Session is Underway: 5 days down, 30 to go!
Session is here, and I am back in Salem--which means I'm more able to help Conner put together our newsletters! He does a great job making sense of my jumbled notes during the interim, but it's definitely easier when we're working in the same office.
We are only on day five of session, but bills are already on the move! Opening day ceremonies were short and sweet--no wasting time when Short Session is only 35 days and leadership is racing to pass their policy priorities. One short week feels like a month, and with the first post-work session deadline just days away, the Capitol is already deep into triage mode--deciding what moves, what stalls, and what dies.
Unsurprisingly, the budget has emerged as a dominant storyline. Wednesday's revenue forecast signaled some positive news, but lawmakers are still confronting a tighter forecast than Oregon has enjoyed in recent years. Unsurprisingly, the majority party is exploring multiple ways to keep state coffers as full as possible. That includes proposals like HB 4015 that disconnect Oregon from portions of the federal tax code, allowing the state to retain revenue all while federal tax relief flows to other states. At the same time, long-standing ideas like tapping the kicker (SJR 201), or even implementing a sales tax (SB 1507), are being discussed, underscoring just how many options the Majority party is leaving on the table.
Layered on top of those budget debates is a noticeable push to accelerate the gas tax and fee increase ballot measure into the May primary ballot rather than the November general election (SB 1599). This is unsurprisingly a contentious possibility, especially given that the actual petition signed by over 250,000 Oregonians stated that the signers wanted a vote on for repeal on November's ballot--not May's. It also begs a lot of logistical questions about timing, and if there would even be an opportunity for Oregonians to submit arguments for and against in May's Voters Pamphlet before the tight deadline that comes right after Short Session concludes.
Other themes dominating session so far, are the introduction and hearings of several high-profile bills touching on federal immigration enforcement and gun restrictions. While these proposals are usually presented as attempts to protect "Oregon's values" (a phrase that seems to be on repeat with little regard that not all Oregonians are in agreement with these alluded to "values"), the timing is hard to ignore. With November’s elections already looming in the background, the opening week of session suggests the majority are eager to stake out positions on hot-button issues quickly. But don't take it from me! Senate President Rob Wagner (D, Lake Oswego) had this to say to OPB regarding his push for the tax vote to be on May's ballot: "Is it political? For sure."
But with the palpable tension has also come some highlights, on of which was having the opportunity to present House Joint Memorial 201 in front of the House Committee on Climate Energy & Environment. In case you missed it, this memorial urges Congress to bring back the federal tax exemption on wildfire related settlements, which is an exemption that sun-setted at the end of last year. This exemption ensures that more awarded dollars actually go toward wildfire recovery in our wildfire impacted regions. To watch my testimony in support of HJM 201, click here!
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HB 4015 – Disconnects Oregon from several key federal tax code updates from H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill), which would result in Oregonians missing out on major tax cuts.
SB 1507 - Establishes a sales tax in Oregon.
SJR 201 – Constitutional amendment to take the kicker.
HB 4145 - Amends Measure 114 by maintaining a permit-to-purchase system and extending the permit issuance timeline from 30 to 60 days, increases application and renewal fees, and establishes a searchable database of permit holders.
SB 1599 - Moves date of gas tax & fee referendum from November general election to lower turnout May primary election.
We'd like to spotlight Lebanon Fire District this week, who recently had an awesome morning at North Santiam Coffee Company for their Firefighter Stairclimb Fundraiser! Thanks to neighbors who stopped by for coffee, conversation, and support, $537.25 was raised for cancer research and firefighter health initiatives through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The team is still working toward its $2,500 goal, and there’s plenty of time to help push them across the finish line! Every dollar goes directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in support of the Firefighter Stairclimb mission. Donations can be made here.
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Sharing Hands Chili Cook-Off & Dessert Auction
Warm up with a cozy evening of great food and community fun at the Sharing Hands Chili Cook-Off & Dessert Auction tomorrow, February 7th, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Pioneer Christian Academy in Brownsville! Sample a variety of homemade chilis, enjoy all the fix-ins, and don’t miss the always-popular dessert auction and raffles starting at 6:00 p.m. Chili entries are welcome beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Admission is $15 for adults and $6 for kids 10 and under, with all proceeds supporting Sharing Hands Food Bank and their work to fight hunger locally. Bring your appetite, bring your friends, and come share a warm bowl for a great cause! For more information, call 541-466-3110.
 Jefferson High School Bingo & Bake Sale Fundraiser
Come to Jefferson Middle School tomorrow night, February 7th for an evening of bingo and a bake sale to raise funds for the JHS Class of 2026's Safe & Sober Grad Night Party! The Bingo buy in is just $10, but there are also raffle opportunities, dessert to enjoy, and much more--so don't miss out! Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
 Jefferson Library Sow Many Seeds Tomorrow
The Jefferson Public Library invites you to join them at their seed swap and rummage sale, with an opportunity to score some free seeds! The event will run from 10:30a.m.to 3:30p.m., so be sure to stop by! Questions? Call Linda at 925-899-8428.
Warriors Baseball Super Bowl Pancake Feed
Kick off Super Bowl Sunday with a full plate and a full heart at the Super Bowl Pancake Feed benefiting the Lebanon Warrior Baseball Team! Head to Tallman Brewing this Sunday from 7:30–10:30 a.m., for a delicious breakfast that supports local student-athletes.
Tickets are $8 per person or $22 for a family of four, and there will also be a silent auction featuring great items donated by local businesses. Bring your friends, bring your family, and come hungry--because pancakes always taste better when they support a great cause!
Free Movies at Sweet Home Library Every Wednesday
The Sweet Home Public Library's winter afternoon movie series has begun! There are free showings every Wednesday after school, so don't miss out on some family fun. A full list of screenings is below.
Lebanon Winter Farmers Market Every Thursday
Just because the weather's cold doesn't mean you can't have a farmers market! Utilizing an indoor and outdoor space, the Leabon Winter Farmer's Market is happening from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays at Santiam Place on Main St, so go check it out and enjoy some local produce!
 New Book Addition to Lebanon Library's Storywalk
Leabon Public Library's "Storywalk" which blends the joy of reading with the great outdoors, has a new book to share with you! Bring your little ones and head to the library grounds to walk and read Love, Escargot!
 
Welcome to Conner's Corner, where I'll try to offer up a little bit of the work we do behind the scenes! If we haven't met, this is my fourth full session working for Representative Cate, and I'm just starting to learn my way around things. It's early, but this session has been my favorite so far. Our two legislative items seem to be moving along nicely, and "office vibes" have been positive despite the long days! The best external factor of the 2026 Session has been the re-opening of historic portions of the Capitol after years of construction. This has given me a sense of normalcy that I've never felt working here before, and it's been a real treat exploring new areas of the building, including "secret" passageways to get places quickly!
Did I mention long days? Rep. Cate now has an 8:00a.m. committee in addition to her already full days of three other committees, daily floor sessions, and meetings with stakeholders & constituents, which means she (and me by proxy) has to have a little bit of fun to keep from going completely insane. So, Rep. Cate decided to take up working on 1,000-piece puzzles when she has gaps in her day, which seems to keep her content. The reception has been quite positive, with several Legislators and lobby stopping by throughout the week to give her a hand and enjoy a few minutes of downtime themselves. Who knew puzzles could lead to such collaboration? And voila! The first puzzle was done by Wednesday evening. It was a collage of all 63 National Park posters, (Rep. Cate has visited approximately 49 in her life)!
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Alongside all of the policy work during session, the constituent work does not stop. A fun project this week was printing and mailing hundreds of hand-signed honor roll, graduation, and Dean's List, letters to college students from House District 11. Folding and sealing these into envelopes is the least fun part, but luckily we have some heavy equipment to help out--when it wants to work with me, not against me! After this newsletter gets sent out, that's what I'll be up to: folding, sealing, stamping, and mailing!
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Oregon lawmakers kick off high-stakes session today focused on immigration enforcement, budget cuts, tax overhauls
The Oregonian
Facing a grim budget picture, lawmakers are looking to trim agencies’ spending, adjust Oregon’s tax code and dip into the state’s savings accounts to help maintain vital programs. They also hope to strengthen the state’s economy and challenge federal immigration enforcement policies during the five-week session.
Oregon Democrats unveil plan to close Trump tax ‘loopholes’, reduce budget deficit
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Two key Oregon Democrats on Monday unveiled a plan to increase state revenue by dropping several state tax breaks copied from President Donald Trump’s sprawling tax-and-spending law passed last year. The plan, put forward by Sen. Anthony Broadman of Bend and Rep. Nancy Nathanson of Eugene, would bring in $342 million in the current biennium by disconnecting Oregon from three tax breaks in Trump’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Oregon lawmakers can move transportation referendum date under conditions, SOS says
OPB
Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Tina Kotek have less than one month to pass a bill if they want to move a transportation funding referendum from November to May, according to Oregon’s top election officer. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Kaplan in a Wednesday afternoon memo said the Oregon Legislature may move the date of a referendum about a transportation law to May if lawmakers pass a bill with an emergency clause and Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature by Feb. 25.
Audits will scrutinize Oregon’s transportation, education, juvenile justice agencies
The Oregonian/OregonLive
A new seven-page plan says the agency weighed several factors in determining an initial list of state agencies it would audit, considering issues such as inconsistent spending, increases in overtime, long-term position vacancies and vulnerability to settlements or claims of liability.
Oregon could pause federal payments in battle with Trump administration under new bill
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Chotzen’s bill is part of a legislative package that aims to push back on a raft of Trump’s signature efforts including the administration’s violent immigration crackdown, plans to sell public lands and pursing people’s personal information. Under Chotzen’s bill, the governor, with consent from the attorney general and the state treasurer, could pause state payments going to the federal government if a federal court rules that federal officials have unlawfully withheld money from Oregon programs.
Trump weighs in on Eugene ICE protest, threatening ‘these criminals’ with consequences
The Oregonian
President Donald Trump took note of the chaotic Friday protest in downtown Eugene, threatening demonstrators in the Oregon city and those in other “Democrat cities” with brutal consequences for attacking federal property.
Oregon population growth among slowest in the nation
The Oregonian
Oregon’s population grew at one of the slowest rates in the country last year, according to new estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Beaver State has been trudging along for population growth since the COVID-19 pandemic. Census numbers released Tuesday show the state ranked No. 12 for slowest population growth.
Jefferson Parks & Rec Budget Committee Vacancy
Do you live in Jefferson? Have you ever wanted to serve your community and help shape the way it plans for the future? The City of Jefferson is currently seeking applicants for its Parks and Recreation budget committee!
Interested applicants can email a letter of interest to Monique at monique.headley@jefferson.k12.or.us.
 Apply for Halsey’s Budget Committee
Ever wondered how your tax dollars are spent, or wanted a say in what gets funded? The City of Halsey is accepting applications for its Budget Committee for the 2026–2027 budget cycle, and this is a great way to get involved in shaping local priorities.
Committee members typically meet one to three evenings between March and May and serve three-year terms. Applicants must be registered voters, have lived within Halsey city limits for at least one year, and be willing to commit the time. Applications are available at City Hall or online at www.halseyorgov, and must be received by Monday, March 2nd. Appointments will be made by the City Council at its March meeting. Questions? City Hall is happy to help!
 
Short Session Starts Monday!
Gearing Up for Session!
Kicking Off the New Year!
Gas Tax & Registration Hikes Put on Hold
Transportation Taxes and What Comes Next
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