HB3173—Legislative Funding Decisions are in the Works!
Last Updated on May 3, 2025 by Tom Pratum
| HB3173, which would initiate support for OregonFlora from state funding, is one of the thousands of bills before the Oregon Legislative this session. As the process to decide which bills should be selected for funding unfolds, we still have a chance to reach out to some of those decision-makers and remind them of the importance of OregonFlora. According to Rep. Marsh’s office, now is a pivotal time to provide a very short, targeted message to the following legislators involved in the funding of HB3173: Natural Resources Subcommittee of Joint Ways and Means co-chairs: ****************@***************re.gov“>Sen. Lew Frederick, Rep. Emerson Levy. Joint Ways and Means co-chairs: Sen. Kate Lieber, Rep. Tawna Sanchez; co-vice chairs: Sen. Fred Girod, Rep. David Gomberg, Rep. Greg Smith. How short can your message be? Here are two examples: (1) “Please support HB3173 as it comes before the Joint Ways and Means Committee. The modest appropriation ($400,000) will have outsized impact:It will leverage 31 years of OregonFlora’s data gathering and curation.It is a freely available, online resource that state agencies need to meet their mission in conservation, forest health, weed control, rare plant protection, wildlife habitat, and fire recovery.It supports small business owners in the native plant horticultural industry statewide.It helps Oregonians be informed and scientifically literate residents that appreciate the natural resources of our state.”(2) “Please add your support for HB3173, which would establish OregonFlora in statute and appropriate $400,000 for its work. OregonFlora provides agencies and educators with freely available plant diversity information. It has positive economic impacts in the business world as well, by providing resources for companies offering outdoor recreation, environmental consulting, and native plants for landscaping and wildfire recovery efforts. The modest support of HB3173 would ensure the 31 years of plant knowledge about the approximately 4,800 vascular plants of Oregon is maintained and updated for its users statewide.” Thank you for your continued efforts to bring sustainable support for OregonFlora. –Linda Hardison |