Legislative Update: May 27, 2025
As the legislative session moves into it’s final five weeks, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce continues to take action on bills in their policy agenda, opposing those that create unnecessary barriers to business and supporting others that promote a healthy economy.
This week, much of the action will take place behind closed doors. Policy committees are closed, with the exception of Joint Ways and Means Committee, Joint Tax Expenditures, and Joint Transportation Reinvestment, as well as the House and Senate Rules Committees and House and Senate Revenue Committees.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK: SB 426 – General Contractor Liability; SB 916 – Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers
**Please note that scheduled hearings, sessions, and votes are all subject to change. The Springfield Chamber will work to update information as changes occur.**
ACTION ALERT!
General Contractor Liability (SB 426)
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has voiced its OPPOSITION to Senate Bill 426, citing concerns over unintended consequences for businesses, contractors and workers.
Recently, the House committee narrowed the bill down to apply to only commercial and residential projects with six or more residential or commercial units on a single tract.
The comment period is now closed on the bill, so OSCC recommends all communication will need to be directed to individual legislators – specifically all House Democrats and Republican Greg Smith (R-Heppner).
ACTION ALERT!
Unemployment Insurance for
Striking Workers (SB 916)
The Springfield Chamber has identified Senate Bill 916 as one of the most important labor bills in the current session, and therefore has submitted testimony OPPOSING the bill.
OSCC is expecting a House vote on this issue as early as Thursday. The comment period is now closed on the bill, so OSCC recommends all communication will need to be directed to individual legislators.
KEY POLICY UPDATES: Tracking our 2025 Legislative Priorities
Legislative developments impacting the Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Policy Agenda, are unfolding.
Clean Lane Land Use Preemption Bill
(HB 3971)
The Springfield Chamber has added House Bill 3971 to their list of bills to OPPOSE.
HB 3971 would allow Lane County to approve land use applications for the development of mixed-waste processing facilities on specified lands, overriding local discretionary review. The bill includes an emergency clause, making it effective immediately upon passage. The Chamber’s concerns with the project encompass potential economic impacts, including increased costs to residential and commercial consumers.
Read the Springfield Chamber’s letter of OPPOSITION to the bill here.
Transportation Package Updates
While much of the negotiations on Oregon’s Transportation Package are occurring privately, a memo released last week sheds some light on the status of these conversations.
The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce notes the language in the memo related to the Climate Protection Plan (CPP) may show some hope of replacing the CPP with a more business-friendly program, but it remains to be seen. The OSCC also notes “It is unlikely that Democrats would be able to muster the necessary votes to support a Transportation Package, with its associated taxes, without major concessions to Republicans and Republican votes. So OSCC is watching the development of this package carefully.”
GET ENGAGED: Help the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce build a thriving business climate
Beyond our formal policy agenda, we’re monitoring workforce, education, and community issues that impact Springfield.
Springfield Chamber President and CEO Speaks during Fiscal Stability Taskforce Report
During its May 19 work session, the Springfield City Council received the final report from the Mayor’s Fiscal Stability Task Force, a Technical Advisory Committee formed to help address Springfield’s growing budget gap and long-term fiscal challenges.
The Task Force, convened in January by Mayor Sean VanGordon, included 12 members from business, education, nonprofit, and civic sectors, including the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Vonnie Mikkelsen. Over nine weeks, the group examined City’s finances and developed nine recommendations aimed at sustaining essential public services.
Watch the full work session here, with remarks from Vonnie Mikkelsen beginning at 00:37:19.
Add your voice to the
Business Climate Survey
The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses. Business decision makers are surveyed to identify emerging issues that may be addressed by the Springfield Chamber. Aggregate data will be shared with community stakeholders, elected officials, and used by the Chamber for developing our advocacy and program priorities. Include your email at the end of the survey to receive a copy of the final results. Your name and organization will remain confidential.
Take the National Business Leaders Survey
The National Association of State Chambers, in collaboration with the Siena College Research Institute, is inviting business leaders to share their voices through the National Business Leaders Survey. This survey is open to businesses of any size and in any industry. This survey is designed to gather real insights into how businesses are feeling about today’s economic climate — both across the country and right here in Oregon.
Take the survey here: http://www.siena.edu/scri/NASC2025
The deadline to complete the survey is June 30th.
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is monitoring all this legislation closely as part of its advocacy for policies that support a stable and predictable business environment. The Chamber will continue advocating for policies that support a strong, competitive business environment in Springfield and beyond. Stay tuned for updates in The Bottom Line.
- View Oregon State Chamber of Commerce’s updates in their newsletter from Tuesday, May 27 here.
- Read Oregon Business and Industry’s Capitol Connect newsletter from Tuesday, May 27 here.
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a trusted convener and provider of business resources. They recognize the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provide an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. They advocate for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members. Learn more about the Chamber’s Business Advocacy work.
