Senator David Brock Smith interview: Taxes, price hikes, 2nd Amendment …

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

We had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Oregon State Senator David Brock Smith of Senate District 1. We focused on his perspective on this year’s legislative cycle, beginning with the most critical issues that legislators must address. Sen. Smith highlighted that significant issues this cycle includes addiction treatment, housing, and homelessness. In addition, the growing affordability crisis within the State, exacerbated by the increased tax burden in the Portland metro region, which is among the highest taxed areas in the nation, is comparable to that of New York. Sen. Smith commented that Curry County has approximately half the median income, but noted that “the tax burden falls to all Oregonians outside of Portland as well.”

Oregonians see their purchasing power shrink.

Due to the excessive tax burden affecting all Oregonians, which diminishes the purchasing power for everyday goods, especially for those outside the Portland metro area, “the cost of goods and services is higher. If you think about that apple grown in Hood River, or a pear grown in Hood River that you buy at the Fred Meyer there, it costs less for those folks in Portland than it does in Brookings because of the added transportation costs associated with it.”

Witnessing drop in long-term rentals

The Senator also discussed the ongoing housing crisis within the State and how it is affecting coastal Oregonians very hard. He blamed rent control measures enacted by the State, stating, “Rent control has stifled the building of new homes in this state… and they’re doubling down on rent control in this legislative session.” Sen. Smith commented that due to current policies, long-term rentals on the coast have declined significantly. As a result, properties have transitioned to short-term vacation rentals to generate sufficient capital for maintenance and upkeep.

The rise of political for-profit non-profits

The discussion of the rental market transitioned into a broader conversation about housing prices in general, and the Governor is focusing on low-income housing. However, we asked, ‘Single-family home prices are still very high; is the government doing anything to address this situation?’ The Senator’s answer was no. Senator Smith blames Governor Kotek and Oregon Democrats for funneling resources into what the Senator calls “political for-profit nonprofits” that don’t create housing but create jobs within those nonprofits, resulting in wasted resources and an insufficient number of houses to address the housing crisis. Senator Smith commented that Governor Kotek aimed to create over 36,000 housing units, but he believes the actual number is barely over 11,000.

SB 500: tax credit for home builders

Senator Smith is also working on a bill, SB 500, which seeks to provide a tax credit for home builders and incentivize builders to construct in counties with less than 125,000 people. The Senator emphasized that this tax incentive will aid development by providing housing for hardworking individuals needing decent homes and supporting workers and businesses in rural counties. The Senator noted that this bill is a battle with Democrats who control the state government and do not favor providing tax credits “unless it’s for chip manufacturers or something that provides jobs in the metro area of Portland and urban areas, leaving rural Oregon struggling.”

Alert over 50% increases in fuel costs

We asked Senator Smith if he was worried about any undesirable taxes that might emerge from the session. The Senator expressed concern about a 50% increase in fuel costs, rising payroll taxes, and several aspects of the Democrats’ proposed transportation package. The Senator added, “I’m very concerned about the implementation of the Governor’s Climate Protection Program that was done via administrative rule. I feel that it’s unconstitutional, of course, to do it via administrative rule… an environmental for-profit, nonprofit slush fund that is unregulated.”

Positive action in the Legislature

Senator Smith highlighted some positive notes from this session, including the protection of property rights by Republicans within the State, as well as a significant victory with the repeal of the Wildfire Maps, thanks to SB 83, which has passed the Senate and is currently in the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment.

Concerns over Second Amendment attacks

Despite the positives, the Senator is also concerned about attacks on Oregonians’ Second Amendment rights, thanks to bills such as SB 243, which Republicans are working to terminate in the Senate. He also commented on the House side, expressing concern about House Bills 3075 and 3076, calling the two bills “Measure 114 on steroids.”

As the interview concluded, we asked the Senator, ‘What is something that you experienced or learned at the Capitol, dealing with the legislative cycle, and how it all works?’ Senator Smith commented that every legislator approaches the process differently, and he spends much of his off time sending email blasts to inform constituents. Relationships are very important in the legislative process; as the Senator put it “Relationships are critically important in this building to get things done, and, frankly, to stop bad things from happening.” He also remarked that staying true to protecting his constituents while adhering to conservative principles and acting respectfully as a proper statesman is crucial.

Best day at the Capitol

Our final question was, “What is your favorite day in the Capitol?” he said it was the day he was sworn in in 2017 as a State Representative with his parents right next to him. It holds a very important place in his heart as Senator Smith’s father passed away in December 2024.