Oregon Governor Kate Brown

900 Court Street, Suite 254

503-378-4582

About the Governor:

On November 8, 2022, Tina Kotek made history along with Maura Healey of Massachusetts, becoming the first openly lesbian governors elected in American history.

Throughout Tina’s professional career as an advocate for those in need, she has carried the value of service instilled in her by her parents to get real results for Oregonians.

Tina’s grandparents came from Eastern Europe in the early part of the last century to find opportunity and a better life. Her parents were proud first-generation Americans. They believed in hard work, being informed citizens, and encouraging their children to follow their dreams.

Tina moved to Oregon from the East Coast in 1987, and fell in love with the beauty of the state and the openness of the people. She finished her undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon, graduating without student debt because of a Pell grant, work study assistance, and affordable tuition.

Tina came out as a lesbian in her early twenties. While it wasn’t always easy, each experience coming out to others strengthened her resilience. While getting her graduate degree, Tina fought for and won domestic partnership rights for faculty and students at the University of Washington.

When Tina returned to Oregon after graduation, she took a job at Oregon Food Bank, attracted to their mission to end hunger, not just feed people. As a person of faith with a belief in the inherent value of everyone, she knew she had found her calling as an advocate for others. Tina continued her advocacy for children when she joined Children First for Oregon as their policy director.

Tina’s experience working at nonprofits on behalf of Oregon’s most vulnerable led her to run for public office and serve in the Oregon Legislature. In her first term, she rewrote the state’s poverty program for low-income families while also playing a key role in making historic progress for the LGBTQ+ community by passing statewide protections and access to benefits.

In 2013, Tina was honored to be elected by her peers to be the Speaker of the House — becoming the nation’s first openly lesbian House Speaker. In nearly a decade leading the Oregon House, she worked tirelessly to expand economic security for more families, combat climate change, and help Oregonians navigate an unprecedented pandemic. In 2022, she made history again, joining Maura Healey of Massachusetts in becoming the first openly lesbian governors elected in American history.

As Governor, Tina will be a leader who puts people first, who prioritizes justice and equity, who brings people together, and who inspires all of us to reach for a better future.

Governor Kotek and her wife Aimee Kotek Wilson, a social worker, have been together for 19 years and have one dog.

Governor Kotek Celebrates Decade of Regional Solutions Program, Resets Advisory Committees

Governor calls on Oregonians to submit applications for advisory committee membership On April 24th, Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Regional Solutions Program being established and recommitting to…

Governor Kotek Announces State Commitment to National Semiconductor Technology Center

Coalition of industry, state and local government, and higher education representatives will coordinate the development of a proposal to the U.S. Department of Commerce On April 22nd, at an event celebrating Intel's plans to invest more than $36…

Governor Kotek Announces Chief of Staff, New Office Leadership

Governor expands executive team and names new Housing and Homelessness Initiative Director On April 18th, Governor Tina Kotek announced Chris Warner as her permanent Chief of Staff and named additional staff to her executive leadership team.…

Governor Kotek Announces Investment in New CHIPS Child Care Fund

$5 million from Oregon CHIPS Act to be allocated to new Child Care Fund On April 17th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that $5 million from the Oregon CHIPS Act will be allocated to the new Oregon CHIPS Child Care Fund created by House Bill 4098,…

Governor Kotek Hosts Signing Ceremony to Commemorate $30 Million for Summer Learning

Legislators and advocates join the Governor at Washington Elementary School in Woodburn to mark the signing of House Bill 4082 On April 17th, Governor Tina Kotek hosted a signing ceremony for House Bill 4082, which legislators passed and the…

Governor Kotek Announces Final Veto Decisions, Signing Letters

Governor provides signing letters for policy and budget bills On April 17th, Governor Tina Kotek provided a full list of signing letters for budget and policy bills from the 2024 legislative session, confirming she will not make any line-item…

Governor Kotek Announces President Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for January Winter Weather Emergency

On April 14th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that President Joe Biden approved her request for a federal major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Act on behalf of the State of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz…

Got Your Waterway Access Permit?

The Oregon State Marine Board’s Waterway Access Permit Program has entered the fifth year of implementation; however, compliance is still low compared to other boating requirements. In 2019, the Oregon Legislature approved the waterway…

Governor Kotek Issues Notice of Potential Vetoes

The notice relates to budget items in Senate Bill 1530 and Senate Bill 5701 Salem, OR – On April 8th, pursuant to Article V, section 15b, of the Oregon Constitution, Governor Tina Kotek provided notice to the Legislature that she is…

Governor Kotek Hosts Signing Ceremony to Commemorate Historic Campaign Finance Reform Bill

Today, Governor Tina Kotek hosted a signing ceremony for House Bill 4024,* which legislators passed and the Governor signed this year to establish campaign contribution limits. “Often, the word ‘historic’ can feel overused. But I…

Oregon Commission for Women Announces 2024 Women of Achievement Awardees

Today, the Oregon Commission for Women (OCFW) announced the following recipients of their annual Women of Achievement Awards 2024: Sarah Koski, Emerging Leader Award; Solome Mekbib, Professional Achievement Award; Liani Reeves, Lifetime…

OACO Presents Interim Health Equity Report to the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care

Mika Ingram, Health Equity Team Lead, delivered an informational update to highlight key pieces of the HB 4052 interim report, submitted in late 2023, to the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care at the State Capitol. Joined by…

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor and Remembrance of Allen, Texas Victims

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff immediately in honor and remembrance of the victims of the horrific tragedy in Allen, Texas. The order is in accordance with a…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Union, Wallowa Counties on One Oregon Listening Tour

Joseph, OR—Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited communities in Union and Wallowa counties as part of the One Oregon Listening Tour on Thursday, May 4 and Friday, May 5. They met with a wide range of leaders, community…

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Sunday, May 7, in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The order is in…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Morrow and Umatilla Counties on One Oregon Tour

Elgin, OR—Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited communities in Morrow and Umatilla counties on Wednesday, May 3, and Thursday, May 4, including stops in Boardman, Echo, Hermiston, and Pendleton. On Wednesday, the…

Governor Kotek Announces Marion County Circuit Court Vacancy

Pendleton, OR—Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Marion County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge David E. Leith. The Governor thanked Judge Leith for his…

Governor Tina Kotek Issues Statement on Secretary of State Shemia Fagan's Resignation

Salem, OR—Today, in response to Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s resignation, Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement: “This morning, Secretary Fagan informed me of her decision to resign. I support this decision.…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Multnomah County on One Oregon Listening Tour

Portland, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited Multnomah County for the ninth stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. “Returning to Multnomah County today provided an opportunity to hear from people…

Governor Kotek Announces Clackamas County Circuit Court Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Clackamas County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Thomas J. Rastetter. The Governor thanked Judge Rastetter…

Governor Kotek Announces Homelessness State of Emergency Funding Agreements Signed

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek and Oregon Housing and Community Services announced that funding contracts for the Homelessness State of Emergency have been signed and funding will start being distributed to the regional multi-agency…

Housing Production Advisory Council Releases Framework for Action Plan

Salem, OR—Today the Housing Production Advisory Council, which Governor Tina Kotek established to ramp up home construction across Oregon, released its next steps for reaching the state’s housing production goals. “Oregonians…

Governor Tina Kotek Requests Expedited Declaration of a Fishery Resource Disaster

Hood River, OR—In response to the recent Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (PFMC) recommendation to close all commercial ocean fisheries for Chinook Salmon from Cape Falcon (on the north Oregon coast) to the California border through…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Action to Protect Access to Mifepristone for Abortion and Miscarriage Management

Salem, OR—As the U.S. Supreme Court delays issuing a decision on a lower-court ruling that would limit access to medication abortion, Governor Kotek today announced that the state of Oregon has partnered with Oregon Health and Science…

Governor Tina Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Wasco and Harney Counties

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Wasco County through Executive Order 23-10, and a drought in Harney County through Executive Order 23-11 and is directing state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to both…

Governor Tina Kotek Marks 100 Days in Office, Urges Legislature to Invest in Housing, Homelessness, Behavioral Health, Education

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek today marked her 100th day in office by highlighting the progress made – and the investments that are needed this session – to deliver on her top three priorities: housing and homelessness, mental…

State Approves Updated Plan for Multnomah County Homelessness Emergency Funding

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that the State has accepted Multnomah County’s updated plan for use of emergency homelessness funding. The plan details how the area will rehouse 275 households and create 140 new shelter…

Governor Tina Kotek Issues Statement in Response to Nyssa Police Department Reserve Officer Line of Duty Fatality

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the death of Nyssa Police Department Reserve Officer Joseph Johnson, who was killed in the line of duty. Officer Johnson was also an Oregon Department of Corrections…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Polk County on One Oregon Listening Tour

Independence, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Polk County for the sixth stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. Governor Kotek traveled to Dallas, Monmouth and Independence to hear diverse perspectives on housing and…

Governor Tina Kotek Signs Oregon CHIPS Act into Law

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 4 – the Oregon CHIPS Act – into law during a ceremonial bill signing after both bills passed with bipartisan support last week. The Governor was joined by lawmakers and…

Governor Kotek Announces Funding Amounts, Specific Local Goals for Homelessness State of Emergency

Portland, OR—Today Governor Tina Kotek announced how much funding each region within Oregon's homelessness state of emergency will receive from the state, as well as the specific outcomes local communities are expected to achieve with the…

Governor Tina Kotek Affirms Coordinated Response to Groundwater Contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin

Salem, OR—In response to the ongoing groundwater contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin, today Governor Tina Kotek reiterated her commitment to coordinating an inter-agency response that includes testing and treatment of affected wells,…

Governor Tina Kotek Issues Statement Condemning Court Ruling in Mifepristone Case

Salem, OR—Today, Tina Kotek issued the following statement in response to the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruling. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed last November by anti-abortion groups in Texas.…

Governor Kotek, U.S. Commerce Secretary Tour Oregon Semiconductor Workforce Programs

Hillsboro, OR—As the Oregon Legislature nears the passage of Senate Bill 4 to maximize federal funds from the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022, Governor Tina Kotek today joined United States…

Oregon State Government to End Pandemic-Era Reimbursement Standards for Remote Work

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) today announced its plan to end reimbursement standards for remote work that were established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reinstated policy, which comes at the direction of…

Governor Tina Kotek Signs Emergency Homelessness Response Package into Law

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bills 5019 and 2001 into law during her first ceremonial bill signing as Governor after both bills passed with bipartisan support last week. The Governor was joined by lawmakers and advocates…

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of the Victims and Survivors of the Nashville School Shooting

Salem, OR—Today, in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation ordering the lowering of flags to half-staff, Governor Tina Kotek ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset March 31 to honor the…

Governor Tina Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Grant and Deschutes Counties

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought in Grant and Deschutes counties through Executive Order 23-08, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. Both counties have portions of extreme drought…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Lincoln County on One Oregon Listening Tour

Lincoln City, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Lincoln County for the fifth stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. Governor Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson participated in four activities to hear diverse…

Governor Tina Kotek Responds to Co-Chairs Budget

Corvallis, OR—I appreciate the co-chairs’ thoughtful approach in developing this budget framework. We share a mission-focused vision: rather than scores of new programs, we need to prioritize investments that will deliver meaningful…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Benton County on One Oregon Listening Tour

Corvallis, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Benton County for the fourth stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. Governor Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson participated in three sessions with community members to…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Columbia County on One Oregon Listening Tour

St. Helens, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Columbia County on the third stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. Governor Kotek participated in three community conversations on the topics of education, mental health and…

Governor Tina Kotek Commends Legislature for Passing Affordable Housing And Emergency Homelessness Response Package

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement commending the Oregon Legislature for passing bipartisan legislation to address the state’s housing and homelessness crisis, including the urgent funding she proposed in response to…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Malheur County Included in Homelessness State of Emergency

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that Malheur County meets the criteria to be included in the Homelessness State of Emergency she declared on her first day in office, January 10, 2023. “Malheur County has an overwhelming…

60 Highlights from the First 60 Days: Governor Tina Kotek Marks Two Months in Office

Salem, OR—Today, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced 60 highlights of her administration to mark her first 60 days on the job. Governor Kotek and her team have hit the ground running to work on delivering results that will improve the…

Governor Kotek Appoints Dave Baden as Interim Director of the Oregon Health Authority

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will be appointing Dave Baden as Interim Director for the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) effective March 17th. Dave Baden is currently OHA’s chief financial officer (CFO) and has a…

Governor Tina Kotek announces Housing Production Advisory Council members

Salem, OR—On her first full day in office, Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order that set an ambitious housing production goal of 36,000 homes per year and established a council of leaders charged with developing an action plan to meet…

Governor Tina Kotek Urges Legislature to Pass $155 Million to Reduce Homelessness Statewide

Salem, OR—Today, in her first legislative testimony since her inauguration, Governor Tina Kotek urged the legislature to pass $155 million to reduce homelessness in all regions of Oregon. On her first full day in office, Governor Kotek…

Governor Kotek Approves $1 Million to Help Small, Mid-Sized Oregon Companies Compete for CHIPS Act Funding

Salem, OR—Oregon is aggressively pursuing opportunities to bring home a portion of the $52 billion for semiconductor manufacturing and research made available under the federal CHIPS and Science Act. To that end, today Governor Tina Kotek…

Governor Kotek Declares State of Emergency in Multnomah County due to Severe Cold Weather

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek today declared a state of emergency in Multnomah County due to ongoing severe cold and inclement weather. This declaration comes at the request of Multnomah County Chair Vega Pederson and is based on the…

Governor Kotek Launches Emergency Response Infrastructure to Implement Homelessness State of Emergency

Salem, OR—In a significant step following her executive order declaring a homelessness state of emergency ( EO 23-02 ), today Governor Tina Kotek kicked off the first meeting of the regional multi-agency group that will support the emergency…

Governor Tina Kotek issues statement in response to first revenue forecast of 2023

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek made the following statement in response to the first state revenue forecast of 2023. “As inflation continues to slow, this revenue forecast shows that we can anticipate having more predictability…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Douglas County on Second Stop of One Oregon Listening Tour

Roseburg, OR—Today Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Douglas County for the second stop of her “One Oregon Listening Tour,” marking the first tour stop since her inauguration. Governor Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek…

Governor Tina Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Crook and Jefferson Counties

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought in Crook and Jefferson counties through Executive Order 23-05 , and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. This is the first drought declaration of 2023. …

Governor Tina Kotek recommends Craig Prins as Interim Director of Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced she is recommending that the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission appoint Craig Prins as interim director. The commission will meet on Wednesday, February 15, to consider this recommendation. …

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Fallen Gresham Firefighter Brandon Norbury

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset February 15 to honor Gresham Firefighter Brandon Norbury, who died after suffering cardiac arrest while on duty.…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Washington, D.C. for National Governors Association Winter Meeting

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2023 Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association, which was held from February 9 to 11 and included meetings with President Joe Biden and Vice President…

Governor Tina Kotek Marks One Month in Office, Repeats Call for Legislative Action on $130 Million Package to Reduce Unsheltered Homelessness

On January 10, 2023, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek marked her first full day in office by signing three executive orders aimed at tackling the state’s housing and homelessness crisis. Today, Governor Kotek reflected on the progress made in her…

Governor Kotek Announces Jackson County Circuit Court Vacancy

Salem , OR—Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Jackson County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Joseph M. Charter. The Governor thanked Judge Charter for…

Governor Tina Kotek Seeks Diverse Membership to Statewide Housing Production Advisory Council

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is accepting applications for her newly created Housing Production Advisory Council. The council was established through an executive order on January 10, the Governor’s first full…

Governor Tina Kotek Releases "Mission Focused" Budget Recommendations

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek unveiled her budget recommendations for the 2023-25 biennium, titled “Mission Focused” because of its focus on three top priorities: building more housing and reducing homelessness; improving…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces New Communications Staff Joining Administration

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced three new staff members who are joining her Communications Team: Elisabeth Shepard joins the administration as the Governor’s new Press Secretary. Shepard brings nearly a decade of…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Details of Urgent $130 Million Budget Package to Reduce Unsheltered Homelessness in 2023

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced details of her urgent request to state lawmakers to invest $130 million toward reducing the number of unsheltered Oregonians in 2023. Currently, there are approximately 18,000 Oregonians…

Governor Kotek Invites Applications to Fill Klamath County District Attorney Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Kotek announced today that she is inviting applications for the position of Klamath County District Attorney, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Eve Costello. Governor Kotek intends to fill the District Attorney…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Coos County Circuit Court Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Coos County Circuit Court created by the elevation of Judge Megan L. Jacquot to the Oregon Court of Appeals. The Governor thanked…

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Victims and Survivors of the Horrific Tragedy in Monterey Park, California

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims and survivors of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on January 21, 2023, in Monterey Park, California.…

Governor Kotek Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Joins East Multnomah County Community Clean Up

Portland, OR—Governor Tina Kotek pledged to take urgent action addressing community safety and livability issues, and in her first week in office, she delivered on multiple fronts. On her first full day, Gov. Kotek declared a homelessness…

Governor Kotek Sends New Expectations to Agency Leaders

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek is launching her new administration by setting ambitious goals for improving customer service and delivering on a focused agenda. Yesterday, she sent a letter to all agency leaders outlining new expectations that…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Key Hires to Lead New Office of Public Administration

Salem, OR—Today Governor Tina Kotek announced key hires who will stand up a new Office of Public Administration within the Governor’s Office. The new office structure aims to strengthen partnerships between Governor Kotek and agency…

Governor Tina Kotek Officially Declares Homelessness State of Emergency, Signs Executive Order to Increase Housing Construction

Salem, OR—[Salem, OR] — On her first full day in office today, Governor Tina Kotek signed three executive orders aimed at tackling the state’s housing and homelessness crisis: setting an ambitious state target to increase home…

Governor-Elect Tina Kotek Announces New Education Policy Staff, New Behavioral Health Director at Oregon Health Authority

Portland, OR—Colt Gill, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, to Retire After Legislative Session [Portland, OR] — Today Governor-Elect Tina Kotek announced two new staff members who will join her administration to lead…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Her First Actions to Address Housing and Homelessness Crisis in Inaugural Address

Salem, OR—[Salem, OR] Today Tina Kotek was sworn in as the 39th Governor of the State of Oregon. After taking the oath of office, Governor Kotek delivered her inaugural address before a Joint Session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly. In…

Governor-Elect Tina Kotek Announces Senior Staff to Join Administration

Portland, OR—Announcement includes Deputy Chief of Staff, General Counsel, and Directors to Lead Communications, Legislative Affairs and Racial Justice Work Portland, OR — Today Governor-Elect Tina Kotek announced several senior staff…

Tina Kotek to be Sworn In as Oregon Governor, Give Inaugural Address on Monday, January 9th

Salem, OR—Media availability to be held on Tuesday, Kotek’s first full day in office [Salem, OR] - Tina Kotek will be sworn in as the 39th Governor of the State of Oregon on Monday, January 9, 2023. Chief Justice Meagan A. Flynn will…

Governor Kate Brown Appoints Judges to Oregon Supreme Court, Oregon Court of Appeals, and Multnomah County Circuit Court

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced five appointments to fill judicial vacancies, all effective January 1, 2023. The Governor appointed Judge Stephen Bushong and Judge Bronson James to the Oregon Supreme Court, Judge Megan Jacquot to…

Oregon Governor Kate Brown Newsletter - December 2022

State of Oregon Ultimate Gift Guide 2022 State agencies offer an ultimate gift guide. Check out these last minute gift ideas! Read More How Indigenous Communities are Reclaiming Knowledge and Relationships to First Foods in Southern Oregon …

Governor Kate Brown Statement on President Biden's Appointment of Alexis Taylor as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement today, after the U.S. Senate confirmed President Biden's appointment of Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Alexis Taylor as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign…

Governor Kate Brown Forgives Uncollected Traffic Fines And Fees, Enabling Oregonians to Reinstate Suspended Driver's Licenses

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today issued an order that remitted uncollected court fines and fees associated with certain traffic violation cases that resulted in debt-based driver’s license suspensions. This action creates a path for…

Governor Kate Brown Appoints Judges to the Jackson and Klamath County Circuit Courts

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she will appoint judges to the Jackson and Klamath County Circuit Courts. Governor Brown will appoint Jeremy Markiewicz to the Jackson County Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by Judge…

Governor Kate Brown Commutes Oregon's Death Row

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will use her executive clemency powers to commute the sentences of the 17 individuals on Oregon’s death row to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. “I have…

Governor Kate Brown Issues Executive Order to Help Health Care Workers, Hospitals Address Continued Rise in Respiratory Illness Cases, Hospitalizations

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today is exercising her executive authority under ORS Chapter 401 in response to a surge of adult and pediatric cases and hospitalizations of respiratory viruses––including Respiratory Syncytial Virus…

Governor Kate Brown Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 7. "We benefit every day from the…

Oregon Governor Kate Brown Newsletter - November 2022

Governor Kate Brown Signs Agreement to Continue Building Trade Partnerships at Vietnam-U.S. Trade Forum 2022 The Governor led Oregon's trade mission to Vietnam this month, focused on opportunities to promote trade, exports, education, and…

Governor Kate Brown Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor and Remembrance of U.S. Representative Donald McEachin

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset today, November 29, in honor and remembrance of United States Representative Donald McEachin. "I was saddened to learn…

Governor Kate Brown Grants Pardon for Oregon Marijuana Offenses

Salem , OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced a pardon for prior Oregon offenses of simple possession of marijuana, an act that will impact an estimated 45,000 individuals across the state and forgive more than $14,000,000 in associated fines…

Governor Kate Brown Signs Agreement to Continue Building Trade Partnerships at Vietnam-U.S. Trade Forum 2022

Salem, OR—(posted from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) –– At the opening of the Vietnam-U.S. Trade Forum 2022 on Thursday, Governor Kate Brown signed a memorandum of understanding with Vice Minister Do Thang Hai of the Ministry of…

Governor Kate Brown Statement on November Revenue Forecast

Salem, OR—(posted from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) — Governor Kate Brown today issued the following statement on the state’s November revenue forecast: "Our latest revenue forecast shows that, thanks to the continued fiscally…

Governor Kate Brown Issues Executive Order to Help Hospitals, Health Care Workers Address Rise in Pediatric Cases of RSV, Hospitalizations

Salem, OR— (posted from Hanoi, Vietnam) — Governor Kate Brown today is exercising her executive authority under ORS Chapter 401 in response to a surge of pediatric cases and hospitalizations of respiratory viruses, including Respiratory…

Governor Kate Brown to Build Partnerships at Vietnam-U.S. Trade Forum 2022

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced details of her upcoming travel to Vietnam to attend the Vietnam-U.S. Trade Forum 2022. The Governor will be in Vietnam from November 11 - 18, 2022. While there, she will promote trade, exports,…

Oregon Governor Kate Brown Newsletter - October 2022

Governor Kate Brown Promotes Trade, Tourism, and Foreign Investment in Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan The Governor led Oregon's trade mission to Asia this month, focused on opportunities to expand exports, investments, and tourism as…

Governor Kate Brown Promotes Trade, Tourism, and Foreign Investment In Japan

Salem, OR—(posted from Tokyo, Japan) –– Governor Kate Brown today finished her trade mission to Asia after several days of productive meetings in Japan, with a focus on expanding Oregon’s semiconductor industry, agricultural…

Governor Kate Brown Promotes Trade, Tourism, and Foreign Investment In South Korea

Salem, OR—(From Tokyo, Japan) — Governor Kate Brown today finished several days of trade meetings in South Korea, with a focus on expanding Oregon’s agricultural exports, identifying opportunities for Oregon businesses to…

Governor Kate Brown Announces Additional Supreme Court Vacancy

Salem, OR—(From Seoul, South Korea) — Governor Kate Brown announced today that she intends to fill a judicial vacancy on the Oregon Supreme Court created by the planned retirement of Chief Justice Martha Walters. The Governor thanked the…

Governor Kate Brown Announces Multnomah County Circuit Court Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Multnomah County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Eric Bloch. The Governor thanked Judge Bloch for his…

Governor Kate Brown Expands Previously Announced Judicial Appointment Process

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced her intention to use the pending, previously announced appellate judicial appointment process to build a pool of candidates that the Governor can draw from to fill any further vacancies that may…

Governor Kate Brown to Promote Trade, Tourism, and Foreign Investment on First Trade Mission to Asia since 2019

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced details of Oregon’s upcoming trade mission to South Korea and Japan, focused on promoting foreign investment and business expansion in Oregon as the two countries reopen fully to tourism,…

Governor Kate Brown Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, October 9 in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. "Firefighting is often…

West Coast Leaders Double Down on Bold Actions to Fight Climate Crisis

San Francisco, CA—In the latest of several climate agreements among Pacific Coast governments, Oregon, California, Washington, and British Columbia signed a new partnership today recommitting the region to climate action. The Statement of…

Governor Kate Brown Announces Jackson County Circuit Court Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Jackson County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Lorenzo A. Mejia. The Governor thanked Judge Mejia for his…

Governor Kate Brown Announces Oregon Supreme Court Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today she is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Oregon Supreme Court created by the upcoming retirement of Justice Thomas Balmer. The Governor thanked Justice Balmer for his dedicated…

Oregon Governor Kate Brown Newsletter - September 2022

Oregonians Advised to Continue Practicing Wildfire Prevention as Weather Changes The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind all Oregonians that even with the weather transitioning to fall, fire season is still in effect. Oregon continues to…

Governor Kate Brown Announces $3.3 Million in Grants for School Safety and Violence Prevention

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced that she has dedicated $3.3 million for school safety and violence prevention throughout Oregon. The funding will come from federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) dollars,…

Governor Kate Brown Announces Oregon to Receive First-in-Nation Medicaid Funding for Food, Housing, and Nutrition

Hermiston, OR—Governor Kate Brown today joined the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to announce that Oregon will receive $1.1 billion in new federal funds to address the health-related…

Governor Brown Visits Renewable Energy Facilities as Oregon's Clean Energy Economy Continues to Grow

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown this week visited wind and solar energy sites that are putting Oregon on track to having 100% clean electricity, reducing carbon emissions, and growing Oregon’s clean energy economy. "Under my…

Governor Kate Brown Extends Application Deadline to Fill Klamath County District Attorney Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is extending the application deadline for the previously announced Klamath County District Attorney vacancy. Interested applicants should address their completed application forms to…

Governor Kate Brown Requests $2 Million for Wallowa Hailstorm Recovery

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today requested that the Legislature approve $2 million to help the residents of the City of Wallowa recover from damage sustained in August’s devastating hailstorm. “This community has been left…

Governor Kate Brown Calls for Bipartisan Support of Semiconductor Task Force Recommendations

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today appeared before the House Interim Committee on Economic Development and Small Business to urge support of the recommendations brought forward by the Oregon Semiconductor Competitiveness Task Force, which she…

Governor Kate Brown Announces Klamath County Circuit Court Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Klamath County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Dan Bunch. The Governor thanked Judge Bunch for his…

Governor Kate Brown Visits Schools Focused on Student Health, Wellness, and Success

Milwaukee, OR—As students across the state return for a new school year, Governor Kate Brown visited two schools today that are taking innovative approaches to addressing student health and wellness, in addition to academic success. The…

Governor Kate Brown Announces Klamath County District Attorney Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is inviting applications for the position of Klamath County District Attorney, to fill a vacancy occasioned by District Attorney Eve Costello’s resignation, which will be effective…

Governor Kate Brown Statement on Oregon’s Request for a Federal Emergency Declaration for Wildfires

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement today on her request to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to approve a federal emergency declaration for the State of Oregon — under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and…

Oregon to Receive Historic Investment in Support of Behavioral Health

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today joined the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to announce the approval of a Medicaid state plan amendment (SPA) for Oregon to provide qualifying…

Governor Kate Brown Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to the Cedar Creek Fire

Portland, OR—Governor Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act this afternoon as a preemptive measure in response to the Cedar Creek Fire burning in the National Forest east of the community of Oakridge in Lane County. This…

Governor Kate Brown Orders Flags to Remain at Half-Staff in Remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001

Portland, OR—Governor Kate Brown ordered that flags flying at half-staff at all public institutions throughout Oregon on Sunday, September 11 shall also honor Patriot Day. “Twenty-one years later, September 11 remains a day we will…

Governor Kate Brown Provides Wildfire Update, Urges Oregonians to be Prepared

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today provided an update on how the state and partners are preparing and responding to the wildfire situation in Oregon. She was joined by Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Chief Mike Shaw, Oregon State Chief…

Governor Kate Brown Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to the Sturgill Fire

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Sturgill Fire burning south of the community of Lostine in Wallowa County. This declaration allows the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to…

Governor Kate Brown Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to the Double Creek Fire

Double Creek Fire is burning 10,000 acres in Wallowa County Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Double Creek Fire burning near the community of Imnaha in Wallowa County. This…

Governor Kate Brown Thanks Bend Police, First Responders for Bend Shooting Response

Bend, OR—Governor Kate Brown today met with Bend police officers and first responders to thank them for their rapid and professional response to the shooting at the Bend Safeway on Sunday, August 28. “My heart goes out to the victims…

Governor Kate Brown Statement on September Revenue Forecast

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today issued the following statement on the state’s September revenue forecast: “Thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions the State of Oregon has made over the last several years, we are well…

Governor Kate Brown Submits Appointments for Senate Confirmation

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today submitted a list of state board and commission appointments to the Oregon Senate for confirmation. The Senate Committee on Rules is scheduled to consider the nominations in September. “I appreciate…

Governor Kate Brown Issues Statement on Bend Shooting

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today issued the following statement on the shooting that occurred in Bend last night: “I am asking all Oregonians to keep the victims of last night’s shooting in Bend and their families in your…

Governor Kate Brown Declares State of Emergency Due to Imminent Threat of Wildfire

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown declared a state of emergency yesterday due to the imminent threat of wildfire across Oregon. Much of the state continues to experience high temperatures, wind, storms with dry lightning, and persistent drought.…

Governor Kate Brown Commends Washington Leaders for Supporting Collaborative Solution for Columbia Basin Salmon, Steelhead Restoration

Governor calls for state-federal-tribal cooperation towards a comprehensive, science-based solution Salem, OR—Action needed now to pave the way towards breaching the four Lower Snake River dams while investing federal dollars to replace their…

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