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Special Session is just 2 weeks away! And we've now seen the draft language for the Governor’s proposed transportation package, and unfortunately, our concerns from our last newsletter were right on target. The draft is still a "legislative concept", meaning there is no official bill number yet, and it is likely to still change somewhat before it gets "dropped" right ahead of session, but it's a clear indicator that the package likely to be rammed through later this month will have significant tax and fee increases. The plan would raise roughly $990 million per biennium (about $5 billion over 10 years), including covering ODOT’s immediate shortfall of around $354 million.
The rundown? This proposal hikes the gas tax by 6 cents per gallon, increases vehicle registration fees by $42, tacks on additional surcharges for high-efficiency and electric vehicles, raises title fees by $139, and doubles the payroll tax dedicated to transit in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund. Other provisions include a phased-in Road User Charge, removal of existing tolling rules, and new authority for the Governor to hire and fire the ODOT Director.
While these changes are being sold as a way to stabilize ODOT and stop layoffs, they don’t address the long-term waste and mismanagement, and still don't resolve future budget pressures from factors like unions negotiating much higher salaries in their contracts. In short: this is another example of the state throwing money at the problem by asking Oregonians to pay more for an agency that still isn't being held accountable. And so far, there hasn't been any meaningful negotiations to try and bring a comprehensive plan for reform to the table for consideration - just more of the same, take it or leave it approach we witnessed during Long Session.
Switching gears slightly, you may have received the booklet pictured below in your mailbox in recent days! Rep. Cate sent this out to summarize the highlights and challenges of the 2025 Session, and to offer an opportunity to connect with our office via a survey regarding the transportation package ahead of the Special Session convening on the 29th. Outreach projects like these are a lot of work to put together, but reading the responses flooding in from the district really helps Rep. Cate know how to best represent our constituents on this issue.
  
Projects, projects, and more random projects! I've lost track of them all, but they sure tend to back up after a long session that runs right into the craziness of harvest! It's nice to finally get things ticked off the to-do list though, and some big office projects like our end of session newsletter finally wrapped up as well. I've so appreciated the countless notes of appreciation and encouragement from constituents about it!
I know you can never please everyone in this job - it's just a constant challenge of trying to balance doing the best for the most with the resources you have, and realizing that the very things so many may appreciate, are the things someone else may well ridicule you for. It can often feel like you never get the balance quite right--especially when serving in the minority limits your ability to deliver on so many of the policy issues my district cares about most! But when you get constituents telling you things like how they haven't been as well informed about what's happening from a Legislator since Liz VanLeeuwen??? Oh my lands. I will count that as high praise! And definitely worth the countless hours staring at computer screens and the hand cramps from writing!
And as an extra bonus, my warehouse actually has some empty rows - which makes me very happy, as I've been wondering where there would be room for this year's crop! And as a decidedly un-bonus, we're making some changes at the farm that required me to actually go in my great grandpa's old barn, and was reminded that the to-do list will probably always have plenty of "clean up" projects that just never seem to get done!
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Youth sports don't just stop when school goes on summer break, but it sure makes our student athletes harder to celebrate consistently! During the school year, Rep. Cate likes to send notes care of the schools to mark the highlights of our athletes - but our digital newsletter's spotlight is an opportunity to fill this gap while we anxiously await students' return to school, and this week, we’re celebrating the Sweet Home Swim Club athletes who made a splash at three major championship meets during the Long Course Championship Season this summer! These events, held in Olympic-sized 50-meter pools, marked a milestone for recent Sweet Home High School graduates Kirsten Sautel and RJ Abbott, who wrapped up their final swims with the club.
Sautel turned in strong performances at the Speedo Sectionals, highlighted by a 15th-place finish in the 100 Breaststroke, and will now take her talents to the University of Idaho. Abbott, who is headed to Shasta College, competed at both the Oregon State Championships and the Western Senior Zones, posting several personal bests.
The club’s rising star, 11-year-old Sophia Burns (pictured), shined at the state championships with five personal bests—including dropping 10 seconds in her 200 IM for a second-place finish and earning third in the 50 Butterfly. Way to go, Sweet Home Swim Club!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Summer Bands & Brews Saturdays in Lebanon
There's still time to check out Summer Bands & Brews! Every Saturday evening through the end of August, Strawberry Plaza in downtown Lebanon comes alive with music and community spirit. From 7:00–9:00 p.m., guests can enjoy free outdoor live performances while relaxing with friends.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and settle in for a warm summer night of great tunes—no cover charge, and everyone is welcome!
 Hell on Hooves in Sweet Home Tomorrow
O&M Point S Tire and Auto is proud to present the Hell on Hooves Roughstock Rodeo in Sweet Home this Saturday, August 16th! Gates open at 12:00 p.m. for a full day of thrilling rodeo events, live music, delicious food, and family-friendly fun.
Enjoy great food vendors, crafts, information booths, and a free Kidz Korner. After the rodeo, ticket holders are invited to the After Party at 8:30 p.m. featuring live music from Trevor Tagle—minors welcome. Tickets are available online at sweethomerodeo.com/tickets or at the gate!
Lebanon City-Wide Garage Sale Tomorrow
This Saturday, August 16th, Lebanon residents will have the chance to clear out their closets, garages, and attics during the biggest garage sale event of the year! Community members can promote their sales for free—just share the details, a short description, and photos if you like, and the organizers will help spread the word.
From furniture to clothing to electronics, there’s something for everyone. It’s a perfect way to declutter, earn extra cash, and connect with fellow bargain hunters. For more information, click here!
Bingo Night in Lebanon Benefitting Ag Education
Bingo is back at Tallman Brewing! This Sunday, August 17th, from 3–5 p.m., Tallman Brewing will host an afternoon of games to benefit the Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Project. This event raises awareness and funds for the organization’s mission while spotlighting a valued community partner.
Attendees can enjoy lively rounds of bingo, a variety of door prizes, and educational materials perfect for the classroom. It’s a fun way to connect with friends, support local agriculture education, and maybe even take home a prize!
 Classic Car Show in Lebanon Tuesday
Meadowlark Senior Living invites the community to their 2025 Classic Car Show next Tuesday, August 19th from 4:30-6:30 p.m.! There still may be space for more entries, so bring your classic ride to show off—or simply stop by to admire an evening of vintage automotive beauty.
Check the flyer below for full details on how to register and participate in this fun, free event!
 Summer BBQ & Movie Night in Halsey Next Friday
Halsey’s Annual Summer BBQ & Movie Night returns next Friday, August 22nd, for a free evening of food, fun, and family entertainment! Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. by the Halsey-Shedd Rural Fire Department, featuring burgers, hot dogs, chips, watermelon, cookies, and drinks (while supplies last).
After dinner, enjoy face painting, games, and activities for kids before settling in under the stars for a showing of “The Wild Robot” (PG) starting around 8:15 p.m. Attendees who bring canned or dry goods to benefit Sharing Hands Food Bank will be entered to win a “Family Movie Night” prize basket. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs!
 Free Family Literacy Night in Sweet Home
Hillside Fellowship in Sweet Home will host Family Literacy Night on Monday, August 25th, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.! Families can enjoy an evening of reading, dinner, and a craft, plus a special storytime with a local author as guest reader.
This free event is sponsored by the Children’s Literacy Project, IBIS Group, and Hillside Fellowship, and promises fun for all ages!
Scio Fire District's Upcoming Cadet Program
Know a teen interested in becoming a first responder one day? The Scio Fire District invites high school students ages 16 and older who are interested in firefighting or EMS work to attend one of their upcoming Fire Cadet Q&A sessions. These informational meetings will be held at the Scio fire station on August 28th and September 25th, both starting at 7:00 p.m.
It’s a great opportunity for students and their families to learn more about the program, ask questions, and explore a future in public safety.
Major Donations to LFD's Life Jacket Loaner Program
The Lebanon Fire District’s Life Jacket Loaner Program has helped countless people stay safe on local waterways, and this heart-warming story proves just how much it's valued!
When FOX 12 Oregon and KEZI 9 News reported that many borrowed jackets hadn’t been returned (putting the program in jeopardy), neighbors and organizations stepped up in a big way. The Oregon State Marine Board, led by Boating Safety Education Coordinator MariAnn McKenzie, delivered a generous donation of life jackets. Retired U.S. Navy member Butch Alexander drove all the way from Portland to donate 30 brand-new jackets and make a monetary contribution—continuing a mission he began with his late wife to prevent water tragedies and save lives.
The Fire District reminds everyone to return borrowed jackets the same day so they’re ready for the next person who needs them. You can drop them off at any kiosk or Lebanon Fire station—it’s quick and easy!
Want to help keep the program afloat? Donations to Lebanon Fire Community Assistance and Initial Relief Service help restock kiosks and keep our waterways safer for everyone!
Opinion: ODOT’s crisis is a spending problem, not a revenue problem - oregonlive.com
The Oregonian
The Oregon Department of Transportation is a financial mess, but not because of electric vehicles or fuel-efficient cars cutting into gas tax revenues, as the agency and legislators are claiming.
In fact, motor fuel tax revenues, which support both ODOT and local agencies, are $73 million higher than five years ago. The tax increases that Gov. Tina Kotek is seeking in an upcoming special session won’t resolve the underlying issue. ODOT doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem.
'She's not protecting our well-being': La Pine chief petitioner speaks out on why he began recall effort targeting Governor Kotek
KTVZ
A recall effort is underway against Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and it’s led by a Central Oregonian. William Minnix, a resident of La Pine, started the petition recently and told KTVZ News on Monday that the recall is driven by accountability.
Ballot initiative seeks to repeal new permit fees on standup paddleboards and kayaks
Philomath News
A trio of petitioners aims to repeal a new law that would require paddleboarders and flatwater kayakers to pay state permit fees starting in January.
“I think it goes against our constitutional rights,” says Angela Epperson, a Hermiston resident who enjoys kayaking on the Columbia and Umatilla Rivers. “I just think they’ve gone too far.”
Aging Sen. Wyden Says He Has 'The Energy' To Stand Up To Trump
Conservative Brief
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, now in his fifth decade in Congress, says he has no plans to step aside despite growing calls for older Democrats to make way for a new generation of leaders.
What’s more, Wyden, who will be 79 in 2028, told The Associated Press he intends to seek another term and that he believes he has the stamina to stand up to President Donald Trump, The Washington Times reported.
Oregon DMV brings in millions selling your information. Here's how.
KATU
Oregon’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) brings in millions of dollars a year selling drivers’ personal information to qualified buyers, ranging from insurance companies to private investigators.
State law outlines 19 exceptions for qualified entities to buy the personal information from the state or so-called “bulk buyers” who buy it from the DMV.
Oregon ditches farm stand regulations after public outcry
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon’s countryside comes alive during farm season. Tulips in the spring, berry-picking in the summer and pumpkin patches in the fall attract visitors to the bucolic farm stands that dot the Willamette Valley and beyond. But as crowds have gotten denser, with reports of hours-long traffic on single-lane roads at the most popular farms, some legislators are seeking solutions to mitigate the effect of agritourism in agricultural zones. A recent rulemaking process from the Department of Land and Conservation Development could have limited what can be sold at farm stands, but an outsized public response to the potential rules put the process on an indefinite pause. Legislators are still deliberating over how to move forward with the rulemaking — or if they should at all, considering the controversy it caused.
Officials warn: Don’t fall for these common scams this summer
The Oregonian
Police and court officials in Oregon won’t phone residents demanding that they fork over cash for failing to show up for jury duty. Be skeptical if a stranger calls claiming your dog has been struck by a car and you need to pay for urgent veterinary treatment. And if a vacation rental looks too good to be true, it probably is. These are just some of the common scams that officials in Oregon are reminding the public not to fall for in these waning days of summer.
Linn County Board Position Vacancies
Do you live in Linn County and want to make a difference? The County is looking for passionate residents to fill three openings on the Historic Resources Commission and two openings on the Planning Commission. This is a great opportunity to have a voice in shaping the future of our county—get involved and help make an impact! Contact Jfox@co.linn.or.us if you are interested!
 Two Vacancies on Jefferson City Council
The City of Jefferson is looking for qualified applicants to fill two vacancies on their city council! This is such a great way to get involved in your local community and have a real say in decisions made by your local government, so don't hesitate! Applications are accepted until September 5th--and yes--the flier below is full of Taylor Swift related puns.
Special Session Called: Tax Hikes Coming!
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?
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