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The long-awaited transportation package of the 2025 Legislative Session has been unveiled by Joint Committee on Transportation Co-Chairs Rep. Susan McLain (D, Hillsboro) and Sen. Chris Gorsek (D, Troutdale), and the "sticker shock" factor is off the charts! ODOT's budget woes have long been no secret, but the potential solutions for Oregon's transportation were still being speculated until the news broke about this nearly $2 billion plan late last week.
How is the revenue going to be raised? The majority party's answer is plenty of new taxes, fees, and rate hikes. The timing really couldn’t be worse—Oregonians everywhere are already feeling the pinch from rising costs!
If this package goes through (and we don't yet know of a bill number), it’s going to get even more expensive to do everyday things that we all rely on and enjoy. The plan includes—but is not limited to—a 20 cent gas tax hike, higher title and registration fees, raising the tax on new cars, creating a new tax on a second car purchase, and even a new 3% tire tax. You might remember the last proposal sparked major backlash as HB 3362—88% of people who submitted written testimony on it were against it!
The trouble with all of this is that ODOT has already shown it can’t handle a budget this size. The agency made a $1 billion budgeting blunder, blew through cash, let big projects go over budget, and still hasn’t delivered on key infrastructure promises. Before we ask Oregonians to pay more, maybe we should make sure ODOT can actually get the job done—and get it done right!
Switching gears, because I would be remiss not to give a utility bill update in a Session chalk full of these bills. Two major bills of concern this session, HB 3666 & HB 3917 appear to have died ahead of the first chamber work session deadline for legislation that occurred earlier this week.
HB 3666 was a proposal to grant safety certificates to utility companies, presumably to help shield companies like Pacific Power from liability in court by suggesting that they've acted responsibly. Without stronger enforcement authority for the Public Utility Commission, the bill offered the appearance of safety without real accountability. This bill got sent to the House Committee on Rules, and is not technically dead yet, but it is unlikely to escape from there before we Sine Die in June.
HB 3917 was even more troubling. It would have created a wildfire relief fund funded by investor-owned utilities. That sounds promising on its face, but there are major concerns from stakeholders that victims would get pennies on the dollar from this fund compared to what they would receive from lawsuits. The payments into this fund would also be included in the utility’s costs that are considered during rate increase approvals, which raises serious equity and fairness questions.
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HB 2138: One of the Governor's housing bills, which expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands. Heading to the Ways & Means Committee.
HB 2251: Directs schools to ban the use of cellphones from bell-to-bell. Heading to the House Floor.
HB 2528: Gives the Oregon Health Authority sweeping power to create or raise taxes on any nicotine products they choose, or even ban them outright. Sent to the House Committee on Revenue.
HB 3075: Makes it harder to lawfully obtain a firearm by increasing the firearm permit provisions in Ballot Measure 114, including adding additional eligibility requirements, fees, and doubling the wait time to issue permits to 60 days. Heading to the House Floor.
HB 3076: Directs the Department of Justice to create a state licensure program, adding additional, unnecessary oversight to an industry that already follows extensive federal regulations, including background checks, ATF licensing, and strict compliance laws. Heading to the Ways & Means Committee.
HB 3934: Allows surviving spouses to elect an additional Estate Tax exclusion based on the unused amount of a prior deceased spouse's exclusion up to $1 million.
SB 83-9: Repeals Oregon’s wildfire maps created by 2021's SB 762. Heading to Senate Floor.
SB 1189: Allows construction of the North Santiam Canyon Wastewater Project to begin while DEQ clears up red tape. Without this, Marion County and its partners were at risk of losing $50 million in funding that was secured in the wake of the 2020 Wildfires. Passed the Senate!
Congratulations to LHS Senior Erin Hiller, who brought home the bronze medal at the JROTC National Championship Air Rifle Match held at Camp Perry, Ohio, from March 20–22! Erin competed against a field that began with over 6,000 JROTC cadets from across the country and all service branches. After advancing through multiple elimination rounds, she entered the national finals as one of the top 8 athletes. In a high-pressure final where scores reset to zero, Erin held her ground through 45 shots across all positions—kneeling, prone, and standing—and emerged with 3rd place honors, a medal, and a $300 prize from the Civilian Marksmanship Program!
In addition to Erin’s incredible performance, the entire LHS team has qualified for the CMP Regional Championship in Sandy, Utah, taking place April 8–13. Good luck, Warriors—we’re cheering you on all the way!
 Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Kid's Board Game Day Tonight in Sweet Home
Tonight from 3:00-5:00PM, families in and around Sweet Home are invited to Kid's Board Game Day! Hosted by the Sweet Home Library, this event is perfect for young gamers looking to have a blast with classic and new board games. It’s an afternoon of friendly competition, laughter, and building memories—don’t miss out on the fun!
 4th Annual Bingo Fundraiser in Sweet Home Tomorrow
The Sweet Home Community Singing Christmas Tree is excited to host its 4th Annual Bingo Fundraiser tomorrow, April 12th, at the Sweet Home Senior Center. From 5:30 onward, attendees can enjoy a night of fun with bingo, dessert, and silent auctions. For just $25, you can play 5 exciting rounds of Bingo while supporting a great cause! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the community's scholarship fund. It’s a fun night out for a wonderful cause— join in the fun!
 Women's Book Extravaganza Tomorrow in Lebanon
Time is running out to sign up with a discount for Open Book WRR's first “Booked for the Day” event, designed for women ages 18 and over. Join them tomorrow, April 12th, from 10:00AM to 12:30PM at the Friends' Bookstore inside the Lebanon Senior Center.
This exciting event will feature book swapping, book talks, swag, giveaways, plus crafts, snacks, and coffee—everything a book lover could dream of! Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase books and bookish gift items from the Friends.
 2025 Biz Expo in Lebanon Next Week
The 44NCU Biz Expo is the ultimate event where local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members come together to showcase innovation, collaboration, and success. Whether you're a vendor looking to promote your business, a professional seeking valuable connections, or a visitor eager to explore local opportunities, this event has something for everyone!
Why attend?
- For Businesses & Vendors: Increase visibility, generate leads, and connect with potential customers and partners. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your products and services to a dynamic audience. Sign up now at www.lebanon-chamber.org.
- For Visitors & Community Members: Discover new businesses, enjoy interactive exhibits, and explore the best of what the local business community has to offer—all for FREE. Plus, sign up to win THOUSANDS of dollars in PRIZES!
Sign up online at: https://lebanon-chamber.org/
 
ODOT & City of Portland Victimize Business Owner
We hate to beat a dead horse with respect to ODOT, but a story unraveled before the Legislature's eyes just last week that is well worth amplifying. A KATU investigation into Portland’s development permitting process drew significant attention from lawmakers in the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, as they consider HB 2658, a bill that limits when local governments can require developers to fund expensive infrastructure improvements.
The report centered on Kami Price, a real estate agent who said she was forced to spend $100,000 upgrading a street corner to renovate her office—despite ODOT having already planned to improve that same corner. The scandal? KATU uncovered emails indicating the city coordinated with ODOT to remove the project from the state's plans, leaving Price and her partner responsible for the work. Members of the committee were disturbed by the findings in the bill's public hearing, with several urging the city to reimburse Price.
In a letter to legislators, the city pushed back on KATU’s reporting, saying it omitted context and placed too much blame on the city. However, the city acknowledged the permitting process may have been unclear and expressed regret for Price’s experience. It also claimed PBOT could have completed the work at a lower cost—despite previously telling KATU that such an option wasn’t available.
A city spokesperson later confirmed to KATU that PBOT has no mechanism for providing that service and clarified that coordination with ODOT might have been possible, but not with the city.
 
This week has been a busy but fulfilling one in the office. As usual, I spent a good portion of my time answering emails, writing letters, and responding to phone calls—the steady rhythm of communication that keeps everything moving smoothly. Staying on top of correspondence is always a priority, and it’s rewarding to provide timely and helpful responses to those reaching out!
In addition to the day-to-day work (did I mention we're getting new rollers for the evil office printer?), we had the opportunity to meet with several groups who came to share their perspectives and concerns about current legislation (and oh yes, funding asks). These conversations are always valuable, offering insight into how proposed policies may impact communities across the state. Among those we met with earlier in the week included the Fire Chief of McMinnville, representatives from the American Heart Association, the Public Utility Commission, and Family Forward Oregon.
It is truly so inspiring to see so many people taking the time to get involved and speak up for the issues they care about, and this week was a prime example of that system, with the building full of advocates trying to get their priorities through at the last minute before deadlines. It's definitely not the COVID-era anymore!
- Ali Ruiz
Bill to eliminate controversial Oregon wildfire risk map moves forward
Statesman Journal
An Oregon bill that would eliminate a controversial wildfire hazard map moved one step closer to reality on Tuesday after unanimously passing the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.
Opposition packs hearing on Gov. Kotek proposal to update critical groundwater area protections
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Two rooms and two separate hearings were scheduled Tuesday to accommodate all of the people who went to the Capitol to offer testimony on Senate Bill 1154 during a meeting of the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee. The bill was sent to the Senate Rules Committee without recommendation, where it will receive another public hearing in the weeks ahead.
The Gas Tax Already Hits Rural Oregonians Disproportionately. Lawmakers Want to Raise It 50%.
Willamette Week
The proposal, which would raise nearly $1 billion a year, includes a slew of ideas, such as higher title and registration fees, a sales tax on vehicles, a road-use charge on delivery vehicles, and gradually moving all electric vehicles into a pay-per-mile program (“Supercharger,” OJP, April 2). It also features a 20-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase, phased in over six years. That would increase the gas tax from 40 cents per gallon to 60 cents, a 50% increase. (California’s current tax is 68 cents; Washington’s is 53 cents.)
Bill would empower Oregon police to use drones to respond to 911 calls and chase suspects. Opponents are worried
The Oregonian
Senate Bill 238 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday on a 5-1 vote and is headed to the Senate floor. Sen. Mike McLane, a central Oregon Republican, was the only committee member to vote against the bill.
The City of Lebanon invites interested individuals to apply for upcoming positions on various committees and commissions, with current terms expiring on June 30th of this year. Available positions include:
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Budget Committee: 2 openings (3-year term)
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Library Advisory Committee: 2 openings (3-year term)
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Parks, Trees & Trails Advisory Committee (parks enthusiast): 2 openings (3-year term)
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Parks, Trees & Trails Advisory Committee (trees enthusiast): 1 opening (3-year term)
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Planning Commission: 4 openings (4-year term)
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Planning Commission (alternate): 2 openings (4-year term)
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Senior & Disabled Services Advisory Committee: 2 openings (3-year term)
Terms will commence on July 1, 2025.
Requirements for each position can be found on the City’s website under each committee/commission webpage: City of Lebanon Committees & Commissions.
To Apply: Fill out a City Committee/Commission application, available to print online or in-person at City Hall, 925 Main Street, Lebanon.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by April 25th, 2025. Don't hesitate!
Submit applications via:
Halfway Into Session—Things Are Heating Up
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
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