By State Senator Suzanne Weber, District 16
Joint Ways and Means Roadshow
Joint Ways and Means is making their way around the state to hear from you! On Friday March 28th Ways and Means is going to be in Astoria at the Liberty Theater for a public hearing.
I’ve attached the link here for signing up to testify if you feel it necessary for your project.
Astoria | Friday, March 28 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Members of the public can register to testify here
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Expanding Career Pathways in Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources
The Senate Education Committee on Monday held public hearings on three bills introduced by Senator Todd Nash (R-Enterprise) in partnership with Representative Bobby Levy (R-Echo) to expand career pathways for students and strengthen Oregon’s workforce in agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. I was happy to sign on to co-sponsor these bills.
“Oregon’s agriculture, forestry, and natural resource industries are the backbone of our economy, but they need a skilled workforce to remain strong,” said Senator Nash. “These bills ensure students have access to the education, industry connections, and instructors they need to succeed. By expanding dual credit programs, ensuring students get recognized for hands-on learning, and investing in future educators, we are building a pipeline for the next generation of leaders in these critical fields.”
Expanding Access to Dual Credit & Career Pathways: SB 784 & SB 786
· SB 784 expands Oregon’s dual credit programs to include agriculture, forestry, and natural resource courses, allowing high school students—particularly in rural areas—to earn college credit while preparing for careers in foundational industries.
· SB 786 ensures students receive academic credit at public colleges and universities for participating in Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) like Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Future Natural Resource Leaders (FNRL).
Ensuring Qualified Educators for High School Agriculture & Natural Resource Programs: SB 785
· SB 785 establishes the Agriculture Education Scholarship Program, covering tuition for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry, and natural resource education, provided they commit to teaching in rural communities after graduation.
Senate Bills 784, 785, and 786 work together to ensure students have access to industry-relevant coursework, scholarship support for aspiring educators, and academic credit for hands-on leadership experiences.
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Tax season is in full swing and Oregon Dept of Revenue is offering resources that may be helpful to you!
Where’s My Refund? tool improved for 2025
Taxpayers who want to check the status of their Oregon state income tax refund will find more information available this year when they use the Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool.
For the 2025 tax season, Where’s My Refund? has been upgraded to provide:
· Additional detail about refund status.
· Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return.
· Website enhancements for improved customer experience.
Which of Oregon’s free electronic tax filing options fits you best?
A variety of free electronic-filing options are available to Oregon taxpayers, including the new combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
While the free filing options have some income and other limitations, most Oregon taxpayers are eligible to file electronically at no cost using one of the free file options that can be found on the Department of Revenue website. Or follow the guide in this news release.
Free help filing Oregon tax returns
Taxpayers that don’t have a computer or need one-on-one help also have options for electronic filing. AARP Tax-Aide, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, MFS-CASH Oregon, and the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes offer in person and drop off services for tax preparation by trained volunteers. Learn more on Revenue’s Get free help filing your taxes webpage.
Thousands of taxpayers have filed state returns with Direct File Oregon
The newest free electronic filing option is the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Almost 5,000 taxpayers have used Direct File Oregon to file their state income tax returns. Almost 2,000 of those state returns were filed in combination with federal returns filed with IRS Direct File.
More information about Direct File is available on the Revenue website. Videos are also available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
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Country Wide REAL ID requirement deadline!
The federal REAL ID deadline is just over two months away. A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or ID card that meets federal security requirements set by the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Starting May 7, anyone 18 years and older must present a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative – like a passport, passport card or military ID – to board a flight within the U.S. or access certain federal facilities.
As the deadline comes closer, we are seeing greater demand and longer lines at DMV offices across the state. If you plan on flying within the U.S. anytime in the future and you don’t have a passport or other acceptable ID, consider upgrading to the REAL ID option. It takes about three weeks to get your REAL ID card in the mail, so build that into your timeline before booking any flights.
While DMV offers many services online, you must get a REAL ID at a DMV office. You can make an appointment online or visit a DMV office near you without an appointment. You need to bring original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, home address (two different documents) and lawful status in the U.S. DMV offers a document guide to help you determine what to bring. You also have to provide your Social Security number or proof you are not eligible for one. Your current legal name must be on file with the Social Security Administration.
The REAL ID option costs an additional $30 above regular issuance fees every time you apply for an original, renewal or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card. Learn more about REAL ID at Oregon.gov/REALID.
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Visitors at the Capitol
It was great to see so many advocates for Oregon trails!
There are some familiar Tillamook County faces here – Karen Matthews, Wheeler City Councilor (second from left) and Mary McGinnis, Rockaway Beach City Councilor (third from right.)
Join me today for our latest episode of From the District (from the Capitol) where we discuss a number of contentious bills that are working their way through the House and Senate.
Click here to listen on SoundCloud or watch on YouTube.
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Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716 District Phone: 503-300-4493
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-405, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.SuzanneWeber@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/weber/