Interim Newsletter: July
Another month has passed in the long interim between Legislative Sessions, and while the Capitol remains largely empty save for the hard-working security personnel and janitorial staff, there is still much work to be done behind the scenes! My work has consisted of connecting with constituents, demanding answers from state agencies, sending mail, scheduling, hearing your concerns, and of course, sending out this newsletter.
Rep. Cate is still busy working on the farm and playing catch up on other projects, but remains very much active from afar in the day-to-day operations of the office. While we are in the interim and there is less legislative work, she is still navigating through constituent concerns, working with stakeholders, and sending out plenty of stationary! Below is a collage of Rep. Cate working on the farm, which includes long days in the combine with her canine companion, Case.
Petition Sign-On Opportunity: Dam Drawdown Update
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has recently announced its plan to submit a modification request for this year's drawdown of Green Peter Dam, which they are mandated to perform by a 2021 order from U.S. District Judge Marco Hernandez. As you likely know, last fall's drawdown had devastating effects on our waterways, and killed off thousands of Kokanee Salmon in an effort to aid migration for the endangered Chinook salmon.
To limit the length of this fall's anticipated muddy waters and the warming effect downstream, the Corps wishes to implement the drawdown later in the season and in a shorter timeframe than last year, reducing negative impacts on our environment and economies. In the meantime, the Corps are also taking feedback on its plan from federal and state agencies, along with impacted cities such as Sweet Home, Lebanon and Albany. They will submit this plan to Judge Hernandez who is reconsidering this case, but we have to keep our hopes for any changes measured, as his office could hear opposition from the same environmental activists that supported the deep drawdown mandate in the first place.
It is particularly concerning that there has still been no financial support offered to communities to reimburse the millions incurred for water treatment last year, or to improve the resiliency of our treatment plants to endure increased turbidity in the future.
For those interested, there is an opportunity to sign-on to a petition organized by the City of Sweet Home (link) to demonstrate the collective opposition for these drawdowns by our rural communities, and the importance of our ongoing involvement for how our resources are managed.
This month we would like to honor a group of Seven Oak Middle School's outgoing 8th graders who participated in fundraisers throughout the school year to spend a week between Washington DC and New York City! During this trip of a lifetime, they learned important history about these cities while taking in the famous sights that we all know and love.
What a great program to help foster the spirit of volunteerism at such an early age!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
New Fire Engines for Our Local Communities
We were thrilled to learn this week that the first type 6 fire engines were delivered to the Jefferson Fire District and Lebanon Fire District by the Oregon State Fire Marshall. These deliveries are a milestone in the OSFM Engine Program, enhancing firefighting capabilities across Oregon, and our local fire departments couldn't be more excited to have them.
Thursday Night Concerts in Harrisburg
All month long, the City of Harrisburg is hosting free outdoor concerts on Thursday nights at the Harrisburg Gazebo! This is such a great opportunity to soak up the evening sun, mingle with members of the community, and enjoy great food from local businesses all at the same time--so don't miss out!
Linn County Fair Next Weekend
The Linn County Fair is just a week away! Make the trip over to Albany for one of the biggest events of the year in the mid-Willamette Valley, and a weekend of family fun where kids 12 and under get in FREE with a ticketed adult. The weather is looking great, so don't miss out!
Stand By Me Day in Brownsville
Brownsville's annual Stand By Me Day will take place on Tuesday, July 23rd, and features all kinds of fun offerings for attendees to enjoy! Proceeds will go to the Linn County Museum, so please come out and show your support!
Alzheimer's Benefit Concert in Lebanon
There will be a benefit concert for the Mid-Valley Walk to End Alzheimer's chapter at Academy Sqaure on July 27th at 6:00pm! While the concert is free to the public, VIP seating tickets will be available for purchase at the event. Beer garden, food trucks, and raffles will all be on-site, so don't miss out and help support a great cause!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Jefferson
The City of Jefferson invites you to the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the first park inside the city limits! The festivities begin at the new River View Park at 12:00pm on July 29th.
The park includes a covered pavilion with electricity, 2 BBQ's, several picnic tables, ample green space, and fabulous views of the Santiam River, and will be such a welcome addition to this small, growing community!
Sweet Home Volunteer Fire Association Breakfast
Come one, come all! On August 3rd and 4th from 8:00am-11:00am, the Sweet Home Volunteer Firefighter Association will be a hosting a $10 all you can eat pancake breakfast at the city's fire district (1099 Long St). This is such a great opportunity to meet and support the men and women who help keep our rural communities safe--especially during these dry summer months.
National Night Out in Lebanon
One of the most anticipated events of the summer is just around the corner! The 41st National Night Out in Lebanon will once again be taking place on August 6th at Academy Sqaure, and everyone is invited for an evening of fun that's all supporting the Family Tree Relief Nursery.
If you're interested in being a vendor, please contact djohnson@ci.lebanon.or.us
Testify Against Livestock Inspection Fee Increases
Since last month's newsletter, we've learned that the Oregon Department of Agriculture is proposing raising fees on livestock brand inspections. You can read the proposed rulemaking by the Secretary of State's office here, and the instructions to testify virtually at Monday's hearing or submit public comment is below.
How to provide public comment:
Mail: ODA, 635 Capitol Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: rulemaking@oda.oregon.gov, Subject line: Livestock Brand Inspection Fee Rules
Last day to provide public comment: July 26, 2024, 5:00 pm
Hearing Date: July 15, 2024, 3:00-4:00 pm virtual
MEETING URL: Click here to join the meeting
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Meeting ID: 283133357631
Passcode: GAVHJV
Dial-in by phone
+1 503-446-4951,,471516507#
Changes to Paid Leave Oregon
Paid Leave Oregon would like to get the word out on changes that were implemented to satisfy SB 1515, which passed during this year's Legislative Session, and amends PLO and OFLA to effectively align the two leave laws, eliminate most of the duplicative coverage for the same qualifying event, and clarify the issue of concurrent benefits. To read about these changes, take a look at the flyers below or visit Paid Leave Oregon's June bulletin.
Interim Newsletter: June
Blackout Ends, Monthly Newsletters Are Back!
Signing Off for the Spring!
2024 Short Session Wrap Up
One Week Left in 2024 Legislative Session
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