2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up
The 2025 Legislative Session finally came to a close last Friday night, bringing an end to 180 long days of lawmaking. As always, there was a last-minute scramble to push a few remaining priorities across the finish line, but plenty of others were left behind. There’s still no transportation package. There’s still no justice for wildfire victims. And there’s still no stable, long-term funding plan for wildfire prevention and response. Those were just a few of the big-ticket issues that never made it to the governor’s desk.
As I've often described it, this session truly felt like a ship without a rudder (perhaps that has something to do with a whopping 3,467 bills being introduced into the process?) Despite holding supermajorities in both chambers, Democrats struggled to govern, and the longer the session dragged on, the more broken the process felt. Even some members of the majority party voiced open frustration at how closed-off and chaotic the final weeks had become.
Another frustration was the several bills to help out wildfire victims never really getting a fair shot. HB 3161 and SB 926—two bills that would have finally created a pathway for civil justice for wildfire survivors—died without much explanation. HB 3984, the last-minute bill that would have offered victims some tax relief from their settlements against negligent utility companies, passed the House but died in the Senate. It feels incredibly frustrating to have fought so hard for justice with tremendous grassroots support, only to fall short. But the fight will continue in 2026.
So, what did get done? A handful of important wins made it through, including SB 83, which repeals the state’s flawed wildfire hazard map, but that came with a trade: HB 3940, which adds a new tax on nicotine pouches like ZYN, passed alongside it, promising to generate at least some revenue for wildfire fighting costs. HB 3076, a bill that would have made life miserable for Oregon’s firearm retailers, was ultimately killed through the negotiation process. And while HB 2025 didn’t move forward, it remains very much a threat in the coming months.
All told, it was a session marked by missed opportunities, but also one Republicans knew would be a challenge given our position as a superminority in Salem. It's easy to be pessimistic, but ultimately there is still work to be done and lots of mail into the district to be sent, so I'll keep fighting! Stay tuned as we transition to bi-weekly newsletters now that the seven-month interim between legislative sessions has begun, and lastly, happy Independence Day! Be sure to celebrate at your local community's 4th of July festivities if you can tomorrow!
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Swathing season is a wrap! And luckily, not literally. The word "wrap" and swathers do not conjure fun memories of getting crop wrapped around the auger and having to untangle it. No thank you!
The season went pretty well despite some break downs along the way, and the timing being one of the earliest I can remember! My brother and I swath through the night to maximize the cool, damp conditions benefiting seed retention (and better yields). I'm not much of a morning person, but am always happy to see the sunrise after a long night of cutting the grass - and yes, it smells WONDERFUL just like a lawn. Unless the skunks are out...Then, no thank you!
I always love the farm, but especially after sacrificing so much time away to be in Salem. It's the best way I know to get grounded again, and remember what drives me to fight the political fights. Now bring on the combines!!!
  
Nancy Patton presented a generous $500 donation to the Linn County Sheriff's Office yesterday in support of the Search and Rescue (SAR) team. The funds were raised through her 9th annual Honoring the American Man Auction and were given in memory of Jim Search, a retired Staff Sergeant from the Civil Division who dedicated decades to the SAR program. Jim was also a beloved volunteer in the Sweet Home community, giving his time to youth sports, the Linn County Young Marines, and more. Though he passed away last spring, his impact continues to be deeply felt. Donations like Nancy’s help provide vital equipment for SAR volunteers and improve rescue capabilities. The Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt thanks to Nancy for this meaningful gift.
 Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Concerts in Lebanon All Summer Long
The City of Lebanon invites you to its free Tuesday night summer concert series at Acadamy Square, which kicks off next Tuesday with Rock N Rewind. The festivities kick off at 6:00 p.m., so don't miss out!
 Teen Color Lab at Lebanon Library Next Tuesday
Know a teen that likes paint or is just interested in art? The Lebanon Public Library invites teens from the area to sign up for their upcoming color lab event with the QR code below. Happy painting!
 East Linn Christian Volleyball Camp Begins
East Linn Christian Academy's volleyball camp opens next week! Whether your student is new to the sport or looking to sharpen their skills, this is a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals, build teamwork, and compete in a supportive, faith-based environment.
 OMSI Dinosaur Event in Scio Wednesday
The Scio Public Library is excited to invite you to their OMSI hosted education extravaganza, focusing on paleontology! The event is free for all kids interested in dinosaurs, but preregistration is required by calling (503) 394-3342.
 Cut the Gut Car Cruise in Sweet Home July 11th
Rev up for Sweet Home’s biggest cruise night of the year! The "Icebox Cut the Gut" car cruise rolls into town the second weekend of July, inviting classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles—and fans of them all—for a night of fun, engines, and local flair. Cruise from one end of Sweet Home to the other, collecting stamps at business checkpoints for a shot at raffle prizes. Registration passports are just $20, with shirts and hoodies available to commemorate the night. Whether you’re showing off your ride or watching from the sidelines, this is a must-see summer event in Sweet Home!
 Sweet Home Sportsman's Holiday Parade July 12th
Sweet Home's Sportsman's Holiday is right around the corner, and the city would like to remind you that it's famous parade will be taking place downtown at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday the 12th, and this year's theme is "Gateway to the Santiam Playground"!
 Sweet Home's Community Yard Sale Continues
Another opportunity! Get ready to shop, sell, and explore during the Sweet Home Community Yard Sale series! For three Saturdays this summer, local residents will host yard sales across town, and a public map with participating addresses will make it easy to plan your route. Tomorrow is the kickoff!
Maps will be posted on the city’s website and social media the Thursday before each sale, with printed copies available starting Friday.
Want to be included? Submit your address using the online form: HERE
Deadline: Addresses must be submitted by Wednesday prior to each sale date to appear on the map.
Don’t miss this fun, community-wide event — there’s treasure waiting around every corner in Sweet Home!
 Paint Party in Harrisburg July 12th
The Harrisburg Municipal Center Library will be hosting a paint party next Saturday! For just $15 per person, there will be supplies, lemonade, and fun! Sign up by calling (541) 995-6949.
 Denny School Road Closure Begins July 14th
Linn County will close Denny School Road between Sand Ridge Road and Airport Drive from Monday, July 14th through Thursday, July 31st to allow the Bridge Maintenance Division to repair Bridge 707-162 over Oak Creek. The project will replace aging timber components including caps, headwalls, and piles with steel materials to remove existing weight restrictions and prevent future closures. The timing aligns with a concurrent road closure on nearby Airport Drive, allowing the County to also complete crack sealing, restriping, and roadside cleanup during the closure.
For project details and maps, visit: https://www.linncountyor.gov/roads/page/construction-project.
 
Linn County Fair is Just Around the Corner!
The 2025 Linn County Fair in Albany is promising to be one of the best yet! Along with all the usual county fair traditions and festivities, there is also a great trio of headliners: Uncle Kracker, Phil Vassar, and Hunter Hayes. Reserved seats start at just $20, so don't miss this opportunity!
 Nighttime Closure Continues at I-5 Exit 209
ODOT and the City of Halsey would like to remind you that Exit 209 ramps will be closed nightly from July 7th to July 11th! Only one ramp will be closed at a time, and all ramps will remain open during the day. Drivers can use nearby exits to detour as needed. For more details, visit Halsey City News or the ODOT project page.
 
Oregon State Hospital uses taxpayer funds to buy sex toys for patients
KGW
A KGW investigation found the state-run psychiatric facility provided 65 sexual aids to patients last year, costing taxpayers $2,900. "How does that make any sense?" asked Tiffany Edens, a rape survivor and advocate for crime victims...
Oregon stops paying Portland to remove homeless camps along freeways, other state property
MSN
Oregon transportation officials have abruptly ended a yearslong agreement that tasks Portland with conducting homeless camp sweeps on state-owned property within city limits, a move that will likely lead to an increase in tents and trash along major roadways.
Oregon bans cell phones in K-12 schools to boost learning, mental health
KATU
Gov. Tina Kotek has signed Executive Order 25-09, a landmark move aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and mental wellbeing by prohibiting cell phone use during school hours in Oregon's K-12 public schools.
The order mandates that districts adopt policies banning student cell phone use by Oct. 31, 2025, with full implementation required by Jan. 1, 2026.
Drunk driving a top concern for Oregon police this July 4th
KDRV
OREGON - As temperatures soar, many residents are turning to water activities to beat the heat. However, authorities warn that alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of harm while boating and swimming.
Dr. Tom Jeanne of the Oregon Health Authority emphasized that more than 25% of all boating fatalities and drownings are alcohol-related. "During the summer is the second highest liquor sales that we see in the year, second only to the holiday season," Jeanne said.
Sweet Home Park & Tree Committee Vacancy
Love your parks? Passionate about trees? Sweet Home is looking for community members to serve on the Park and Tree Committee, which meets at 8:30 AM on the third Wednesday of each month. This seven-member committee helps guide tree planting, park planning, beautification efforts, and recreation programming throughout the city.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and help shape Sweet Home’s green spaces, learn more at www.sweethomeor.gov/bc-ptc and apply today at www.sweethomeor.gov/bc/webform/boardcommitteecommission-application!
 
Ramming Things Through in the Final Hours of Session
Priorities: Celebrating Black Drag? T-Bone Steaks?
HB 2025: Over a Billion in New Taxes!
Get Ready for Tax Increases!
Sine Die Declared Imminent!
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