Risking Our Kids and Parental Rights
Make no mistake: HB 2002 is not a “pro-choice” bill. It’s a radical erosion of parental rights, child safety, and keeping crime in the shadows, bill.
Since the start of session, we’ve known the Democrat Majority would be prioritizing abortion access—despite Oregon being the most abortion-friendly state in the nation with zero restrictions, including partial-birth abortion and taxpayer-funded abortions—but the bill that has been sponsored by all but 4 Democrats in the Legislature surpassed anything we dreamed possible.
HB 2002 has been labeled the “most extreme abortion and gender-altering bill in [our] nation’s history”. And unsurprisingly, our constituents have been extremely vocal about it in our email inbox, and we sincerely hope other offices are experiencing the same degree of volume.
In case you missed it, this bill represents a truly shocking omnibus of radical social policies targeting minors. HB 2002 would remove a parent’s role in their child’s life by:
- Eliminating parental consent requirements at any age for “reproductive health care”—including abortion on girls as young as 10, despite a crime having been committed if a 10 year old is pregnant
- 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 parental consent for "gender affirming care" at any age, and above 15 years for sex-altering surgeries. Keep in mind, a child needs parental authorization in Oregon to get their ears pierced or a tattoo under the age of 18.
During the Work Session in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means last week, Senator Knopp (R, Bend) engaged in a back-and-forth with Legislative Counsel, asking if a 10-year-old could receive an abortion without parental consent under this bill, to which Legislative Counsel responded with "yes". Gasps rang out in the room along with denials from the Co-Chairs despite their sponsorship of the legislation. You can watch the exchange for yourself here.
It is clear that this bill is beyond extreme, and needs your help to make it clear: this legislation does not align with Oregon voters’ priorities! Contact lawmakers and urge a "no" vote ahead of HB 2002 reaching the House Floor for a full vote on May 1st.
Voter Registration Deadline Next Week
Voting in non-Presidential elections is highly underrated! There are critical elections coming up in May 16th’s election, and the deadline to make sure that your voter registration is up to date is next Tuesday! You can check your registration status by using the My Vote tool at Oregon's Secretary of State Website.
HB 2005 – Gun Control Omnibus – ON HOUSE FLOOR MAY 2nd
This bill is one of the worst anti-gun pushes this legislative session. It seeks to ban the sale of homemade firearms, raise the age to purchase rifles from 18 to 21, and creates arbitrary zones where concealed carry can be banned! Please reach out to lawmakers and urge a "no" vote!
SB 393 – Waiting Period to Buy Guns
Not only does this “gut and stuffed” amended bill impose a 3 day waiting period to purchase a firearm, but it was also passed out of committee without ever having received a public hearing – meaning the voice of voters was silenced by the Committee Chair. This bill is currently in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.
SB 611 – Added Rent Control
This bill is still waiting to be heard on the Senate Floor. It is one of several rent control bills still alive and working their way through the Legislature this session. Though well intentioned at lowering housing prices, it will result in driving more housing units out of the rental market – like the 4,000 single family dwellings already lost from the Portland rental market alone.
HB 3464 – Erosions to Beaver Management – Amended
This bill removes Beavers from the listing of predatory animals, and as introduced, would cause beavers to no longer be recognized as rodents. It was a major threat to farmers and property owners who would have been helpless to control beavers’ destruction, but an amendment was adopted to preserve some management practices.
SJR 33 – Constitutionally Protecting Abortion/Gender Affirming Care
SJR 33 was introduced this week and proposes a Constitutional Amendment to further codify Oregon’s protections of abortion, gender affirming care, as well as same-sex marriage. This resolution would seek to validate Oregon Democrat’s extreme ideology, and make it more difficult for future Legislatures to curtail the dangerous expansions of HB 2002.
Congratulations to Central Linn FFA's incredible performance at the Upper Willamette District FFA Floriculture Event! Their results are a true testament to their passion and commitment to the agricultural industry.
The beginning team took 1st place:
1st place Morgan Seiders
2nd place Alyse Glenn
3rd place Maddie Duringer
4th place Mia Fiorito
The advanced team took 1st place and is heading to state:
1st place: Brooke Glaser
2nd place: Autumn Suing
3rd place: Ava Glaser
4th place: Ella Glenn
5th place: Summer Collins
Congratulations to everyone who competed! Way to put Central Linn on the map, ladies. GO COBRAS!!!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Children's Day at Jefferson Elementary
Next Thursday, consider bringing your child to an evening of fun at Jefferson Elementary School! This free event will have food, pinatas, games, & more, and is a great way for kids and parents to make connections with other members of the community!
Sodaville History Event
On May 10th, the Lebanon Museum Foundation will be hosting a free event at the Lebanon Public Library highlighting the history of Sodaville! Julie Grunberg and JaDala Doyle will present a program going through Sodaville's unique story, drawing from insight gained from their ancestors' time in the town.
Plant Sale at Seven Oak Middle School
Today and tomorrow only, Seven Oak Middle School is hosting a sale of plants grown by students in its agriculture and natural resources electives! There will be tomatoes, annuals, and perennials for sale starting at just $3 – and the best part, you’ll be supporting our students with your purchase!
Tax Relief on Tax Day
House Republicans attempted to withdraw five bills out of committee on Tuesday that would have lowered taxes for Oregonians. Despite Oregon residents paying a larger share of their income in taxes than any other State in the country, House Democrats voted these motions down.
Below is a summary of the bills House Democrats would not allow a vote on:
Follow the Oregon House Republicans on Facebook for more updates https://www.facebook.com/oregonhouserepublicans
Speaking at TeenPact!
 |
|
I had the honor of speaking at TeenPact's annual reception in Turner, Oregon on April 4th. TeenPact is a Christin nonprofit organization that hosts four-day classes where students learn about and engage with leadership, citizenship, and government. Students asked great questions throughout! |
I want to extend a special shout-out to Stella, a former TeenPact student who reached out and helped coordinate our office's involvement with this year's program! Stella is the granddaughter of one of our great Linn County Commissioners, so one could say leadership is in her blood! |
|
 |
“Capitol Crud” Making Its Rounds
Over the past couple of weeks, a mysterious illness we colloquially call "Capitol Crud" here in Salem, has ramped up its sickness-inducing effects, and has been sweeping through the building – taking no prisoners.
Our office was one of its many victims, which is why you may have noticed we did not release a newsletter last week. Luckily, the coughing and sneezing has mostly ceased for our office, and we are back to the important jobs at-hand! Now if only all the other offices could be as fortunate!
Newport Ways & Means Roadshow
 |
|
I had the pleasure of attending the Ways & Means roadshow tour stop in Newport last weekend! We started on Friday night with a public hearing on HB 5506, which will decide how money from Oregon's general fund will be appropriated over the next biennium. It was a great turnout, with citizens coming from near and far to make their priorities heard. |
We also received a wonderful tour of Yaquina Bay aboard the Predator fishing vessel, where we learned about the ins-and-outs of the fishing industry, and the challenges facing our fleets. |
|
 |
There are two more roadshow stops coming up to give more Oregonians closer access to the Ways and Means Committee in order to make their voice heard on our government spending. There will also be a follow up Virtual Public Hearing for anyone who wasn’t able to make it to an in-person hearing.
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!
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
Wednesday, May 3 (5:00 - 7:00pm) - Virtual
- Location: Virtual on Microsoft Teams
Bills Are Dying - First Chamber Deadline
Advocating for Our Most At-Risk Students
Protect Our Gun Rights: Action Needed!
Self-Serve, or No Self-Serve?
Standing Up for our Family Farms
Serve as an Honorary Page
It isn’t just adults who can be engaged with their Oregon Legislature, there are opportunities for kids as well, and the Honorary Page Program is one of those ways.
The Page Program runs from February to June in odd-numbered years and in February and early March in even-numbered years, otherwise known as a "short session." Students between the ages of 12 and 17 must apply for this unique program where they will spend a day engaged in a living history and civics lesson.
As an Honorary Page, the applicant will participate in an official swearing-in ceremony, administered by the House Sergeant at Arms, an event often considered the highlight of the day, in order to be allowed onto the chamber floor. Further events include a classroom session where details of the Legislative process are discussed, performing courier services for the Chief Clerk's Office, working on the House chamber floor with the Legislators during a daily session, visiting each applicant's Representative's office, observing Committee meetings, a personal tour of the capitol building itself, and participation in any special events or activities at the capitol as they occur.
Click here for more information, or to apply for your student to join us on the House Floor!
| 
