LINN COUNTY DEMOCRATS
  • HOME
  • May 20 Election
    • Kristopher Schendel, GAPS Zone 1
    • Stephanie Lunceford, GAPS Zone 2
    • Kris McLaughlin, GAPS At-Large Position 2
    • Brad Longman, LBCC Zone 5
    • Bill Hays, ESD Zone 1
    • Michael Thomson, ESD Zone 3
    • Renewal of Albany Ambulance, Fire and Police Local Option Tax
  • News & Updates
    • Letters from Linn Democrats Chair
  • Oregon Legislature
  • About
    • Officers & Committee Chairs
    • Standing Committees
    • Precinct Committee People
    • Neighborhood Leader Program
    • State Central Committee Delegates, Alternates
    • Congressional Districts 4 and 5 Committee Delegates and Alternates
    • Precinct & District Maps >
      • School District, LBCC, ESD Maps
    • Bylaws >
      • Standing Rules
    • Resolutions
    • County Platform >
      • Legislative Action Items
    • State Platform >
      • Legislative Action Items
  • Donate
  • Calendar
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Resistance Resources
  • Contact Us
    • Linktree
  • Archives
    • Election 2022
    • Election 2024 >
      • Mayor, Council winners
      • Kamala Harris, Pres. Tim Walz, Vice Pres.
      • Janelle Bynum, CD5
      • Val Hoyle, CD4
      • Tobias Read, Secretary. of State
      • Elizabeth Steiner, State Treasurer
      • Dan Rayfield, Attorney General
      • Mike Ashland, SD9
      • Ivan Maluski, HD11
      • Michelle Emmons, HD12
      • Terrence Virnig, HD 15
      • David W. Beem, HD17
      • David Scranage, Linn Commissioner
      • Michael Thomson, Alb. Council, Ward 1B
      • Carolyn McLeod, Alb. Council, Ward 2B
      • Marilyn Smith, Alb. Council, Ward 3B
      • Ballot Measures
    • Elección 2024 (Espanol) >
      • Kamala Harris, Pres. y Tim Walz, Vicepres.
      • Janelle Bynum, Congreso, Distrito 5
      • Terrence Virnig, Distrito 15 de la Cámara de Representantes
      • Carolyn McLeod, Concejo Municipal de Albany, Distrito 2B
      • Marilyn Smith, Concejo Municipal de Albany, Distrito 3B
  • Resources
    • Resistance Resources

August 25th, 2022

8/25/2022

Comments

 

Biden signs Inflation Reduction Act into law

During his remarks at the Aug. 16 signing ceremony, the president noted that all Republicans opposed the act, and said, "Democrats sided with the American people and every single Republican in the Congress sided with this special interest in this vote."

​• President calls the legislation "one of the most significant laws in our history" (Aug. 16, CNN)
• What's in the Inflation Reduction Act (Aug. 12, CNN)
Opinion: A huge victory in this existential fight (Aug 13, CNN)
• Opinion: For a president many believe is failing, Joe Biden is sure racking up wins (Aug. 7, CNN)
• Text of the Inflation Reduction Act (Aug. 7, CNN)

• In the Senate,the final party-line vote was 51-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie (Aug. 7, CNN)
• Wyden: This is a huge victory for American families (Aug. 8)
• Merkley: A big step in combating climate chaos (Aug. 8)
Comments

August 18th, 2022

8/18/2022

Comments

 

House passes Inflation Reduction Act

The House approved the historic Democratic bill 220-207 Aug. 12, and  President Biden plans to sign it next week. The bill is a cornerstone of Biden’s economic agenda. It is the largest investment in fighting climate change in U.S. history. It will also
help lower prescription
​drug costs for some.

Comments

August 13th, 2022

8/13/2022

Comments

 

Senate passes Inflation Reduction Act


​"Today, Senate Democrats sided with American families over special interests, voting to lower the cost of prescription drugs, health insurance, and everyday energy costs and reduce the deficit, while making the wealthiest corporations
finally pay their fair share."
– President Joe Biden

• The final, party-line vote was 51-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie (Aug. 7, CNN)
• Here's what's in the newly passed Senate deal (Aug. 7, CNN)
•
 Opinion: For a president many believe is failing, Joe Biden is sure racking up wins (Aug. 7, CNN)
• Text of the Inflation Reduction Act (Aug. 7, CNN)
• Wyden: This is a huge victory for American families (Aug. 8)
• Merkley: A big step in combating climate chaos (Aug. 8)
Comments

August 09th, 2022

8/9/2022

Comments

 

Jeff Merkley: Inflation Reduction Act
is a big step in combating climate chaos

From massive wildfires and devastating floods, to record-breaking hurricanes and heat waves, we are clearly seeing the impacts of climate chaos across our nation and the world. As we wrap up another week of record high heat and face the continued threat of wildfire season here in Oregon, it’s clear we urgently need bold climate action.  

And this weekend, Congress took a historic step towards transitioning to clean, renewable energy, and to pump up American manufacturing and create good American jobs in the process.
Yesterday, I voted in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), which will be the biggest piece of climate legislation ever enacted in the U.S. when it is signed into law. This historic investment is intended to bring down consumer energy costs, rapidly deploy renewable energy, increase American clean energy security, and substantially reduce carbon pollution—all while creating good-paying, Made in America jobs.

Specifically, the climate elements of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will:  
  • Rapidly deploy renewable energy and increase American energy security through policies to support energy reliability and cleaner production coupled with historic investments in American clean energy manufacturing to lessen our reliance on China and ensure that the transition to a clean economy creates millions of American manufacturing jobs and is powered by American-made clean technologies.  
  • Lower energy costs for Americans through policies that will lower prices at the pump and on electricity bills, help consumers afford technologies that will lower emissions and energy prices, and reduce costs that would otherwise be passed on to them.  
  • Invest in decarbonizing all sectors of the economy through targeted federal support of innovative climate solutions.  
  • Focus investments into disadvantaged communities to ensure that communities that are too-often left behind will share in the benefits of the transition to a clean economy. 
  • Support resilient rural communities by investing in farmers and forestland owners to be part of growing climate solutions, and by ensuring rural communities are able to better adapt to a rapidly changing climate.  
  • Do all of this while incentivizing good, union jobs and investing in a Made in America future for clean and renewable energy.   
A summary and breakdown of the Energy Security and Climate Change Investments can be found here.
I know this isn’t a silver bullet that will solve the climate crisis, and indeed the bill does include some fossil fuel giveaways that are a mistake. But overall this bill is a huge step in the right direction. Climate chaos is a global problem, and requires global solutions. It’s time for America to step up as a leader on this global issue by tackling the problem here at home.
If we want to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate chaos—with millions of lives and livelihoods on the line—then we need to make a bold and rapid transition to a renewable energy economy. The U.S. must be ambitious in the fight against climate catastrophe. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is the beginning of that effort and I will continue to do everything I can to drive legislation, executive actions by the President, and private sector changes that ensure we protect Americans’ health, homes, businesses, and savings from climate disaster.

All my best,
Jeff
Comments

August 09th, 2022

8/9/2022

Comments

 

Ron Wyden:  Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act
​ is a huge victory for American families

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the most significant piece of legislation in our nation's history to tackle the climate crisis and lower prescription drug costs for seniors.
This legislation is a really, really big deal, and the result of countless hours of hard work, negotiation and dedication on the part of Senate Democrats and our staff. 
There's a lot of information floating around out there, so I wanted to give you a quick rundown of what's in the historic Inflation Reduction Act. 
Lowering energy costs. Provides incentives to generate much-needed investment in clean energy to end our reliance on dirty fossil fuels, lower energy costs for families, and reduce carbon emissions.

Creating jobs. Invests in clean energy technology and creates more good-paying jobs on American soil.

Reducing carbon emissions. Cuts carbon emissions an estimated 40% by 2030.

Medicare drug price negotiation. Empowers Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs to lower costs for seniors.

Ending price-gouging at the pharmacy counter. Imposes penalties on drug companies that raise the price of prescription drugs faster than inflation.

Paying their fair share. Raises taxes on corporations to ensure Big Pharma and Big Tech start paying their fair share.

Wildfire prevention and drought mitigation. Contains over more than $5 billion in funding for wildfire prevention and $4 billion for drought mitigation for Western states, including Oregon.
I'm especially proud to say this package contains two of the most consequential bills of my time in the Senate.
Ninety percent of the emissions reductions in this legislation will be the direct result of my Clean Energy for America Act, which will get us on track to a clean energy future.
And for the first time, thanks to drug pricing policies I've been working on for years, Medicare will finally have the power to directly negotiate drug prices with Big Pharma and lower costs for seniors.
This process hasn't been easy, but Democrats promised the American people big, bold action on the priorities that matter to working families. 
I'm proud to say we just delivered.Sincerely,
​Ron


Comments

August 04th, 2022

8/4/2022

Comments

 

City council, mayoral candidate filing deadlines
approach for Nov. 8 General Election

• ALBANY: The candidates are:
– Mayor: Alex Johnson (incumbent) and William Talley.
– Council Ward 1: Dick Olsen (incumbent); Greg Hamman; Erik Anderson; Stephanie Newton; and Matthew Prudell.
– Council Ward 2: Josiah Blaisdell and Jackie Montague.
– Council Ward 3: Bessie Johnson (incumbent); Ramycia McGhee; and Bryan Munson.
• BROWNSVILLE:
- Mayor: Doug Block, Adam R. Craven.
- Council (three at-large positions): Barbara J. Andersen.  David K. Hansen, Sean LaCoste, Sandy Saltzer, Trapper Solberg,Tricia Thompson.
• GATES:
– Mayor: Ron Carmickle (incumbent).
​– Council (three at-large positions): Brian Gander (incumbent), Tonya Chamberlain (incumbent), Donald Mann.
• HALSEY:
– Mayor: Jerry Lachenbruch (incumbent).
– Council (three at-large positions): Michelle Isom; Ken Lorensen and Scott LaCoste.
• HARRISBURG:
– Mayor: Robert "Bobby" Duncan (incumbent) and Quinton Sheridan.
– Council (three at-large positions): Kim Downey (incumbent), Adam Keaton (incumbent), Charlotte Thomas (incumbent).
• LEBANON:
– Mayor: "Mr. G" Gamael Nassar and Kenneth E. Jakola
– Council Ward 1: Carl Mann; Tami Cockeram; and Wayne Rieskamp (incumbent).
– Councilor Ward 2:  Cassie Cruze; Dave Workman; and Ryan Newby.
– Councilor Ward 3:  Michelle A. Steinhebel (incumbent).
• LYONS: 
– Mayor: Lloyd Valentine (incumbent)
– Council (two at-large positions): Jessica Ritchie (incumbent).
• MILLERSBURG:
– Council (two at-large positions): 
 Scott Cowan (incumbent) and Mike Hickam (incumbent).
• MILL CITY:
– Mayor: Timothy Kirsch (incumbent)
– Council (three at-large positions): Janet Zeyen-Hall (incumbent), Steve Winn (incumbent), Jason Saari
• SCIO:
- Council (three at-large positions): ​Tom Gray, Dennis Shaffer, John Whalen, Luke Zedwick.
​• SWEET HOME:
– Council (four at-large positions): 
Josh Thorstad, Greg Mahler (incumbent), James Risinger, Dylan Richards (incumbent), Susan M.C. Coleman (incumbent) and David L. Lowman.
• WATERLOO:
- Mayor: Justin Cary (incumbent).
- Council (three at-large positions): Dennis Scott (incumbent); and Harrison Allen Shearer (incumbent).

Comments

August 03rd, 2022

8/3/2022

Comments

 

Manchin and Schumer announce
​major deal for energy and health care bill

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Joe Manchin on July 27 announced a deal on an energy and health care bill, representing a breakthrough after more than a year of negotiations that have collapsed time and again, CNN reported
​But it will face furious GOP opposition.
The deal is a major reversal for Manchin, and the health and climate bill stands a serious chance of becoming law as soon as August -- assuming Democrats can pass the bill in the House and that it passes muster with the Senate parliamentarian to allow it to be approved along straight party lines in the budget process. (Click here for the rest of the story)
Comments

    News & Updates

    Look here for news, commentary and updates from Linn Dems and ally organizations

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

  • HOME
  • May 20 Election
    • Kristopher Schendel, GAPS Zone 1
    • Stephanie Lunceford, GAPS Zone 2
    • Kris McLaughlin, GAPS At-Large Position 2
    • Brad Longman, LBCC Zone 5
    • Bill Hays, ESD Zone 1
    • Michael Thomson, ESD Zone 3
    • Renewal of Albany Ambulance, Fire and Police Local Option Tax
  • News & Updates
    • Letters from Linn Democrats Chair
  • Oregon Legislature
  • About
    • Officers & Committee Chairs
    • Standing Committees
    • Precinct Committee People
    • Neighborhood Leader Program
    • State Central Committee Delegates, Alternates
    • Congressional Districts 4 and 5 Committee Delegates and Alternates
    • Precinct & District Maps >
      • School District, LBCC, ESD Maps
    • Bylaws >
      • Standing Rules
    • Resolutions
    • County Platform >
      • Legislative Action Items
    • State Platform >
      • Legislative Action Items
  • Donate
  • Calendar
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Resistance Resources
  • Contact Us
    • Linktree
  • Archives
    • Election 2022
    • Election 2024 >
      • Mayor, Council winners
      • Kamala Harris, Pres. Tim Walz, Vice Pres.
      • Janelle Bynum, CD5
      • Val Hoyle, CD4
      • Tobias Read, Secretary. of State
      • Elizabeth Steiner, State Treasurer
      • Dan Rayfield, Attorney General
      • Mike Ashland, SD9
      • Ivan Maluski, HD11
      • Michelle Emmons, HD12
      • Terrence Virnig, HD 15
      • David W. Beem, HD17
      • David Scranage, Linn Commissioner
      • Michael Thomson, Alb. Council, Ward 1B
      • Carolyn McLeod, Alb. Council, Ward 2B
      • Marilyn Smith, Alb. Council, Ward 3B
      • Ballot Measures
    • Elección 2024 (Espanol) >
      • Kamala Harris, Pres. y Tim Walz, Vicepres.
      • Janelle Bynum, Congreso, Distrito 5
      • Terrence Virnig, Distrito 15 de la Cámara de Representantes
      • Carolyn McLeod, Concejo Municipal de Albany, Distrito 2B
      • Marilyn Smith, Concejo Municipal de Albany, Distrito 3B
  • Resources
    • Resistance Resources