Episode Transcript
[00:00:03] Speaker A: Hello, Oregonians, and welcome to Life and Legislation with Lucetta. If you've ever wanted to get to know your politicians personally or understand what it is they are actually doing, then you're in the right place. I'm your podcast host, Jessica Campbell.
[00:00:17] Speaker B: I'm your state representative for House District 24, Lucetta Elmer.
[00:00:21] Speaker A: This podcast is a place for you to get to know Representative Elmer both personally and professionally.
[00:00:27] Speaker B: We want Oregonians to feel connected with and educated politics. So we're so glad you've joined us on a fresh new podcast adventure, as we cover all things about life and legislation.
[00:00:41] Speaker A: Hey, Oregonians, and thank you for tuning in to this episode of Life and Legislation with Lucetta. It seems like it's summer and it should be quiet, but there's always stuff going on head. I'm so glad again you've made time to do this. So how are you? How was your morning? What's going on? And then we'll dive into a few things that are going on this week in Oregon.
[00:00:59] Speaker B: Yes, absolutely. My morning started out so semi normal, up at 5, getting ready to do the workout thing. And I had my day planned. And then, you know, life happens. And I went over and helped my daughter today and watched my grandson. My daughter works. All of the kids work in the family business. We've talked about that. And one of the things that she does every week, which we are also extremely thankful for, is she meal preps for us.
[00:01:26] Speaker A: And how many people is that? I mean, if you count it up, how many people is she meal prepping for?
[00:01:30] Speaker B: I think she's meal prepping for four, eight, I believe.
And then it's three to five meals per person per week, depending on what they want. And yeah, so anyways, it's, it's a perk for sure.
You know, she went through the amazing culinary program of McMinnville High School, and I think that program is so wonderful. I'm certainly blessed by it because her cooking skills are, are a reflection of that program and not her mama. So I appreciate McMinnville High School's culinary program.
[00:02:03] Speaker A: Good job, Mac High. Yeah. Well, I'm sure some of us might want to wonder how you get signed up for that, but that might be a conversation for another time.
Now we have something really big coming up. I mean, in just a few days, adoption day, and we have a little update on something happening. You want to tell everyone what's going on?
[00:02:21] Speaker B: Yes. I'm so excited. So October 25th, we have said that before, is our first state recognized adoption day here in Oregon. And so to kick off this first year, we will be at Discovery Meadows park and coffee and donuts will be provided from 8:30 until 10 in the morning. And we're just inviting anyone and everyone who wants to stop in, grab a cup of coffee, have a donut, whatever. You know, if adoption has affected you in some way or you're just a supporter or it doesn't matter, but we will be at Discovery Meadows Park Monday, 8:30 to 10. Yeah.
[00:02:56] Speaker A: And this is just a fun, easy, simple kickoff. And like you said, you don't have to have adopted or be adopted to come and just enjoy. It's for everybody in the community because truly, if anyone knows anything about adoption, it takes the entire community. And it is a, it's a huge undertaking and it is a great blessing and it's beautiful and it's all of the things and we want to celebrate and honor that. And you've shared your adoption story and I know there's several others that have had adoption stories to share and I think they're all planning on coming. And it's just a hangout. It's just to enjoy the beautiful morning park and have coffee and donuts. And as we've talked about in the previous episode, in coming years, we just want to grow it and grow it all over the state and have celebrations and hear more stories across the board.
So in addition to what's going on with, you know, getting ready to celebrate Adoption Day, you and your chief of staff, Jessica, have these opportunities to go and visit different places, businesses, organizations and talk to constituents all throughout your interim. You're technically supposed to be off, right?
But as we've said, that is not how you view this job. You, you take it very seriously and you want to take your time and reach out and actually hear from people and places. Did you have any visits this week or in the most in the last few weeks?
[00:04:14] Speaker B: Oh, yes, yes, yes. Every week we do. And you're right. I mean, the interim really does have a purpose. And it is, you know, for many legislators who have other careers because the legislative job isn't full time nor does it pay a living wage. So most legislators have another job or they are retired. So the interim is a chance to go back and work, which that happens for me as well. But it also is a chance to, like you said, hear from your constituents and kind of, you know, get your finger on the pulse of, of the district to see what are the hot topics or what are just topics that are ongo that constituents are frustrated with or need help with. And then finally, it's also a great time to work on policy. And policy is usually driven out of an issue, an experience that didn't turn out right or that brought forth revelation on how well this doesn't make sense. Why do we do it this way? You know, and so then that's a good time to dig in and do the research that you need to do in or if you're going to have policy that gets across the finish line when we go back to session. So yesterday we did a. A trip with McMinnville Water and Light, and I invited some other legislators down to my district. I should say down, up and over, depending on where they were coming from. And I. I primarily targeted senators and representatives that are on our energy committees because Oregon is very heavy into renewable energy, climate protection. We have a lot of mandates, a lot of hoops, a lot of regulations put upon steer us in a direction that Oregon legislators have felt is the best way to move forward. And I don't disagree that we need to be conscious of our environment and that we need to try to be the best stewards that we can.
But what I was trying to do in inviting people yesterday on this tour was to shed light on maybe another aspect of this topic that legislators don't always hear or think about.
So I am a business owner. We've talked about that. And a lot of my Republican colleagues are business owners. And just by whatever, a lot of my Democrat colleagues are not. So a lot of times, since they're the majority party and they're shaping policy, I think they're looking at it from, you know, the outcome.
They're wanting to hit this goal, and they see the outcome of what it could be. And so then that is what's driving it forward. And there's nothing wrong with that. Of course. We all do that to a certain extent. But sometimes they find that looking at things from a business perspective, especially policy, has merit because there is something in knowing that there is responsibility in the money aspect. McMinnville Water and Light is such a blessing for this district. They. They are not tied to the city. They are independent. They've been in existence since the 1800s.
[00:07:26] Speaker A: Oh, wow.
[00:07:27] Speaker B: They have stewarded their watershed in such a resourceful way. They have 6,400 acres. They do sustainable timber harvesting every year that they can. And I think they average about $3 million a year off of that timber harvest, which 100% goes to offset the cost that you and I and all the other rate payers pay.
[00:07:49] Speaker A: Yeah. So that Was one thing when we first moved to Oregon and we landed in McMinnville that everyone was so surprised, including, it's like, oh my gosh, our electric bill, our water bill is so much less than we thought it was going to be. And I remember learning that there was kind of this whole program, wonderful thing in place that kept it low. Now maybe jumping the gun here, but am I correct in hearing that the, maybe the deal with the water and light might be coming to a close or that rates might be going up? Is there any information on that?
[00:08:19] Speaker B: Yes, I think what you're referring to is the contract with Bonneville, which is, you know, where we get our power. That contract is coming to a close, I think within the next year and just needs to be renegotiated, which I'm assuming is probably a normal every so often thing that happens. But it's not going to be a huge increase. I think they were talking, you know, less than 4 or 5%, which will still keep us among the lowest rates in the state. Right now, I believe we're second to the lowest in the state for our water and power.
So, you know, the thing is, is with our electric, a lot of our businesses that we have here, they come to McMinnville. They choose to come here because of those rates. So the other part of the tour yesterday was at the steel mill and they pay, it was in the millions. Maybe one, I can't remember now, it was over a million dollars a month is their electric bill, which obviously they're melting, you know, steel.
[00:09:20] Speaker A: So it takes a lot of power.
[00:09:21] Speaker B: And we did a tour and it was a very hot furnace. So that made a lot of sense, but that was why they came here. And one of the points that they made was just how, you know, they have worked so hard to go even beyond what Oregon is asking of so many of these businesses to be in compliance. And Cascade Steel Mill, they are like almost at like a zero net carbon. I mean they're just, they're great. They're doing such a good job, but it comes with a cost. And you know, one of the points they made was that they had been hopeful that the people that were buying their product would care that, you know, they're doing all of these wonderful things for our environment. And they were like, they simply don't. It's. It's a commodity based business. And you know, while that is a feel good and there's, like I said, there's merit in, in doing things that are going to help our environment, but there is a point where we go too far and we actually hurt our business. And what you're getting for the ask, it doesn't line up. And so we're seeing businesses leave the state. And that's. That's part of why we're in a negative business decline, in my belief that. And the regulatory requirements that we put on business. So yesterday's field trip was really good. I mean, it was great to actually walk through and see some of these businesses and how laws that we're passing are affecting them in their daily lives in real time.
[00:10:48] Speaker A: Right?
[00:10:48] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:10:48] Speaker A: Something in theory and practice.
[00:10:51] Speaker B: Yeah. And.
[00:10:51] Speaker A: And you probably get to see that on. On both ends, right? I mean, sure. There's the process and there's the product.
[00:10:56] Speaker B: Right.
[00:10:57] Speaker A: And part of the reason we have two parties is that they're bringing two different sets of concerns to the table and trying to find a solution that would meet both. How do you take care of a business and take care of the environment?
[00:11:08] Speaker B: Right. Yes, exactly. And then what was also very special Yesterday was that McMinnville Water and Light was there as well. So they told their story first and how they really view McMinnville water and light as a business. They have zero debt, they carry no debt. They actually have a wonderful savings to the tune of about 80 million that they can then use to do to fund their own projects. And they do that every year. You know, they're replacing pipes, they're replacing transmission lines, they're doing things to continue to upgrade and taking care of themselves, which is so wonderful from my perspective as a legislator, because I so often am hearing, you know, we need more help, we need more funds. What can the state give us? And there's a place for that. Sure. But it is refreshing to hear a company that is doing all the things and. And well.
[00:12:03] Speaker A: And then as a customer, you think, oh, well, that means they're not going to pass on all their costs to us.
[00:12:08] Speaker B: Exactly. They don't. They do. That wasn't. Yes, good point. A lot of their projects they try to do in house because it's so much cheaper. We have put so many rules and regulations on our labor with our project labor agreements and prevail wages and all of these things that are required. And so if they can do that in house, you're going to save 30% off the top. So they've done a great job, and it was nice to hear how they handle that. And then also go see a business that's one of their biggest customers and have them talk about how the electric Bill affects them and how the laws that we're passing affect them and just.
[00:12:46] Speaker A: Sort of see the whole package, put it all together.
[00:12:49] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah.
[00:12:50] Speaker A: I mean, I think that's the beauty of hearing people's actual stories. But on either side of the aisle, on any topic, there's the, you know, what's written in print and then there's how does that actually play out in somebody's real life? And sadly, it does seem like once you solve one problem, you might create a different problem for a different person or an organization and it turns into this like game of whack a mole where you're trying to keep fixing things and finding solutions that when they're actually put into practice, into reality, that it is good for everybody, the individual and the group and the environment and the state and. Right, yeah, all of the things.
[00:13:27] Speaker B: Yes, for sure. It's always lining up priorities, you know, and, and those are going to differ based on which party you're talking to. But I was thankful that we had representation from both parties yesterday. I think that's really important. And I truly was thankful to my Democrat colleagues that made the drive down because I just think the more that they really are setting policy right now they are a super majority and the governorship is, is Democrat as well. So they have all the power and control. But for them to willingly say, but we still want to come out and hear what a private business has to say, that's huge. That's huge. Yeah.
[00:14:05] Speaker A: So I know you've done that kind of for the flip side too. You've been invited to go here and see things that maybe are issues that are higher on for the Democrats and the Republicans. Right. But then you as a Republican go sure to hear and list and see for yourself and hear for yourself. And so it's nice when both parties can do that. So when something like this happens and you've got legislators from both sides coming to listen, is there a next step or is it just, okay, we've packed that and filed that away for the next session.
[00:14:36] Speaker B: Yes. So for me, the next step is follow up calls, which I've been doing today just to sort of hear where they're at, you know, what did you think and what do you think your policy goals are for short session and the following long session? Right. Just want to be relevant. And so I want to insert myself into the conversation and so that hopefully my voice will carry when those policies are being crafted.
[00:15:02] Speaker A: Yeah. And I know there's some other people that are hoping to meet with you and they're on the schedule to talk about things and. And all of that. And yesterday I actually got to have lunch with your chief of staff, Jessica, and we were talking about the short session compared to the long session, and that the short session you can only put forward.
Is it two. Two bills per. Per person.
[00:15:25] Speaker B: Per legislature.
[00:15:27] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:15:27] Speaker B: Yeah, we each get two. That's it.
[00:15:29] Speaker A: Okay. And so then during this interim, is everyone kind of like, vying for one of those two spots?
[00:15:36] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, yeah. But people that are familiar with the process understand.
[00:15:43] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:15:43] Speaker B: I mean, short session didn't even used to be that thing. It was. We were on an every other year.
[00:15:50] Speaker A: Oh, okay.
[00:15:51] Speaker B: And then short session, my understanding is it was introduced to have time set aside and dedicated to fix whatever maybe was implemented during the long session, kind of like you said. And then it got implemented, but we didn't quite understand what all of the implications would be, or it got passed. But then, as you see it start to work out, you're like, oh, wait.
[00:16:16] Speaker A: Maybe it needs a tweak.
[00:16:17] Speaker B: Yeah.
So that was sort of the point of short session was to have some time to go back and tweak those things.
It's morphed beyond that. You know, there was some major standalone items that have been passed during a short session, and I don't think they should be. That's not what short session is for.
So if someone comes to me and they're like, man, I really want to, you know, take out our property taxes and redo, you know, whatever, like a mammoth idea like that, like, that's not to be a short session.
[00:16:49] Speaker A: That'll be for the next.
[00:16:50] Speaker B: Correct. January. Right. Of. Of our odd year, because those are our long sessions. But yeah, I. I have some bills that were left, you know, that didn't make it through this last session. And so those are great candidates for what I might bring forward during short sessions since the work's already been done. My colleagues are already familiar with them.
[00:17:12] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:17:12] Speaker B: Some of them maybe didn't make it through because we ran out of time, so something like that.
[00:17:17] Speaker A: Well, that'll be a topic for a future episode when we get to find out what your two bills are. Yes. What might be. Be going through so many more questions, but it. Just to close up this episode pretty soon. You have a special session coming up, Is that correct?
[00:17:32] Speaker B: Next week? Yeah.
[00:17:33] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:17:34] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:17:34] Speaker A: And what's. I mean, is there any expectations of that special session? Can you remind listeners what the topic is and the goal? Maybe.
[00:17:42] Speaker B: Yeah. This is all about transportation, and that's been the hot topic across our state. That was the main topic during long session. And there was a complete expectation that we would pass a transportation package, and we did not. So the governor has called for a special session and that will start next Friday, the Friday leading into Labor Day weekend, which I've already expressed my distaste for that. And Monday the 25th is when there will be a committee hearing to sort of go over the bill that will be before us on Friday, which is sort of odd because usually you don't hear a bill until you've convened in a session, and we're not convening until Friday. So things are a little wonky on, on this special session, but that all of that drama starts next week and I expect that it will go five or six days and we'll be looking at what we can do to untangle the ODOT mess.
[00:18:37] Speaker A: Okay. Yeah. Well, we'll get to hear I guess, a little more about that in the next episode or two and find out.
[00:18:45] Speaker B: All went. Yes. Yes.
[00:18:46] Speaker A: Well, thanks for the update. We look forward to hearing more and, and learning more and just always appreciate your time and all that you're doing and taking time during your interim to listen to your constituents.
[00:18:58] Speaker B: Absolutely. Thanks, Jessica.
[00:19:00] Speaker A: Oregonians thank you for tuning in. We hope you learned a little bit more and come back and join us next time for Life and Legislation with Lucetta.
