Interim Newsletter: January
Welcome to the last of our monthly "interim newsletters" before we return to our regular weekly newsletters after this year's Legislative Session kicks off on February 5th! We are excited to start the new year here at the office, and have already been busy getting ready for Short Session to start. This week brought our final “Legislative Days” before session starts, and with it, a hectic rush to get ready. Committee schedules were also just released, so we can finally start planning Rep. Cate's schedule for the upcoming 35-day sprint. She will be serving on:
All members in the Legislature are limited to two bills they can draft and introduce in this year's Short Session, and the deadline to file those are actually today—so we’ve been scrambling to get sponsorships arranged and everything organized to meet the deadline. We will talk about Rep. Cate's introduced legislation once we have actual bill numbers to go along with them, but her main focus for Short Session remains a push to fix the inequities of the school funding formula as it pertains to our Special Education students, which was officially adopted this week as one of the House Education Committee’s bills for Short Session! Which helps adds some weight to the priority of the concept.
Getting ready for Short Session isn’t all we’ve been up to; we've also continued to be engaged in the fight over the deep drawdowns at Green Peter and Lookout Point Dams. After the media coverage of the severity of the water impacts, Governor Kotek took notice and sent her own letter regarding the issue on December 18th. Rather disappointingly, it was directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers instead of the federal judge who actually mandated the drawdowns in the first place, so in response, another coalition of elected officials in the affected region sent a letter to Governor Kotek on January 3rd. (More below letter.)
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We once again highlighted the severe consequences of recent drawdowns, but this time added a particular emphasis on the role played by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in aggravating the situation. Despite concerns expressed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ODFW's support for plaintiffs' proposed remedies resulted in court-mandated drawdowns, causing significant harm to water quality, treatment plants, and communities. The letter urgently calls for the Governor's intervention to mitigate damages, secure emergency funding totaling $45 million, and advocate for additional financial support as costs continue to build. It also further emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and balanced approach to dam management that prioritizes the well-being of all communities and ecosystems.
The letter also appeals for Governor Kotek's support in seeking a modification to Judge Hernandez's 2021 injunction, advocating for a fair representation of rural communities in future dam management decisions. Recognizing the far-reaching consequences of these drawdowns, we wanted to stress the importance of the Governor's leadership in addressing these pressing issues and fostering a sustainable future for the State of Oregon. There are a total of 13 Willamette Basin dams managed by the Corps, so anyone downstream of these dams could be at risk of a deep drawdown like we saw at Green Peter and Lookout Point if these drawdowns get lauded as a success.
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As we embark on a new year, and Rep. Cate is busy juggling trying to get all the seed cleaned at the farm before Short Session with her actual preparations for Short Session, we also want to take a quick look back at 2023 and some of what our office accomplished. So often, the focus of legislative work is only on how many bills pass or die, but there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes. One of those things Rep. Cate is most passionate about is reaching out to her constituents, and 2023 may have been a new personal record for her! With roughly 72,000 constituents, it is impossible to connect with everyone, but that doesn't stop us from trying! Below is a graphic with a breakdown of some of the mail we sent last year—averaging over 4,000 pieces a month! It is safe to say that Rep. Cate loves mail!
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For the month of January we would like to honor both the Badgers and the Road Brother Motorcycle Club for teaming up with Canaga Point S Tire to purchase and deliver food to six Lebanon Community School District families!
The Road Brother Motorcycle Club also sponsored one lucky family, for whom they bought and wrapped many gifts as you can see below. What a wonderful way to spread the Christmas spirit!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Disney Bingo Night in Sweet Home
Join Oak Heights Elementary's Parent Teacher Committee for a fun night of Disney Bingo with bingo MC extraordinaire Gina Riley on Friday, January 19th from 5:30-7:30! Have the kiddos dress up in their favorite Disney gear or as their favorite Disney character. Mouse ears available! It's sure to be an awesome time with great prizes and a tasty popcorn bar. $10 for 6 games. All proceeds will benefit the Oak Heights Playground Cover Fund!
Scio STEM Day January 19th
Scio Public Library is having their STEM Day next Friday! This is a great opportunity for all ages to learn about earthquakes and how structures can be constructed to withstand them. This event is open from the public and lasts from 9:00-10:30AM!
Brownsville STEAM Event January 26th
Just a week after Scio's event, Brownsville Community Library will be hosting their own interactive earthquake education event from 3:30-5:00PM!
Attendees will be learning about various shapes, strength under pressure, and earthquake simulation. They will supply all of the materials needed to construct a variety of buildings. A shaking table simulator is also available to determine whether your construction can withstand an earthquake, so bring your creativity and engineering talents to the table!
Santa Maria 205's 100th Birthday
Come ride with Santiam Excursions in Lebanon on February 3rd as they celebrate 100 years of Santa Maria Engine 205! Attendees will enjoy a trip back in time aboard this historical locomotive. Tickets are available at: Steam Train - Santiam Excursion Trains (santiamexcursions.com).
Chili Cook-Off in Brownsville
Join Sharing Hands in their annual Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Auction on February 3rd at Pioneer Christian Academy! All proceeds from this event will go towards the new building addition construction, and better yet, all proceeds will be matched dollar for dollar by the generous Anderson family. Please plan on attending, bring your best chili, dessert or plan to eat some chili and bid on the many deserts!
Press Release on Drawdowns
In conjunction with the coalition letter sent to Governor Kotek on January 3rd, Rep. Cate and Rep. Conrad issued a press release outlining the consequences of the recent deep drawdowns at Green Peter Dam and Lookout Point Dam, and also pointing out the State of Oregon's responsibility in the matter. This press release was sent to media outlets from across the state, and so far the story has been picked up by quite a few. The fight is far from over though, as there will be more outreach to the press in the coming days to further sound the alarm on this ongoing problem.
Interim Newsletter: December
Interim Newsletter: November
Interim Newsletter: October
Interim Newsletter: September
Interim Newsletter: August
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