Delays, Delays, and Special Session Doubts
The first “Special Session” of the 2025-2026 interim continues to stretch on, with the Senate once again delaying its vote on the $4.3 billion transportation tax package—now pushed off until this upcoming Monday due to Senator Gorsek's (D, Troutdale) absence while recovering from surgery. Gorsek is a key vote that the Democrats will likely need. That means the conclusion of this drawn-out session will collide directly with Legislative Days, which are normally held during a quieter time during the interim when committees have organizational meetings, lawmakers prepare for the next regular session, and the building is once again buzzing with lobbyists, stakeholders, and members of the public. Instead, a lot of this will be overshadowed as we watch to see if Senate Democrats can finally muster the votes to push this package through, which they have been fighting to do since the long session earlier this year.
New to following HB 3991, the big transportation bill? Here are some of the top-line numbers:
- A six-cent increase to the gas tax
- An increase in car registration fees by $42
- An additional $30 registration fee for electric vehicles and vehicles that get high gas mileage
- Increasing titling fees by $139
- Double the 0.1% payroll tax for the State Transportation Improvement Fund, which pays for transit services
- A new road user charge (RUC)
At the same time, Governor Kotek and legislative Democrats are still risking billions of taxpayer dollars in their standoff with the federal government. Rather than welcome federal tax relief that leaves more money in Oregonians’ pockets through measures like “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime,” they’re floating plans to sever Oregon’s tax code from the federal code in order to keep more revenue flowing into Salem. And when the Oregon Health Authority tried to block a federal request for Medicaid data—information needed to ensure funds go only to eligible recipients—the state nearly jeopardized $11 billion in federal health care support before backing down under the threat of a $50 million lawsuit.
On top of everything else, there’s also been a shakeup in Republican leadership. Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham (R, The Dalles) announced his resignation from his leadership position and his seat next month, and endorsed House Minority Leader Christine Drazan (R, Canby) to be appointed to his Senate seat, kicking off an upcoming leadership election in the House. In the meantime, Senator Bruce Starr (R, Dundee) has stepped in as the new Senate Republican Leader.
 
This week our District Spotlight goes to our very own Lebanon Warriors! Lebanon High School has made it into the Top 25 nationwide in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition! Out of more than 2,100 schools across the country, our very own Warriors are now in the running for the grand prize: $1 million to help replace their aging football stadium. They’ve already secured $25,000 for cracking the Top 25, but the real push begins now. Between now and October 24th, you can vote once per day to help Lebanon bring home the win—so let’s rally behind our students and community! Cast your daily vote here!
 Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Bingo Bash Tuesday at Lebanon Senior Center
The Lebanon Senior Center is celebrating National Senior Center Month with a lively Bingo Bash next Tuesday, September 30th from 1:00 to 3:00pm! Community members ages 50 and up are invited to join for an afternoon of games, prizes, and refreshments, all hosted by the Senior Center staff. Bingo cards are just 50 cents each (with a maximum of 8 cards), making this a fun and affordable way to spend the afternoon. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate, connect, and win!
Coffee With a Cop Across the District Next Wednesday
Mark your calendars—Coffee with a Cop is back in Linn County next Wednesday, October 1st! Your Linn County Sheriff’s Office will be gathering at some favorite local spots to share coffee, snacks, and friendly conversation with the community. It’s the perfect chance to connect with local deputies in a relaxed setting. Stop by one of the locations below and join in:
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Brownsville – Randy’s Main St Coffee: 8:30–9:30am
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Harrisburg – 99 Grill: 8:30–9:30am
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Shedd – Shedd Market: 8:00–9:00am
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Sweet Home – Sugar Vibes: 8:30–9:30am
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Lebanon – Hazella Bake Shop: 8:30–9:30am
Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee and a conversation with those who serve our community every day!
Sweet Home's Harvest Festival Returns October 4th
Celebrate the season at the Harvest Festival in Sweet Home’s Sankey Park on Saturday, October 4th from 11:00am–4:00pm! This family-friendly festival is packed with fun, featuring over 85 arts and crafts vendors, delicious food trucks, and hands-on activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy pumpkin painting, a lively game zone, and face painting, while the whole community can relax to live music by Cascade Rye and Brian James and the Revival on Ray’s Mobile Stage. Don’t miss this vibrant day of fall fun in the heart of Sweet Home!
Chili Cook-Off at Sweet Home Harvest Festival
No Sweet Home Harvest Festival would be complete without the famous Chili Cook-Off! This community favorite will be serving up delicious chili alongside all the other festival fun. Be sure to stop by and get a taste and a vote for just $5! For questions or more information, contact the festival team at (541) 818-8029 or aclegg@sweethomeor.gov.
Halsey Fall Clean-Up Day October 4th
It’s time for Fall Clean-Up Day 2025 in Halsey! On Saturday, October 4th at 7:00am, Sweet Home Sanitation will provide their semi-annual curbside clean-up service for Halsey customers. This is the perfect opportunity to dispose of items that aren’t part of regular service—just make sure everything is placed at the curb by 7:00am on event day.
Accepted items include tires, lumber, metal, plastics, and a limited number of large household items like appliances, furniture, and mattresses. For the full list of guidelines, click here or call (541) 367-2535 with any questions.
Jefferson Food Pantry Baked Potato Benefit October 4th
The Jefferson Community Food Pantry invites you to its Second Annual Baked Potato Dinner & Silent Auction next Saturday, October 4th from 5:00–9:00pm! This food pantry serves an average of 114 households (363 people) each month.
This year’s dinner will be held at a larger venue to accommodate more supporters, and proceeds help the pantry purchase fresh produce and other essentials for local families. The event also features a silent auction—so consider donating items, volunteering, or simply coming out to enjoy a baked potato dinner for a great cause. Every contribution helps keep this 100% community-funded pantry running strong!
 Lebanon Fire District Safety Expo October 4th
Join the Lebanon Fire District next Saturday, October 4th, 2025 for the 2nd Annual Fire Safety Expo! This free, family-friendly event offers live firefighter demonstrations, station tours, kids’ activities, and safety resources from local partners. Start the morning with the Lebanon Fire Community Assistance and Initial Relief Service Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, then stay to explore, learn, and connect with your community. Don’t miss this chance for fun, education, and fire safety awareness!
More of Oregon State Capitol is Opening Back Up!
Some of the most exciting news we've heard in Salem in some time was this week's announcement that the Capitol is reopening more of its historic spaces as years-long construction winds down! For the first time since 2022, the beautiful rotunda will be accessible to the public next Monday, along with the other areas you may already be familiar with on the first floor.
Safety remains a priority, so please avoid grayed-out areas marked as active construction zones. Visitors still need to enter either from State Street or through the NE vestibule (can be accessed via the sidewalk from the Capitol Park from the east) entrance while construction still continues on the historic Center Street entrance. All in all, it's pretty exciting to know that this project is coming to its conclusion!
The federal government could shut down next week. Here’s what it might mean for Oregon
OPB
Oregon’s Democratic members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives voted against a short-term federal spending package.
If members of Congress cannot reach a funding agreement by the end of the day next Tuesday, the federal government will shut down on Wednesday.
Trump administration sues Oregon for refusing to turn over voter data
OPB
The administration is seeking sensitive information as part of its effort to root out suspected voter fraud.
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing the state of Oregon, accusing its leaders of violating federal law by failing to abide by the Trump administration’s demands to provide information about its voters.
51 new Oregon laws set to take effect on Friday
KOIN
Friday marks a big change for the letter of the law in Oregon as 51 new state laws go into effect.
The measures were passed by lawmakers in the regular session earlier this year.
Firefighter released from ICE custody after arrest on front line sparked outrage
ABC News
An Oregon firefighter is back home after spending nearly a month in immigration detention following his arrest while battling an active blaze, his legal team confirmed on Thursday.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released Rigoberto Hernandez, 23, from the Northwest ICE Processing Center following intervention from immigration attorneys and a federal lawsuit, according to court documents obtained by ABC News.
Roseburg Forest Products will close Oregon hardwood mill, lay off more than 100
OregonLive
Roseburg Forest Products laid off 107 workers at its hardwood mill in Dillard on Thursday, shifting away from that segment of the industry to focus on other products.
Low-cost imports account for about 80% of the U.S. hardwood market, according to the company, which said it will concentrate on engineered wood, lumber, plywood and fiberboard. Two years ago, Roseburg announced plans to spend $700 million to expand Oregon production in those more lucrative segments.
Special Session Drags on to Third Week
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!
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