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Another week of bad bills taking center stage rather than the needs of our communities. Many of the bills creating buzz this week take aim at our working-class families, and should be on your radar:
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HB 3296, which calls for a 2800% tax increase on beer, wine, and cider when most of our restaurant industry has been devastated by COVID closures and need alcohol sales to drive their recovery.
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HB 3305, which would outlaw all diesel in Oregon—starting as soon as 2024 in some counties, and being statewide by 2028.
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HB 2674, which had a “gut and stuff” amendment proposed that would implement numerous new taxes centered on the farming, logging, and trucking industries.
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HB 2379/HB 2389/HB 2430/HB 2357, a series of new timber tax bills and an elimination of the Oregon Forest Resources Institute on the heels of a historic wildfire season that burned four times the average in Oregon.
If you eat food. If you every buy products that come on trucks. If you want small businesses to survive. If you ever use paper products. These bills would impact you!
No time ever seems like a “good” time for new taxes and added financial burdens, but I’m pretty sure with all we’ve been through in the past 12 months, this would be the worst time for this type of legislation. We don’t need to be throwing anchors at already sinking ships.
Be sure to engage on these bills! E-Subscribe on OLIS, submit testimony, register to testify in hearings, contact committee members and bill sponsors, and never give up advocating for what matters to you. And don't forget, my office is always here if you need help!
It is strange to realize I'm part of what will be a historic Legislative session, but it is truly an honor to be a part of it alongside this incredible group of women. The Oregon House of Representatives reached a historic record of 50% representation by women last year, a record we've maintained coming into the 2021 session! It's a great time to reflect on all of the women who've paved the way to make moments like these possible.
 Women of the House Republican Caucus
(Not pictured: Representative Kim Wallan)
Drawing new Legislative and Congressional lines may sound snooze-worthy, but nothing is more important to ensure you are fairly represented! This process happens once every 10 years, following the National Census.
Attend a stop on the "Virtual Road-Show" of Redistricting Hearings, and make your voice heard how you want to be represented. Find more info by visiting www.oregonlegislature.gov/Redistricting
The hearings are organized by Congressional District. If you aren't sure which district you live in, you can click HERE to enter your address and find out.
Mortgage Payment Assistance is temporarily available for homeowners receiving unemployment insurance. Applications are being accepted through March 14, 2021. This program will make mortgage payments for up to 6 months, and bring the account current, if it is delinquent, for eligible applicants.
Basic program requirements:
- Receiving unemployment insurance at the time of application
- Home is a single-family (1-4 units), owner-occupied dwelling
- Not in active bankruptcy
For a full list of program requirements, and to apply visit www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org. For questions, please contact OHSI at Homeowner.Help@oregon.gov or 503-986-2025.
The Oregon Legislative Emergency Board on January 8, 2021, allocated $100 million to fund a new Commercial Rent Relief Program to provide financial assistance to small businesses and landlords adversely affected by economic conditions as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program targets landlords with tenant businesses with 100 or fewer employees who are behind on lease payments or any forgiven base rent amounts that have been negotiated due to COVID-19. The program will require both business tenant and property owner participation. The program includes additional protections for tenants, such as non-eviction clauses, and a waiver of penalties and interest.
The program will open for applications on March 8th, 2021. For more program information please visit Business Oregon’s website.
For more information on getting vaccinated please use the resources below.
To view previous newsletters please visit my website.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1417
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-378, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/cate
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