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We’re in the final two weeks of session, and have been “expecting the unexpected.” I just thought that would mean extra days at the Capitol with little notice, not a day off! But I think after an exceptionally rough week, everyone was grateful for the extra time on Friday to recoup in preparation for the final dash to the finish.
Last week saw HB 2357B make its way to the House floor. This was a bill we fought hard against in the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, and is part of a suite of bills taking aim at the timber industry.
HB 2357B was originally a bill to eliminate Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI), and though its current version has been touted as a “compromise”, it would severely cripple OFRI’s ability to promote the sustainability of Oregon’s timber industry.
OFRI is to the timber industry as commodity commissions are for many of our agriculture industries. As a former Commodity Commissioner, I was honored to lend my voice to a fellow natural resource industry in defense of its commodity commission.
This battle is not over, and we need your help. It was a close vote in the House (passing 32-27), and is now in the Senate. Reach out to Senators and urge them to defend OFRI, and vote “NO” on HB 2357B!
 Click the picture above to listen to my floor speech against HB 2357.
Linn and Marion Counties are asking for input from the residents of the Santiam Canyon. County commissioners from both counties frequently discuss ways to overcome and get to “yes” so you can get home. We want you to rebuild and return to your community as quickly as possible.
Below you will find a link to a short survey that contains some basic, yet personal information they need to collect in order to understand the level of need and the type of needs related to housing recovery so they can direct resources to areas affected by the Beachie Creek and Lionshead Wildfires.
You can complete the survey by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/Santiam-Wildfire.
The survey can be anonymous for those who do not wish to share contact information. However, there are a couple questions that they may be able to provide additional support to you if they know who you are.
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 Last week leaders from Samaritan Health Services and Salem-based Mosaic Management Inc. announced plans to enhance health care options in Sweet Home through construction of a new urgent care facility and expansion at Wiley Creek Community. It has been a long process to bring an urgent care facility to Sweet Home and I am grateful to the local leaders who have worked on this, and continue topave the way for more opportunities for the community in the future. You can learn more about the project HERE.
 The federal government is increasing spending on broadband as the pandemic made starkly obvious that millions of Americans did not have access to or could not afford broadband at a time when jobs, school and health care was moving online. The $3.2 billion program is part of the national $900 billion pandemic-relief package approved in December.
Qualified Oregonians can apply for $50 off their monthly internet bill as part of an emergency government program to keep people connected during the pandemic. There is also a $100 reimbursement for desktop computers, laptops or tablets.
Found out if you qualify by visiting : https://getemergencybroadband.org
 The Oregon Department of Agriculture is now accepting proposals for project ideas as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
Approximately $2 million is available to agriculture industry associations, producer groups, processors, commodity commissions, non-profits, for-profits, and local government agencies in Oregon. Specialty crops are defined as commonly recognized fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. Oregon ranks in the top ten nationwide in the production of specialty crops.
Submissions should be turned in online and must be received by Wednesday, June 30th, 2021, at noon PST. Details of the funding priorities can be found HERE.
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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