Central Oregon lawmakers form bipartisan caucus, lay out priorities for current legislative session
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Legislative priorities for the 2025 Central Oregon Caucus focus on the region's unique needs around economic development, housing, wildfire and transportation, the newly formed caucus said Wednesday.
Caucus co-chairs Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) set out the priorities in the caucus’s inaugural agenda.
The Central Oregon Caucus formed this year, composed of legislators representing parts of Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties and representing a bipartisan, bicameral approach. The caucus will facilitate collaborative policymaking and improve the lives of Central Oregonians.
“Central Oregonians expect and deserve collaboration from public servants,” said Senator Broadman (D-Bend). “This caucus and our priorities center on housing, economic development, and ensuring the middle of our state is a safe, sustainable place to live.”
“Forming the Central Oregon caucus is an important first step. It allows legislators representing the region to speak with a united voice,” said Representative Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “For far too long, decision-making in Salem has been dominated by more populous regions of the state. Central Oregonians deserve the strongest possible representation.”
Top Priorities Include:
Economic Development
- CORE3: Statewide Emergency Response and Training Center
- House Bill 2411: Helps fund industrial land projects
- Collaborating with local organizations to grow local businesses and fully leverage state funding for economic development
Housing and Community Services
- Removing regulatory barriers to housing development
- Prioritizing housing infrastructure
- Funding for a new Pediatric Mental Health Care Facility for youth east of the Cascades
Wildfire and Natural Resources
- House Bill 3135: Managing juniper growth
- Senate Bill 83: Addressing challenges with wildfire maps and strengthening recovery planning
- House Bill 3349 and House Bill 3350: Supporting Rangeland Fire Protection Agencies
Transportation
- Investing in rural roadways
- Winter road safety
- Maintaining bridge infrastructure
The Central Oregon Legislative Caucus is co-chaired by Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). Members include Representative Jason Kropf (D-Bend), Representative Emerson Levy (D-Bend), Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner), Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), Senator Diane Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls), Representative Mark Owens (R-Crane), Senator Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), and Senator Todd Nash (R-Enterprise).
The caucus meets regularly to keep Central Oregon constituents front and center in Salem.
