Oregon DOGE

Oregon spent an estimated $1.47B on services for undocumented immigrants in 2024, while saying there’s no money for roads, schools, or public safety. This highlight comes from the latest full episode of Oregon D.O.G.E. — watch on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Oregon lawmakers just passed a $0.65 per container tax on Zyn and other nicotine pouches. The logic? “It’s not taxed yet.” The Senators joke, “So’s the air… don’t tell them.” When does the taxing stop?

Oregon’s gas tax is headed toward 52 cents a gallon — one of the highest in the nation. Republicans say the bill can still be referred to the ballot. Will voters say no?

Senator Diane Linthicum shares concern that Oregon is moving full speed toward government-run healthcare, with growing costs, fewer choices, and less quality for families. “Every time government gets involved, it’s going to get more expensive.”

Oregon’s “vehicle privilege tax” just went from 0.5% to 2.25%—a hidden sales tax hike with a new name. On a $55,000 truck, that’s $1,241 in extra taxes. Is it really a privilege… or just a tax?

Lawmakers call out “false scarcity,” saying misprioritized budgets drive new taxes, while core services go underfunded. Is Oregon spending wisely?

With 63.75% of timber revenue at stake, counties asked for a seat at the table — and were excluded. Lawmakers raise transparency concerns.

55% of land going off-limits? Meanwhile, 82% of burned acres are federal. Lawmakers ask: Why import timber when local forests go unmanaged?

When timber can’t be harvested, communities face both waste and wildfire risk. Lawmakers ask: Are Oregon’s forests being managed wisely?

State forests were meant to fund local services — schools, hospitals, libraries. But policy shifts changed that. Lawmakers revisit the $1.1B fight.

Session's over, but the work isn’t. Oregon lawmakers promise new episodes this summer, highlighting key decisions, what was prioritized, and what was left behind.

From interns to legislative leadership, take a second walk through the Senate Republican office. Policy, planning, and a little humor—this is the team behind the work happening on the floor.

Meet the team behind the scenes. From comms to committees, these are the folks working every day to support the Senate Republican caucus—and we’re celebrating a new baby in the Bonham family!

Flags are symbols of dominion — but for many immigrants, waving the U.S. flag means embracing freedom and opportunity. There’s a big difference in why people come.

Lawmakers push to fund education for disabled veterans — and are told no. Meanwhile, other priorities get approved. Where are Oregon’s values?

Lawmakers ask: With rising budget burdens, why are disabled veterans told “no” while other agendas move forward? Oregonians deserve to know.

Oregon spends an estimated $320M each biennium to incarcerate noncitizens. Lawmakers ask: Are these the right priorities for taxpayer dollars?

If Oregon were a household in debt, would spending priorities look the same? Lawmakers urge a closer look before raising taxes.

A 5-cent bottle tax to fund wildfire suppression? Lawmakers ask why basic services aren’t funded first, and why Oregonians face new taxes.

As wildfires burn, lawmakers question why basic priorities aren’t funded first, and why Oregonians are being asked to give up their kicker.

From title fees to gas taxes to sales taxes, costs to drive in Oregon keep climbing. Lawmakers ask: When is enough enough?