16-09 Problem Lovers vs Problem Solvers | Exposing Oregon Democrats’ Damage

On Show 16-09, Oregon’s legislature has had some intense hearings along with a couple of dramatic walk outs. But then walk-back-ins. What? To give insights into what’s been happening, we welcome back Representative Ed Diehl, who’s also running for Oregon’s Governor. We get updates on what’s going on with SB 1599—the Democrat’s continuing fight against Democracy to move the No the Gas Tax ballot initiative from November to May — and the plans of what will happen if Kotek signs it. It’s just more of Oregon Democrats destroying Oregon.

Don’t miss host Mark Anderson’s and Ed’s dissection of Oregon’s economy after four decades of Democrat policies. And the real-world consequences of those policies in action. You will walk away with a deeper understanding of exactly how Democrats have failed Oregon. We also focus on the Democrats’ latest scheme to make things even worse: decoupling of Trump’s tax breaks. Thankfully, Ed has plans to stop the Democrats.

And we discuss that crazy IP28 (perhaps the most insane referendum Oregon has ever tried) and the gun bill and why conduct flew out the window to get the votes needed.

Air Dates: February 28th & March 1st, 2026 | Guest: Rep. Ed Diehl

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Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

• Find out more about Ed Diehl — eddiehl.com/about
• Ed on the No Gas Tax Petition: “The Oregon Senate has just passed SB 1599, defying the clear will of over 250,000 petitioners…” (via X, Feb 23, 2026)
• Is Oregon’s economy bad enough to swing an election?  (Oregon Roundup, Feb 25, 2026)
• People are fleeing from California, Oregon and coming to Idaho: Gov. Brad Little | America Right Now (Newsmax YT channel, February 21, 2026)
  • In case you want to see the economic details yourself, comparing the two states: Brave AI on Idaho vs Oregon, wages, housing, and taxes (asked Feb 25, 2026)
• House Republicans boycott Oregon Legislature over workplace complaint, gas tax vote (OPB, February 23, 2026)
• Oregon House Republicans stage walkout as gas tax election, gun control votes near (Oregon Capital Chronicle, February 23, 2026)
• Kotek’s “economic advisory council” are not happy with her and the Democrats decoupling Oregon from the tax cuts in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. Why? Because she put the council together to figure out some ways Oregon might attract businesses to Oregon. But then Kotek and the Democrats take away business tax cuts Republicans in Congress just passed. “Some Members of Kotek’s Prosperity Council Unhappy About Tax Change” (Willamette Week, Feb 26, 2026)
  • Like we said, Kotek wanted it for show. Not solutions.

The Insanity of IP 28

• Oregon IP28A direct threat to animal ownership and agriculture (Oregon Horse Council, December 30, 2025)
  • “Oregon Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) …  represents one of the most aggressive assaults on animal ownership, agriculture, and private property rights ever proposed through a state ballot initiative. … It aims to criminalize lawful animal use, dismantle food production, and promote a long-standing animal liberation agenda through voter confusion rather than legislative debate.”
• Oregon Update: “Animal Cruelty” Ballot Measure Inching Closer to Qualifying- Do Not Sign! (American Kennel Club, January 23, 2026)
  • “Removes the word “intentional”, thereby criminalizing even unintentional harm or neglect of any animal including wildlife.”
• Only Two Groups Have Submitted Signatures for 2026 Ballot Initiatives. They Aim at Very Different Issues. (Willamette Week, January 28, 2026)
  • “[Co-Chief petitioner, David] “Michelson says he’s ‘under no illusion that IP 28 will pass this year,’ but making the ballot would start a conversation that he hopes will eventually lead to success.”
• Animal-Rights Activists Are Attempting a Ban So Absurd That It Would Affect ‘Every Oregonian’ (Outdoor Life, February 2, 2026)
  • One line item, for instance, would reclassify animal husbandry practices as “sexual assault of an animal.” That would cripple everyone from bird dog breeders to livestock producers. Other provisions would outlaw rodeos, [and] make it illegal to trap or kill pests like mice.
  • “The Oregon hunters association had this to say: ‘It would create a “no-kill” sanctuary state, forcing Oregonians into a vegan diet or or to have their meat and dairy products shipped in from other states’.”
• Don’t Be Fooled By Initiative Petition 28, The Oregon Hunting And Fishing Ban Proposal (Northwest Sportsman, February 20, 2026)