The Mid-Session Lull is Here!
April came and went, just like the hundreds of bills that perished in the first chamber deadline! At the current moment, the Capitol has entered a brief moment of relative calm. But make no mistake—this isn’t the end of the action. Many of the most high-profile bills of the session, including those dealing with taxes, firearms, and other divisive issues, remain bottled up in committees like Rules, Revenue, and Ways and Means. As a reminder, these committees aren’t bound by early deadlines, allowing leadership to work out major proposals later in the session when timing is more strategic.
It’s an unusual dynamic: we’re more than halfway through the 2025 session, yet much of the heavy political lifting still lies ahead. Whether this delay is tactical or simply a reflection of unresolved priorities, the stage is clearly being set for a packed and unpredictable finish.
Last week wrapped up the final stop of the Ways & Means roadshow tour in Klamath Falls (pictured above), where committee members hit the road to gather public input on state budget priorities for the upcoming biennium. It’s a unique opportunity to bring the budgeting process beyond Salem and hear directly from Oregonians about how they’d like to see their tax dollars spent—and there were no shortage of desired ways to spend dollars! There were billions of dollars in asks at the Klamath Falls stop alone, with around a billion dollars in expected revenues to be allocated (according to the budget framework released by Co-Chairs earlier in session). But despite the knowledge that we'll be saying "no" to a lot of budget requests, it was still a welcome change of pace to connect with colleagues outside the usual Capitol setting.
 
SB 974 A - Reduces the time under which a city or county must decide on land use application for housing units
HB 3969 - Creates the crime of initiating a false report in the first degree (swatting)
HB 1098 - Prohibits discrimination when selecting school library materials, textbooks, and curriculum
HB 2522 - Requires headlights to be on when using windshield wipers or driving in fog
SB 926 A - Blocks utilities from billing customers or paying shareholders if liable for wildfire damages
SB 712 - Increases property taxes by 3% every year automatically
This week has brought a lot of celebration of the amazing life of Ruth (Schackman) Lenox, a beloved mainstay in Lebanon for nearly 102 years. When someone has just always been there, it's hard to believe they are gone, but I know Ruth made her years count - loving her family, her farm, and of course, the Strawberry Festival.
She was crowned Queen in 1941, the last Strawberry Festival before it took a hiatus during WWII due to rationing efforts - making Ruth the longest reigning Queen in the Festival's history. But long before she was Queen, Ruth was already a devoted festival fan. She was born during the festival, and other than one year she headed back east for a family reunion, had never missed a Grand Parade through her 100th year.
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The Schackman family legacy with Strawberry Festival runs deep, with Ruth's older sister, Bertha, being Queen in 1930, her younger sister Betty Adams, being a Princess in 1950, her niece Becky (Lanning) Holscher being a Princess in 1960, and her daughter Karla Lenox serving as both a Junior Princess in 1967 and a Senior Court Princess in 1977.
And as luck would have it, she even married into a family who left their own mark on Strawberry Festival! Her father in law was one of the fabricators of the original "giant knife" used by Queens to "cut" the World's Largest Strawberry Shortcake!
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I had the great honor of driving Ruth through the parade for the 75th anniversary of her reign, and again several years later when it was too warm out for her to ride on our royalty reunion float - and her sister Betty and I just *had* to join her in the air conditioned car! The perks of being with such a Strawberry Festival VIP!
I can't tell you how much encouragement Ruth offered me over the years, how I would go to her with my random ideas of things like a display of all the court dresses through the decades, and how she'd meet those ideas with such enthusiasm that any second guessing you may have been doing would simply evaporate. Ruth was truly one of a kind, always exuding kindness to everyone, and she will be greatly missed. Especially her smile - that could always brighten up any room.
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Become a Vendor at the Brownsville Thursday Market
The Brownsville Farmers Market kicked off yesterday and is now seeking produce and plant vendors to help build a healthier, more connected community! The market runs Thursdays from 3–7 PM in downtown Brownsville, with vendor setup starting at 2:00 PM.
A 10x10 space is $10/day or $200 for the season, with vendor parking at the Bramble House lot. All vendors must be pre-approved—no unannounced drop-ins. New this year is the Community Booth, where those without enough goods for a full stand can drop off extra produce or plants by 2:30 PM to be sold on their behalf (10% fee); proceeds go to the contributor, and leftovers are donated to Sharing Hands Food Bank.
Learn more or get involved at www.calapooiafoodalliance.org/blog, email info@gocfa.org, or call 503-572-4912.
Central Linn FFA Plant Sale Kicks Off
The Central Linn High School FFA Chapter is excited to welcome the community to its annual plant sale! Join them in the school's greenhouse today, tomorrow, next Friday and Saturday to buy a variety of edible and non-edible plants all while supporting a great cause!
 Jefferson Thursday Night Market Has Begun
The Jefferson Street Market returns this year on the first Thursday of each month from May through September: May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, and September 4!
The market runs from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 296 N 2nd St in Jefferson and features farmers, crafters, artists, food vendors, and local businesses. Vendor participation is free, but sign-up is required. Interested vendors can register at https://forms.gle/gCKee7E95e4KffARA.
Carriage Me Back to 1909 in Brownsville This Weekend
Step back in time to 1909 during Carriage Me Back, May 3–4, a lively fundraiser for the Linn County Historical Museum and the Moyer House!
Guests will encounter suffragettes, Sigmund Freud, and Isadora Duncan as they tour town by horse-drawn carriage and enjoy entertaining skits inspired by the era. The journey ends at the Moyer House, where more surprises await—including a mysterious crystal ball in the dining room.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children under 12, or $225 for a full carriage (20 people). Reservations are recommended—call (541) 466-3390 or visit the Linn County Museum at 101 Park Ave, open Wed–Sat, 11:00AM-4:00PM.
 Support Halsey's Library at the Annual 5K Fundraiser
There's still time to register for Halsey’s annual 5K fundraiser happening this Saturday at 10:00AM! This event will benefit library programs like the Summer Reading Program. The registration fee is $35, with discounts available for teams, seniors, and youth.
Participants can sign up at the library, City Hall, or online here. Not running? No problem—donations are welcome in person or by phone through City Hall.
 Tri-County Kids Fishing Day This Saturday
Kids ages 3–12 from Monroe, Junction City, and Harrisburg are invited to the free Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00AM to 12:00PM at Junction City Pond. No pre-registration needed—just show up!
Fishing rods are available to borrow, and kids can enjoy hot dogs, gift bags (while supplies last), prizes, and a fire truck visit. Prizes are based on fish caught by the child during event hours. Donations of prizes, gear, or drinks can be dropped off at the Moose Lodge or Tri-County Chamber during their open hours.
Questions? Call 541-998-1164.
 Cheadle Lake Fun Run in Lebanon Tomorrow
Build Lebanon Trails will host the 16th Annual Cheadle Lake 5K/10K Fun Run, Walk, and Kids Obstacle Dash this spring. Participants are encouraged to register online and take part using running shoes, walking shoes, or mobility assistance devices—everyone is welcome.
This year features a brand-new route showcasing Lebanon’s expanding trail system along the South Santiam River, Cheadle Lake, and the Albany/Lebanon Canal. It’s a great opportunity to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and support local trail development.
 Boys & Girls Club Auction Tomorrow Night
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam will host its "Under the Sea" Spring Benefit Auction tomorrow, May 3rd at the Lebanon Clubhouse! Doors open at 5PM for an evening of dinner, auctions, and community connection.
This special event offers a rare opportunity for local residents to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and support the only youth organization serving the area!
Tickets are available with this link. It’s a night to come for the cause, stay for the community, and leave with lasting memories!
 Scio FFA Fundraisers Next Weekend!
Scio FFA Alumni is combining two great fundraisers into one big event—its annual drive-through chicken BBQ and bark dust sale. Chicken meals are $12, and bark dust is $20 per yard. Orders can be placed here or by using the QR codes in the event materials.
In addition, Scio FFA will hold its plant sale tomorrow, and also on the 10th (the same day as the other events) from 9:00AM to 2:30PM. It’s a perfect chance to support local Ag students and stock up for spring!
 Lake Town Academy Silent Auction Next Friday
Lake Town Academy will host its 3rd Annual Silent Auction & Community Dinner next Friday, May 9th at 6:00PM at 30337 Fairview Rd in Lebanon! This year’s theme is Kentucky Derby, and guests are encouraged to wear derby-inspired attire—there will be a prize for the best dressed.
Attendees can look forward to a delicious meal, a lively silent auction, and a fun-filled evening with the community. Childcare will be available for children ages 4–10, including dinner and a movie, allowing adults to enjoy the evening worry-free.
As the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year, proceeds will help support a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for students. Tickets are available at www.laketownacademy.com.
 Lebanon Downtown Pub Crawl Next Weekend
Get ready for a fun night out at the Lebanon Downtown Pub Crawl on Friday, May 9, from 6:00 to 9:00PM! For $30, you'll enjoy a drink at each of six local restaurants and breweries, plus a commemorative beer stein to take home. It’s three hours of good drinks, great company, and community fun.
Whether you're into craft beer or just want a fun evening with friends, this is a great way to experience downtown Lebanon. Space is limited, so grab your tickets soon! Be sure to check in at the LDA Office to kick things off.
Tickets!
 
Questions Remain About ODF Report on 2020 Fires
March's report from the Oregon Department of Forestry is still raising eyebrows—and for good reason. It claims the 2020 Santiam Canyon wildfires weren’t sparked by downed power lines, but by embers blown miles from the Beachie Creek Fire. That’s a big departure from what fire crews, federal agencies, and juries have already concluded: that PacifiCorp’s live power lines played a direct role in igniting fires that destroyed homes and claimed lives. Fire behavior expert Dean Warner, who was in the canyon that night, called ODF’s conclusions “wild,” saying he personally saw power line fires spread and force firefighters to retreat. You can read more of his comments in this Willamette Week article.
So why does this new state report gloss over evidence from the trial and ignore frontline experts like Warner? Victims’ advocates are calling foul—and rightly so. It’s hard not to question the timing and motive of a report that downplays utility liability just as pressure from the Legislature mounts. Whether it’s incompetence or something more sinister, the report really is a slap in the face to the communities still living with the aftermath of the fires.
 
Eight or-so weeks to go and the Capitol continues to hum along in that uniquely disjointed, hurry-up-and-wait rhythm that's defined the middle part of session. With deadlines behind us and budget season still around the corner, we’re still in a bit of a lull—at least on paper. But behind the scenes, the anticipation is building, and we’re doing our best to stay looped in.
Rep. Cate's been back in action, but unfortunately Ali came down with a fever mid-week, which means our office is still down an employee. Like she did for me back in February, I was happy to take on some of Ali's slack, including answering the phones and hearing from constituents directly. Truly, I love working with constituents, but I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have an inkling of anxiety when the phone rings, because you really never know what you're going to get when you pick one up!
- Conner
Judge denies delay of wildfire trials
The Canyon Weekly
A Portland judge has denied a request by PacifiCorp to delay an ongoing wildfire lawsuit after a state report concluded the company was not responsible for the Santiam Fire.
Scientist Who Observed Santiam Canyon Fire Disputes Forestry Department’s Report on Cause
Willamette Week
A fire behavior scientist who was at the front lines of the deadly 2020 Santiam Canyon Fire is challenging the conclusions of a recently released report by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The report determined that downed power lines played no role in the deadly blaze.
Oregon Republicans offer less costly transportation plan: No new taxes – and no public transit, rail, bicycle, pedestrian or climate-friendly projects
The Oregonian
A dozen Oregon House Republicans released a counter proposal Wednesday to Democratic lawmakers’ plan to increase or create nearly a dozen transportation taxes and fees to repair and upgrade a full spectrum of road, transit, rail and pedestrian infrastructure.
Senate passes bill to allow Oregon governor to fill vacant U.S. Senate seat
OPB
Senate Bill 952 passed through the chamber 16-13 and now heads to the Oregon House. The bill would allow a governor to appoint an interim U.S. Senator within 30 days of the vacancy.
OHSU Reports Nine-Month Loss, Showing Weakness as It Seeks to Buy Legacy Health
Willamette Week
Oregon Health & Science University is losing about $8 million a month as larger post-pandemic salaries and higher costs for supplies soak up revenue. In the first nine months of its fiscal year ending June 30, OHSU lost $71 million from operations, narrower than the $87 million deficit it had in the same period last year.
Oregon wildfire forecast is looking ‘eerily similar’ to 2024’s record breaking year
The Oregonian
The summer is shaping up to be hot, said John Saltenberger, lead meteorologist at the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which streamlines wildfire response in the region. The temperature and precipitation outlook for fire season is “eerily similar” to 2024, a year when a record 1.9 million acres across Oregon burned, racking up more than $350 million in firefighting bills and damaged nearly 200 homes.
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.
Some Wildfire Recovery Wins!
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!
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