Special Session Drags on to Third Week
Of the more than 6,400 pieces of testimony between LC 2 and HB 3991, 93% of Oregonians oppose the governor’s $4.3 billion tax package
Oregon lawmakers are still officially in Special Session—even if nothing of note is currently happening. This could have been a one-day affair if the Governor and presiding officers had pursued real reforms at ODOT and worked toward bipartisan solutions to our state’s transportation crisis. Instead, they insisted they had the votes to pass HB 3991—a bill that does little more than pour more money into a broken agency—without input or buy-in from the minority party. Now Oregonians are footing the bill even more than the tax package's sticker price, by having to pay per diem checks for the extra days legislators wait for Senate Democrats to pull together enough votes to move the package.
You might recall that Senator Mark Meek (D, Gladstone) was a strong critic of the larger transportation package proposed during the Long Session. Now, with Senator Chris Gorsek (D, Troutdale) out for health reasons, it’s still unclear if Democrats can muscle through this “scaled back” version of the plan without Republican support. After passing the House Floor on September 1st, the bill now sits in the Senate, where a "date certain" vote has been scheduled for next week—though it remains to be seen if that vote will actually happen.
One thing to note is that the package’s price tag over 10 years did drop by about $1.5 billion from the pre-special session estimate, thanks to negotiations. While that means it is no longer the largest tax increase in Oregon’s history, it still amounts to a massive $4.3 billion tax hike. Other highlights (and lowlights) of the package at present include:
- A sunset provision on the payroll tax increase, which while good, signals that this is all still just a band-aid, not a real fix.
-
Creation of 22 new administrative positions at ODOT, despite claims the package is about “maintenance", and actually doesn't explicitly require the additional revenue to be spent on maintenance—the Governor is just asking nicely that it is.
- Removal of DAS authority to raise the gas tax on their own.
- Corrects the unconstitutional weight-mile tax structure for trucks that forced them to pay more than their share.
- Higher fees for EVs and high-MPG vehicles.
I've continued to hear frustration from constituents and our communities about the seemingly imminent passage of this tax package—especially when the narrative had been that our local maintenance shops would be closed if revenues weren't increased, but now it is looking like our local Sweet Home shop will close regardless of the passage of this $4.3 billion tax increase over the next decade. Residents are right to feel this was a bait and switch, when they'll be on the hook for paying added taxes while still getting the reduced services as a result. Things like this reaffirm my commitment to pushing for real accountability at state agencies like ODOT—who should be serving the needs of Oregonians, not their pet projects.
On an entirely different note, we witnessed more appalling, politically motivated violence this week, and society as a whole needs to rise up and condemn it and anyone who continues to fuel the ever-increasing temperature of our nation’s political climate. This is not an issue limited to one side of the political aisle, yet too often, these acts are only decried when the victim aligns with a person’s political party affiliation. There is no room for hypocrisy when it comes to political violence—and whether it is here in Oregon with a brick being thrown through the window of someone who has left the Republican party or bomb threats being received against multiple State Senators, or nationally with the truly vile assassination of a conservative political commentator, or even the heartless comments that someone somehow “deserves” such cruelty because they dare to express their political beliefs which differ from your own. These acts of pure hatred cannot be tolerated by society if we hold any real value for our freedoms and nation those freedoms are built upon. Let’s restore a country that cultivates respectful political discourse, can disagree without cheapening our views by resorting to hate-filled vitriol and actions, and fight political battles at the ballot box—not through weapons and violence.
 
I went out to find my brother (who's still been irrigating like crazy!), and managed to find a patch of my dreaded friend Puncture Vine instead. Which I proceeded to take great joy in spraying (hence the blue - we use dye so we can see where we have sprayed). It always pops up when we're busy with other things, so it can be hard to keep up on killing it, so it tends to spread - by sticking nasty thorns into your tires. And we definitely don't need more tire troubles this year! A lot of people ask how we can control weeds in our grass fields - and while some weeds can be broadcast sprayed - spraying an entire field including your crop, others have to be selectively or "spot" sprayed out. Which is most common when a different type of grass works its way into your grass field and starts impacting your purity levels. It can be a lot of work, especially in the springtime, but is also why spray jugs tend to never be very far from us! Or why myself and my belongings tend to get dyed blue. Oohps!
And another dreaded thing - taking out fields! We have long avoided taking out any of our fescue fields - it's just kind of our thing. We like old fescue! But it was unavoidable this year, and our tractors finally got drug out of the barn in time for my return from vacation. I've been grinding up the stubble ahead of my brother to make it easier to start working it under - and while we might not have fancy tractors due to their lack of use on our farm, I will always be a sucker for the classic vibe of the John Deeres from the early 70's or before! I'll admit, more horsepower would make the project take less time though! Which would be handy, as it turns out, tractors are a little loud for multi-tasking and making (Salem) work calls!
This week we’re excited to shine a light on the newest member of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Patrol Deputy Hudson Carter!
Deputy Carter comes to the team with experience from Alyrica Network, where he worked as an Installation Technician. On his first day, he was officially sworn in by Sheriff Michelle Duncan, surrounded by family, friends, and his new co-workers—a proud moment for all!
In the weeks ahead, he will continue his in-house training and policy work before heading to DPSST in Salem for his formal Basic Police training. Please join us in congratulating Deputy Carter and wishing him the very best as he begins his service to our community!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Harrisburg Schol District Eagle Mania Tonight!
Mark your calendars, Eagle Mania is back tonight, September 12th from 5–7 PM at Harrisburg High School’s baseball field! Families can enjoy food trucks, inflatables, a dunk tank, concessions, and Eagle gear, plus unlimited kids’ games with a $5 bracelet. Stick around afterward to cheer on the varsity football team as they take on Sheridan (separate admission).
And don’t forget—the annual Eagle Jog-a-thon is coming up next Thursday, September 18th. This fun fundraiser helps support Harrisburg students with field trips and special projects throughout the year. Families can register online at harrisburg.pledgestar.com to get started.
 Flea Market in Lebanon Today & Tomorrow
Discover treasures old and new at the Flea Market in Lebanon, happening today and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santiam Place Event Hall, 139 Main Street! With more than 16 tables of vintage finds, jewelry, handmade crafts, wedding décor, western-inspired home items, painted rocks, and more, there’s something for everyone!
Admission is free, and the market is a perfect way to explore local vendors and pick up unique goodies. This biannual event is not to be missed! For more information, call 541-259-4255.
 Japanese Healing Gardens Lecture in Lebanon
An evening of beauty and inspiration is coming to Lebanon on September 18th, when the Boulder Falls Event Center hosts a talk with Diane Durston, curator emerita of the Portland Japanese Garden! Having spent nearly two decades in Kyoto, the heart of Japan’s garden history, Durston will share the philosophy behind Japanese healing gardens and the work of world-renowned designer Hoichi Kurisu, who created three of these peaceful spaces right here in Lebanon.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the lecture runs from 6 to 7 p.m. Admission is free, but space is limited, so be sure to register early at samhealth.org/lebanonhealinggardens.
 Dutch Bros Buck for Kids Fundraiser Next Friday
Dutch Bros is serving up drinks for a cause next Friday, September 19th! For one day only, $1 from every beverage sold at participating Albany, Lebanon, and Sweet Home locations will be donated to ABC House to help create brighter futures for local kids.
Stop by your local Dutch Bros and enjoy your favorite drink while supporting this great community effort, one cup at a time!
 Harvest Party in Brownsville Next Friday
The Calapooia Food Alliance is inviting everyone to the Brownsville Community Garden on September 19th for a festive Harvest Party! Since 2008, CFA has been bringing people together through farmers’ markets, Munch Nights, and their mission to promote healthy living and sustainable food—and this is their biggest celebration of the year.
From 6 p.m. until dark, guests can enjoy grilled corn, zucchini, salsa, zucchini bread, fruit salad, dessert, and more. Bring along some chips, a favorite dish to share, and your beverage of choice (yes, alcohol is welcome). Come celebrate the bounty of the season with neighbors and friends—it’s sure to be a fun and delicious evening!
Annual Sweet Home Elkettes Breakfast September 21st
Start your day off right on Sunday, September 21st with the Sweet Home Elkettes Breakfast! From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 440 Osage Street, enjoy a delicious full breakfast meal for just $9 per person.
Come hungry and support this community event while enjoying great food and friendly company!
 Last Call for Sweet Home's Saturday Community Market
Don’t miss your last chance to visit the Sweet Home Community Market! Running Saturdays until September 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1141 12th Avenue (next to the library), the market is a great place to find hidden treasures, score deals, and support local vendors and non-profits.
Come early for the best selection, stay for the friendly neighborhood atmosphere, and enjoy a fun community outing!
 Growler Grub & Jam Returns in Lebanon
Mark your calendars for September 27th and head to the Lebanon Travel Depot for the Growler Grub and Jam! Presented by Santiam Excursion Trains, this fun-filled event brings together craft beer, delicious food, live music, and plenty of community energy all in the heart of town.
Grab your tickets now at santiamexcursions.com and get ready for a great time with friends, flavors, and tunes!
Sweet Home Farmers' Market Every Tuesday
There’s still time to enjoy the Sweet Home Farmers’ Market, open every Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m. through October 14th at 1141 12th Avenue! Fresh produce, handmade goods, and friendly faces make this market a great place to stock up on local favorites and support community growers.
Bring the family, stroll through the booths, and savor the best of the season before the market wraps up for the year!
 Halsey Has a New City Logo!
The votes are in: Halsey has a fresh new look! Residents helped choose the updated city logo, and Option B on the city's Facebook poll emerged as the winner. The new design was officially unveiled at the Annual Summer BBQ & Movie Night on August 22th, celebrating the community’s voice in shaping Halsey’s identity.
The city extends thanks everyone to everyone who participated, and keep an eye out for the logo around town as it makes its debut on signs, materials, and city communications!
 Two-Headed Calf Finds a New Home in Brownsville
Super fans of Stand By Me will be thrilled to hear that the famous two-headed calf is now on permanent display at the Linn County Historical Museum in Brownsville! The calf, once a quirky highlight at the butcher shop (now Randy’s Main Street Coffee), was a favorite stop for the young actors while filming in town.
With the recent closing of the Corbetts’ antique store, longtime owners Kelly and Paula generously donated the calf to the museum. It’s now part of the permanent exhibit celebrating the making of the movie, so stop by to see this iconic piece of Brownsville history and relive a bit of Hollywood magic!
 
PacifiCorp fights to stop trials in wildfire case that could cost it billions
Portland Business Journal
PacifiCorp is fighting a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge's decision to dramatically speed up the pace of damages trials in a wildfire class-action lawsuit that threatens to cost the Berkshire Hathaway Energy utility billions of dollars. PacifiCorp told the Oregon Court of Appeals that Judge Steffan Alexander's case management order "imperils its very existence, and unnecessarily risks PacifiCorp's ability to supply power, thereby disrupting the daily lives of over two million people across six western states." The Portland-headquartered company filed an emergency motion on Aug. 8 to stay Alexander's order, which was issued in late July.
Oregon’s special session is on hold, but $178 daily payments to lawmakers still flow
OPB
Oregon senators have returned home following a surprise delay in the ongoing special session. But for taxpayers, the meter is still running. State law dictates that members of the House and Senate must be paid a $178 per diem when in session — a daily rate they receive even if legislators are not doing any legislating. When Senate leaders announced Tuesday they were taking a two-week hiatus to allow Sen. Chris Gorsek to recuperate from health issues, they ensured two more weeks of payments. The per diems add about $75,000 on top of the session’s initial expected cost of roughly $86,000. That’s a bit awkward at a time Democrats are already pushing a bill that will raise costs on Oregonians. The question now is what lawmakers do with the money.
Oregon ski resort sued for $4.6M, as industry says deluge of suits is putting it at risk
The Oregonian
Lawyers for a 4-year-old girl who suffered a concussion and several broken bones when another skier crashed into her filed a $4.6 million lawsuit last week against Hoodoo Ski Area near Sisters. The litigation is the latest in a string of lawsuits filed against Oregon ski resorts, adding to an intensifying climate of worry for the businesses. The resorts say such suits have jeopardized their ability to remain insured, a necessity for continuing operations. Earlier this year, one of Oregon’s two ski resort insurers said it was leaving the state because of the deluge of litigation, leaving some resorts to worry that the industry is just a case or two away from major trouble. “With only one carrier left, every major case raises the risk of higher costs or even the loss of coverage altogether,” said Jordan Elliott, president of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association.
Oregon faces school attendance crisis
KPTV
Oregon has one of the worst school attendance rates in the country, with more than a third of students missing enough class to be considered chronically absent. In the 2022-23 school year, 34% of Oregon students were chronically absent, meaning they missed at least 10% of school days. That rate is well above the national average of 23%, according to state data. Experts warn the problem has serious consequences. Research shows students who miss significant class time in the early grades often struggle to learn to read by third grade. “That’s sort of a make-or-break year,” said Sarah Pope, the executive director of Stand for Children Oregon. “You can still get caught up after third grade around literacy, but it gets harder and harder.”
Oregon Schools Prepare for New Statewide Cell Phone Ban Mandate
KOBI
School districts across Oregon are racing to draft new policies aimed at reducing distractions in classrooms after Governor Tina Kotek issued Executive Order 25-09. The order enforces a statewide ban on student cell phone use during instructional hours in all public K-12 schools. The executive order is part of a broader initiative to support student mental health, increase focus, and enhance learning outcomes in Oregon schools. Districts have until October 31st to create their own implementation policies. Full enforcement across the state is required by January 2026.
One of the state’s leading economic observers says Oregon’s growth is over.
Oregon Journalism Project
...Tapogna identified five major challenges the state faces: a housing shortage; lousy K–12 schools; wildfires; overreliance on income taxes; and ambivalence about growth. He notes that the one that scares him the most—wildfires—is the one over which Oregonians have the least control. Overall, Oregon’s old way of doing things, Tapogna says, won’t work anymore. “Many of Oregon’s systems—our schools, regulations, land use rules and permitting processes—were built for a different time, to solve yesterday’s problems,” he says. “But the future has never looked less like the past than it does right now.” His findings ought to be a wake-up call for the state’s policymakers and business leaders. Will they listen? The Oregon Journalism Project sat down with Tapogna for an interview that has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Special Session Kicks Off to Raise Taxes
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?
| 
