  
Halfway Into Session—Things Are Heating Up
We are less than a week away from reaching the halfway mark of the 2025 Legislative Session, and honestly, it’s hard to say whether it’s flown by or dragged on. Either way, there are just five days left for most bills to make it out of committee and onto the House floor—otherwise, they’re considered “dead.” With a record number of bills introduced this Session, it’s felt like a constant juggling act with an impossible amount of balls in the air at once. Because of this, the upcoming deadline will privately be a relief for many in the building. Of course, plenty of good, common-sense bills will fall victim to this deadline in the process, and it's a shame that some committee chairs refused to even give many of these bills public hearings.
Several of our "alive" bills are sitting in the House Committee on Revenue awaiting action. We anticipate action in that committee to pick up later this month and in May, especially after next month's anticipated revenue forecast is released. To avoid sounding like a broken record, I will only very briefly reiterate that the state's budget uncertainty continues to be the most defining component of this year's session.
I want to lastly briefly update you on HB 3156-1, which you might recall from last week's newsletter. I'm happy to report that it advanced out of committee unanimously yesterday and will be heading to the House Floor next week! All this bill does is require utility providers to print information on how to file a complaint to the Public Utility Commission at the bottom of all utility bills.
SB 210: A ballot referral that asks voters if they want in-person voting on the date of an election with voter-ID as the standard method for conducting an election in Oregon.
HB 2522: Allows landlord clear authority to evict a squatter. Passed the House!
HB 3097: Increases sentencing guidelines for the existing crime of felony attempting to elude a police officer.
HB 2175: Creates the crime of possessing, purchasing, making, delivering or selling a pill press.
HB 2307: Gives Oregon schools a five-year exemption from the burdensome requirement that their lighting be updated to LED. Passed the House!
HB 2299: Addresses the serious and growing threat posed by intimate deepfake images by strengthening penalties for unlawful dissemination of intimate images and expanding the definition to include digitally manipulated depictions.
HB 3149: Extends financial support provided to wildfire-affected districts for one additional year.
The Lebanon High School Dance/Drill team has earned impressive recognition at the 2025 OnPoint State Championship, securing 1st place in Pom and 4th place in Jazz! This outstanding achievement is a reflection of the team’s hard work, dedication, and remarkable talent. Their flawless execution, energy, and creativity on the floor were truly exceptional, earning them top honors in a highly competitive event.
This success highlights the countless hours of practice, discipline, and passion the team has invested throughout the season. The Lebanon High School Dance/Drill team has once again proven themselves as a powerhouse in the dance world, and their accomplishments serve as a testament to the strength of their teamwork and commitment. Congratulations to the entire team, coaches, and supporters for making this an unforgettable season!
 Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Ladies Game Night in Jefferson Tonight
Ladies, get ready for a night of fun and games! The City of Jefferson would like to invite you to a Ladies Game Night tonight from 6:00PM to 9:00PM at the Jefferson Baptist Church, located at 15002 Jefferson Hwy 99E SE. This event is open to women of all ages, from 18 to 118, so whether you're a seasoned game master or just looking for a fun evening out, there's something for everyone!
Join in for an evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and great company. For more details or to RSVP, please contact Tricia Phillips at TJP.MATT2237@gmail.com or by phone at 913-302-5864. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with other women in the community—mark your calendars and bring your game face!
 Tri-County Hoedown Tomorrow Night!
The Tri-County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its highly anticipated 35th Annual Dinner & Auction Fundraiser at the Shadow Hills Country Club in Junction City, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable evening! Guests are invited to saddle up, gather their friends, and embrace the Western vibe with boots, glam, and plenty of fun. The event will feature incredible auction items, a thrilling raffle, a mouthwatering deluxe BBQ dinner, and optional line dancing—sure to keep everyone on their toes!
Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone! Visit here to purchase or contact info@tri-countychamber.com or 541-998-6154 to reserve. Don’t miss out on this boot-scootin’ good time all while supporting some great causes!
Harrisburg Paint Party Next Weekend
The Harrisburg Library is excited to invite everyone to a fun and festive Spring Painting event next Saturday, April 12th! Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking for a creative way to celebrate the season, this event is perfect for anyone ages 16 and up. Participants will enjoy an afternoon of painting, all for just $15 per person.
Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon by calling or visiting the Harrisburg Library at 354 Smith Street. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 541-995-6949 today!
 Linn County Parks Junior Ranger Program
The Linn County Parks Junior Ranger Program is bigger and better than ever! With over 75 kids joining in 2024, this adventure-filled program is perfect for young explorers ages 5-12. Grab a Junior Ranger Activity Book from any park ranger, complete the fun challenges, and earn a custom T-shirt! Plus, finish the book for a chance to win an awesome grand prize. Park Rangers love catching Junior Rangers in action—handing out stickers and surprises along the way. Don’t miss out on the fun—ask a Linn County Park Ranger how to join today!
OYA Scandal Deepens as New Revelations Surface
You may have heard that the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) is facing intense scrutiny after a state investigation revealed that over 3,000 abuse complaints—spanning seven years—were ignored. These reports detailed serious allegations, including sexual abuse, drug smuggling, attempted suicides, and assaults, raising major concerns about the safety of youth in state custody. The scandal has already led to a leadership shakeup, with Governor Tina Kotek firing OYA Director Joe O’Leary last week. O’Leary, in turn, claimed he was pressured by the governor’s staff to delay transparency efforts regarding the backlog of complaints. Meanwhile, a separate investigation uncovered that OYA’s former chief investigator, Raymond Byrd, resigned after learning he was hired primarily based on his race, stating he felt “set up for failure.”
The fallout has sparked calls for a federal investigation, with Republican lawmakers demanding immediate accountability. In response, state legislators have scheduled oversight hearings to examine OYA’s mismanagement, though GOP leaders argue reforms shouldn’t be delayed by budget negotiations. The controversy is further compounded by ongoing legal battles, including a $51 million lawsuit filed by ten men alleging sexual abuse by the former chief medical officer at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. With mounting pressure from multiple fronts, OYA’s future—and the broader approach to juvenile justice in Oregon—is now under the microscope.
What a week! In a sharp contrast to what has been a decidedly "weird" session, the Capitol this week felt like the Capitol of old, and was bustling with energy ahead of next week's major deadline. While Rep. Cate is away, I have been running around the building ensuring that our bills are where they need to be--which while stressful--is an extremely fun part of the job.
Ali has been a trooper, taking most of our meetings in the office this week. Many of these meetings have begun concerning funding asks in the Ways & Means Committee, which will begin really heating up in about a month's time. In a difficult budgeting year, everyone is fighting extra hard for money. Since the last biennium, the cost of virtually everything has increased (just look at your receipt from the grocery store), so these funding asks have increased even for recipients who just wish to maintain their current operational capacity.
One noteworthy meeting I did take was with the American Association of University Women, which included a constituent from Jefferson that brought us Girl Scout cookies. She complimented our newsletter, but quipped that we needed more events from her town. I wholeheartedly agreed, and the next day she emailed me a flurry of events happening in Jefferson--one of which I included above. Amy, I hope you're happy!
- Conner
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Oregon lawmakers introduce bills to reduce income tax for tipped workers, overtime
FOX 12 KPTV
“We stand united and prepared to use every tool available to advance these ideas and elevate Oregonians’ concerns regarding affordability and our costly income tax structure,” read the letter signed by members of the House Republican Caucus.
According to a release from the Republican lawmakers, A recent January poll revealed that 79% of Oregonians favor cutting taxes to make Oregon more affordable and 70% favor eliminating state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. The same poll showed 56% of Oregonians say that taxes are too high.
Oregon can’t afford untold costs of tobacco flavor ban
Oregon Catalyst
As a law enforcement veteran serving our Oregon for fifty-four years and a representative for the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, I have seen firsthand how well-intentioned policies can backfire. The push to ban flavored tobacco will cost Oregon $180 million a biennium when we are already facing fiscal pressure and possible cuts to social services.
Rumor: 20-cent gas tax increase
Oregon Catalyst
The Legislature is woefully behind schedule on having hearings for their basic bills they plan to pass. Including in that gridlock and delay has been the lack of a formal plan on how to pay for the transportation budget — despite billions from Biden’s infrastructure bill to Oregon and having the nation’s 10th highest gas tax. Then there is a billion-dollar ODOT budget error mistake.
Oregon lawmakers consider bill that bans flavored tobacco products
KOIN
“What I am seeing is increased incidents of number of young kids on flavored tobacco, vaping products and things like that,” Pham said.
Pham is one of the sponsors of Senate Bill 702 to ban sales of flavored tobacco products, vapes and e-cigarettes.
Weed, shrooms, LSD — all were on sale at the unofficial ‘Portland Sunday Market,’ feds say
The Oregonian
Federal agents and state police found vendors hawking goods much different than the usual craft fair wares when they raided a rural property in Gresham dubbed the “Portland Sunday Market.” They discovered people selling ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana and mushrooms, according to federal prosecutors. Investigators on Sunday arrested convicted felon Kevin Jared Olsen, the 46-year-old owner of the property, on federal drug and gun allegations.
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.
Spring Has Sprung and So Have Bad Bills!
The "Cause" of the 2020 Santiam Canyon Fires
The Fight to Fix “Equitable” Inequities for Schools
Warning! New Taxes Being Considered
Out-Shenaniganed By 8th Graders!
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