Standing Up for our Family Farms
The Senate Committee on Natural Resources had a public hearing on SB 85 on Monday morning, and I was one of 6 Republican Legislators to testify in opposition to this devastating policy.
As mentioned in last week's newsletter, SB 85 would place a complete moratorium on the issuance of licenses for new Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) as well as renewals or changes for exiting farms needing to make modifications to their CAFO license. This legislation would CRIPPLE our family farms producing meat, dairy, and eggs.
Oregon already has the most robust environmental regulations on CAFOs in the country, and this bill does not take that—or our decades of proven track record of CAFO operations—into consideration. This policy would only succeed in putting more of our family farms out of business, and leave less farms willing and able to grow our needed food supply.
As I mentioned in my testimony (which can be viewed here), the average American is three generations removed from farming. This has led to a lack of awareness among so much of our population about where our food comes from, and paves the way for fear versus fact to determine our farming practices. The reality is, we must do everything possible to protect our farms' right to continue to produce the food supply our growing population demands.
SB 85 has been scheduled for another public hearing on Monday, March 13th, and I would once again ask you to join me in testifying in opposition of this bill, either virtually or in-person if you are able to. By following this link, you will be taken to OLIS where you can click "register to testify" for an in-person/virtual testimony, or "submit testimony" to send written testimony.
Thank you for your help in this fight! I will continue to do everything in my power to defend our farming operations here in Linn and Marion counties.
Governor’s Anti-Gun Priorities
Late last week, Governor Tina Kotek joined anti-2nd Amendment group Mom's Demand Action to outline her priority for a package of gun bills. These bills do not yet have hearings scheduled, but we know they will be heard in the next couple of weeks, and will move quickly, so we need to voice opposition early—and often—against these erosions to our 2nd Amendment rights.
HB 2005 – Banning sale of homemade firearms (“Ghost Guns”)
HB 2005 goes beyond existing federal laws and regulations in restricting hobbyists from making their own firearms for personal use. It conflates lawfully home-built firearms in with guns criminals have intentionally removed serial numbers from with criminal intent.
HB 2006 – Raising the purchase age of rifles from 18 to 21
Adults aged 18-20 are old enough to vote, enter into contracts, join the military without parental permission, and get married. But HB 2006 would deny them Second Amendment rights, without any indication that this group of adults disproportionally contributes to crime.
HB 2007 – Allows concealed carry ban near public property
By allowing localities to further restrict concealed carry, this bill would create more confusing arbitrary zones where law-abiding citizens are left defenseless against criminals who ignore such boundaries.
Additionally, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is seeking $750,000 in funding to hire a "dedicated gun violence resource prosecutor" at the Department of Justice
HB 3152 – State-wide Ban on Natural Gas
This bill would prevent any expansion of Natural Gas in Oregon, aligning our state with California’s policies while also removing subsidies for gas line expansions. This bill got on many people’s radar last week after news broke of a $300k taxpayer funded upgrade to the Governor’s Mansion for a gas-powered backup generator.
HB 3206 – Allowing 16-year-olds to vote.
Similar to HJR20 which would propose a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age to 16 in Oregon, HB 3206 would likewise allow 16-year-olds to vote, but only in School Board elections. We constantly see proposals in the Legislature to increase the age of “adulthood” to 21 (or more) on the basis that brain development isn’t complete until age 25, yet when it comes to voting, we can trust 16-year-olds to have the cognitive awareness to make sound decisions? Which is it?
HB 2906 – Holding Drug Dealers Accountable – Ask for a Public Hearing!
So far this session, the Legislature has not taken any meaningful steps to address the failures of Measure 110 or curtail Oregon’s rampant drug problem. HB 2906 would send convicted drug dealers to jail for a minimum of 5 years if drugs they deal result in death. Often regarded as “Taylor’s Law,” this bill has not even received as much as a hearing in a Legislature reluctant to pass anything that will enhance criminal penalties.
HB 2898 – RV Habitation Post Wildfires – Passed the House!
As you may recall, this bill extends the allowance for recreational vehicles to stay on a property that was destroyed in the 2020 wildfires and creates the allowance for any future natural disaster. It passed the House this week, and is on its way to the Senate.
HB 3248 – Road Legal ATVs – Ask for a Work Session!
This bill would align Oregon with other states which allow UTV/RTVs (“side-by-sides”) to be licensed and used on roadways if they meet the standard safety requirements of passenger vehicles. I worked with former Linn County Sheriff, Jim Yon, to present HB 3248 yesterday in the Joint Committee on Transportation, but need your help to receive a work session!
This week, I would like to extend congratulations to the Scio Loggers on being awarded the Les Schwab Team of the Month for 3A! This honor came after winning the first ever 1A/2A/3A/4A State Championships for the Game Day Division at OSAA and finishing 2nd at OCCA state championships. What a month for Scio Cheer!
Way to go Loggers!!!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at (Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov)
Input Needed: Improving Safety in Lebanon
Next week, ODOT is partnering with the city of Lebanon to ask for your input on how to improve walking and biking safety in Lebanon. We've heard from many constituents about safety concerns on our Linn County roads, sidewalks, and highways this year. Now, you have an opportunity to speak with ODOT face-to-face!
Don't miss the in-person open house at Lebanon Library on March 16th between 10:00AM-1:00PM! If you cannot attend, there is an online open house from March 13th to March 27th that you may access with the QR code or link on the flyer below:
Mask Mandates Ending April 3rd
Last Friday, the Oregon Health Authority announced that they will be ending mask requirements for health care settings starting April 3rd.
The OHA's press release is below:
OHA Director Resigns After 2 Months
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After just two months in office, James Schroeder, the interim director of the Oregon Health Authority has resigned. Schroeder, who was appointed by Governor Kotek in January resigned before Kotek could find a permanent director. |
Due to the sudden resignation, Governor Kotek has appointed Dave Baden, yet another interim director of the Oregon Health Authority. Dave Baden previously served as the OHA's Chief Financial Officer. |
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Making your voice heard in the Legislature can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Knowing where to start helps maximize the power of your advocacy.
When you see a bill number, it tells you which chamber the bill originated in, which cues you to which chamber you should (most of the time) start your advocacy!
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HB1234 – HB indicates this bill originated in the House of Representatives, meaning Senators will not be able to vote on/sponsor/hear the bill unless it first passes the House Chamber—so check with Representatives first.
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SB123 – SB indicates this bill originated in the State Senate, meaning Representatives will not be able to vote on/sponsor/hear the bill unless it first passes the Senate Chamber—so check with Senators first.
Bills are starting to move out of their chamber of origin as they work their way through Oregon’s “bicameral” Legislature, so we will see more bills being worked in their second chamber before final passage, and OLIS is a great tool allowing you to know exactly where a bill is at any point in the process.
Checking in with bill sponsors and the members of the committee where the bill is at present can be the most effective in amplifying your voice in Salem.
For more tips on getting engaged with the Legislative process, click here.
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