Rep. Andy Olson announces plans to retire from Oregon Legislature

By In the news
In: 2018 Election, OR 79th Legislative Session
Tuesday February 27, 2018

By Oregon House Republicans

Salem, Ore. – Representative Andy Olson (R-Albany) announced today that he will not seek re-election to the Oregon House in 2018. Rep. Olson has devoted nearly 44 years of public service to the State of Oregon, including 29 years with the Oregon State Police and 14 years as a member of the Oregon House.

While serving in the House of Representatives, he held the positions of Co-Speaker Pro-Tempore, House Republican Leader, Deputy Leader and Whip. Currently, he serves as Vice Chair of three committees: Judiciary, Human Services and Housing and Joint Transportation. Rep. Olson said “There are many committees I have enjoyed, but Judiciary and Human Services are my favorites.  My heart has a soft spot for helping and protecting others and that’s what these committees are all about.”

His favorite session was when the House was at 30-30 and there was co-governance. “There was great synergy that session and a great attitude of working together for the good of all Oregonians,” he said.

Rep. Olson has been known for working across party lines to bring forth commonsense legislation. His expertise on criminal justice issues has been a tremendous asset to the Legislature. Rep. Olson has many legislative accomplishments, including:

  • Created a highway memorial program for Fallen Heroes and Fallen Law Enforcement
  • Worked on key legislation to bring transportation funds to Albany for the Millersburg project hoping to bring back hundreds of jobs where the old International Paper site was once located
  • Advocated for foster kids and parents, passing key legislation regarding foster rights
  • Passed legislation to allow Pacific Islanders equal healthcare rights
  • Worked on critical marijuana legislation to best implement legalized marijuana through regulation
  • Reformed public assistance programs by bringing accountability to food stamp fraud
  • Advocated to increase funding for mental health
  • Created new legislation to protect teachers from voyeurism and “upskirting”
  • Expanded tobacco statute to better protect youth by banning minors from purchasing E-cigarettes
  • Brought clarity to the window tinting law upon constituent request
  • Reformed the habitual offender driving law upon constituent request
  • Passed legislation to create a better customized care system in the hospitals when discharging mental health patients
  • Brought clarity and consistency to the distracted driving law
  • Sponsored key DUII legislation, making our highways safer
  • Crafted HB 3194 (2013) that relates to the Justice Reinvestment Initiative
  • Reformed the Civil and Criminal Asset Forfeiture laws HB3457 (2005)

“It truly has been a privilege and an honor to serve the people of HD 15 and all of Oregon,” Rep. Olson concluded. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity.  I have tried to work for all my constituents regardless of party.  It has been an honor of a lifetime serving as your State Representative.”

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