -1% decrease in 2025
Source: Common Sense Institute Free Enterprise Report 2026

44TH IN EDUCATION
Source: KIDS COUNT Data Book 2026
Calculation based on a state’s young children (ages 3 and 4) not in school (2020-24), Fourth graders not proficient in reading (2024), Eighth graders not proficient in math (2024), and High school students not graduating on time (2023-24)

45TH IN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS NOT GRADUATING ON TIME
Source: KIDS COUNT Data Book 2026
18% of Oregon Highschoolers are not graduating on time
Tied with Nevada, North Dakota. Idaho, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wyoming
The District of Columbia is the 50th (could or could not make Oregon tied for 46th)

06/15/2026

We all feel it… The cost of living in Oregon has gotten out of hand. Groceries, gas, rent, and utilities make our paychecks seem smaller and smaller each month.

Ever wondered how Oregon stacks up to the rest of the nation?

Oregon ranks:

41ST IN INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RANK 2026
Source: Tax Foundation, State Tax Competitiveness Index

42ND IN HOUSING COST RANK 2025
Source: Missouri Economic Research Center Cost of Living Data Series

46TH IN GROCERY COST RANK 2025
Source: Missouri Economic Research Center Cost of Living Data Series

46TH IN TRANSPORTATION COST RANK 2025
Source: Missouri Economic Research Center Cost of Living Data Series

BOTTOM TEN MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME AS A % OF MEDIAN HOME PRICE
Source: US Census ACS 2024 1 yr – B19013 & B25077

41ST IN SHARE OF HOUSING BURDENED HOUSEHOLDS 2024
Source: US Census Bureau

50TH IN YEAR-OVER-YEAR JOB GROWTH
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

06/15/2026

The numbers don’t lie: Oregon’s tax-to-spend anti-business policies are not working! Not only is it expensive to do business here, but the sheer number of rules and regulations makes it unfavorable for aspiring innovators or established entrepreneurs considering launching operations in Oregon.

And there’s absolutely no reason for this… On paper, and current legislation aside, Oregon should have a thriving economy. We have a lot going for us: ports, natural resources, diverse environments, and major social hubs should have people flocking to our state. Instead, we see an aging population, fleeing businesses, and an ever-growing public sector.

So, why is Oregon…

47TH IN BUSINESS FRIENDLINESS
Source: CNBC America’s Top States for Business 2025

43RD IN COST OF DOING BUSINESS 2025
Source: OBI “The Oregon Scorecard”

49TH IN CORPORATE TAX RANK 2026
Source: Tax Foundation State Tax Competitiveness Index

46TH IN REGULATORY FREEDOM RANK 2023
Source: Freedom in the 50 States 2023

7TH IN REGULATORY BURDEN RANK 2023
Source: OBI Regulatory Impact Analysis

1ST IN OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING INDEX RANK 2025
Lower Number = Greater Burden
Source: Archbridge Institute, State Occupational Licensing Index

40TH IN US BUSINESS FORMATIONS (PERCENT CHANGE JAN 2020 – DEC 2025)
Source: US Census Bureau; Business Formation Statistics

The answer is simple: poor policy.

06/11/2026

Help name the Oregon State Police's newest recruit! OSP is asking Oregon kids aged 9-17 to help them name their new Fish and Wildlife K-9.

Oregon Youth: Name Our New Fish & Wildlife K-9 🐕
Entry form: https://bit.ly/OSP_K-9Contest

Paws up for OSP’s newest K‑9 recruit! This one-year-old red Lab is training to join K‑9 Scout and K‑9 Drake in protecting Oregon’s natural resources. But before he hits the field, he needs an official name — and Oregon youth ages 9–17 get to choose it!

Submit your wildlife, fish, or outdoors‑inspired name idea by June 14, 2026, using the OSP online form. One entry per youth. Finalists will be chosen for statewide voting, and the winner will get to meet the new K‑9 and receive special recognition.

Think you’ve got the perfect name? Send it in and help welcome OSP’s newest conservation K‑9, soon to be stationed in La Grande!

05/25/2026

Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to this country secured the freedoms we enjoy every day.

On this Memorial Day, the Oregon House Republicans remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We owe them a debt that can never be repaid.

05/20/2026

“Revenue may be up on paper, but that is not the same as real economic growth. It is up because the majority party raised taxes on Oregonians by disconnecting from federal tax relief, not because Oregon families and employers are thriving.”

05/15/2026

On May 15th, our Nation remembers those who gave their all on the line of duty. We honor those, and their loved ones, who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and uphold the pillars of our democracy.

05/05/2026

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” ~Albert Pike

200 flags in the driveway
199 flags for Oregon fallen—no new names this year
1 for all others in the country

182 firefighters—3 additional names will be added in June 16th

Two wreaths: one represents the loss of loved one and the other represents the loss of colleague

04/27/2026

“Oregon retail employment began falling again about three years ago and is now down nearly 6% compared to 2019, according to state figures. Retail jobs are down nationally, too, but only by about 1%.”

Once again Oregon lags behind the national average in an economic sector that provides key entry-level jobs.

The state's retailers are facing many headwinds, including declining consumer confidence and stagnant population growth.

04/26/2026

Congratulations to House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer for receiving the 2026 Dorchester Conference Rising Star Award.