Protect Our Gun Rights: Action Needed!
Our office has seen an overwhelming number of frustrated emails regarding this session's package of anti-gun bills. On Wednesday, the Governor’s gun bill priorities received hearings in the House Committee on Judiciary.
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for all of us to stay engaged as these bills move through the legislative process and eventually become one "omnibus" bill under the name HB 2005. Don't let the majority take away more of your 2nd Amendment rights without a fight!
Testimony in opposition to these measures has been strong, but there is still time to make your voice heard if you act before 5:00PM tonight. You can do this by submitting written testimony against these bills on OLIS with the links below. (There are more in depth instructions how to do this at the bottom of this newsletter under the "Get Engaged" banner.)
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.
HB 2002 – Expands abortion/gender-change without parental consent
This bill represents a truly shocking omnibus of radical social policies targeting minors, and received a hearing on Monday. This bill would remove a parent’s role in their child’s life by:
- Eliminating any age of consent requirements for “reproductive health care”, including abortion, despite parental consent still being required for any necessary emergency care as a result
- Requiring written permission from a child of any age in order for a parent to know what reproductive health services are provided by a health care provider
- Authorizing a pharmacist to provide abortion pills without regard to the age of the person
- Repeals the law against concealing the birth of an infant—paving the way to conceal the death of an infant
- Allows a child to bypass parents for "gender affirming care". Keep in mind, a child needs parental authorization in Oregon to get their ears pierced or a tattoo
HB 3312 – Increases beer tax by 1200%
Beer, wine, cider, and sprits are an essential part of Oregon's economy and identity, and we are again seeing an attempt to vastly increase the taxes on these products. This bill has yet to get a hearing, but the Revenue Committee is not subject to the same deadlines as policy committees—meaning the bill could still move at any time up until the end of session.
HB 2279 – Death with dignity expansion
This bill passed the House earlier in the week on a nearly straight party line vote, and is now working its way through the Senate. It would radically expand Oregon's already liberal "death with dignity" assisted suicide law, expanding the right to non-residents who could transport suicide medications across state lines without any oversight.
HB 3076 – Strengthening Safe Surrender – Passed the House!
As you may recall from one of my previous newsletters, HB 3076 expands the safe surrender period of an infant in Oregon from 30 days to 60 days after birth, and more importantly creates awareness of Oregon's existing Safe Surrender laws. The bill passed the House unanimously and is on to the Senate. You can watch me carry the bill on the Floor yesterday with this link.
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Congratulations to the Lebanon High School's Explosion Dance Team! They won the OSAA 5A State Championship in Pom and took 2nd place in the Jazz category last weekend! I'm so glad that their hard work and long hours of practice has paid off in such a big way. Way to put Lebanon on the map, ladies! Keep up the great work, and 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
Remembering TimberUnity’s Peggi Rush
Peggi Rush of Sweet Home passed away on Tuesday, and will be remembered by many folks as a constant presence in the TimberUnity movement. She was an incredible advocate for Rural Oregon and its residents, but her loss hits in a very personal way as well. She was always an unfailing source of encouragement to me, and an inspiration to keep fighting when this job gets the best of you—and oh my, how I’ve needed those doses of Peggi!
I was honored to read a remonstrance about Peggi on the House Floor yesterday. You can view it here.
If you are able, please consider donating to the fundraiser for Peggi's burial costs with this link.
Tri-County Chamber Dinner & Auction
On April 1st, the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce invites you to their 33rd annual dinner, auction, and more! This exciting event is a great opportunity to get engaged with our local business community while dining on some delicious food and drinks. Their invitation is not an April Fool's joke—so mark your calendars to be at Shadow Hills Country Club in Junction City on Saturday, April 1st!
Brownsville Clean Up Day
Brownsville’s annual “Clean Up Day” is coming up on April 1st. This free service event is a great way to safely dispose of some of your garbage items, and help keep Brownsville clean and welcoming. Bring your items to the Rec Center on April 1st! There is also a curbside pickup option for seniors and those with disabilities.
Lebanon DMV Reopening Update
ODOT has finally hired some additional staff for our region, and is hoping to reopen our Lebanon DMV branch in May (though probably only part time). Lebanon's office is still closed after the community was told "90 days" back in May of last year.
We had ODOT in front of us in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development, and I was able to push the agency not only for a reopening update, but also the frustration caused by what has felt like a lack of communication about the extend of the situation, and to adequately manage our expectations for reopening.
This is an issue I've continued to hear from constituents about, as it has caused extra strain on residents having to travel to other offices. I have asked ODOT for updates on several occasions, and this is the first time a planned reopening timeline has been offered.
You can watch the conversation here.
You Spoke, I Listened (and Voted No)
As many of you know, I reached out to constituents asking their opinion on HB 2426, a bill that would allow self-serve gas here in Oregon, and I want to thank all of you of that sent emails in with your opinion!
I am so impressed by the number of responses we received, but was also surprised by the end tally! By an impressive margin, residents of House District 11 asked me to vote no on the bill – and for very thoughtful reasons ranging from the loss of jobs, to safety concerns at night, to the fear of hindering people with disabilities if we continue on the path to fully self-serve fueling.
Your voice matters to me, and I voted no on HB 2426 to reflect the views and priorities of the people of rural Linn and Marion counties. You can listen to my remarks about the bill here.
This bill ultimately passed the House by a 47-10 margin, and will now be working its way through the Senate.
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Capitol Visits This Week
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On Tuesday, members of OSU's Statewide Public Service Programs visited the Capitol. As a proud Beaver myself, I was happy to chat with them about the important work of the OSU Extension Service, 4H Clubs, Agriculture Experiment Stations, and their Oregon Forest Research Lab. |
On Thursday, Madelyn Hudson, a senior at Lebanon High School came to visit the Capitol. She has done incredible work in our community, and has been selected to represent the Boys & Girl's Club of the Greater Santiam as our Youth of the Year. I was honored to celebrate her with a Courtesy from the House Floor. |
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Joint Ways & Means Committee Roadshow
We’re taking the Legislative show on the road! Beginning on April 8th, I will be traveling around the state with the other members of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means to host public hearings on how best to prioritize YOUR tax dollars!
Not all of Oregon is in close proximity to our normal meetings here in Salem, so we are holding extra hearings to make it easier for communities to weigh in. You will be able to register to testify on OLIS once the meeting times are posted with this link. I hope to see some of you there!
Saturday, April 8 (10:00am - 12:00pm) - Portland
- Location: Portland Community College - PAC Auditorium, Sylvania Campus
- 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97219
Friday, April 14 (5:00 - 7:00pm) - Newport
- Location: Newport Performing Arts Center
- 777 W Olive St, Newport, OR 97365
Friday, April 21 (5:00 - 7:00pm) - Roseburg
- Location: Umpqua Community College
- 1140 Umpqua College Rd, Roseburg, OR 9747
Friday, April 28 (5:00 - 7:00pm) - Ontario
- Location: Four Rivers Cultural Center
- 676 SW 5th Ave, Ontario, OR 97914
- Note: Ontario, Oregon is in the Mountain Time Zone
OLIS at a Glance
As mentioned above in this week’s feature, you may submit testimony on HB 2005, 2006, and 2007 until 5:00PM today. Below is a graphic showing you the "Submit Testimony" button to send in written testimony, as well as the "Register to Testify" button that will allow you to testify in-person here at the Capitol if the bills/omnibus bill receives a hearing.
Even if you don’t make today’s deadline, you are still able to make your voice heard by reaching out to members of the Committee and sharing your opposition.
Never underestimate the power of using your voice in the Legislative process!
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