CORVALLIS – Representative Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) will be transitioning into a new leadership role as Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means during the upcoming 2019 legislative session, a position making Rayfield one of the state’s chief budget writers.
Rayfield is no stranger to working with state budgets. As a freshman legislator in 2015, Rayfield served as Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources and was an integral part of shoring up a $40 million budget shortfall for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. During the 2017 session, Rayfield was one of several legislators who helped to shore up a $900 million budget shortfall to fund Oregon’s Medicaid program as Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services. In Rayfield’s new role as Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means he will develop and oversee the state’s budget for the 2019-21 biennium.
“Throughout my time in the legislature I’ve had the opportunity to help make a difference in balancing and setting Oregon’s budget,” said Rayfield. “While there will undoubtedly be many challenges along the way, I look forward to continuing to make budgetary decisions that will help Oregon remain a wonderful place to work, live, and raise a family.”
Because of Rayfield’s new role writing the state’s budget, he will be introducing a limited number of bills in the upcoming session. Rayfield plans to continue prioritizing legislation centered around lessening the impact of big money in politics, exposing dark money in politics, improving election equity and integrity, and reforming ethics and accountability. In addition to these priorities, Rayfield will also champion legislation regarding topics raised by constituents. Bills focused on improving the effectiveness of the Oregon Opportunity Grant, implementing a organ donation education program, and expanding Corvallis’ plastic bag ban statewide will be introduced.
“By focusing on critical issues such as campaign finance reform, strengthening our education system, and election integrity, I am confident that we can continue moving Oregon forward in the right direction,” Rayfield said.
The legislature meets annually, with a longer six-month long session in odd numbered years. The 2019 legislative session will begin on January 22nd, 2019.
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