Long Floor Days & Questionable Priorities
As first chamber deadline hit, the usual flood of last-minute committee action kept the Clerk’s office busy and led to the first marathon Floor sessions of the year—some stretching six hours and forcing afternoon committees to cancel. In true deadline fashion, some policy committees scheduled up to 80 bills in the final week, many of which were advanced to the House Floor.
Despite the flurry of activity, many of the session’s biggest issues remain unresolved. Major tax proposals have been introduced to address ODOT’s shortfall, but there’s still little clarity on solutions for the public defense crisis, housing shortage, or delayed wildfire payments. With the May 14th revenue forecast looming, the path to Constitutional Sine Die on June 29th promises to be packed—and hopefully more focused!
In the big stack of bills hitting the House Floor this week was one of mine—HB 3156 A. In case you missed it, this bill is a simple positive step for transparency between consumers, their utility provider, and the Public Utility Commission that regulates them. All this bill does is mandate utility providers to publish the PUC's little known complaint information at the bottom of utility bills. Unsurprisingly, this passed unanimously on Monday (Rep. Boice was the absent vote in the photo, but eventually voted yes). Onto the Senate!
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Returning to Salem has been challenging, but I'm amazed how it has also been filled with some reminders of "home".
Conner had picked up a book at a shop in Salem for our office, and when I saw the inscription on the inside cover I had to do a double take. When I showed it to Conner, he responded with his usual quip, "Let me guess, you know those people?" I've apparently become *that* person, but in this case? Yes, very much.
This book had been my neighbor's before she passed away, the wife of one of my absolute favorite people, and was gifted to her by her sister-in-law and (late) brother who also live next door. My family actually farms their field that divides their houses (and was the last field I was spot spraying before returning to Salem). Growing up, I loved watching all of Anna's goats while I was supposed to be focused on combining, and was so jealous she got to have so many animals - and her husband Walt will turn 100 in a few weeks! Not to be outdone, I always thought Bertha and Allen were the most wonderfully exotic people! Not only do they live in a very cool converted old school house (the one my grandpa attended!), but they also always have peacocks roaming the property! I did run over Allen's fence once with my swather (he wasn't even mad!), but even with my embarrassment, it's still always been my favorite field.
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And then a familiar face popped up on the screen for virtual testimony during Wednesday night's Ways and Means Public Hearing - my cousin Tyler! He's come a long way from helping service farm equipment for us in the summertime, and now works as a diesel mechanic at ODOT. Though I'm pretty sure he'd call in sick real fast if it meant getting to come out to run the ol' 8650 for the day! He also came to visit the office a few weeks back, not knowing ahead of time which Representative he would be visiting! I think his co-workers were a bit surprised when he got outed as my cousin, but it's been fun to see him make a foray into advocacy!
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HB 2006 - Limits the amount of bills a Legislator may introduce to 25.
HB 2251 - Prohibits Oregon students from using their smartphones during the school day.
HB 2299 - Modifies the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image to include the disclosure of digitally created, manipulated or altered images.
HB 3054 - Caps rent increases at 6% for manufactured home parks.
HB 3489 - Imposes a new severance tax on timber harvested from public or private forestland.
HB 3753 - Increases the Oregon standard deduction allowed for personal income taxpayers.
HB 3914 - Creates an Oregon personal income tax subtraction for tips received by the taxpayer during the tax year.
SB 426 - Makes property owners liable for when contractors they hire do not properly pay their employees, even though the landowner paid in full for the project.
SB 1094 - Creates a property tax credit for the home of a person who is on active military duty.
This week we'd like to honor Lebanon High School's Battle of the Books (OBOB) team for bringing home the state championship title! After dominating at regionals, this incredible group kept the momentum going and won it all at the state competition last weekend. Please help us celebrate the amazing team of Kaz Dunn (team spokesperson), Lillian Henderson, Gabe Mann, Vixen Veilbig, and their dedicated coach, Deanna Chambers! Your hard work, teamwork, and love for reading have made us so proud. Way to go Warriors!!!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Have an Egg-Stravagant Time in Lebanon Tomorrow
The Gillott Home Team, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Santiam, invites families to take part in an exciting Egg Hunt Extravaganza event! Guests can look forward to fun games, arts and crafts, and a very special egg hunt for children of all ages.
The event will take place tomorrow, April 19th, from 10:00AM. to noon at the Lebanon Clubhouse.
An RSVP is required to attend. Participants are asked to register in advance by filling out the form at: bit.ly/gillottegghunt.
 Bake Sale Fundraiser in Brownsville Tomorrow
Pioneer Christian Academy is throwing a bake sale tomorrow, April 19th from 9:00AM-2:00PM, so stock up for your Easter festivities! All proceeds go to the Class of 2028's Senior Trip, so you're supporting a good cause at the same time!
 Easter Egg Hunt in Harrisburg Tomorrow
The City of Harrisburg invites you to it's Community Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00AM tomorrow, April 19th at Harrisburg Elementary School! Kids up to 6th grade are welcome to participate. Don't miss out—we're talking about 18,000 eggs!
 Halsey Easter Egg Hunt Tomorrow
The City of Halsey will host its annual Community Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow, April 19th at 10:00AM at Halsey City Park! This festive event is organized by Spirit of the Valley United Methodist Church at Halsey and proudly sponsored by the Central Linn Lions Club. Children from toddlers through middle school are invited to participate in the hunt. Families are encouraged to bring baskets and enjoy a morning of community fun.
 Design & Unwind Thursday in Lebanon
All are invited to attend a networking social event called “Design & Unwind,” scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4:00PM to 6:00PM! Hosted by Meadowlark Senior Living Community, the gathering features spring cocktails, appetizers, and an opportunity to create personalized bouquets from a fresh flower bloom bar. All materials, including vases, tools, and flowers, will be provided, and participants may take their floral creations home. Those interested in joining this unique experience are encouraged to RSVP by calling 458-309-9991.
Thursdays' Tappin' Talent Continues in Lebanon
Calling all singers, musicians, and performers—Tappin’ Talent Search at Tallman Brewing is your chance to shine! This electrifying showcase features the best talent from across the Northwest, with thousands of dollars in cash and prizes up for grabs.
Event Schedule:
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Spotlight Events:
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Semi-Final Event:
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Final Event:
Think you've got what it takes? Sign up now at tallmanbrewing.com and take the stage!
The following write-up is by Sweet Home Police Chief & City Manager Jason Ogden
No Seat at the Table, All the Consequences: A City's Fight for Clean Water
It was a regular workday when I stepped into our water treatment plant. The hum of the machinery filled the space, steady but strained. One of the operators waved me over to take a look. The water running through our filters looked like chocolate milk. All three were under pressure, struggling to process the heavy sediment stirred up by the latest drawdown at Green Peter Reservoir. It wasn’t just unusual. It was a warning sign. And it was already pushing our infrastructure and staff to the edge.
Over the past two years, Sweet Home has experienced two of these drawdowns. They weren’t the typical seasonal drops we see at Foster Lake. These were deep, rapid releases tied to a federal court order focused on endangered fish species. The stated goal may have been environmental, but the consequences have been local and costly.
That last drawdown didn’t just strain our system. It broke part of it. Turbidity levels surged and one of our primary treatment filters failed. Our operators responded immediately, working to keep water flowing safely to homes and businesses. This wasn’t a projected risk. It was real. And it placed public health, infrastructure, and people under serious pressure.
Sweet Home was not part of the legal process that led to this. We weren’t consulted when the court order took effect. While we’ve participated in Corps-led updates since then, that’s not the same as having a seat at the table before decisions are made. Yet we’re the ones carrying the cost.
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That’s where my role comes in. As City Manager, I’m here to lead through situations like this. Not to control outcomes, but to protect this community. Another drawdown is expected this fall. We’re preparing because we have to, not because it’s right. And we’re doing it while actively pursuing every legal and collaborative path available to make sure Sweet Home’s voice is respected and heard.
We’re not alone. The cities of Lebanon and Albany have also stepped forward with serious concerns. I want to thank their leaders for standing with us. This isn’t just about a single town. It’s about clean water, regional stability, and the right of local governments to be part of decisions that affect essential services.
Sweet Home isn’t resistant to change. But we won’t quietly absorb harm. We’re committed to protecting our people, and that starts by telling the truth in the plant, at the table, and wherever decisions are made.
Notice of Closure – Century Park Playground
Effective April 15th, the playground at Century Park is closed to the public until further notice. The closure is necessary due to structural components that require repair or replacement to ensure the safety of all users.
Replacement parts have been ordered; however, there is currently no estimated date for their arrival. Once received, repairs will be completed as promptly as possible to reopen the playground for community use.
The City of Lebanon appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this time! Questions or concerns can be directed to the Parks Department at 541-258-4917 or by email at pw@lebanonoregon.gov.
Detroit Dam Drawdown Delayed
In a major win for local communities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced it will delay the planned deep drawdown of Detroit Lake by at least one year. Originally scheduled for this fall, the drawdown—intended to help juvenile salmon migrate—would have dropped the lake to its lowest level in history. That plan raised red flags across the Santiam Canyon, as cities like Salem, Stayton, and Detroit warned of serious threats to drinking water, tourism, and the region’s prized kokanee fishery.
The delay gives local leaders and residents more time to prepare and be heard. The Corps will now conduct a supplemental environmental review and take public comment before proceeding. Considering the devastation seen in Sweet Home and Lebanon—where deep drawdowns triggered lawsuits, water system failures, and the collapse of local fisheries—this pause is not just prudent, it's vital. For now, common sense has prevailed, but the fight to protect our communities from reckless mandates is far from over.
To read more, see this article by the Statesman's Journal.
Ten more weeks of session until we Sine Die, or 72 days—but who's counting! The big news of the week was Rep. Cate returning to the office after a brief absence, just in time for long days on the Floor and signing hundreds of honor roll letters. Not exactly what most would consider a welcome party, but at least there was cake.
Though our office lacked normalcy, if there was one positive takeaway for myself, it was getting to "run point" on the policy side of things a bit more to be sure that our office stayed on track. Of course, our boss was always just a phone call away, but getting the keys to the car so-to-speak is always fun!
So much still feels up to chance though, with "wait and see" still being the theme of a rather rudderless session. We can only hope that when all the dust settles, we can say we passed a few bills, killed some bad bills, and did a decent job of representing the constituents of Houe District 11.
- Conner
Funding for Portland Diamond Project passes in Oregon senate
MSN
On Thursday, the Oregon Senate passed a funding bill for the Portland Diamond Project. The bill passed with a 24 to 5 vote. SB 110 would authorize up to $800 million in privately backed bonds to support the construction of a ballpark in Portland.
Gov. Kotek replaces Oregon State Hospital head after learning new details about patient death
The Oregonian
Gov. Tina Kotek directed the Oregon Health Authority to replace the head of the state’s public psychiatric hospital Friday after learning more details about a recent patient death. Kotek mandated the leadership change at the Oregon State Hospital “in the interest of patient safety” less than 24 hours after she learned more about a patient who died in March after they were placed in a seclusion room, fell to the floor, lost consciousness and were not checked on for hours.
Lawmakers to steal Kicker Refund by force (HB 1177 hearing)
Oregon Catalyst
Senate Bill 1177 would steal the current Kicker which has amassed over $1.1 billion in over-collected surplus taxes in the current budget cycle. By Oregon Constitutional law, over-collected, surplus tax funds must be returned to taxpayers who paid it. Current estimate has your kicker tax refund at around $600 on average and taxpayers will be able to collect it during next year’s April tax season.
Embattled Oregon public defense director fired
MSN
Jessica Kampfe, who has led the state’s troubled public defense system, was fired Thursday by Gov. Tina Kotek. Kampfe served as executive director of the Oregon Public Defense Commission since 2022. A former public defender, Kampfe previously managed Multnomah Defenders Inc., a nonprofit law firm that provides defense attorneys in Portland.
118 more likely non-citizens were errantly registered to vote, Oregon DMV reports
The Oregonian
In response to the report, four Oregon House Republicans announced their plans to introduce legislation early next week to reassign automatic voter registration from the DMV to the secretary of state. It’s unclear how logistically difficult that process would be...
Volunteer Opportunities in Marion County
Looking to get more involved in your local government? Marion County offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for those looking to make a meaningful difference in the community. Here are some ways to get involved and give back:
• Parks Commission: Volunteers help shape the future of local parks and outdoor spaces.
• Fair Board Key Volunteers: Community members become an integral part of the behind-the-scenes action at the Marion County Fair.
• Earth Day – Party in the Park Celebration (April 26): Volunteers assist in hosting an unforgettable event dedicated to celebrating and protecting the planet.
• WIC Farm Direct Nutrition Program: Support is provided to local families and farmers throughout the summer.
No matter one’s interests or schedule, there is a place for everyone to plug in and make an impact in Marion County.
Plan for Billions in New Taxes Released!
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
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