  
Governor Finally Signs Her Tax Bill into Law
Two weeks ago, we shared our concern that Governor Kotek appeared to be running out the clock on HB 3991--the very “emergency” transportation bill she demanded a special session to pass in order to prevent ODOT layoffs. Later that day on Friday, November 7th (just days before the November 12th deadline) the Governor finally signed the bill into law. The actual announcement did not occur until Monday, the 10th.
By waiting until almost the last possible moment, the Governor has effectively forced any Oregonian wishing to refer these significant tax and fee increases to the ballot to gather the necessary 78,000 signatures during the holiday season, when volunteer capacity and public engagement are at their lowest. Oregon law is clear that the referendum clock doesn’t start until the Governor signs a bill, so the later the signature, the shorter the window is for folks to act. Time will tell, but it will hardly be surprising if Kotek's actions spark even more backlash against these already unpopular tax and fee hikes.
In the midst of the ongoing transportation related drama, November Legislative Days happened this week, ahead of today's deadline for lawmakers to have their two allowed bill draft requests to be submitted to Legislative Counsel for the 2026 "Short" Legislative Session. As such, this was a time to finalize policy ideas ahead of the holidays by meeting with stakeholders and touching base with committee chairs. It was also a time to explore new areas of the Capitol that haven't been open in years due to ongoing construction, which seemed to delight everyone from the new faces to the old guard in the building!
Impending budget cuts shadowed over Legislative Days as they have all year, and much of committee chatter in Ways & Means and its Subcommittees was devoted to considering options of reductions to state agency budgets. While Rep. Cate was tied up with her colleagues in the Transportation & Economic Development Subcommittee discussing this very topic, I had the opportunity to give a brief presentation updating the House Transportation Committee on HB 3155 from this past session, which would have allowed certain ATVs to be registered on much of Oregon's roadways if they meet typical safety standards, thereby eliminating the current patchwork of laws that vary by jurisdiction. This presentation kicked off a legislative workgroup, where we plan to gather ODOT, Counties, Cities, Oregon Parks and Rec, ATV enthusiasts, law enforcement, and public lands representatives, to hammer out the policy details and hopefully bring back a stronger bill and a lot of momentum for the 2027 Session. To watch the presentation, click here.
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Another part of Leg Days for our office was helping to assemble an informational meeting on financial scam prevention in the House Committee on Commerce & Consumer Protection. The purpose was to hear from the banking industry about everything they are doing to stop scams--especially those targeting seniors and involving large amounts of cash. The answer is, thankfully, they are already doing a lot, but sadly there are still countless victims of a variety of scams every year. Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan brought this issue to our attention initially, after tallying up that scammers have taken millions of dollars from Linn County residents alone in recent years. To see what the panel had to say, click here.
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This week we’re celebrating Linn County Sheriff Deputy Hayden Sader, who graduated Friday from DPSST’s Basic Police Class #PB454! After 16 weeks of tough physical, mental, and classroom training (and even serving in the ceremony’s Color Guard), he’s now headed into field training as he begins his duties serving Linn County.
We’re excited to see Deputy Sader take this next step, and we want to give a big thank-you to all our law enforcement officers for everything they do to keep our communities safe!
 Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Turkey Themed Bingo Tomorrow in Sweet Home
"Turkey Bingo" is happening tomorrow, November 22nd, in the Sweet Home High School cafeteria! Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and every bingo wins a turkey. The event supports both Sweet Home Cheerleading and the Sweet Home Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Entry is $20 for four exchanged cards, with plenty of door prizes, snacks, and raffle items to keep the fun going. For more information, you can reach out to Janine Bondesen (541-619-8606), Heather Harris (541-401-7077), or Kayla Rosa (541-401-3339).
 Sweet Home Christmas Tree Lighting Next Saturday
Sweet Home is kicking off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at City Hall on Saturday, November 29th at 5:30 p.m., rain or shine! Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, and festive cheer with friends and neighbors as the town lights up for the season.
This year’s event also includes a canned and non-perishable food drive to support local families. Attendees are encouraged to bring unopened, non-outdated food to City Hall, which will be distributed through the Sweet Home Public Library’s food pantry. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season while giving back to the community.
 Jefferson Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2nd
Jefferson is getting festive, and the community is invited to join the fun on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6 p.m. Holiday lights are already glowing at City Hall, the Library, and even the Conser House as the town gets ready for the season.
The Annual Tree Lighting will take place at City Hall (rain or shine), so bundle up, bring the family, and enjoy an evening of small-town holiday cheer!
Lunch With Lebanon Mayor Ken Jackola
The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce invites you to a forum lunch at the Lebanon Hospital Friday, December 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to hear Mayor Jackola give a State of the City address. This is a great opportunity to get to know your city officials and what's next on the horizon for Lebanon, all while enjoying a great meal! You don't have to be a chamber member to attend, though it is $3 more.
 Home For the Holidays in Brownsville 12/5 & 12/6
Brownsville’s annual Home for the Holidays celebration is right around the corner! On December 5th and 6th, the town will come alive with festive lights, family activities, and plenty of small-town holiday magic. The Brownsville Women’s Study Club will host the beloved Festival of Trees throughout the weekend, and the Chamber’s annual Tree Lighting returns on Friday, December 5th, at 6 p.m.
With craft bazaars, community events, and holiday cheer filling downtown, it’s the perfect way to kick off the season and enjoy the warmth of a hometown celebration!
Lebanon Holidays in the Park December 6th
All aboard the Holiday Express! Lebanon’s Holidays in the Park returns on Saturday, December 6th, from 2 to 7 p.m. for a magical day of festive fun for the whole family. The event features sparkling lights, live music, carolers, and a tree lighting ceremony to kick off the season.
Guests can explore a holiday market with local vendors, meet Santa Claus for photos, and enjoy the dazzling Twilight Parade with illuminated floats and performers. This year’s Grand Marshal is Rick Franklin Corporation/Santiam Excursion Trains, adding extra excitement to the celebration. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday adventure!
 Help Spread Christmas Cheer in Sweet Home
The Sweet Home Police Department is hosting a Teen Sharing Tree, and the community is encouraged to join in! Residents can stop by the department, pick up a tag for a local teen, go shopping, and return wrapped gifts by December 8th. SHPD extends a big thank-you to everyone who has already stepped up to support Sweet Home families.
Applications are available in person at the Police Department (1950 Main St.) or online here.
 $1,000 "Youth of the Year" Scholarship Opportunity
Teens in our area have a chance to compete for a $1,000 scholarship through the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Santiam’s Youth of the Year program! This annual competition highlights local teens who show leadership, service, and perseverance--and gives them a platform to share their stories and represent their community. Applicants must be between 14 and 18 years old, and the deadline to apply is January 12th, 2026.
It’s a great opportunity for young people to build confidence, gain recognition, and earn support for their future goals. Learn more and apply here!
 
Samaritan Health Hosting Series of Town Halls
Samaritan Health Services is moving forward with a planned merger with MultiCare Health System, and we know a lot of community members have voiced questions and concerns about what it means for local patients and services. To provide clarity, Samaritan is hosting a series of town halls where attendees can hear from leadership, ask questions, and speak directly with licensed Medicare specialists about Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
Upcoming Town Halls with Current Availability (registration required):
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Valley Town Hall – Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Boulder Falls Event Center, 605 Mullins Drive, Lebanon
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Newport Town Hall – Monday, Dec. 1 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Center for Health Education, Halls A/B/C, 740 SW Ninth St., Newport
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Virtual Town Hall – Thursday, Dec. 11 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Microsoft Teams (link provided upon registration)
For more information and to register, visit samhealth.org/Affiliation.
Public Comment Period on Willamette Valley Dams
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public comment on a recently completed study that paves the way for the potential elimination of hydroelectric power from our dams--as well as a future deeper drawdown of the Detroit Dam. It is hugely important that the public weighs in and helps stand up to this ongoing threat against our waterways and energy sources.
Upcoming Public Comment Meetings:
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Detroit – Saturday, Dec. 6 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Detroit City Council Chambers, 345 Santiam Ave, Detroit, OR 97342
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Salem (Afternoon Session) – Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | Broadway Commons, Room 307, 1300 Broadway St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
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Salem (Evening Session) – Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Broadway Commons, Room 307, 1300 Broadway St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
To read the study known as an Environmental Impact statement, click here.
Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt Has Begun
One of the region’s favorite holiday traditions is back--the 8th annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt has officially begun! From November 21st through December 20th, hikers can search the Willamette National Forest for 200 locally crafted wooden ornaments hidden along roughly 20 trails, including not far from Sweet Home! Each ornament can be registered for a chance to win the grand prize: a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley.
Ready to look? For a more information and a full list of trails containing ornaments, click here! Rep. Cate has already found one, so don't hesitate!
 
PacifiCorp Warns of Financial Squeeze
Oregon Journalism Project
They are words seldom seen in the same paragraph or uttered in the same sentence: Warren Buffett and bankruptcy.
But the self-made multibillionaire Buffett has a big problem with his company’s Portland-based electric utility PacifiCorp.
In a Nov. 3 quarterly earnings statement, the company said it faces a potential “liquidity crisis” stemming from its role in the 2020 Labor Day wildfires. The utility warned that it could be swamped by legal liabilities stemming from the conflagration.
PacifiCorp reaches $150M settlement with 1,434 fire victims
Statesman Journal
PacifiCorp reached a $150 million settlement with 1,434 victims of the 2020 Labor Day Fires, the company announced on Nov. 19.
It was the latest settlement issued by Oregon’s second-largest utility due to the wildfires, which recently included settlements with Oregon wine and timber companies.
Signature effort starts to allow Oregon voters to decide on new gas tax
Statesman Journal
A dash to collect enough signatures by Dec. 30 to put cost increases from the $4.3 billion transportation package in front of Oregon voters has started. The Secretary of State Elections Division on Nov. 12 approved circulation of signature sheets for a petition to refer House Bill 3991 to the ballot, Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, one of the leaders of No Tax Oregon, said. The group, led by Diehl, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, and Jason Williams of the Taxpayers Association of Oregon, is aiming to collect 100,000 signatures in the next 30 days. They have until Dec. 30 to get 78,116 signatures to meet the referendum requirements. "We're telling our team, you know, this is a sprint and not a marathon," Diehl said. "We're treating it accordingly."
Oregon Plunges in Tax Competitiveness Rankings
Willamette Week
No state has fallen further in terms of tax competitiveness than Oregon in the past six years, according to the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan, boardroom-friendly think tank that has studied U.S. taxes for 88 years. Since July 1, 2019, the Beaver State has fallen from eighth to 35th in the foundation’s State Tax Competitiveness Index, mostly because lawmakers that year passed a corporate activity tax to fund public schools. The swoon in ratings comes amid a heated debate over taxes, especially in Portland, where special levies for homeless services and preschool make marginal rates among the highest in the nation.
Oregon has a program to pay seniors’ property tax bills, but few people use it
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Oregon is one of at least a dozen states that will pay property tax bills so people can stay in their homes. The state gets its money back, plus 6% annual interest, whenever the home is sold. The property tax deferral program dates to the 1960s and was once very popular. It had more than 13,000 participants each year during parts of the 1980s and paid more than $20 million worth of property tax bills as recently as 2011. These days, though, the program has just 3,500 participants and is paying out less than $12 million a year. It’s running a big surplus because the program is bringing in far more from tax repayments than it’s paying out to cover current participants’ property taxes. The Legislature took $27 million from the deferral fund this year to pay for other programs.
Leadership exodus continues at Oregon’s transportation agency
The Oregonian
Oregon Department of Transportation director Kris Strickler announced on Wednesday he will step down at the end of this year, as the agency continues to grapple with cost overruns on major projects and seeks permanent funding for the state’s highways, bridges and maintenance workers. For the last year, the agency has been the focus of intense scrutiny from lawmakers as they worked to pass a transportation funding package. Legislators of both parties and Gov. Tina Kotek have pledged to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies and increase legislative oversight of projects managed by the agency.
Nation’s Top Court Will Consider Ballot Deadline
Willamette Week
On Nov. 10, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case from Mississippi that challenges the counting of ballots received after election day. Oregon is one of at least 19 states that allows the practice. In 2021, lawmakers passed House Bill 3291, which expanded voting laws to allow elections officials to count any ballot postmarked by election day, provided it arrives at an elections office within seven days after the election. Led by President Donald Trump, Republicans have advanced various strategies for restricting or eliminating mail-in ballots. The case in front of the Supreme Court is likely to turn on whether federal election law trumps state laws. Oregon and 18 other states filed an amicus brief in support of state control.
Oregon’s new normal: Declining public school enrollment
OPB
For the better part of a decade — from 2012 through 2019 — Oregon’s public school enrollment had been increasing. A December 2022 report from the Oregon Department of Education shows small declines in 2010 and 2011, followed by steady increases in enrollment every year until 2020. Then in spring 2020, COVID-19 shuttered schools in Oregon and across the country, forcing students to attend school on laptops. Oregon schools saw a sharp, steep decline in 2020-2021: 21,744 fewer students. The next year, another drop of almost 8,000 students. One of those students who left was Dale, a part of OPB’s Class of 2025 project. Dale lives with his grandmother, Carolyn Smith, in Lincoln City, Ore. Around seventh grade, and around the time when COVID-19 prompted Oregon to transition to remote learning, Dale was reluctantly starting a new school.
Green Peter Dam Drawdown Update
What Are Oregon's True Priorities?
Special Session Concludes with New Taxes
Vote and Rally! Help Lebanon High School Win $1 Million for a New Football Stadium!
Delays, Delays, and Special Session Doubts
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