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Move Oregon Border group says legislative options stalled; asks counties to press lawmakers
Summary
A representative for Move Oregon Border told Jefferson County commissioners that two bills to open border talks did not move in Salem and asked counties to advocate to legislators and consider other paths, including a statewide ballot option or federal outreach; the group reported 13 counties have voted to explore border changes.
A remote representative identified in the meeting as Matt gave Jefferson County a semi-annual update on the Move Oregon Border ("Greater Idaho") effort. He said two bills that would have initiated formal border talks did not move in the Oregon legislature this session despite bills and letters of support from Eastern Oregon legislators; Idaho lawmakers and the Idaho governor, he said, are receptive.
"we now have 13 counties that have voted in favor of it, at least exploring moving the border to include our Eastern Oregon counties into Idaho," Matt said, describing the movement's progress at the county level and the legislative roadblock in Salem. He said the group is exploring options including a statewide ballot initiative and federal-level advocacy and asked commissioners to write letters thanking legislators who advocated and to press representative offices for meetings.
Why it matters: The discussion reflects an ongoing, high-profile regional political movement with potential long-term implications for county governance, services and intergovernmental relationships.
