Senate GOP: Kudo to Kotek over ending remote worker mis-spending tax $$

Senate Republican Leader Thanks Governor for Joining Efforts to End Travel Reimbursement Policy for Fully Remote Work
By Oregon Senate Republican Office,

SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Governor announced that the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will end its travel reimbursement policy for remote work effective September 1, 2023.

In August 2022, Willamette Week published a story which highlighted a DAS policy allowing state employees to work remotely while living in states with no income tax, and having their travel reimbursed by taxpayers. In response, Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) introduced SB 853A, effectively ending the policy. It passed unanimously in the Senate in early March and was scheduled for a public hearing in the House tomorrow.

“Sponsored by all 30 Senators and over half of the House, SB 853A is not only bipartisan, but the right thing to do. I appreciate the Governor joining us in our effort to end this unfair and wasteful policy,” said Knopp.

“I appreciate Leader Knopp’s leadership and ongoing commitment to protecting Oregon taxpayers,” added Deputy Leader Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City).

“Kudos to Nigel Jaquiss at Willamette Week for his solid, award-winning investigative journalism in bringing this issue to light in the first place,” concluded Knopp.