The “Cause” of the 2020 Santiam Canyon Fires
Though the Santiam Canyon wildfires were over 4.5 years ago, it’s amazing how much is developing around them the past few weeks. In some very coincidental (or suspicious if you’re cynical—and I’ve already heard from many of you who are) timing, the Oregon Department of Forestry released a report of their investigation into the cause of the Santiam Canyon fires just 5 days before the next trial against PacifiCorp is set to begin. In that investigation, ODF effectively says downed powerlines played no part in the destruction victims suffered.
They admit that 7 fires were caused by downed powerlines, but strangely, those fires (unlike the 12 that were attributed to embers blowing in from the Beachie Creek Fire) were “suppressed” by residents and fire personnel, and didn’t “contribute” to the spread of the “large fires in the Santiam Canyon.” It seems unlikely—despite the same brutal conditions of fierce winds and disastrously low humidity levels—that one set of fires could be perfectly suppressed, and the other apparently wasn’t, though the report neglected to clarify if the ember ignitions contributed or not. But ODF didn’t actually investigate the Beachie Creek Fire, because that’s not their jurisdiction and they couldn’t sue for damages from the Federal Government anyway.
This report absolving PacifCorp of wrongdoing has (no pun intended) spread like wildfire, being covered by national news outlets, and I can’t begin to tell you how frustrated I am that, while evaluating who ODF can hold financially accountable for their own fire suppression costs on their own managed lands, they decided to weigh in on the cause for the fires that burned people’s homes and communities. That hardly seems the scope of the investigation, but when those findings are a stark contradiction to victims’ personal accounts and the findings of our courts, it’s hard to believe this report is an accurate portrayal of the full story rather than a biased evaluation of PacifiCorp’s liability (or lack thereof), just because if an agency can’t get any financial accountability out of them, why should fire victims?
There is no denying the devastation caused by the Beachie Creek and Lionshead wildfires, but even without those fires burning, homes would have been lost and lives destroyed because Pacific Power refused to shut off their powerlines despite red flag conditions. And it’s yet another slap in the face to wildfire victims to pretend otherwise.
 
HB 2050 - Would align Oregon with 26 other states that both have a state income tax and do not tax military retiree pay.
HB 3076 - Directs the Department of Justice to study a new state licensing program for firearms dealers.
HB 3166 - After being voted down on November's ballot, the bill would establish Ranked Choice Voting for all elections except President, additionally establishes open primary elections
HB 3243 - Addresses concerns around EMS billing and aims to improve protections for patients.
HB 3380 - Increases the tax credit allowed to rural volunteer emergency medical services providers from $250 per tax year to $1,000 per tax year.
HB 3522 - Improves the process for a landlord to evict a squatter.
SB 842 - Increases the annual licensing fees hospitals have to pay to the Oregon Health Authority.
SB 703 - Directs the Department of Human Services to provide grants to nonprofit service providers to assist noncitizens in changing their immigration status.
Now that all the state basketball championships are wrapped up, I want to spotlight House District 11’s teams who left their all on the court! Congratulations to Jefferson High School's Girls' Basketball team, Central Linn High School's Girls' Basketball team, East Linn Christian Academy's Girls' Basketball team, and East Linn Christian Academy's Boys' Basketball team for their remarkable performances in the 2025 OSAA Championships. Each team showcased incredible skill, determination, and teamwork, making their schools and communities proud. Their success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches.
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Jefferson High School's Girls' Basketball team placed 5th in the 3A Division
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Central Linn High School's Girls’ Basketball team placed 4th in the 2A Division
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East Linn Christian Academy's Girls’ Basketball team placed 6th in the 2A Division
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East Linn Christian Academy's Boys’ Basketball team placed 6th in the 2A Division
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Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Halsey's New Fire Engine
Some exciting news! The Halsey-Shedd Rural Fire Protection District is celebrating the arrival of a brand-new fire engine, a much-needed addition to its fleet. This purchase was made possible thanks to a FEMA grant awarded last year, helping the district keep up with the rising costs of fire apparatus. Like many small fire districts, Halsey-Shedd relies on grants to ensure its crews have modern, reliable equipment.
The district worked closely with General Fire in Spokane, Washington, and Rosenbauer North Dakota to bring this project to life. Originally slated for a 200-day turnaround, the new engine arrived well ahead of schedule in just 147 days. The team couldn't be more excited about the engine’s versatile capabilities and the enhanced support it will bring to their emergency response efforts.
Notice of Road Construction in Lebanon
The City of Lebanon has just begun a 4-month construction project for a traffic signal and related improvements at the intersection of Airport Road and Stoltz Hill Road. Motorists should expect delays and lane restrictions for the first couple of weeks of construction.
Due to the extent of the construction and for the safety of motorists and contractors, the intersection of Airport Road and Stoltz Hill Road will be closed to through traffic beginning March 31st, with detours in place. Airport Road will be closed from 7th Street and 12th Street and Stoltz Hill Road will be closed at Antioch Street. Construction is expected to last through September.
Register for Halsey's Book-It 5K Run & Walk
The 5K in Halsey may still be over a month away, but the registration window is closing in fast! Be sure to sign up by March 31st to have a chance to win a three-month free membership at the Mid-Willamette Valley YMCA, and register by April 15th to receive a race t-shirt. You can register at the library, city hall, or using the link below. Registration fee is $35 with discounts for teams, seniors, and youth. Kids under 7 are FREE.
All fundraiser proceeds go toward funding library programs and events, such as Summer Reading Program. Don't hesitate--register online here!
Ways & Means Roadshow Begins Tomorrow!
The budget committee is hitting the road! The Joint Committee on Ways and Means will be holding public hearings across the state for the next month, giving Oregonians the option to seeing the budget-making process in their state in action, without having to travel to a dreary Capitol hearing room. For a list of dates and to register to testify, see below.
Gresham | Saturday, March 22 (10:00am – 12:00pm)
Mt. Hood Community College, College Theater
26000 S.E. Stark Street, Gresham, OR 97030
Members of the public can register to testify here
Astoria | Friday, March 28 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Liberty Theatre Astoria
1203 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR 97103
Members of the public can register to testify here
Warm Springs | Friday, April 4 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Old Warm Springs Elementary School
1112 Wasco Street, Warm Springs, OR 97761
Members of the public can register to testify here
La Grande | Friday, April 11 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building #339
1 University Boulevard, La Grande, OR 97850
Members of the public can register to testify here
Salem, Statewide Virtual Testimony Prioritized | Wednesday, April 16 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Oregon State Capitol Building, Hearing Room F
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Members of the public can register to testify here
Klamath Falls | Friday, April 25 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Klamath Community College, Building 4 Commons
7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Members of the public can register to testify here
Real ID Deadline is May 7th!
The federal REAL ID deadline is just over a month away! As a reminder, a REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or ID card that meets federal security requirements set by the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Starting May 7th, anyone 18 years and older must present a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative – like a passport, passport card or military ID–to board a flight within the U.S. or access certain federal facilities.
As the deadline comes closer, we are seeing greater demand and longer lines at our DMV offices. If you plan on flying within the U.S. anytime in the future and you don't have a passport or other acceptable ID, consider upgrading to the REAL ID option. It takes about three weeks to get your REAL ID card in the mail, so build that into your timeline before booking any flights.
While DMV offers many services online, you must get a REAL ID at a DMV office. You can make an appointment online or visit a DMV office near you without an appointment. You need to bring original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, home address (two different documents) and lawful status in the U.S. DMV offers a document guide to help you determine what to bring. You also have to provide your Social Security number or proof you are not eligible for one. Your current legal name must be on file with the Social Security Administration.
The REAL ID option costs an additional $30 above regular issuance fees every time you apply for an original, renewal or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card. Learn more about REAL ID at Oregon.gov/REALID.
It's hard to believe, but we're already two months into the session and have just three months to go! This one has felt decidedly different, and it's not all in my head. Staff and lobbyists I've spoken to have mostly echoed the same sentiment, as so many of our bills are in a perennial status of "wait and see". Tragically, several of our office's bills will die today with the first deadline of session, but there's always solace in knowing that no bill is truly "dead" until we gavel out of session in June.
Aside from meetings, working bills, and writing letters of support, and scarfing down leftover homemade lasagna I had brought for lunch every day, one of the most memorable parts of the week was getting to see Rep. Cate's beloved (but sometimes temperamental) Bullmastiff, Case International. Always one for constant attention, Case has been in need of even more of it lately after hurting herself and opening up a gnarly wound behind her ear. She isn't in any real pain, but her mom is obviously worried having to leave her unattended for any amount of time until the wound heals over. I was more than happy to keep Case company for a bit (and have an excuse to escape the constant distractions at the Capitol to get some work done), but it just goes to show that legislators have normal private lives, which sometimes come with normal problems!
- Conner
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Thousands submit testimony on proposed changes to Oregon gun measure
Central Oregon Daily
State Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Roseburg, also testified in opposition to the bill, saying every firearm he owns has a 30-round magazine and said magazines holding more than 10 rounds are "standard magazines." Skarlatos served in the Army National Guard and made national headlines after stopping a gunman on a train en route to Paris. "I survived a terrorist attack in a gun-free continent. The terrorist got a fully automatic AK 47 and a handgun," he said. "If you're going to commit mass murder, you're not going to worry about committing a Class A misdemeanor along the way."
Oregon EV registration reaches 100,000 - What does this mean for the gas tax?
KPTV
Oregon is one of 10 states that have reached the goal of collectively putting 3.3 million electric vehicles on the roads by this year. In a report released Monday, Governor Tina Kotek is quoted as saying, “Just this past November, we celebrated surpassing 100,000 registered electric vehicles in our state—a huge milestone for Oregon.” As thousands of drivers switch to EVs, discussions are taking place about the impact this shift will have on gas tax revenue. Oregon has historically used a portion of the state gas tax to maintain roads.
Lawmakers express frustration with ODOT, share initial accountability measures for bill
Statesman Journal
Democrats expressed frustrations with the Oregon Department of Transportation Tuesday night as Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, shared initial plans to develop new accountability measures for this year's transportation funding package. The push for additional accountability comes after the Statesman Journal published an investigation in February highlighting a $1.1 billion dollar budgeting error, cost overruns on major projects and unmet accountability measures in a 2017 transportation funding bill.
Oregon budget writers offer up a spending framework — and a lot of uncertainty
OPB
In unveiling a high-level spending framework, the co-chairs of the Legislature’s budget committee offered a picture of what priorities the state may be able to fund over the next two years. The only problem: Much of that framework relies on money from the federal government, which is highly unreliable as President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans look to slash spending. Nearly a third of Oregon’s budget comes from federal funds.
Democrats’ Quest to Ban Flavored Tobacco Products Picks Up Steam
Willamette Week
The origins of SB 702 stretch back at least to 2015, when advocates urged the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners to ban flavored tobacco products, whose mint and candylike flavors they argued were seductive to children. As cigarette consumption plummeted in Oregon and nationally, the tobacco industry sought new avenues to young customers. Public health officials, however, warned that vaping carried many of the health risks of smoking.
Opening Ceremonies Needed
Do you sing? Read poetry? Play an instrument? Pray? Then we have a job for you!
Every Floor Session in the House of Representatives starts with Opening Ceremonies, and is a great way to showcase the talents found across the state. Guidelines for Opening Ceremonies are below, but if you're interested in being a ceremonial part of the 83rd Legislative Session, let me know! My office can help coordinate with the Chief Clerk's office to get you on the calendar.
 
The Fight to Fix “Equitable” Inequities for Schools
Warning! New Taxes Being Considered
Out-Shenaniganed By 8th Graders!
Fire and Ice, and Birthday Hearts!
Mandates To Defy Trump Administration?
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