Special Session Kicks Off to Raise Taxes
Oregon lawmakers headed to Salem today for the long anticipated special session—one that could have been wrapped up in a single day had there been agreement to suspend the parliamentary rules of the Legislature, but a deal was not made—and crazier yet—there was not even quorum after several Democrats (along with most Republicans) were not in attendance. Without a deal to suspend these rules, the transportation bill can only be read once per day, meaning it will take a minimum of three days to pass through the House, and an additional three days to pass through the Senate, but that clock cannot start until quorum is achieved. Even if quorum did happen today, lawmakers would likely be trekking in over Labor Day weekend and early into next week to advance the Governor’s big transportation proposal, HB 3991.
Our office has been flooded with feedback—hundreds of responses to a survey mailed into House District 11—on top of the hundreds of emails and phone calls we’ve already received. The message is nearly unanimous: 95% of respondents opposed higher gas taxes, payroll taxes, and DMV fees, and instead want to see real reform at ODOT. Most responses came with ask for me to not show up and facilitate the Governor’s plan to tax us more when inflation is already such a struggle for Oregon families and businesses, so I will not be participating in special session facilitating the passage of this tax. With ODOT sitting on a $6+ billion budget and climbing revenues, lawmakers had the chance to pursue reforms that actually fix the agency’s chronic failures. Instead, what’s being put forward is another tax-and-spend scheme dressed up as reform, and Oregonians are right to be skeptical.
So, what exactly is in HB 3991? In case you missed it, the plan would raise nearly $1 billion every two years—about $5 billion over the next decade—through a 6¢ gas tax hike, a $42 increase in vehicle registration fees, a $139 jump in title fees, new surcharges on high-efficiency and electric vehicles, and a doubling of the payroll tax for transit. It also phases in a new Road User Charge, removes existing tolling restrictions, and grants unelected bureaucrats the authority to raise some taxes and fees themselves going forward.
All told, it’s being sold as the necessary fix for ODOT’s shortfall, but it's really just a fast-tracked plan that only pays lip service to fixing the systemic issues plaguing the agency's ability to meet the needs of Oregonians in a cost-effective manner.
 
This week we’d like to spotlight the start of a brand-new school year here in House District 11! We’re cheering on all incoming students in rural Linn and Marion counties, and of course the many students in our private, charter, and homeschool programs as they dive into another year of learning and growth.
We wish every student the very best of luck in their academics and extracurriculars this year, and we can’t wait to see the great things you’ll accomplish. And as always, we look forward to welcoming some of your classes to the fully re-opened Capitol for field trips in the new year—one of the highlights of every legislative session!
See below for a big list of schools serving House District 11!
Lebanon Community School District
Cascades School, Green Acres School, Hamilton Creek School, Lacomb School, Pioneer School, Riverview School, Seven Oak Middle School, Lebanon High School, Ralston Academy, Sand Ridge Charter School
Scio School District
Centennial Elementary School, Scio Middle School, Scio High School
Sweet Home School District
Sweet Home High School, Sweet Home Junior High School, Foster Elementary School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Holley Elementary School, Oak Heights Elementary School, Sweet Home Charter School
Harrisburg School District
Harrisburg Elementary School, Harrisburg Middle School, Harrisburg High School
Central Linn School District
Central Linn Elementary School, Central Linn Jr/Sr High School, Central Linn Online Academy
Jefferson School District
Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson High School
 Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Help Lebanon High School Get a New Stadium!
The Lebanon Warriors are rallying support for a chance to bring new life to their aging stadium through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest. Built in 1958, the stadium has been home to generations of Warrior pride—but today, the stands are condemned and uninsurable.
While the concrete may be crumbling, the traditions endure. This contest offers a chance to take the first step toward a long-awaited comeback for future generations of students and fans.
You can help by sharing your Warrior photos and memories on social media. Be sure to tag @T-Mobile, use the hashtags #FN5GL #lebanonwins #LebanonOregon, and make your post public so it counts toward Lebanon’s total. Each post brings the Warriors one step closer to victory, so let’s show the world what “I believe” really means!
 Thompson’s Mills Fall Cider Pressings Begin Tomorrow
Get ready for fresh-pressed cider! Thompson’s Mills Preservation Society kicks off fall cider pressings tomorrow, August 30th, from 11:00 a.m. until the apples run out (usually around 3:00 p.m.). Last we heard, volunteers were still wanted, so please consider emailing Donald Lyon (phototraveler02@gmail.com).
Toss apples, crank the press, and taste cider “like liquid gold.” Half-gallon servings are just $5 each, making this a perfect way to celebrate the season and enjoy a sweet taste of tradition!
 Final Call: Lebanon Fire District Fall Volunteer Academy
Are you ready to serve your community and gain hands-on experience with the Lebanon Fire District? Applications for the Fall Volunteer Academy are still open, but the deadline is this Sunday, August 31st—don’t miss your chance!
Key Dates:
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Application Period: August 1–31
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Interviews: September 8, starting at 6:00 p.m.
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Volunteer Orientation: October 3 at 6:00 p.m.
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Academy Dates: October 4 – November 22
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Training Schedule: Wednesday evenings (6:00–10:00 p.m.) and Saturdays (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Take the first step toward becoming a volunteer firefighter by submitting your application via email to recruitment@lebanonfireoregon.gov or dropping it off at Station 31, 1050 W Oak St, Lebanon, OR 97355. This is your opportunity to gain valuable training, develop new skills, and be part of something bigger in our community.
To get an application or to learn more, click here.
Free Chimney Brush Rentals from Scio Fire District
With colder weather approaching in the not-so-distant future, it’s time to think about starting up those wood and pellet stoves, and that means making sure your chimney is clean!
The Scio Fire District is offering free chimney brush rentals for residents within their response area. Stop by during office hours to borrow a brush and help prevent fires this season. Be sure that before you swing by, know the size of the brush head you’ll need to make sure it fits your chimney!
City of Lebanon Communication Survey
The City of Lebanon wants your feedback! Take a few minutes to complete their Communication Survey and help improve how the City shares news and updates.
Complete the survey online at https://www.lebanonoregon.gov/citysurvey or pick up a paper copy at City Hall, the Public Library, the Senior Center, or the Justice Center. Your input is anonymous and will help shape the City’s future communication efforts as it continues to grow.
 9/11 Flag of Honor Day in Lebanon
Join the Lebanon Fire District and Lebanon Police Department for 9/11 Flag of Honor Day on September 11th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Boulder Falls Circle of Flags.
Following the ceremony, Boulder Falls Event Center will host a free First Responder Appreciation Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. All are welcome, so come honor our local heroes and show your support for first responders!
 
The Linn County Clerk’s Office Has Moved!
Beginning today, August 29th, the Clerk’s Office will open its doors at a brand-new location: the Wheelhouse, 421 Water Avenue NE, Suite 1300 in Albany. Office hours will remain Monday–Friday, 8:30AM to 5:00PM, with recording services and marriage license applications available until 4:00PM.
The new space features a larger reception area, updated security measures, and even a ballot counting room with space for observers. Whether you’re applying for a marriage license, recording property documents, or following election activities, this is the new spot to go!
For questions or more information, call the Clerk’s Office at (541) 967-3831 or visit www.linncountyor.gov/clerk
Linn County Clerk Marcie Richey & Chief Deputy Clerk Derrick Sterling pictured at new location.
Oregon rejects agreement to share voter data with Trump administration
KOIN
Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is warning that the Trump administration is overstepping its federal authority after requesting data on Oregon voters. Over the last month, the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office has received at least two requests from the United States Department of Justice asking for information on Oregon voters and the workers who maintain Oregon’s voter rolls. This includes a July 10 letter — which was shared with KOIN 6 News — sent from two members of the United States Department of Justice to Secretary Read.
Trump vows to end vote-by-mail used in Oregon and many other states
OPB
President Donald Trump said Monday that he will lead a campaign to end mail-in voting. The president wrote in a post on his Truth Social account in all capital letters that mail-in ballots are a “scam” and that elections can “never be honest” with them in place. He said without evidence that voting by mail leads to widespread voter fraud. Oregon and Washington have long used vote-by-mail in elections with no widespread evidence of fraud. The states each began tests of mail-in ballots in the 1980s before later adopting them statewide.
More than 2,100 inmates released so far this year due to jail capacity, Wash. Co. DA says
KATU
In the heart of Hillsboro is Washington County's only jail. On the other side of the walls is a problem -- a big one -- says District Attorney Kevin Barton. “It hasn't been fully operational in years because of some staffing challenges, and it [has] shrunken capacity down to roughly 388 beds, which is woefully inadequate for a county of our size,” he said. In the last eight months more than 2,100 inmates have been released.
‘We are sinking’: Oregon timber counties flail, awaiting Congress to renew key funding
OPB
A budget crisis a century in the making is coming to a head as Oregon’s rural counties wait on Congress to approve funding they’ve long relied on. The crisis originates with a compromise from the era of President Teddy Roosevelt and was prolonged by piecemeal solutions made during the Timber Wars of the 1990s. Now, as lawmakers delay another potential stopgap, the president’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill removes a key funding source for Oregon’s timber counties. If nothing is done, rural counties could find themselves with no money to pay for sheriff’s departments or other essential needs. “If we’re not able to fix this, we wouldn’t be able to have a law enforcement presence in Klamath County,” said Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot.
Marion County asks federal court to determine if it’s allowed to comply with immigration subpoenas
The Oregonian
Marion County filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking guidance over five “immigration enforcement subpoenas” it received and officials’ legal responsibilities if federal and state laws clash. Marion County is asking a federal judge to clarify what the law requires, given the subpoenas and Oregon’s competing sanctuary laws, which generally prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities for immigration enforcement.
ODOT offers details of big cuts ahead if lawmakers don’t pass funding package at upcoming special session
KTVZ
Governor Kotek released a funding proposal on Thursday, August 7, that is designed to raise about $620 million for the State Highway Fund in the 2025-2027 budget cycle. This funding would be split between ODOT (50%), counties (30%), and cities (20%). ODOT’s share of just over $300 million is enough to stop layoffs, fill some vacant positions, and restore many service levels. This proposal raises less revenue than the last transportation package (HB 2017 in 2017) and reflects the intent to provide only the funding necessary to address this immediate funding crisis and prevent layoffs. The registration and gas tax increases would cost the average driver about $66 per year in gas tax and registration fees, or $5.50 per month.
Applicants Sought for Sweet Home School Board
The Sweet Home School District is now accepting applications for an open School Board position: Seat #8, At Large. This appointment will run through June 2027.
To be eligible, applicants must be registered voters who have lived within the district for at least one year. If you’re interested in serving your community and helping guide the future of Sweet Home schools, this is a great opportunity!
Applications are available online at www.sweethome.k12.or.us or in person at the District Office. For questions, contact Julie Emmert at (541) 367-7637.
Central Linn Budget Committee Vacancies
The Central Linn School District is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on its Budget Committee. This is a great way to get involved and help guide the district’s financial planning.
The application deadline is coming up fast--next Tuesday, September 2nd. Applications and more information are available on the district’s website: www.centrallinn.k12.or.us/district/board/budget.
 
Make Your Voice Heard: $5 BILLION in New Taxes & Fees!
Clock is Ticking Down on New Taxes
Special Session Called: Tax Hikes Coming!
Do You Want a 6-Cent Gas Tax Increase?
2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up
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