Senate Walkout: 13 Days and Counting
Senate Republicans have continued their "walkout" into a third week following Senate President Wagner’s refusal to follow the law on the readability standards for staff measure summaries. Senate leadership had negotiations last weekend, but failed for the two sides to effectively agree on conditions for Republicans to return. As a reminder, this all comes on the heels of the House's passage of HB 2002 and HB 2005, which are incredibly divisive and almost certainly unlawful pieces of legislation, but are also top priorities in the Democrat’s agenda for this session.
Oregon voters passed Measure 113 in November of 2022, which prevents Legislators from running for reelection if they reach 10 unexcused absences during a legislative session. As of now, 10 of the 13 Republican and Independent Senators have reached this threshold. Senator Knopp's office put out the following press release yesterday:
While we certainly hope this standoff will resolve in a positive outcome for Oregonians, there is no doubt that negotiations have stalled and bills--both good and bad--are slated to die if a compromise isn’t found. We will continue to follow along and provide updates as the situation over on the Senate side continues to develop.
Impeachment Power: Testimony Needed
I was proud to present HJR 16 in front of the House Committee on Rules yesterday afternoon. I had introduced this resolution last session to give Oregon voters the option to create the power of impeachment for state-wide elected officials, but it never received a hearing, so it is nice to be able to have the conversation this year—especially in light of the resignation of Secretary of State Fagan. The push to create the power of impeachment in Oregon is not new, and similar resolutions have passed the House in 2015 and 2017. Here is a link to watch my testimony.
|
I introduced HJR 16 because Oregonians deserve a chance to have every avenue of accountability possible for their state-wide elected officials. Every state has the power of impeachment, except Oregon. Do you agree that we should have the ability to impeach our executive officeholders here in Oregon? If so, please submit written testimony in support of HJR 16 before 1:00PM tomorrow with this link.
HB 2572 - Paramilitary Bill: Passed the House
This is a bill that has been a hot topic all session. While proponents see HB 2572 as a pressure release valve for political violence (some even regarding it as a “clean up Portland” bill), many have concerns that it could infringe on the freedom to assemble, and takes aim at behaviors that make some “uncomfortable” and others view as protecting private property.
HB 2004 - Ranked Choice Voting: Passed Out of Committee
Another issue that has dominated this year's session has been ranked choice voting. HB 2004 seeks to radically overhaul our electoral system here in Oregon at a time where quite frankly, many people have doubts about our current laws already on the books. While there are arguments to be made for or against this new system, we feel that ranked choice voting should be decided by the voters via a ballot measure, not the officials who stand to be elected by the system.
SB 803 - Banning Diesel by 2030
As mentioned in previous newsletters, SB 803 would ban all petroleum-based diesel sales state-wide by 2030, driving up fuel costs—especially for rural Oregonians. People have been asking for an update: this bill is still alive, but hasn’t had any additional hearings scheduled so far. The outpouring of opposition was strong against this concept, which makes a stronger case for letting the bill die.
HB 2898: RV Habitation After Wildfires – Headed to Senate Floor!
Our RV habitation during wildfire recovery bill is headed to the Senate Floor, or is it? While the ongoing Senate Republican walkout is killing bad bills, this is a reminder that many good bills also hang in the balance. In case you missed it, HB 2898 extends an allowance that was passed in the 2021 session which allowed for recreational vehicles to be used for habitation on a lot where the single-family dwelling was destroyed in the 2020 wildfires, and creates this allowance for 5 years in any future natural disasters.
Bob Elliott is a mainstay throughout the Lebanon Community, and has been named the Grand Marshall of the 114th Lebanon Strawberry Festival Parade!
Bob was born and raised in Lebanon and has volunteered in our community since 1997. During the past 16 years Bob has served on the Senior Center Advisory Board, the Parks Committee/Tree Board, Cascade West Council of Government Transportation Committee, and the Lebanon City Council. Bob also has been involved with the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, Willamette Manor, COMP NW, Bringing up Learning and Behavior (BULB), and my personal favorite, the Lebanon Strawberrians.
Please come out to the Grand Parade, June 3rd, and give Bob a well-deserved wave!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Free Boat Safety Checks by LCSO
The Linn County Sheriff's Office will be offering free boat safety checks at Bi-Mart locations throughout Linn County! There will be free coffee and donuts at Albany and Sweet Home locations in the morning, so come while supplies last! Likewise, there will also be free life vests available for kids!
Bring your boat and your families to the following event sites:
Saturday May 20th
Albany Bi-Mart 8AM-12PM
Lebanon Bi-Mart 1PM-5PM
Sunday May 21st
Sweet Home Bi-Mart 10AM-2PM
Halsey-Shedd Fire Breakfast
The Halsey-Shedd Fire District invites you to their annual Achievement Day Breakfast! Expect pancakes, ham, and eggs on Saturday May 20th. It begins at 6:30AM and will conclude at10:30AM. The breakfast is only $5 per person or $20 per family, so please come enjoy at 740 W 2nd St Halsey, OR, US 97348!
Lebanon Chamber: New Location
As you might have heard, the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce needed to close its existing building for repairs following a hit-and-run on March 1st. Happily, it is able to continue serving the Lebanon business community from its new, shared office space with the Morley Thomas Law Office (80 E Maple St, next to City Hall). They are still working on phone issues, but expect that to be worked out this week.
Mural Artists Wanted!
Do you, or anyone you know, paint murals? Come be a part of downtown Lebanon's revival by participating in this contest! The deadline to submit your artwork is June 9th, and if you are chosen, you can come paint on select buildings by yourself or with a team of other artists. Don't miss your chance at making your mark on our community!
OLCC Raising Fees - Public Input Opportunity
OLCC is seeking public comment on a proposed increase of the current 50-cent surcharge on each bottle of distilled spirits to one dollar per bottle. The Commissioners heard initial testimony at their April 20 Commission meeting.
You can watch the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) testimony on how this tax increase will hurt small bars and restaurants the most at a time when the Governor and the OLCC Commission should be supporting them.
The Commission will listen to additional verbal testimony at the May 18 meeting and will accept written comments through June 5, 2023.
As background, a temporary surcharge of fifty cents was first enacted in the 2009-2011 budget cycle and has been continued ever since, including the 2021-23 cycle. On top of that surcharge, Governor Kotek's budget for 2023-25 includes a line item for an additional fifty-cent surcharge on distilled spirits which is estimated to raise $45.2 million for the general fund.
Please consider taking action on this by either:
- Providing verbal testimony at the May 18 Commission meeting (email paul@oregon.gov by 5pm on May 16, 2023)
- Submitting written comments; visit ORLA's Take Action page by June 5, 2023 at 5 PM to send a customized message to the Commissioners
The “Walkout” Continues: Follow the Law
Democrat Lawmakers Breaking the Law
Bad Bill Double Header
Risking Our Kids and Parental Rights
Bills Are Dying - First Chamber Deadline
OLIS at a Glance
Navigating OLIS is a key part of being involved with the legislative process. 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 a bill of interest receives a hearing.
Even if you don’t make a testimony deadline, you are still able to make your voice heard by reaching out to members of a Committee, or simply all lawmakers here at the Capitol.
Never underestimate the power of using your voice in the Legislative process!
| 
