  
Kicking Off the New Year!
Happy New Year from our office, and welcome to our first newsletter of 2026! This is a relatively quiet part of the year with Short Session just over a month away, and bills being submitted, or "dropped" in just two weeks, but of course many aspects of the job never truly stop! Serving the people of House District 11 is a job Rep. Cate and I take very seriously, and that means helping constituents wherever we can, which was the direct impetus of Rep. Cate's two bills for this year's session that she'll be introducing in the very near future. Stay tuned!
There’s still so much up in the air as to what Legislative Leadership wants to prioritize this Session, and we probably won't know until next month's revenue forecast. One thing that is for sure--budget cuts are very likely coming. On the other hand, Oregonians are not necessarily interested in paying more money into the state's coffers, as we saw with the recent successful signature gathering effort against last session's transportation related tax and fee increases. With those not going into effect until voters decide on them in November, the Legislature will still be faced with weighing major shortfalls in ODOT's budget during the Short Session next month.
Stay tuned as we share more about both the good and bad things we can expect to see coming out of the Capitol in the coming months, and as always, be sure to share your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and your families, because Rep. Cate and our office will do a better job representing you in turn!
This week marked a truly special milestone at Lebanon Fire District as Division Chief/Fire Marshal Ken Foster and Lieutenant/Acting Battalion Chief Michael Maynard completed their final shifts. With more than 70 years of combined service, their leadership, mentorship, and dedication have left a lasting imprint on the district and the many firefighters who learned from them along the way. Crews gathered at Station 31 to share stories and reflect on decades of service, capped off with a surprise barbershop quartet that provided a heartfelt retirement send-off.
Mike’s last ride was a memorable one—back home to begin his next chapter—while Ken was surrounded by friends and family as he officially transitioned into retirement. We are grateful for the commitment and professionalism both brought to Lebanon Fire District and our community. Thank you, Ken and Mike, for a legacy of service that will be felt for years to come!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Donate Blood in Halsey on January 16th
The City of Halsey invites you to come to the Halsey Community Center from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. on January 16th to assist the Red Cross in their blood donation efforts. Donate for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX! Scan the QR code below to schedule an appointment.
 19th Annual Puzzle Contest in Jefferson January 17th
The Greater Jefferson Community Center invites you to join them for their annual puzzle solving competition on Saturday, January 17th! Be sure to register your team of up to three people as soon as possible for a morning of fun competition with your fellow community members. Snacks, drinks, and puzzles are provided!
For more details or to register, call 541-327-7996 or email gjcc97352@gmail.com
 
The following write-up is by Scott Swanson, publisher and editor of The New Era, and now, the Lebanon Local.
A year ago in this newsletter, I detailed some of the travails experienced by Oregon newspapers, including The New Era and Lebanon Local, which we publish here in east Linn County.
Now, a year later, I’m happy to report that not only are we a year older, but we’re making a change that we expect will help stabilize the delivery of local news to east Linn County. As of the beginning of January, the venerable The New Era (yeah, “The” has always been part of the name since 1929) will combine with the monthly Lebanon Local to serve the entire east Linn County as one weekly newspaper.
A year ago I explained how newspapers are struggling for many reasons and those here in Rep. Cate’s district that still operate – our two newspapers, the Democrat-Herald and the Brownsville Times – have found it tough going in recent years. The Lebanon Express, once a thriving weekly, is no more. Neither are the Scio and Jefferson papers, which disappeared about a decade ago. The Times has resurrected as a nonprofit after about a six-month hiatus last year, thanks to the efforts of a determined group of local residents who didn’t want to see their local newspaper die.
So, with all that in mind, what we’re doing in east Linn County is taking steps intended to stabilize our news operation financially in a way that will also improve our coverage of Lebanon and its surrounding communities. That’s important, because all communities need local news.
Regular and effective news coverage encourages government transparency, public engagement for community members, an increased sense of community and, I believe, decreased political polarization as diverse political viewpoints are communicated without the significant rancor and finger-pointing we see elsewhere. In other words, local newspapers that faithfully cover their communities contribute to the health and well-being of the community and its residents.
That’s why we’re looking to up our game in Lebanon.
One thing that’s been missing in our monthly Lebanon Local is sports coverage, which is something that contributes significantly to community identity. Youth sports boost community cohesion, and newspaper coverage helps residents who otherwise might not be dialed in to what’s going on a chance to appreciate the accomplishments of their young neighbors.
Weekly coverage will also help us get the word out about what’s happening in local schools, the accomplishments of local residents young and old, and events that are happening. Sure, some of that can be found on social media and through other media, but an effective newspaper tends to become sort of a clearinghouse for that sort of information, as well as government, crime, courts and other news.
Our goal in this merger is not only to serve Lebanon residents much better but also generate increased revenue for The New Era in advertising, sponsorships and subscriptions. The formula for a responsible newspaper is simple: Income translates into news coverage. Hopefully, as we progress, we will be able to build our staff to produce more and better coverage of the entire east Linn County.
On Jan. 1, striking employees in Oregon can receive unemployment
KATU
A law passed by the Oregon legislature in 2025 and taking effect in the new year will allow workers involved in labor disputes to receive unemployment insurance benefits while on strike, with certain conditions. Under the proposed legislation, striking workers must go two weeks without pay before qualifying for unemployment benefits. This is an additional week compared to the current requirement for non-striking workers in Oregon, who must wait one week. Once eligible, striking workers would receive weekly cash payments based on their previous wages, provided the strike continues and they remain eligible. If a striking worker receives back pay, they must repay any unemployment benefits received for the same period…
New year, new rules: A look at some of the Oregon laws that kick in Jan. 1
OPB
Oregon lawmakers passed hundreds of bills in the first half of 2025, but many are only now getting ready to impact your life. Absent special language, bills become operative on the next Jan. 1 after they are passed. The passel of laws that will take effect on New Year’s Day contains some interesting changes. Hijinx by ticket sellers, nitrous oxide abuse and the state’s legal marriage age all got attention this year.
Oregon’s year of layoffs: 2025’s historic job cuts are shaking the state’s economy
The Oregonian/OregonLive
It’s been a painful year for Oregon workers. The state’s employers reported nearly 9,000 mass layoffs during 2025. That’s an extraordinary number by historical standards, topping the pace of job cuts during the worst days of the Great Recession. Oregon’s unemployment rate has climbed a full percentage point in the past year to 5.2%, its highest level since the pandemic. Oregon has the third-highest jobless rate of any state, behind only California (5.6%) and Nevada (5.3%.).
Oregon saw at least 1,100 immigration arrests in 2025
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Federal immigration agents arrested at least 1,100 people in Oregon this year, immigration experts estimate — a surge from the 113 arrests recorded in all of 2024. In August, the Trump administration said it would “come after” states like Oregon with laws preventing local law enforcement from coordinating with federal immigration officials. Since then, Oregon’s been at the forefront of President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement efforts.
Oregonians won’t see gas tax, transportation fee hikes in January as opponents secure enough signatures to send issue to ballot
The Oregonian/OregonLive
The Republican-led group attempting to halt a scheduled increase to Oregon’s transportation taxes has officially submitted enough required signatures to allow voters the final say next November.
The Secretary of State’s Office announced Tuesday that it had so far verified 163,451 signatures of the 194,000 submitted by the campaign earlier this month, meaning the organizers far exceeded the roughly 78,000 signatures required. The campaign submitted an additional 57,000 signatures Monday that have not been verified.
Oregon officials double down on clean energy goals
MSN
Gov. Tina Kotek has issued an executive order to advance Oregon's new State Energy Strategy, a roadmap for achieving the state's climate and energy goals.
The order directs agencies to strengthen the Clean Fuels Program, accelerate building and vehicle electrification, and expand energy storage and transmission.
Harrisburg School District Budget Committee Vacancy
Are you looking for a way to get more involved in local decision-making? The Harrisburg School District is currently seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on its Budget Committee, a key role in shaping how school resources are allocated! Committee members serve three-year terms and typically meet two to three evenings between March and May to review and approve the district’s budget before it goes to the School Board for final adoption.
Applicants must be registered voters within the district, have lived in the district for at least one year, and may not be officers, agents, or employees of the district. Budget Committee members are appointed by the Harrisburg School Board.
If you’re interested in applying or would like more information, contact the district office at 541-995-6626!
Halsey Budget Committee Vacancies
Do you live in Halsey, and want to get more involved in your local government’s decision making? The city has several openings on its budget committee for the 2026-2027 budget cycle, and is seeking applicants! More information is in the flyer below, and applications can be picked up at city hall or viewed online at the city’s website.
 
Gas Tax & Registration Hikes Put on Hold
Transportation Taxes and What Comes Next
Governor Finally Signs Her Tax Bill into Law
Green Peter Dam Drawdown Update
What Are Oregon's True Priorities?
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