Wildfire Victims Finally Receive a Hearing!
After weeks of sitting idle, a major wildfire accountability bill is suddenly back in motion. Senate Bill 926 would prevent utility companies from charging customers for wildfire-related costs if a court or jury finds the company was negligent, and also stops these companies from delivering profits to their shareholders if they have unresolved wildfire liabilities. You might remember that this bill cleared the Senate easily, but had been stuck in the House Committee on Judiciary ever since. Thankfully, just hours before last week's work session posting deadline, Chair Kropf (D, Bend) granted this bill a hearing and possible work session.
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The hearing lasted two days—a rarity we don’t often see in the Legislature anymore—allowing extra time for wildfire victims (many of whom still have not been able to rebuild since the fires five years ago) to painfully recount their losses and first-hand experiences of the damages caused by power lines that Pacific Power refused to de-energize during the unprecedented conditions. It was an emotional two days to say the least, and frustratingly, Pacific Power did not even attend the hearings and face their victims as Rep. Farrah Chaichi (D, Beaverton) pointed out on the record. To watch my testimony on Monday in support of SB 926, click here (and yes, I may have been testifying from out in the field).
There is no knowing yet if the scheduled work session will really come to fruition, making the continued advocacy of supporters all the more critical. The bill has until May 23rd to be worked and sent to the floor to keep it alive in this process.
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In other news, the long-anticipated May Revenue Forecast landed on Wednesday—and let’s just say it wasn’t great news for the state of Oregon’s economy. The Legislature now has about $755 million less to allocate for the next two years than had been previously forecast, which not only indicates the economic uncertainty being felt across the state, but also means some tough calls are coming in the final stretch of session. Legislative leaders are still saying they’ll protect “core services,” but it remains to be seen just what those protections will include.
 
SB 162 A – Authorizes law enforcement to destroy hoop houses when executing a search warrant related to illegal marijuana grows.
SB 181 – Prohibits public funds from being used for painful or medically unnecessary research on dogs or cats; could be amended to address primate testing at OHSU.
SB 243 A – Bump stock ban.
SB 813 – Allows certain juvenile justice employees to request court-ordered communicable disease testing in specific situations.
SB 926 A – Bars electric companies from charging customers for legal costs if a wildfire is found to be caused by company negligence, and also prevents them from delivering profits from shareholders.
SB 1098 – Prohibits schools from removing certain library materials, even if their content is developmentally inappropriate for children if on the basis that the library materials include a perspective from a protected class.
SB 1181 – Prevents increased costs or denial of Medicare supplement insurance due to preexisting conditions and sets open enrollment rules.
This week we're proud to honor this year’s Linn County Pioneer Picnic Court, who will represent one of Linn County’s most cherished traditions in the lead-up to the main event on June 20th!
Representing the High School Court are Luci Kennedy, Gracie Droback, and Dakota Ramshur.
The Junior Court includes Maya Geider, Mercy Randklev, Esther Neal, Jean Rush, Morgan Leigh, Jasmine Abell, Addi Carter, Kennedy Hamblin, Emily Steele, and Naomi Whittam.
And we’re thrilled to see 2024 Queen Rhian Hollister continuing to serve as a shining example for the next generation.
Congratulations, ladies—we know you’ll represent our community with pride.
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Civil War Living History Event in Lebanon this Weekend
Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the American Civil War at the Civil War Living History event at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon this weekend from 9:00AM to 4:00PM! Hosted by the Northwest Civil War Council, this immersive event features live battles, cavalry warm-ups, artillery and medical demonstrations, historical music, fashion shows, and more—all for just $5 admission (free for those 18 and under)! There’s even a special School Day, today only, from 10:00AM to 3:00PM, with discounted rates for students. Come explore Union and Confederate camps, meet reenactors, and witness living history in action!
5K in Scio Tomorrow
All last-minute participants planning to take part in the Lamb Trot 5K Run/Walk are encouraged to pre-register for the event as soon as possible!
The 5K will be held tomorrow, Saturday, at 8:00AM at Scio High School.
To register, visit www.lambfair.com/forms or use the direct link: https://form.jotform.com/250508623871155
Don’t miss out—register today!
 Central Linn Elementary Spring Carnival Tomorrow
Join the Central Linn Elementary School Parent Teacher Club tomorrow, Saturday from 2:00PM-6:00PM for their annual Spring Carnival—a fun-filled event for the whole family!
Enjoy games, food, prizes, and activities for all ages. All proceeds will go directly toward supporting classroom activities, supplies, and Chromebooks for students.
Come out and support a great cause while having a fantastic time!
 LBCC Dyno Days in Lebanon this Weekend
The Linn-Benton Community College Diesel Technology Program in Lebanon will host its annual Dyno Days today and tomorrow from 8:00AM to 3:00PM, a community event filled with fun, food, laughter, and horsepower.
This exciting day will feature:
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Dynamometer runs open to the public (3 runs for $50)
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Campus tours of the diesel facility
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Food trucks and vendors
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Company booths showcasing local businesses
For more information or to get involved, contact 541-917-4506 or email noah.meekinsschultz.0575@mail.linnbenton.edu.
 Bingo Night Fundraiser in Lebanon Sunday
Mark your calendars for this Sunday, May 18th and join Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom for a fun-filled Bingo Night at Tallman Brewing in Lebanon from 3:00PM to 5:00PM!
This family-friendly fundraiser will support the organization’s mission to help students grow in their understanding of agriculture, the environment, and natural resources in Oregon.
Come enjoy a great time for a great cause—everyone is welcome!
 Sweet Home FFA Banquet Next Wednesday!
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 21st and join Sweet Home FFA for their annual Chapter Banquet! The celebration kicks off at 6:00PM in the high school cafeteria, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal and help honor some of the incredible accomplishments of our local FFA students. It’s a great chance to support the next generation of agricultural leaders, so don't miss out!
The following write-up is by Lebanon Community School District Superintendent Jennifer Meckley
Heath Stadium Grandstand Closure: Putting Safety First
As part of our ongoing commitment to student and community safety, the Lebanon School Board made the difficult decision to temporarily close the grandstand seating at Heath Stadium. This decision, made unanimously at the March 31 board meeting, comes after recent structural evaluations raised serious safety and liability concerns.
The closure applies only to the main grandstand seating. Visitors’ seating and areas on both sides of the grandstand remain open. We recently completed our track season, and all scheduled events — including athletic games and high school graduation — will proceed as planned. The track and field will also remain open for community use.
Heath Stadium has served Lebanon students and families since 1957. Over the years, our facilities team has worked hard to maintain it with annual seat board replacements, the addition of handrails in 2013, and welding reinforcements in 2015. But the reality is that there’s only so much maintenance that can be done in-house on a nearly 70-year-old concrete structure — especially when time, water infiltration, and age have begun to take their toll.
In late 2023, the district’s insurance provider and an independent structural engineer evaluated the stadium. They found worsening deterioration, including cracking and crumbling concrete that exposes rebar and compromises stair safety. Additionally, key steel areas showed corrosion, and the structure can no longer be insured for replacement — only for minimal cash value. These findings left us with a clear directive: safety must come first.
While closing the grandstand was a difficult choice, it reflects our responsibility to protect students, staff, and visitors. The Board has directed staff to begin exploring long-term solutions, including expanded stadium seating in the future. We are committed to maintaining this important space for school and community events and will keep families updated as planning progresses.
We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we take steps to address the structural concerns at Heath Stadium and ensure the well-being of all who use it.
Jennifer Meckley
Superintendent, Lebanon Community School District
Nighttime Ramp Closures at I-5 Exit 216
Heads up, drivers: From Sunday, May 18 through Thursday, May 22, ODOT will close the southbound I-5 on- and off-ramps at OR 228 (Exit 216) nightly from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving. Only one ramp will close at a time, with detours via Exits 209 or 228. Expect single lane closures, construction noise, reduced speeds (55 mph), and no lane changes where double white lines are marked. This is part of the ongoing I-5 repaving project between Halsey and the Linn/Lane County line.
LBCC Agricultural Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
Linn-Benton Community College is proud to announce the groundbreaking of its new Agricultural Center and invites the community to be part of this exciting milestone!
The event will take place next Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 3:30PM. LBCC asks that you park at Cascadia Equine Vet Clinic, located at 31730 Sport Horse Way, Tangent, OR 97389.
This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter in hands-on agricultural education and workforce development in the region. Community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate the bright future ahead for LBCC students and the local economy!
RSVP at: https://linnbenton.edu/ag-center
 Youth Wage Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Now in its 19th year, Linn County’s First-Time Youth Wage Grant Program is accepting applications for May through September employment for youth ages 14 to 19!
Funded by Oregon Video Lottery dollars designated for economic development, the Linn County Board of Commissioners provides a $3-per-hour wage subsidy to help local businesses employ young people. Eligible businesses may hire up to three youth employees and apply for a stipend of up to $4,500.
For more information, visit the First-Time Youth Wage Grant Program page or check the “Latest News” tab on the Linn County website at www.linncountyor.gov.
 DEQ Says it Won't Enforce Advanced Clean Trucks Rule
In a shocking turn of events, good news came from the Department of Environmental Quality this week, as it announced that it will not enforce the California-style Advanced Clean Trucks Act for another two years. Under existing ACT rules passed in 2021, manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles must sell zero emission vehicles as a percentage of their total sales. Implementation of this was so impractical that the agency had to back down, and pressure from the grassroots level didn't hurt either!
This week has definitely kept us on our toes! To start things off, Conner—who proudly claims he never gets sick—was under the weather again. He quickly recovered, but maybe should rethink that immunity claim.
The printer saga also continued into its third week of frustration. While our main printer is still out of commission, we finally got a bit of relief in the form of a loaner. A huge thank you to Erika from IS for stepping in and helping us get the temporary setup—your support has made a world of difference, and we truly appreciate it!
On top of that, I’ve been in full scheduling mode, lining up meetings left and right to keep our office in the loop, mostly along the lines of funding asks going through the Ways & Means committee.
A highlight from the week had to be Wednesday, when lawmakers, staff, the Governor, and members of the public stepped outside the Capitol walls to celebrate Armed Forces Day on the Capitol Mall—a much-needed moment in the sunshine to honor those who serve and protect us. Hosted by the Oregon National Guard, the event featured military displays, equipment and vehicle tours, food trucks, howitzer salute, and a crowd-pleasing F-15 flyover. The official ceremony at 1:00PM drew strong attendance and served as a powerful reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of our service members.
- Ali Ruiz
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Oregon legislature on track to repeal controversial Wildfire risk map
OPB
After the devastating 2020 Labor Day fires, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill that was supposed to lead to more wildfire awareness and resilience. It created a map of areas at high risk of fire. But that map led to a huge backlash from property owners. Now one of the democratic state senators who helped create the map is sponsoring a bill that would repeal it.
Public weighs in as lawmakers consider key amendments to Oregon gun control bill
KATU
Those opposing the ban on bump stocks say that it infringes on their Second Amendment rights. State Representative Alek Skarlatos (R-Winston) noted that this bill could make gun owners who already own bump stocks criminals overnight.
Oregon Democrats advance scaled-back gun control measure
The Oregonian
A stripped-down gun control bill is headed to the Senate floor after lawmakers voted to drop provisions to raise the age for gun possession and extend Oregon’s waiting period to buy a gun. The Senate Rules Committee voted along party lines to forward a much narrower Senate Bill 243 to the full Senate. It calls for banning switch devices that turn guns from semi-automatic to fully automatic weapons and allows city, counties and other governing bodies to vote to bar people, including those with concealed gun licenses, from carrying guns in certain public buildings.
Nearly half of all Oregon families struggling to make ends meet
KPTV
According to a new study published by United Way and United ALICE, 42% of all Oregon households are struggling to afford the basics, like housing, groceries or childcare. “At least to live comfortably, it’s a lot of work, you know?” said Giovani Correia, a student at Oregon State University. According to the report, that 42% includes over 737,000 families and the financial disparities are disproportionately impacting communities of color and residents in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark counties.
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!
 
The Mid-Session Lull is Here!
Some Wildfire Recovery Wins!
Long Floor Days & Questionable Priorities
Plan for Billions in New Taxes Released!
Halfway Into Session—Things Are Heating Up
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