Representative Mark Owens

06/19/2026

Legislature Approves Funds For Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund

During June Legislative Days, the Emergency Board voted to allocate an additional $1 million to the Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund (WARRF).

The governor approved drought emergency status for more counties this week. Now, seventeen counties have declared droughts, and more are likely to follow.

The WARRF program was initially issued in 2021 to assist Oregonians experiencing issues with well water supply, but funds were predicted to run out this month. Because the E-board was able to replenish these funds, grants (up to $40,000) will continue to be available for homeowners who need to deepen their wells that are drying due to extended drought conditions.

If you have a well on your property and are experiencing water supply issues, visit owrd.info/drywell or contact my office for further assistance.

An official website of the State of Oregon Learn How you know » (how to identify a Oregon.gov website) An official website of the State of Oregon »

06/16/2026

Great news for Baker County! The Baker County Library District is now lending Oregon State Parks day-use permits, giving more residents the opportunity to enjoy Oregon’s incredible outdoor spaces. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this program to our community. Take advantage of this great resource and get outside to explore! 🌲📚🏞️

BAKER CITY – (Press Release from Baker County Library Director Perry Stokes) Baker County Library ...Read More

06/05/2026

Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley described it as a "mooo-ving" display 🐄🐮🤠.

JOHN DAY – The Grant Union Senior Class successfully pulled off their senior prank on ...Read More

05/28/2026

On Saturday, June 13, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center will be at Geiser-Pollman Park for Oregon Trail Days.

Starting at 10am there will be free family-friendly fun, including crafts, games, storytelling, historic demonstrations, food trucks, wagon rides, and music.

Activities will conclude at 4pm, but the fun goes on with a musical performance with Powder River Music R***e from 4pm to 6pm.

05/26/2026

Farming, ranching, forestry, and fishing come with long hours, financial pressure, isolation, and stresses most people never see. Recent reporting showed su***de rates among Oregon’s farming, fishing, and forestry workers are far higher than the state average.

https://www.wweek.com/news/state/2026/05/25/oregon-su***de-rates-for-farming-fishing-and-forestry-workers-are-five-times-the-state-average/

That’s why resources like the AgriStress Helpline matter.

The AgriStress Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 support line specifically for Oregon’s agricultural, forestry, and fishing communities. Call or text 833-897-2474 anytime to talk with someone who understands the unique challenges facing rural Oregon.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Learn more through the OSU Extension AgriStress Helpline for Oregon
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/agristress-helpline-oregon

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today, and we owe a lasting debt of gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to the families who continue to carry that loss.

Across House District 60, communities will gather to recognize and remember our fallen service members. I encourage everyone to take part in those local traditions of remembrance and gratitude.

Wishing you and your family a safe Memorial Day weekend.

05/21/2026

Even though we are between legislative sessions, the work of representing Eastern Oregon never really slows down. Over the past several months, I’ve continued meeting with local leaders, community organizations, producers, emergency responders, educators, and residents across our district. Those conversations are critical. They help shape the policies we pursue in Salem and ensure that the priorities of rural Oregon continue to have a strong voice at the state level.

read more in my latest newsletter

Serving Eastern Oregon Year-Round Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 05/21/2026 09:04 AM PDT Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.To contact me, please click here: [email protected] Spring Interim Newsletter Dear Friends, With the Primary Election....

05/19/2026

Polls close at 8PM tonight and results will start rolling in shortly after.

Be sure to follow along as Oregonians make their voices heard in races across the state — every vote matters, and some elections will come down to just a handful of ballots.

Track live election results here: https://results.oregonvotes.gov/

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and stay engaged in the future of our communities and our state.

05/18/2026

Tomorrow is Election Day, and time is running out to return your ballot.

If you plan to mail your ballot, do not leave it in your mailbox. You must take it directly to the post office and have it postmarked at the counter by May 19.

The safest option is to return your ballot to an official drop box before 8:00 PM tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19.

Find your nearest ballot drop box here:
https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/drop-box-locator.aspx

Every vote matters. Make your plan today and be sure your voice is heard.

The Oregon Secretary of State works to maximize voter participation, is a watchdog for public spending, makes it easier to do business in Oregon, and preserves and promotes Oregon history.

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Nyssa student Lizbeth Pascacio on winning the statewide ODOT billboard contest. It’s always great to see students from Eastern Oregon recognized for their creativity and hard work.

A big thank you as well to the teachers, parents, and community members who encourage and support these opportunities for our kids. Proud to see Nyssa represented so well across the state.

Nyssa Student Wins Statewide ODOT Billboard Contest

Nyssa student Lizbeth Pascacio Sotelo was recently chosen as the winner of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Billboard Design Contest.
Sotelo’s design “Slow Down It’s Not Just A Job It’s A Life” was the top selection and will be splashed across billboards in four or more locations across the state beginning this month.
The contest encouraged students to create designs that promote work zone safety and remind drivers to slow down and stay alert.
“We had submissions from Bend, K-Falls, Pendleton, Hermiston, and more, which I think makes it even more rewarding for your class to have a first-place selection two years in a row,” said John Hickey of the Asphalt and Paving Association of Oregon.
Last year, Nyssa student Fatima Hernandez Lopez won the contest.