Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes are set to host a town hall meeting to discuss the effects of recent federal funding cuts and consequent layoffs of federal employees. This event, part of the "Safeguarding Oregon: Federal Oversight Forum," will seek to highlight the broader social and economic impacts of these actions.
Rayfield expressed concern, stating, “This is not just a political issue—this is a human issue. It’s about people’s livelihoods, their homes and their futures. Federal employees are the backbone of our communities, and they are now scrambling to make ends meet.” He emphasized the role of these town halls in gathering public testimony, which serves as a crucial component for ongoing litigation aimed at challenging these federal decisions.
Attorney General Mayes criticized the federal actions, describing them as "reckless DOGE firings and arbitrary cuts to critical federal services," which she called "outrageous, unacceptable, and deeply infuriating." She reaffirmed her commitment to protecting jobs, crucial services, and ensuring adequate state funding. "We will continue to stand up for the rule of law and our Constitution,” added Mayes.
Earlier in March, Rayfield was in Arizona for a similar forum, part of a series of Democratic-led panels across the U.S. to address community impacts from these federal changes. Additional forums in Eugene and Bend, along with more in other cities, are planned.
The upcoming town hall will feature a panel of speakers affected by the cuts, representing sectors like food assistance, public health and safety, TSA, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community. There will also be an open platform for attendees to share experiences and pose questions. Participants interested in contributing can submit questions or a brief public testimony ahead of time.
The forum is scheduled for April 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the University Place Hotel, Columbia Falls ballroom on the PSU campus.