December 10, 2025 11:00 a.m.   

On Wednesday, State Senator David Brock Smith of Port Orford, and State Representatives Virgle Osborne of Roseburg and Court Boice of Gold Beach, applauded the passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act through Congress.

Brock Smith said, “As a former county commissioner and AOCC board member, I know all too well how important SRS is to counties to fund services for residents. Congress has failed to reauthorize this critical funding since 2024, but with the passage of S.356, the reauthorization includes previous payments through FY 2026. I sincerely appreciate the collaborative efforts, understanding and leadership of Congresswoman Hoyle and Congressman Bentz to get this done for our residents”.

Representative Osborne said, “Representing the Timber Capitol of the World, I am grateful these resources are finally coming to assist in funding county services for residents”. Osborne said, “I want to thank Association of O&C Counties President, Commissioner Tim Freeman, for his tireless leadership and all of the O&C commissioners for their commitment to get this done”.

Representative Boice said, “As a former county commissioner and AOCC board member, this should never have been a fight”. Boice said, “These resources are an obligation under the O&C Act and the massive amounts of federal land within our counties, and I appreciate their congressional reauthorization”.

Brock Smith said while the reauthorization will provide needed breathing room for a number of county budgets, it does not come close to covering inflationary costs of services to residents and is not a permanent solution. Brock Smith said, “We will continue to work with our federal partners in Congress and well as county and state leaders through my role in the Senate and as co-chair of the CSG West Wildfire & Disaster Preparedness Committee to move forward congressional reforms for increased harvest levels on our federal lands”.