The “Walkout” Continues: Follow the Law
Senate Republicans have continued their "walkout" (technically called a denial of quorum) this week following Senate President Wagner’s refusal to follow the law on the readability standards for staff measure summaries. This also comes on the heels of the House's passage of HB 2002 and HB 2005, which on their own are divisive and almost certainly unlawful pieces of legislation, but are top priorities in the Democrat’s agenda for this session.
It is unclear how things will progress as we are still a long ways from our Constitutional “Sine Die” (end of session) on June 25th, but Senate leadership has started conversations to see if they can come to a resolution. Senate Democrats have stated they are not interested in entertaining a "kill list" and will not be watering down their legislative priorities, but would entertain a "wish list" from Republicans. So we will wait and see what happens!
As you likely know, any walkout this session is hampered by the passage of Ballot Measure 113 (in November, 2022), which states that lawmakers with 10 or more unexcused absences are unable to run for re-election. This puts Senate Republicans in a very difficult position as they have limited time to negotiate—and the Senate President is denying their requests for excusal.
As you might imagine, excused absences and requests are not a new phenomenon—we are a citizens’ Legislature, meaning we all have lives and work beyond our duties at the Capitol. But now, even the most fundamental requests are being denied. Senator Hayden (R-Fall Creek) was denied an excused absence last Saturday from the Senate Floor when he cited his responsibilities as an elder in his church. Hayden has repeatedly been excused for religious reasons throughout session, and it is not hard to figure out what's changed. In response, Senator Hayden has filed a discrimination complaint.
SB 628 - Ensuring Medical Treatment for Our Most Vulnerable
This bill has taken a couple of attempts, but passed the House Tuesday, and requires providers to cover pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANDAS). I have helped sponsor this legislation since I got to the Legislature, knowing kids shouldn’t be denied treatment just because our insurance coverage hadn’t caught up to the relatively recent discovery of PANDAS.
HB 3297 - New Tax on Gas Cars
This bill imposes a mandatory per-mile road usage charge for all vehicles made in 2028 or later that are rated at over 30 miles per gallon. This charge applies to vehicles made in 2035 or later with an EPA rating of just 20 miles per gallon. It had a hearing yesterday, and you can submit written testimony in opposition until 5:00PM tomorrow with this link.
SB 872 – Managing our Federal Forests – Work Session Next Week
This bill partners the State Forestry Department and federal agencies to expand resource availability to better manage federal forests, which are a huge portion of Oregon's land. Moreover, it requests that the federal government take on more of the costs in the effort. It has long been a frustration (and risk) to our communities that the Federal government neglects its forestlands, and this bill would take steps to help mitigate that.
HB 3501: “Right to Rest” – Dead Bill
We are still receiving a lot of emails about HB 3501, and wanted to highlight again that this bill is “dead”. It was scheduled to have a “courtesy” hearing, not a hearing that reflects intent to move the bill, but after an overwhelming number of negative emails and written testimony, the Chair cancelled the hearing. Let this be a reminder that your voice matters and there is power in advocacy!
I want to extend congratulations to Harrisburg's Mr. & Ms. Eagle, Trevor Kahle and Alyshia Daughs!
The contestants in this incredible fundraiser garnered a total of $11,498.79 for the babies at Riverbend NICU. Way to go!
The teams were:
Trevor Kahle and Alyshia Daughes
Alfredo Ledezma and Lexi Laiblin
Curtis Talmadge and Emmalee Smathers
Dacien Costa and Molly McNulty
Payten Burian and Lexi Geoghegan
Colby Moritz and Ava Ridgley
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Lebanon Clean Up Day
Show some community spirit! Consider signing up to volunteer in Lebanon's annual community cleanup day next Saturday! The event will begin at 9:00AM at Ralston Park. As the flier below states, sign up is not required for personal property clean up, so participate in any way that you wish!
Civil War Living History Event
The annual Civil War living history event will take place at Cheadle Lake Park next weekend! Don’t miss your chance to learn more about a war that changed the course of our country, and get a glimpse into what a day in the life of a Civil War soldier was really like.
Sweet Home Community Market
Sweet Home's inaugural community market event is just one week away! Become a vendor yourself at sweethomeor.gov, or simply come out and enjoy the sunshine while supporting your local community vendors!
Life Jackets Provided by Sweet Home Fire
The warm weather is here, and summer is just around the corner! With that comes getting in the water, and the Sweet Home Fire District has generously offered a borrow & return supply of lifejackets at their fire station. They only ask that you return the jackets promptly after each use!
Marion County Sheriff Joe Kast to Retire
After 31 years of law enforcement experience and four years serving as Marion County's Sheriff, Joe Kast announced his retirement effective June 30th. Sheriff Kast has been a truly great asset to our rural communities, most notably during the 2020 wildfires.
“Sheriff Kast has been an exemplary leader who leads without ego,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “His vast years of experience serving the residents of Marion County prepared him for the role of Sheriff these last few years. I will greatly miss his honest and transparent approach and wish him well in his retirement.”
Here is a link to Marion County's full press release.
Democrat Lawmakers Breaking the Law
Bad Bill Double Header
Risking Our Kids and Parental Rights
Bills Are Dying - First Chamber Deadline
Advocating for Our Most At-Risk Students
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!
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