Remembering Firefighter Greg Backstrom
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On the evening of February 2nd, our community lost a real-life hero. Greg Backstrom served as a volunteer firefighter and EMR with two of House District 11's fire departments, protecting the communities of Jefferson and Scio. |
My heart breaks for his wife and daughter, and his extended family of first responders. I hope that they can find solace that even in his death, Greg protected the lives of others through the donation of his organs. |
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During Tuesday's House Floor session, I had the honor of paying tribute to Greg Backstrom with a remonstrance. You can view it here with this link. I believe we need to do more to fill the gaps left in the wake of this loss, as well as the loss of Gresham Fire's Brandon Norbury, and ensure the continued emergency response protections of our communities—large and small. |
HB 2302 - "Jogger Rapist" Fix
This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for crimes against minors. This bill addresses the loophole that helped the infamous "jogger rapist" from being held accountable for his crimes. I am proud to sponsor this bill.
HB 2005 - Threat to Second Amendment
This bill levies huge penalties for anyone involved with the possession or transfer of so-called "ghost guns". Of all of the gun bills this session, we're hearing this is the most likely to pass.
HB 3158 - Unfair taxes on rural/farms
This bill imposes a suite of taxes that would be horrible for our rural communities.
- An excise tax on the sale of tires.
- A privilege tax for selling nonroad diesel equipment.
- A tax on use in Oregon of nonroad diesel equipment that was purchased out of state.
- A privilege tax of other heavy-duty vehicles. It goes without saying that this bill would be horrible for all Oregonians, and especially for our rural communities.
- A tax on offroad/red diesel.
SB 605 - Threat to children
This bill creates a legal avenue for child pornography if the children involved are at least 13 years of age and consenting. The sponsors of this bill miss one important thing: kids cannot give consent!
They've done it again!
Another great finish by the Lebanon High School Army JROTC air rifle team! Team 1 took first place at the JROTC Service Championship match in Sandy, Utah, defeating the best Army JROTC air rifle teams in the western USA. At the end of day one, the team trailed Spanish Springs High School from Nevada by 1 point (2,116 to 2,115). The team rallied on the second day to beat Spanish Springs by 28 points (4,235 to 4,207).
Team members were Alivia Griffiths, Alana Griffiths, Alyx Martin, Erin Hiller and the team alternate was Preston Niesen. Three Lebanon team members made the final (top 8 shoot off). When the dust settled, Alyx Martin took second place, Alivia Griffiths took 3rd place and Alana Griffiths took 6th place.
Other team members were Trevor Andrews, Rusty Vaughn, Zachary Schlundt and Jalynn Wilson. The team's next challenge is from 21-26 March at Camp Perry, Ohio, where the team will face off against the best Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force JROTC rifle teams at the JROTC National Championships!
Way to go Warriors!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at (Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov)
Have You Seen This Person?
In honor of National Missing Persons Day on February 3rd, the Linn County Sheriff's Facebook page posted the case of Sweet Home's own, 16-year-old Journey Robertson who was last seen in October. If you have any information relating to her disappearance, please call 911 or 541-967-3911. A flyer is displayed below.
Mark Your Calendars!
It's always a good night to get to celebrate the volunteers who make our communities awesome!
New to OLIS?
The Oregon Legislative Information System is one of the best resources available for staying engaged with what's going on here in Salem. Our office uses it, and you can too! It is especially useful to track bills that you are excited or concerned about. You can even register to testify or submit written testimony if a bill is scheduled for a hearing--all right on OLIS. I hope the infographic below is helpful!
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