County seeks regional push to reauthorize Secure Rural Schools after Senate passage; commissioners urged to contact House delegation

Commissioners heard an update and strategy briefing June 2025 about the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding package, which had passed the U.S. Senate and faced an uncertain path in the U.S. House.

Mark Bennett, an advisor who has worked on SRS issues since 2004, told commissioners the Senate passage was bipartisan but that the House presents a steeper challenge because many members come from districts that do not receive SRS funds. Bennett recommended an immediate, coordinated outreach campaign: work through the National Association of Counties (NACO), Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), and Eastern Oregon Counties Association (EOCA), and—critically—have as many county commissioners as possible in Congressional District 2 contact Representative Cliff Bentz to urge his leadership on the issue.

Commissioners discussed recent rapid timelines and the need to send a uniform, template letter to House leadership and the districtoffice. They also noted that, unlike earlier years when unused SRS funds had to be returned, this year counties can roll funds forward and consult with Oregon State University and the Soil and Water Conservation District on implementation; OSU and the district will process landowner receipts for the state match and payouts. Commissioners authorized staff to circulate a template letter from AOC/EOCA and coordinate sign-ons among counties in the district to maximize pressure on the House delegation.

Commissioners also discussed the interaction of SRS with PILT and Title II forest monies and emphasized county need for clarity about how any federal changes will flow into county budget lines. There was agreement to follow up in the fall and to coordinate urgent outreach to congressional staff this month.