Self-Serve, or No Self-Serve?
Oregonians have strong feelings about self-serve gas—or lack thereof! And once again, the Legislature is looking at changing Oregon’s status as one of only two states in the nation to prohibit self-serve gas. This isn’t a conservative versus liberal issue, and I’m not sure the predominant opinion of my constituents, so am asking for your input again this year!
HB 2426 will be coming to the House Floor for a vote on Monday, and would allow Oregonians to pump their own gas, while requiring stations to keep half of their pumps staffed for service. The choice to pump would be yours, but contrary to most feedback we’ve heard, this proposed law would not lower gas prices for consumers.
If you live in House District 11, please email me your vote at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov – and please include your home address to make sure your vote gets counted as a constituent!
This is a great opportunity to practice the power of your advocacy in a direct way! Some folks have said we have bigger issues than how we pump our gas, but this is still something that would impact the daily lives of all Oregonians, and I want to make sure I’m best representing you.
Under Attack: Timber Commodity Commission
Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) serves as Oregon’s commodity commission for the timber industry—albeit funded through an industry harvest tax rather than assessments—to promote public awareness and a sustainable future for the timber industry. OFRI is once again under attack with climate change advocates continuing to accuse it of using “public funds” to promote its own agenda rather than a message that aligns with a climate change narrative.
HB 2298 - Sweeping changes to forest taxes
This bill redirects the harvest tax (which funds OFRI) to the new "Forest Research and Experiment Account", and requires the board of directors of OFRI to include one person who represents the "environmental community".
HB 3019 - Guts funding to our forests
This bill eliminates 2/3 of OFRI’s harvest tax funding and redirects it to the Oregon Forestland Protection Fund and OSU extension.
HB 3025 - A new tax AND gutting forest funding
This bill creates a new severance tax and eliminates all funding for OFRI by eliminating the harvest tax (which was designed to include OFRI funding in lieu of assessments).
HB 3451 - Entirely eliminates OFRI
This bill completely eliminates OFRI, and sweeps its funding.
Support the value OFRI brings to our timber industry, and let Legislators know to protect—not defund—our timber commodity commission.
SB 579 – Allows Incarcerated Criminals to Vote
We've gotten many emails about this bill, and its prioritization of giving voice to criminals rather than victims. Only 2 other states allow prisoners to vote (Maine & Vermont). This bill has passed out of its policy committee and is in Ways & Means.
SB 891 – Expanding Assisted Suicide to Non-Residents
SB 891 reduces the mandatory wait-time for assisted suicide from 15 days to 48 hours, expands those with prescribing authority to include PAs and NPs, and positions Oregon as a destination state for assisted suicide by removing residency requirements.
HB 3214 – Threat to Rodeos, FFA and 4H Shows
This bill seeks to restrict animals in "traveling acts". We’ve seen this bill before, and fought against the risk it poses to staples of rural life in Oregon, but like most bad bills introduced in the Legislature… It’s back! And had a hearing this week.
HB 3455 – Loopholes in Campaign Finance Reform – Kotek's Proposal
This bill would allow individuals and a variety of entities including corporations and unions to give no more than $500 per primary or general election cycle to a State House or Senate candidate and $1,000 to candidates for statewide offices such as Secretary of State or Governor. Like HB 2003, this proposal includes a loophole to allow labor unions to donate an effectively unlimited amount to candidates.
HB 2003 – Loopholes in Campaign Finance Reform – Rayfield's Proposal
This bill would allow individuals, corporations, unions and other entities to give up to $1,500 per primary or general election cycle to a House candidate, $2,000 to a Senate candidate and $3,000 to a candidate for statewide office. Like HB 3455, this proposal includes a loophole to allow labor unions to donate an effectively unlimited amount to candidates.
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The Central Linn Girls Basketball team had an absolutely remarkable season! At their awards banquet earlier this week, several players were honored, including Senior Maya Rowland (pictured) who won the Valley Coast Conference Girls Player of the Year! |
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Halsey and its surrounding communities are so proud of these girls! They finished 3rd at the State Championships for the 2nd year in a row! They became league champions for the 3rd year in a row – finishing the season with a 28-2 record overall. They had 42 straight League wins. And they were honored as the Les Schwab 2A Team of the Month back in January.
GO COBRAS!!!
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Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at (Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov)
Learn About Our Local Law Enforcement!
The Linn County Sheriff's Office invites you to join its annual Spring Citizen's Academy April 5th – 21st. The classes are one day per week, and offer a unique and detailed look into the dynamic operations of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. For more information and to apply, follow this link.
Youth Tractor Safety Training
Do you know someone aged 14-17 who is interested in a job in agriculture? OSU Extension Service of Linn County is offering an opportunity for teens to get their tractor driving safety certification, and be ready for those harvest jobs! Please register and help the future of ag with this link.
Serving As Speaker for a Day
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I had the opportunity to serve as Speaker of the House on Monday! Speaker Pro Tempore Holvey and our amazing Clerk's Office were a big help keeping me out of trouble. You can watch the replay of Monday's Floor Session with this link. |
Constituent Visits to the Capitol
Lebanon’s Mayor, Ken Jackola, as well as City Manager, Nancy Brewer, came to the Capitol on Tuesday to visit and discuss our community's priorities. Unbeknownst to any of us, there would be a fire alarm that forced our meeting outside! Scheduled visits at the Capitol are always “subject to change”, but I appreciated Team Lebanon’s flexibility – and it was a great excuse to enjoy some sunshine!
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Advocating for more options in school choice is important, and I was happy to meet with constituents Lorraine and her son Gabe who were visiting the Capitol with Willamette Connections Academy and the Oregon Virtual Public School Alliance. It is always fun to see our school kids enjoying a visit to the Capitol! Gabe even left a postcard saying, "Cate is Great!" (But I think he’s the great one! Embracing his power of advocacy at just 8 years old!)
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It felt like a mini reunion on Wednesday! I had the honor of serving with Shyla Malloy and Leesa Adams when I chaired the Lebanon Strawberry Festival Board, and was so excited to see them at the Capitol with Family Tree Relief Nursery – sharing the important work they do, filling the gaps to ensure kids and families get the resources they need. I love seeing their hearts for service lead them to advocating for a great cause!
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Three Year Anniversary of Shutting Down Our Schools for “Two Weeks"
This week marked 3 years since Governor Brown announced a statewide closure of Oregon K-12 schools for March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020. This closure would continue for almost two full years and have devastating results on our schools and students.
 Follow the Oregon House Republicans on Facebook for more updates https://www.facebook.com/oregonhouserepublicans
Opening Ceremonies: Your Moment to Shine!
Do you sing? Read poetry? Play an instrument? Pray? Then we have a job for you!
Every Floor Session in the House of Representatives starts with “Opening Ceremonies”, and is a great way to showcase the talents found across the state. Guidelines for Opening Ceremonies are below, but if you’re interested in being a ceremonial part of the 82nd Legislative Session, let me know! My office can help coordinate with the Chief Clerk’s office to get you on the calendar.
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