A System Rigged for the Majority
In the Oregon Legislature, major funding decisions are dominated by a single party and entrenched leadership. For a principled Republican in the minority, “bringing money home” frequently comes with a hidden price tag. Freshman legislatures must wait in line as the senior legislatures and majority party take front row seats to any earmarks.
Securing a local payout typically requires a “yes” vote on massive spending packages, statewide tax increases, or policy priorities that expand the bureaucracy. Rep. Yunker has remained consistent: he refuses to trade his vote or compromise his values for a temporary check. He understands that true influence comes from standing firm, not from horse-trading with the majority coalition.
Fiscal Restraint
- Rep. Dwayne Yunker has publicly emphasized fiscal restraint and opposition to government spending he views as wasteful or misdirected. In legislative communications, he has argued that taxpayer dollars should be used carefully and that long-term budget sustainability should take priority over expanding state programs.
- Secured $3.5 Million for Grants Pass & Josephine County.
Principled Policy
- Protecting Property Rights (HB 3522): As a one of the sponsors of the 2025 “Squatter Bill,” Yunker delivered a landmark victory for homeowners. This bill—which was signed into law in June 2025—allows property owners to evict squatters with a 24-hour notice. It solves a critical crisis in Josephine County by reinforcing the law, rather than spending more taxpayer funds on new programs.
- Fighting for Rural Healthcare (HB 4047): In 2026 instead of begging for a one-time subsidy, Yunker championed legislation to create a “Rural Emergency Hospital” license. This structural change aligns state licensing with federal standards, helping local hospitals remain financially viable and open for the long term.
- Public Safety and Education: His “Back to Basics” agenda focuses on ending the drug crisis, restoring parental rights, and ensuring that state government refocuses on affordability and freedom rather than ideology.
Current Session Bill From Rep. Dwayne Yunker:
Chief Sponsored Bills
HB 4087 – Relating to infants born alive.
Regular Sponsored Bills
HB 4034 – Relating to animal rescue entities.
HB 4047 – Relating to rural emergency hospitals; prescribing an effective date.
HB 4056 – Relating to fire protection costs; declaring an emergency.
HB 4063 – Relating to Kei trucks.
HB 4078 – Relating to an income tax subtraction allowed for plaintiffs in wildfire litigation; prescribing an effective date.
HB 4099 – Relating to a task force on veterans in crisis; prescribing an effective date.
HB 4101 – Relating to the offense of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer; prescribing an effective date.
HB 4120 – Relating to smoking policies in residential tenancies.
HB 4155 – Relating to infertility; declaring an emergency.
HCR 201 – Celebrating the Oregon Fire District Directors Association.
SB 1573 – Relating to syringe service programs.
SB 1577 – Relating to the labeling of alternative protein food products.
SB 1579 – Relating to false reports of child abuse; prescribing an effective date.
The Bottom Line
Oregon politics presents a clear choice. A lawmaker can play along with leadership to secure a ribbon-cutting ceremony, or they can stand firm and vote their conscience. The fact remains, freshman lawmakers take a back seat to the senior lawmakers in receiving any funding.
Rep. Dwayne Yunker has chosen to be a firewall for his constituents. His refusal to trade principles for payouts may frustrate political insiders, but for the voters of Josephine County, it is exactly why they sent him to Salem: to be a leader who puts integrity first and taxpayers always.
Voters face a critical decision this May: Re-elect Representative Dwayne Yunker, a champion of taxpayer accountability, or allow the Salem spenders to continue playing loose with your money.
