  
Special Session Called: Tax Hikes Coming!
The Governor has officially called the Legislature back to Salem on August 29th to take another swing at a transportation package. The new plan, now confirmed, includes a 6-cent gas tax hike, a $42 increase in vehicle registration fees, a $139 jump in title fees, and new surcharges for EVs and high-MPG vehicles. There’s even a .1% payroll tax increase thrown in for good measure. All this to scrape together $325 million just to plug the agency’s budget hole.
The Governor is pitching this as a way to stop layoffs and restore basic services, but the truth hasn’t changed: ODOT’s financial problems are not the result of revenue shortages--they’re really the result of long-term mismanagement. We're still talking about the 2% slice of ODOT's massive budget that goes to road maintenance. That’s where the layoffs are coming from, and that’s where the public feels it most. Instead of addressing inefficiencies, the Governor’s office is now extending layoff timelines to September 15th and asking taxpayers to pay more to keep a broken system on life support.
To add a layer of polish, the plan includes some accountability provisions: a performance audit, a revamped advisory committee, and a project dashboard, but none of it changes the fact that this is yet another short-term fix to a long-term problem in terms of ODOT's funding model. We don't yet know of a bill number (or any official language), but likely will by the next newsletter.
Now, switching gears to some positive news! We got a flurry of emails last week from constituents concerned about proposed rule changes within the Department of Land Conservation & Development that would have likely negatively impacted hugely popular farmstands across the state. We can now report that thanks to the outpouring of concern from farmers, small business owners, and families across our district and beyond, DLCD has officially halted its proposed rule changes. These proposed regulations would have severely restricted local food sales, slashed agritourism opportunities, and threatened the livelihoods of countless small farms. This is a real victory for rural Oregon, and a reminder that when the public is engaged on issues and collectively pushes back against overreach, anything is possible!
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Conner is under the impression people only want an update about what the dogs are up to, so... Here it goes! Case International started protesting that she wanted to be a combine dog, and no amount of picking raspberries, morning walks, or hunting mice with Allis Chalmers were enough to suffice her anymore, which should have been my clue that her separation anxiety was flaring up and self-injury was just around the corner (yet again! I think she's learned this is the best way to ensure special treatment), but we were almost done with combining, so I was hoping she'd power through... She didn't. So instead of busting out the dog ramp to get her into the combine (which she really doesn't seem to enjoy much, because there is no Allis in the combine), she got to go stay with my mom the final couple of days, and eat all the treats imaginable. She's healing up, and enjoying a few days at home now so I can catch up on Salem work (and sleep!) - while also finally shipping some seed from the warehouse! It's a good thing she's cute... Allis never pulls these shenanigans for attention!
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This week’s spotlight honors the life and service of Sgt. First Class Scot R. Noss, a 1996 graduate of Lebanon High School and a 2017 inductee into the Bud & Dorothy Page Alumni Hall of Fame. After high school, Scot served with Youth with a Mission in China and Hong Kong before joining the U.S. Army to pursue his dream of becoming an elite Army Ranger. He served nearly 12 years—including eight deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan—and was recognized with some of the military’s highest honors, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the FBI Hostage Rescue Award. His career was tragically cut short following a helicopter crash in Afghanistan that left him with a traumatic brain injury, and he was subsequently honored with House Concurrent Resolution 28 in the Legislature back in 2019.
Scot passed away on Sunday, July 20th, and was laid to rest this week with flags flying at half-staff in his honor. His life of courage, sacrifice, and quiet strength left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Those wishing to remember Scot may give to Homes for Our Troops, Youth with a Mission, or Rangers Lead the Way Fund, in care of Huston/Jost Funeral Home.
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
A&W Mascots Return to Sweet Home!
The iconic A&W Burger Family has officially returned to Sweet Home! After more than 60 years, Papa Burger is back—and this time he's joined by Mama, Teen, and even the rare Baby Burger. Thanks to the dedication of Josh and Patty Hankins, along with the expert restoration work by John Ridgeway of John Ridgeway Auto Body, the full Burger Family is now proudly on display at Sweet Home A&W, 1010 Main Street. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, snap a photo, and enjoy a nostalgic slice of Americana right in the heart of town.
 Final Sweet Home Community Yard Sale Tomorrow
Sweet Home’s final Community Yard Sale of the summer is happening tomorrow, August 2nd and it’s shaping up to be a great one! With dozens of sales happening all over town, it’s the perfect chance to treasure hunt, find a bargain, and support your neighbors. Don’t miss this community-wide event that brings shoppers and sellers together for one last big summer weekend! For more information and the map, click here.
 Brownsville Antique Faire Tomorrow
The annual Brownsville Antique Faire and Car Show is happening tomorrow, August 2nd, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pioneer Park! Attendees can browse a wide variety of antiques and classic cars while enjoying food, drinks, and treats from local food trucks and vendors. It’s sure to be a full day of great finds and delicious choices!
Central Linn Sports Summer Camp Next Week
Central Linn School District’s Summer Sports Camp is now open for registration and they're excited for another great year! Camp will be held at Pioneer Park and the rec center, with each day featuring a different sport or two. Monday will focus on football and volleyball, Tuesday is soccer and cheer, Wednesday is basketball, and Thursday wraps up with baseball and softball. To view more camp details or explore fall sports registration, visit clrasports.org.
 National Night Out in Jefferson Tuesday
Get ready, Jefferson! National Night Out is almost here—and you won’t want to miss it! Join the fun on the City Hall/Library lawn Tuesday, August 5th from 5–7 p.m. for a community celebration featuring a free BBQ dinner (while it lasts!), live music, yard games, and more. It’s a great chance to connect with neighbors, enjoy some summer fun, and celebrate the spirit of the town!
Lebanon's National Night Out on Tuesday
Join the community on Tuesday, August 5th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Academy Square for an evening of fun, food, music, and connection! Enjoy games, local vendors, great food, and live entertainment as Lebanon comes together to celebrate community spirit and public safety. Bring your family, bring your neighbors—this is one summer evening you won’t want to miss!
Sweet Home Soccer Camp Next Weekend
Know of an incoming 3rd-8th grade Tiger interested in playing soccer this fall? Consider registering with the QR code below for next weekend's Soccer Camp!
Lebanon Classic Car Show August 9th
The Downtown Classic Car Show is coming to Lebanon on August 9th! Participants still have time to register and be part of this exciting community event. New this year is a raffle with prizes from Santiam Excursion Trains, including chances to win four rail bike tickets or four excursion train tickets just for signing up! For registration and more details, visit lebanondowntownassociation.com.
 Harrisburg Citywide Yard Sale August 16th
The Harrisburg Annual Citywide Yard Sale is coming up on Saturday, August 16th! Whether you're looking to clear out some clutter or hunt for hidden gems, this is a can't-miss community event. Residents can get their sale listed on the official map by contacting Jamie at 541-995-6655 or jknox@ci.harrisburg.or.us. Sale maps and event details can be found here. While you're out shopping, be sure to support local businesses, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy everything Harrisburg has to offer!
Vote for Halsey's New City Logo!
The City of Halsey has decided to change its logo, and they want your input! They invite you to vote for your favorite of these three options by "liking" your top choice on their Facebook page by August 14th! So far, the second option is in the lead. The new logo will be revealed at the Annual Summer BBQ and Movie Night on Friday, August 25th!
Detroit Drawdown Looms Over Salem
This week, the City of Salem officially declared an emergency as it braces for a major drinking water shortfall tied to the planned deep drawdown of the Detroit Lake Dam next year. Salem currently needs over 25 million gallons of water per day, but its emergency backup systems can only provide a fraction of that—just 6 million gallons—raising serious concerns for residents and businesses alike.
Unfortunately, this concern isn't a hypothetical. Communities like Sweet Home, Lebanon, and Albany have already been forced to sue for damages after similar drawdowns at Green Peter Dam had catastrophic effects on their water. Despite repeated warnings and growing regional impacts, there has been no meaningful support from the federal government as of yet to address the consequences of these drawdowns—or to help protect the long-term water security of the Willamette Valley.
To read more, click here.
 Free Books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Have a little one at home? Don’t forget about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which is celebrating 30 years of operations this year! This program sends a free, high-quality book every month to children from birth to age five—no strings attached. Thanks in part to the Linn, Benton & Lincoln County United Way office in Albany, families in our local area can sign up and start building a lifelong love of reading, one book at a time. It’s easy, it’s free, and it’s pure joy for kids and parents alike!
Gov. Kotek proposes 6-cent gas tax hike, higher fees to fund Oregon Department of Transportation
Portland Business Journal
Republicans continue to push back on Democrats' calls to raise taxes. This is what House Republican Leader Christine Drazan had to say in a statement: "This could still be prevented today, without a special session, if Democrats made the decision to use existing revenue from the emergency board. We can still protect these jobs without raising taxes — and we should. Republicans have represented the voices of the people and fought hard to find solutions that don't add new taxes. It's now time for Democrats to do the same. We invite Democrats to join us in funding essential services without raising taxes, to stand with Oregonians who cannot afford to shoulder more costs."
More lawsuits lodged against Oregon Youth Authority accusing staff of sexual assault
OPB
Lawsuits filed on Thursday accuse three more former Oregon Youth Authority staff members of sexually abusing juvenile prisoners. It is the latest in a series of lawsuits that assert there was a culture of indifference toward child sexual abuse within the state’s youth detention centers. The latest allegations allege abuse of teenagers by a group life coordinator, a former correctional officer and a pediatrician inside facilities employed by the state’s youth authority. The attorney bringing the latest lawsuits, Peter Janci, said this wasn’t about a few “bad apples,” but rather a larger system that “protected predators” while silencing victims.
Oregon wildfire survivors to pay federal taxes on settlements next year after state bill failed
Oregon Capital Chronicle
A bill that would have provided some federal tax relief on settlements paid to survivors of utility-caused wildfires died in the final hours of the Oregon legislative session in June, despite early bipartisan support. Advocates of the proposal that would have required utilities to cover the cost of federal income taxes on settlements to wildfire survivors attributed the failure to a last-minute decision by Democratic lawmakers to tweak the bill and roll it into a completely different package in the final days of the session.
Rose Quarter freeway project construction to begin in August despite $1.5B funding gap
The Oregonian
State officials on Thursday greenlit preliminary construction on the Rose Quarter project to begin next month even as they acknowledged the state has secured less than $500 million for the Portland freeway megaproject that could exceed $2 billion in total costs. The initial phase of construction, which is set to begin Aug. 25, will primarily focus on improving road and bridge infrastructure in the area and upgrading stormwater treatment systems, according to officials at the Oregon Department of Transportation.
CNBC ranks Oregon among most expensive states. Here’s why
KOIN
CNBC released a list of states where inflation is hitting the hardest — naming Oregon among the most expensive states to live in. According to the report, published July 11, inflation has come down from its post-COVID high; however, cost-of-living remains lofty in some states...
Oregon has 5th worst education system in the country, study says
KPTV
Oregon ranks on the bottom five for education systems among all 50 states, according to a new WalletHub study released on Monday. The new study compared things like math test scores, safety, dropout rates, and 28 other factors. Oregon came in at 47th overall. The state also ranked low for math and reading test scores, coming in at 45th and 44th. The dropout rate is high across the state according to the report, sitting at 7th worst in the country. Massachusetts came in the first spot for overall best school systems and New Mexico ranked as the worst overall. Idaho has the highest dropout rate.
Scio School District Budget Committee Vacancies!
Interested in serving your local community? The Scio School District is currently seeking applicants to fill two vacancies (Positions 1 and 2) on its Budget Committee. This is a great opportunity for community members to play an active role in shaping local school funding. Eligible applicants must be registered voters living within the district and not currently employed by the district. The application period is open now through August 12th, so don't hesitate! For more information or to apply, visit the Scio School District Office or call 503-394-3261.
Budget Committee Application
 
Do You Want a 6-Cent Gas Tax Increase?
2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up
Ramming Things Through in the Final Hours of Session
Priorities: Celebrating Black Drag? T-Bone Steaks?
HB 2025: Over a Billion in New Taxes!
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