Some Wildfire Recovery Wins!
While we still dealt with marathon floor sessions on Monday and Tuesday, things have settled back to normal as we move beyond the first chamber deadline and await the chaos of the second chamber deadline - which will also bring the most controversial bills of this session (that typically have budget allocations associated, meaning they get put on hold until after May's Revenue Forecast).
The first chamber deadline brought some victories for wildfire recovery. A large one being the final passage of SB 1189! You may remember that Senator Girod (R, Silverton) and I were able to secure a $50 million budget allocation for the North Santiam Wastewater Project back in 2021, a critical step in allowing recovery efforts to adhere to the strict regulations necessary to ensure safe drinking water in the North Santiam. Those dollars have been in jeopardy as the deadline to expend those dollars quickly approaches, and the start of construction is delayed by extended permit processes. SB 1189 doesn't change the regulations the project will be subject to, but instead made a slight tweak to allow construction to begin while Marion County continues to jump through all the hoops to ensure the project obtains all the permits before becoming operational. It's a great feeling to know these dollars won't be forfeited, and the Santiam Canyon will finally start moving toward the more resilient infrastructure we had intended for the future. To watch my floor speech in support of this bill, click here.
Another small but significant victory for wildfire victims was the passing of Senate Bill 926 on the Senate Floor with bipartisan support! This bill would stop utility companies from charging customers for wildfire-related costs if a court or jury finds the company was negligent or worse, and also stops these companies from delivering profits to their shareholders if they have unresolved wildfire liabilities. Senators from both sides of the political aisle highlighted how monopolies valued at billions of dollars, who are sending billions of dollars back to their shareholders, shouldn't be passing on costs to ratepayers or withholding judgments from victims, and I couldn't agree more! Now, the fight is on here in the House.
And to end the week on a rather sentimental note as I head down to Klamath Falls for our last Ways and Means Roadshow Public Hearing, I just wanted to share this photo. You might remember in my brief absence that my committee neighbors, Rep. Neron (D, Sherwood) and Rep. Chotzen (D, Southeast Portland) had sent a photo of sad faces with my empty chair to let me know they were missing me - such a sweet gesture during a time when I needed cheering up. This week was a rough one for most of us as we said goodbye to one of our own (Sen. Aaron Woods, D, Wilsonville), and it makes me appreciate our recreated (me no longer absent) photo all the more. I truly appreciated serving with Sen. Woods, and I wish I'd taken more time to really cherish those moments - and the wonderful working relationships that can develop in this place that defy party lines and the expectations that come with them. They truly remind you that at the end of the day, we're a Citizen Legislature, and are all just fellow human beings - with our ups and downs, just trying to do some good along the way, and I appreciate Rep. Neron and Rep. Chotzen for reminding me of how important it is to cherish those moments when they're happening.
 
If there was one fun highlight of the week, it was touring the ongoing construction at the Oregon State Capitol's Accessibility, Maintenance and Safety Projects (CAMS). This trip was members-only to Conner's dismay, but with the miracle of modern smartphones I'm able to share a glimpse of what I saw. In case you missed it, this project has been ongoing for years at a cost of over $500 million, with much of the building being closed since the end of 2022.
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Inside, progress continues on four new hearing rooms in the basement, along with the restoration of Historic Hearing Room 50. To help reduce confusion going forward, the hearing rooms are getting a naming makeover: the ground floor rooms will switch to being all letters, while basement rooms will be all numbered. The revamped layout will also include new stairways, selective access via historic elevators, and some “sneaky” new pathways for legislators to access hearing room dais areas. And don’t worry—the new lounge for members is matched by a beautiful new public lounge as well!
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As part of Phase III of the project, workers are installing 105,000 square feet of sheetrock—that’s nearly 2.4 acres, or just under the size of two football fields! This immense effort supports the restoration and modernization of our historic building. Meanwhile, the dome restoration has involved a complex setup that took a full month to assemble—and will take another month to dismantle once the work wraps up.
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As we move toward a (mostly) reopened Capitol in time for September Legislative Days, some changes bring mixed feelings. Sadly, the historic revolving front doors—once iconic entry points—will no longer serve as entrances due to post-SB 554 security changes. However, the team is exploring ways to preserve their use as exit-only doors, so visitors can still experience a piece of Capitol history. Finally, the photo to the left is the so-called “moat”—a hidden seismic safety feature that will allow the building to move up to three feet in any direction, protecting it from earthquakes. It’ll be completely hidden beneath new landscaping when the Capitol reopens—but its quiet presence will help keep our historic seat of government safe for generations to come.
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HB 3766: Lets someone pursue civil action if another person sends them an unwanted intimate image.
HB 3920 - Raises the age limit for the existing Veterans Dependent Tuition Waiver Program from 23 to 31 years for the children of 100% disabled
veterans.
SB 221 - Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to help set up fall Chinook salmon nurseries and report back to the Legislature on their progress.
SB 225 - Exempts up to $17,500 of military retirement pay from state income tax for veterans who are 63 or older.
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 through both chambers!
This week I'd like to recognize the 116th Lebanon Strawberry Festival Court Princesses! These ladies have been busy serving as ambassadors for the upcoming annual celebration, and are doing a wonderful job keeping the tradition alive. Keep up the great work!
2025 Junior Court:
Winniemay Becker - Cascades
Charlee Urrutia - Lacomb
Elena Moe - Riverview
Aiyana Hall - Hamilton Creek
Mia Power - Pioneer
Elizabeth Moore - Sandridge
Lynneah Gutierrez - Homeschool
Elliot Moore - Green Acres
2025 Senior Court:
Kylee Thurman
Hannah Savedra
Emily Gerig
Brooklyn Barnes
Kiera Noble
 Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Lebanon Community Chorus Concert Tomorrow
Get ready for a toe-tapping night of music and harmony as The Usual Suspects join forces with the Lebanon Community Chorus for a special spring concert! This lively performance will feature collaborative numbers as well as solo sets from the band, showcasing their talents in fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, and bass.
The concert takes place tomorrow, April 26th, at 7:00 PM at Lebanon High School. Tickets are available at Bi-Mart, the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, or at the door. Don’t miss this spirited evening of local music and community celebration!
Lebanon Veteran's Home Spring Fling Tomorrow
Celebrate the season in style at Spring Fling 2025, a cheerful community event packed with fun for the whole family! Join the Veteran's Home in Leabon tomorrow, April 26th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for a festive "Gardening Party" themed day full of springtime joy.
Enjoy a classic car show, food trucks, a petting zoo, children’s crafts, a plant and seed swap, and so much more. This event is open to the public and promises a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the best of what spring has to offer. For more details, contact the Oregon Veterans' Home – Lebanon.
Central Linn's Spring Play This Weekend
The Central Linn High School Drama Department invites you to its 2025 spring production—an unforgettable evening of comedy, suspense, and audience participation in “A Hilarious Interactive Murder Mystery.” Get ready for plenty of laughs and plot twists as the talented student cast brings this entertaining whodunit to life.
Performances take place tonight and tomorrow at 8:00 PM at Central Linn High School. Tickets are just $10 and available at the door. Come support the arts and enjoy a fun, interactive night out with the community!
 Arbor Day Celebration in Halsey Today
Join the Halsey community for a special two-day Arbor Day celebration, filled with fun, family-friendly activities and a free tree and shrub giveaway! The event kicks off today, Friday, April 25th at 1:00 PM, and continues through tomorrow until 5:00 PM, with a special story-time at 11:00 AM. Activities will be held at both the Halsey Public Library and Halsey City Hall.
Attendees are invited to take home free trees and shrubs (while supplies last), enjoy story-time with the family, and connect with neighbors during this community-focused event. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just love the outdoors, this celebration is a wonderful way to give back to nature and enjoy a day of fellowship. Everyone is welcome!
 Sweet Home's Rail Bike Adventures Ribbon Cutting
Celebrate the official launch of Rail Bike Adventures in Sweet Home today! Join the festivities today, Friday, April 25th at 2:00 PM at 1501 18th Street and be among the first to ride pedal-powered rail bikes along the historic tracks winding through the stunning Santiam Canyon.
This unique attraction blends fun, fitness, and scenic exploration—perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to try something new. The whole community is invited to come out and enjoy the grand opening weekend as we kick off a season of unforgettable rides and local adventure!
 Lebanon FFA's Plant Sale Today & Tomorrow
The Lebanon High School FFA Chapter is excited to welcome the community to its annual plant sale, happening this weekend! Stop by the Lebanon Land Lab today (Friday), April 25th (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM) or tomorrow, April 26th (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM) at 31000 Land Lab Road to browse a wide selection of student-grown plants. From vegetables and annuals to beautifully arranged patio pots and hanging baskets, everything available has been cultivated with care by FFA students as part of their hands-on agricultural education.
Shoppers will find affordable pricing, including $2 for 4" vegetables, $3 for 4-packs, $5 for annuals, $7 for gallon pots, and stunning hanging baskets for $35 or patio pots for $55. All proceeds go directly to support Lebanon FFA programs that fund student-led projects and educational opportunities, so don’t miss this chance to spruce up your garden while supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders!
 Lebanon Wrestlers Need Your Help!
Grady Cox and teammate Isaac Jordan have proudly earned spots on the team traveling to Greece and Crete this June after winning the recent Oregon Culture Exchange Wrestling Tournament!
This incredible opportunity comes with significant travel expenses, and the boys are raising funds by holding a raffle with a chance to win one of three $200 Amazon gift cards.
Raffle ticket prices are one for $5 or five for $20, with 100% of proceeds go directly toward covering their travel expenses.
 
Peoria Road Bridge Replacement Project
Closure Dates: May 5th – September 30th, 2025
Location: Peoria Road, between Tangent Drive and Harvest Drive
The bridge on Peoria Road crossing Owl Creek will be fully closed 24 hours a day throughout the duration of the project. This complete closure is necessary to safely and efficiently replace the existing bridge.
Drivers are advised to plan ahead and use alternate routes during this time. (See detour map below for recommended routes.)
 Salem Ag Fest This Weekend!
Oregon Ag Fest 2025 invites families, educators, and agricultural enthusiasts to a weekend of hands-on learning, entertainment, and celebration of Oregon’s agricultural heritage!
Dates & Times:
Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, April 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:
Oregon State Fairgrounds
2330 17th Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
Children aged 15 and under receive free admission, so be sure to bring them along! Attendees will enjoy interactive exhibits, farm animals, educational displays, and family-friendly fun celebrating the vital role of agriculture in Oregon’s communities.
This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to join in this unique and festive experience.
 
This week has been a busy one! I've had the opportunity to meet with a lot of different groups on behalf of the Representative, which has kept the schedule full but rewarding! These meetings are always a great reminder of the variety of voices and perspectives from around our state, and it's a privilege to be a bridge to them and the legislative body.
At the same time, I’ve been fighting off a bit of a bug, which has made things a little more challenging than usual. I’m powering through with lots of tea, tissues, and determination—but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to the weekend for a little extra rest!
Of course, the usual rhythm of the work week continues: answering phone calls, responding to emails, and writing congratulatory letters. It’s the kind of steady, behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything moving forward, and despite the sniffles, I’m glad to be getting it done.
- Ali Ruiz
Oregon Gov. Kotek speaks on tariff impacts, recent agency firings and more
KATU
The governor was then asked if all these firings and other underlying issues are signs of a bigger problem with her administration. The governor said that when there is a problem, it's her job to fix it. "I think the message Oregonians is I'm in charge. I'm paying attention when there's a problem. We're going to fix it and we're going to get better outcomes from these different agencies," said Kotek. "So many things you can't anticipate. Public defense is a crisis. The State Hospital has been a crisis. The situation at OYA was a surprise. It doesn't matter. My job is to make sure there are good people in charge who have clear plans to make things better."
Port of Portland rescinds social equity policy, citing Trump executive order and federal funding
The Oregonian
The policy said the Port was committed to promoting social and racial equity and believed “more diverse voices lead to better business decisions.” It defined racial equity as “ensuring that all races have access to opportunity, and that access may need to be tailored to meet an individual’s or group’s specific needs.” It directed Port staff to integrate social equity considerations into its decision-making processes.
Oregon lawmaker travels to El Salvador, is denied permission to see wrongfully deported man
The Oregonian
U.S. Rep Maxine Dexter touched down in El Salvador on Sunday with a cohort of Democratic members of Congress hoping to put pressure on the Trump administration to return mistakenly deported Maryland man Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The four Democrats have not been granted permission to see or speak to Abrego Garcia, Dexter said in an interview from El Salvador on Monday morning, nor do they know exactly where he is being held. Dexter said she plans to return from the short, self-funded trip soon.
BLM distributes $27.7 million in timber revenue to Oregon counties
KATU
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has distributed over $27.7 million in timber revenue payments to 18 counties in western Oregon. These payments, derived from timber harvested on public lands, are crucial for funding local services such as emergency response and education. "The BLM is working to protect our national and economic security, as directed in President Trump’s order, by immediately expanding American timber production," said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. "We manage more than 2.4 million acres of some of the world’s most productive forests in western Oregon, and are committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber, while providing jobs and other support to local communities through timber production."
Fan Fairness & Transparency Act Clears Oregon House of Representatives
Willamette Week
House Bill 3167, also known as the Fan Fairness & Transparency Act, passed the Oregon House of Representatives in a 40–16 vote on Monday, April 21. If signed into law, HB 3167 would make it more difficult for counterfeiters to pass off fake digital tickets for concerts, theatrical productions, and other kinds of live entertainment.
Serve as an Honorary Page!
It isn’t just adults who can be engaged with their Oregon Legislature, there are opportunities for kids as well, and the Honorary Page Program is one of those ways!
The Page Program runs from February to June in odd-numbered years and in February and early March in even-numbered years, otherwise known as a "short session." Students between the ages of 12 and 17 must apply for this unique program where they will spend a day engaged in a living history and civics lesson.
As an Honorary Page, the applicant will participate in an official swearing-in ceremony, administered by the House Sergeant at Arms, an event often considered the highlight of the day, in order to be allowed onto the chamber floor. Further events include a classroom session where details of the Legislative process are discussed, performing courier services for the Chief Clerk's Office, working on the House chamber floor with the Legislators during a daily session, visiting each applicant's Representative's office, observing Committee meetings, a personal tour of the capitol building itself, and participation in any special events or activities at the capitol as they occur.
Click here for more information, or to apply for your student to join us on the House Floor!
 
Long Floor Days & Questionable Priorities
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
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