HB 2025: Over a Billion in New Taxes!
With the clock ticking on the 2025 session, Democratic lawmakers have finally rolled out their transportation package legislation! House Bill 2025—a sweeping 102-page transportation proposal packed with more than 35 new or increased taxes and fees was introduced this week. At a price tag of over $1 billion per year, this isn’t just a funding package—it’s one of the largest tax hikes in state history.
At the core of HB 2025 is a steep increase in the gas tax—from 40 to 55 cents per gallon, indexed to inflation so it rises automatically in the years ahead. That’s joined by a 270% spike in registration fees, a 2% sales tax on new vehicles, a 1% tax on used cars over $10,000, and a more-than-doubled payroll tax. The result? Working families, rural drivers, and small businesses would be left paying the bill for an ever-growing list of services they don’t use—like empty light rail cars and bike lanes in Portland.
Despite Oregon’s multi-billion-dollar backlog of basic road repairs and a troubled track record at ODOT, this proposal does little to address accountability or outcomes. Instead, it asks Oregonians to pour more money into the same broken system.
HB 2025 is being fast-tracked and had public hearings all week, with the final one taking place yesterday at 4:00PM, but there is still time to submit written testimony on OLIS in opposition until tomorrow afternoon. If you’re concerned, now is the time to show up, speak out, and push back!
 
HB 2025 - $1 billion increase in transportation taxes.
HB 2321 - Creates the task force on the impacts of Ballot Measures 5 and 50, potentially opening the door for property tax increases.
HB 3978 - Prohibits a research facility from using public funds to do medically unnecessarily lab research on dogs, cats and primates.
HB 3908 - Increases the party registration requirement to be a major political party in this state from five percent to ten percent, letting minor parties sidestep rules major parties must follow—especially when cross-nominating candidates.
SB 916 - Makes Oregon the first state in the nation to allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits. "Died" on the Senate Floor and sent to a Conference Committee, before getting passed once again in both the House and Senate.
SB 1153 - Would impose new, vague, and expansive standards on water right transfers.
SB 1213 - Allows Oregonians to title and register Kei trucks.
HR 3 - Recognizing and honoring black drag in Oregon, a questionable priority.
This week we're excited to extend a huge congratulations to Scio's Lady Loggers Softball Team on their 3A State Championship over Dayton! This team truly put Scio on the map this year, ending the season with a 28-1 record and proving that the third time is definitely the charm in their third consecutive championship game appearance last Friday in Eugene.
Several of these players, including MVP Myleigh Cooper (who set several state records this season), are seniors who won't have the opportunity to defend their title next year, but there's no doubt that the morale boost from such an incredible season will propel the Loggers long into the future. Way to go!
Photo by Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Lacomb's 1st Annual Community Farmer's Market
Come out and support the 1st Annual Lacomb Community Farmer’s Market at the historic Lacomb Grange Hall (34100 E. Lacomb Dr.)—open to the public and celebrating all things local! Enjoy homegrown produce, handmade goods, and community spirit in this small but vibrant community. Vendor spaces are still available, and a community consignment table is also an option for those who can’t attend in person. For more info or to reserve your spot, email lacombgrange@gmail.com.
 Sweet Home Fall Sports Registration Open
Sweet Home High School is now accepting registrations for Fall 2025 sports! Available sports include football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, cheerleading, and dance. Students are encouraged to sign up early and ensure they have a current physical on file.
Practices will begin on August 18th! To register, visit:
https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/sweet-home-high-school
For more information, contact the SHHS Athletic Department at 541-367-7629.
 Ribbon Cutting of Santa Maria 205 Fence Installation
The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center will host a ribbon cutting ceremony next Friday, June 20th from 4:00 to 5:00PM, with the official ribbon cutting taking place at 4:30PM at 1040 Park Street! The event celebrates the installation of a custom-designed steel fence featuring a cutout of the Santa Maria 205 steam engine, generously donated by Rick Franklin. Don't miss out! Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, please contact the Lebanon Chamber at (541)258-7164.
Sweet Home Movies in the Park Kicks Off Tonight
A reminder that the summer of fun at Sankey Park in Sweet Home kicks off tonight with a showing of Luca at dusk! The Sweet Home Public Library is proud to put on this great event, and kids' activities kick off at 7:30pm, so be sure to arrive before dark!
 Future Cobras Invited to Central Linn Basketball Camp!
Get ready for some hoops and hustle! Central Linn High School is excited to host its Future Cobras Basketball Camp next week, Monday through Wednesday, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the legendary Cobra Dome!
Open to boys and girls entering grades 3–8 this fall, the camp promises three action-packed mornings of skill-building, team competitions, and fun. Campers will receive a T-shirt, learn from Central Linn’s varsity coaching staff, and get tips from current players. Registration is $75, with all proceeds supporting CLHS basketball programs. Plus, don’t miss the chance to earn Camper of the Day honors!
For questions, reach out to Coach Wendi at wendi.tarris@centrallinn.k12.or.us.
 Get Ready for Summer at the Lebanon Community Pool!
Summer fun is just around the corner at the Lebanon Community Pool! Daily Rec Swims make a splash starting this upcoming Monday, June 16th, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM—perfect for cooling off, playing with friends, or just floating your cares away. Admission is just $4.50 for youth and $5.00 for adults in district, with out-of-district pricing available too.
But why wait until Monday? Kick off the season early at the Dad Bod Splash Bash this Saturday from 4:00PM to 6:00PM! It’s a high-energy celebration for the whole family, complete with pool inflatables and non-stop fun—all in honor of Dad. Come ready to laugh, lounge, and launch into summer!
Questions? Call (541) 451-8551 or visit lebanonpool.org
 
DPSST Youth Academy Kicks Off June 30th
Know a teen curious about law enforcement? The Department of Public Safety Standards & Training (along with several law enforcement partners) invites students ages 14–18 to a free, hands-on Youth Academy at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem on June 30th, from 8:00AM to 1:00PM!
Hosted in partnership with Oregon State Police, the Linn County Sheriff's Office and other agencies, this action-packed event is a great way for young people to explore careers in public safety. Space is limited—sign up now here!
 
This week has been absolutely beautiful outside—blue skies, warm sun, and the kind of perfect weather to not be indoors, but that’s where the work is. I've been busy and staying on pace with constituent cases (which is sometimes a multi-month affair), emails, letters, phone calls, scheduling, going through vote explanations, and taking meetings. It’s been a steady rhythm, and I’m proud to be keeping everything moving smoothly as I begin to wind down my time in Rep. Cate’s office.
One of the highlights has been a few after-work gatherings that brought a nice balance to the week. On Wednesday, the Craft Brewer's Caucus held its long anticipated BBQ on the Capitol Terrace, which is the one day every two years this space is open for everyone to enjoy! It’s always refreshing to connect with others outside the office and enjoy the kind of community that makes this work feel meaningful. As I look ahead to what’s next, I’m taking time to appreciate the growth that’s come with this six-month experience.
Here’s to soaking up the sunshine—when I can—and finishing the session off strong!
-Ali Ruiz
Oregon, dozens of other states sue to block sale of 23andMe genetic data
The Associated Press
Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia on Monday filed a lawsuit in bankruptcy court seeking to block the sale of personal genetic data by 23andMe without customer consent. The lawsuit comes as a biotechnology company seeks the court’s approval to buy the struggling firm.
The annual Strawberry Festival's tourism impact on Lebanon's local businesses
KEZI 9
Lebanon, Ore – Local businesses in Lebanon have reaped the benefits from the Strawberry Festival as the annual fest draws in tourists from Oregon and surrounding states. The 116th Strawberry Festival is projected to have around 25,000 people in attendance over the four day festival, that's more than the entire population of Lebanon (20,527).
Oregon wildfire jumps from 50 to 750 acres in single day, crews battle overnight
KGW
A wildfire that started June 7 in Oregon has grown to 750 acres as crews worked through the night to prevent major spread, according to Fire Management for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The Sunnyside Fire was reported at 10:49 a.m. June 7, located east of Eagle Butte and west of Highway 3, Fire Management said in a social media post.
Oregon transportation bill gets panned by Republicans – even those who negotiated it
Jefferson Public Radio
With 20 days left in this legislative session, Republicans ripped a Democratic proposal that would raise gas taxes and roughly 10 other taxes and fees, simplify how heavy trucks are taxed and more.
Oregon Republicans who’d spent weeks negotiating a transportation funding proposal with majority Democrats came out forcefully against the bill Monday.
Oregon lawmakers pass bill to keep medical debt off credit reports
The Oregonian
A bill aimed at preventing medical debt from impacting patients’ credit scores won final approval in the Oregon Legislature Monday. Senate Bill 605, which the House passed with revisions last week, cleared the Senate on an 18-12 vote. The legislation would remove medical debt from credit reports and bar debt collectors, hospitals and clinics from reporting unpaid medical bills to credit agencies. It applies not only to debt owed directly to providers but also to credit cards issued solely for covering medical expenses.
Opening Ceremonies Needed
Last call for the session! 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.
Get Ready for Tax Increases!
Sine Die Declared Imminent!
A Mixed Bag of Justice for Wildfire Victims
Wildfire Victims Finally Receive a Hearing!
The Mid-Session Lull is Here!
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