One Month into the Senate Walkout
We conclude another week of Senate Republicans denying quorum over President Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) refusing to follow the law on readability standards, and also refusing to negotiate in good faith. You may know that all but three Republican and Independent Senators have already hit their maximum allowed ten days of unexcused absences, and now Senate Democrats have upped the ante once more.
Yesterday, the Oregon Senate voted to start requiring the ten Senators to pay a fine amount of $325 beginning next Monday for each day a quorum is not reached. This is a dramatic, but largely ineffective, escalation to compel the return of Senate Republicans that, once again, does not reflect a willingness for true compromise from Senate Democrats at the negotiation table.
We certainly hope that the Senate can reach a deal to return to complete the bipartisan work still coming out of our committees and the House. As a reminder, the Senate Republicans have pledged to return on the final day of session to pass bipartisan budgets, but we will have to wait to see if President Wagner cooperates.
Senate Minority Leader Knopp (R-Bend) put out the following statement in response:
HB 2100 - Raises DMV Fees on Customers
This bill effectively raises fees across the board on the various services that the DMV offers, and unfortunately passed out of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means on a straight party-line vote. The fees most egregious to me centered around our truck drivers, raising their cost of entry into the profession at a time the state is investing in trying to get more drivers into the profession. A CDL will jump from $75 to $160, with testing going from $70 to $145. Oregonians are already hurting due to the ongoing inflationary crisis, and this bill only adds to that pain.
SB 819 - Full School Days for Disabled Students
One of the major bills scheduled to be up for debate this week was SB 819. This bill requires school districts to have parental consent before prescribing students with disabilities to abbreviated school days—eroding those students’ right to equal access to education. As you may know, House District 11 has some of the highest rates of special needs students in the state, and due to an arbitrary “cap” on the amount of SPED students allowed for the funding formula, our schools don’t receive the resources needed to fully support our SPED students’ education, resulting in things like abbreviated days. I feel SB 819 is part of a bigger, bipartisan effort to advocate for these students and the resources schools need to support them, and was disappointed to see it referred to the House Committee on Rules due to lack of support on the House Floor (despite passing the Senate 25-1, 4 exc.)
SJR 26/SB 744 – Taking Your Tax Kicker Refund
An attempt to take the people’s tax kicker refund was heard this week in the Senate. SJR 26 is a ballot referral that would propose to voters a change in Oregon’s Constitution to remove the requirement that tax revenues beyond what is budgeted be returned to tax payers. SB 744 is actual implementation policy that would go along with SJR 26 if it were to be passed by the people. Republicans continue to fight hard to make sure tax overages get paid back to our hard-working Oregonians.
SB 1089 – Beginnings of Universal Health Care
Stemming from the passage of Ballot Measure 111 from 2022, SB 1089 would stand up a Universal Health Plan governance board. This board would largely be responsible for making the recommendations to the Legislature of how to roll out the first-in-the-nation, universal health care plan, and probably more importantly, how to generate the billions of dollars in tax revenues to pay for it.
HB 2772 – Creating the Crime of Domestic Terrorism
In a political era where it is more popular to make things more legal, this is a rare bill moving through the Legislature this session that actually creates a crime. Aimed at truly egregious acts, HB 2772 would target criminals intentionally destroying critical infrastructure (think bridges or critical components of our power grid) or intentionally dispersing toxins where they will impact humans. The bill has a work session this morning in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.
Congratulations to Queen Libby Jorgensen, who was crowned last night as the Lebanon Strawberry Festival kicked off their "Peace, Love, and Strawberries" festivities for the weekend. Along with Princesses Chloe Juntunen, Makayla Lewis, Alyssa Baker, and Lauren Wyatt, the Court has been busy serving as ambassadors for Lebanon’s 114th annual celebration. Keep up the great work, ladies!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
LHS Softball Competes at State
Lebanon High's varsity softball team is heading to State! Cheer them on tomorrow morning at 8:45AM near LHS's gym entrance as they depart to Dallas to face off against the 25-3 Dragons. They have a tough fight ahead of them, but the Warriors are a determined bunch and we wish them the best!
The game will be held at Jane Sanders Stadium at noon.
Jefferson High School Graduation
At 7:00PM tonight, come cheer on Jefferson's graduating class as they receive their diplomas! The event will be held inside Jefferson High's gymnasium. Way to go Lions!
Free Meals for Kids in Harrisburg
All summer long, the Harrisburg School District will provide free breakfast and lunch for all children up to age 18. This amazing initiative begins on June 19th and ends on August 17th. Breakfast will be served from 8:30-9:15 and lunch will be served from 11:30-12:15. Spread the word!
Sweet Home Volunteer Faire
On Sunday, Sweet Home's Chamber of Commerce is holding an event at Sankey Park to showcase the incredible volunteer opportunities across our community. Come see numerous local organizations showcase the work they're doing, and consider lending a helping hand in making a difference as well!
Linn County Seeks Committee Volunteers
Linn County has vacancies on some of its committees and commissions, and is looking for volunteers ready to step up and serve our 130,000 residents! Some of the openings include:
Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee
Development Disabilities
Historical Museum Advisory Commission
Law Library Committee
Parks and Recreation Committee
Transportation Advisory Committee
If you’re interested in learning more about the more than two dozen committees comprised within Linn County, please call the Board of Commissioners office at 541-967-3825, or find more information about each county committee at: https://www.co.linn.or.us/bc/page/boards-commissions-and-committees.
State Parks Day Tomorrow
Celebrate State Parks Day tomorrow, June 3rd, with free parking and free camping at all Oregon State Parks! That's right, day-use parking fees are waived at the 25 locations that charge them. All tent, RV and horse campsites are free (reservation and other fees apply). This is a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family!
Free Paddling This Weekend
Another great way to enjoy the great outdoors this weekend is by taking to the water! Not only is it free fishing, crabbing, and clamming this weekend, but Waterway Access Permits are also not required, making it free to paddle this weekend!
Update on the Senate Standoff
Senate Walkout: 13 Days and Counting
The “Walkout” Continues: Follow the Law
Democrat Lawmakers Breaking the Law
Bad Bill Double Header
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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