Central Oregon lawmakers form bipartisan caucus, lay out priorities for current legislative session
Barney Lerten
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.