Veterans Affairs Officer to Address County Democrats at September 24 meeting
Lincoln County, OR–As the county prepares a funding measure that would improve veterans services for the November ballot, Lincoln County Veterans Affairs Officer Keith Barnes will address the September meeting of Lincoln County Democrats on Wednesday, September 24 at Newport’s Atonement Lutheran Church, 2315 N. Coast Highway. Social time begins at 5:30 pm and the meeting begins at 6 pm. Barnes will discuss services the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office provides to the estimated 5200 veterans residing within Lincoln County and the necessity for raising funds through a public measure at this time. A 2022 survey found that 48% of veterans don’t understand their disability benefit options, and four in 10 veterans felt they didn’t receive adequate guidance on benefits when leaving the military. According to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Administration, only 20% of veterans apply for and use VA services. “We’re a free service for all veterans and their dependents in Lincoln County. We’re here to assist veterans in obtaining services and we want to continue to be able to assist them in the future,” said Barnes, whose office helps veterans to secure the healthcare, stipends, and other benefits to which they are entitled from federal, state and county governments. The office provides outreach services and helps veterans’ families apply for survivor benefits. Barnes said the November ballot measure—which will be listed as Measure 21-235– has become necessary because of uncertainty surrounding the current administration’s support for Oregon state and county government. “A lot of our budget is dependent upon federal grant funding that flows through the state and to the counties and there’s a chance that several of those grants won’t come through,” said Barnes, whose office is currently funded by the County General Fund. In anticipation of changes to the flow of federal support, Measure 21-235 would levy $0.035 per $1,000 of assessed property value. According to the County Registrar, it’s estimated that the average cost to property owners would be approximately $8.60 per year. Also on the September meeting agenda is a talk by CM Hall, executive director of Emerge Oregon, the state’s premier training program for recruiting and training Democratic women as candidates for elected office. Hall, longtime educator who has served on the Newport City Council, became the first rural and coastal Oregonian to lead that organization when she was appointed late last year. Hall will speak to the need for candidates at all levels of government, the process and practicalities of running for office and the candidate training program offered by Emerge. Prior to the meeting, Stacey Hall will conduct a social media training, beginning at 4:40 pm, to help those who would like to learn about various social media platforms, what they do, how to sign up for them and how to effectively use them to help distribute progressive messages. The Lincoln County Democratic Party holds monthly meetings rotating among northern, central, southern and eastern centers of the county with zoom options available for virtual attendance and participation. All are welcome. The purpose of the Lincoln County Democratic Party and its executive committee is to promote the interests of the Democratic Party in Oregon and Lincoln County, to work for the election of Democratic candidates, adopt a party platform and work to ensure its principles are reflected in law, and to provide a link between Democratic voters, the Democratic Party, and the government. The Lincoln County Democratic Party welcomes comments and questions, which can be addressed to: dems@lincolncountydemocratsoregon.com #### media contact: Eliot Sekuler 818-535-9178 eliot.sekuler@gmail.com
Lincoln County Democrats Oppose Claire Hall Recall Effort
Lincoln County, OR–The Lincoln County Democratic Party is strongly opposed to efforts to recall County Commissioner Claire Hall, branding the recall campaign as a “a groundless and blatant right-wing power grab that will weaken our county’s governance and waste taxpayer money.” In a vote taken by leadership and elected precinct committee persons (PCPs) the Democratic Party Central Committee has unanimously elected to discourage the signing of the petition by voters for a recall measure that would result in a costly special election and further divide the work of the other county commissioners. According to Lincoln County Clerk Amy Southwell, the cost of a special election would be between $45,000 and $50,000. The county’s voters re-elected Claire Hall to a four-year term just nine months ago, in November, 2024. “Claire Hall has provided solid leadership and a steady hand at a time when stability, experience and a strong sense of purpose are especially important,” said Mary Infante, Chair of the Lincoln County Democratic Party Central Committee. “As officials at all levels of government are faced with challenges to environmental programs, cuts to our health care system and threats to our most vulnerable neighbors, Claire’s role as the senior member of the County Commission is especially important. Her knowledge and advocacy in the field of housing stability, which earned an appointment as chair of the Oregon Housing Stability Council, is irreplaceable. Her commitment to the principles of diversity and equity is especially notable at a time when those values have come under attack from the Trump administration and his supporters.” “This recall effort is part of a broad campaign to thwart our democratic institutions by undermining our trust in progressive elected officials, thwart electoral integrity by eliminating mail-in voting and overturn the results of our elections,” Infante added. “The taxpayer money that would be spent on a special election—just under a year after Claire Hall was re-re-elected—would be taken from funds that are badly needed to provide county services. Claire Hall has done an exemplary job as our County Commissioner. We urge voters to reject this latest attack on our democratic institutions and ignore the recall petition.” The Lincoln County Democratic Party holds monthly meetings rotating among northern, central, southern and eastern centers of the county with zoom options available for virtual attendance and participation. All are welcome. The next monthly meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 24 in the community room at Newport’s Atonement Lutheran Church, 2315 North Coast Highway. Doors will open for socializing at 5:30 pm. The meeting begins at 6:00 pm. The purpose of the Lincoln County Democratic Party and its executive committee is to promote the interests of the Democratic Party in Oregon and Lincoln County, to work for the election of Democratic candidates, adopt a party platform and work to ensure its principles are reflected in law, and to provide a link between Democratic voters, the Democratic Party, and the government. The Lincoln County Democratic Party welcomes comments and questions, which can be addressed to: dems@lincolncountydemocratsoregon.com ####
Hoyle and Top Democrats Condemn Trump’s Federal Workforce Purge, Back Bills to Block Mass Firings at Interior, Forest Service
For Immediate Release: August 5, 2025 Catherine White (Hoyle) — 202-578-0305 Ana Unruh Cohen (HNR Dems) — 202 498-3487 EUGENE, OR – Yesterday, Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee Ranking Member U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) joined Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Vice Ranking Member Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Federal Lands Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee Ranking Member Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Ranking Member Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), and House Agriculture Committee Forestry and Agriculture Subcommittee Ranking Member Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) introduced a series of bills to halt the abuse of the Reductions in Force (RIF) process to carry out politically-motivated mass firings across the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service. These cuts would gut the federal workforce responsible for fighting wildfires, managing public lands, protecting water, advancing clean energy, and honoring tribal obligations. Interior has already lost 11% of its staff and the Forest Service 15% — driven by forced retirements, firings, and DOGE’s $21.7 billion scheme to waste taxpayer dollars and pay employees to stay home. “You don’t fix government by firing the people who make it work,” said Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee. “These attacks on federal workers hurt our ability to manage forests, prepare for emergencies, and keep families safe. It’s wrong, and I’m proud to be a part of the effort to push back.” “The Trump administration is firing the public servants who protect lives and communities by helping to battle deadly wildfires, tracking extreme weather events, and keeping water clean and public lands accessible. These RIFs are a targeted purge of the people who show up when disaster strikes and who make this country stronger and safer, day in and day out. These dedicated professionals, and all Americans, deserve better. If Congress doesn’t step in to stop this purge, the fallout will last generations. America will be weaker: less prepared for climate disasters, less able to defend its lands and resources, and less capable of serving its people when it matters most,” said Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.). “These are hard-working public servants who steward our public lands, keep us safe from extreme weather events, advance clean energy production, and so much more. Our country is better off with these federal employees on the job. I’m proud to join Ranking Members Huffman and Lofgren in stepping up to protect our civil servants and the many services that they provide for the American people,” said Vice Ranking Member Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.). “The Trump administration’s continued attacks on hard-working public servants have severely hampered federal agencies’ ability to manage critical programs, including at DOI and USFS. Additional firings at these agencies—especially as the administration seeks to cut critical funding—would be detrimental to our ability to safeguard our natural resources, protect communities, fight wildfires, and more,” said Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), Ranking Member of the Federal Lands Subcommittee. “That’s why I’m proud to join Ranking Member Huffman in introducing two bills that would protect the employees at our land management agencies and the communities they serve.” “Trump’s mass firings are an assault on the very people who protect our air, our water, and our communities from crisis. As a physician and a lawmaker, I know that when disaster strikes—whether it’s a wildfire, a toxic spill, or a public health emergency—it’s scientists, public servants, and field professionals who make the difference between resilience and catastrophe,” said Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. “I’m proud to help introduce legislation to stop the purge of our public workforce and defend the essential services every American relies on.” “Trump’s cruel and chaotic attacks on public servants are not about efficiency. These attacks dismantle the very agencies that protect our water, lands, and communities,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee. “As wildfires rage across the West and droughts parch our lands, New Mexicans know that fully-staffed agencies protect us from disaster. Our legislation will help defend our communities from the Trump administration’s dangerous firings.” “Federal workers are essential to making sure that our government truly acts in the best interest of the people,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Ranking Member of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee. “The public servants at the Department of the Interior and the US Forest Service work hard every day to keep us safe and make sure our communities are healthy. I’m so proud to join my colleagues in pushing to suspend Trump’s reckless and indiscriminate firings at this agency so that they can continue their important work.” “The Trump administration has already weakened the Forest Service by firing critical staff, including those who manage wildfire preparedness and response. This bill is a necessary step to prevent further reckless reductions,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Forestry and Nutrition Subcommittee on the House Agriculture Committee. “I’m proud to join Ranking Member Huffman in standing up for the agency’s workforce and to protect communities that rely on it.” Read the full text of the House DOI RIFs bill here. Read the full text of the House USFS RIFs bill here. Background The bills impose an immediate moratorium on agency firings through the RIF process to protect public service delivery while Congress investigates DOGE and assesses long-term staffing needs. The Senate companion bills were introduced by Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
Lincoln County’s youngest elected official prepares to grapple with funding cut-backs
Elected to the Board of the Siletz Rural Fire Protection District in May with almost 64% of the vote, Katie Saaty, 29, is believed to be Lincoln County’s youngest elected official and, in her new capacity, is already grappling with funding shortfalls for emergency management resulting from cutbacks in federal assistance to state and local emergency service providers. “Coming into this new role, I’m aware that the actions of the new administration are really having a ripple effect on the financial realities of our fire district in terms of regulations and climate change denial,” said Saaty, who was endorsed by the Lincoln County Democratic Party. She was sworn into her new post on Tuesday, July 15. Earlier this year, federal grant funding was cut for several programs, including training of volunteer firefighters, new equipment and emergency staffing. Some of those cuts were reversed, but Washington’s actions resulted in confusion and an atmosphere of uncertainty among many rural fire districts, especially those, like Siletz, that rely upon volunteers who require free or low-cost training to augment their professional staff. Fire departments, especially in rural areas, already operate on tight budgets, and many rely on federal programs to train personnel. Reductions or cutoffs in federal grants could lead to fewer trained firefighters, longer response times, and higher risks for communities facing fires and other disasters. According to the district’s website, the Siletz fire department responds to an average of 300 emergency calls per year, with the majority entailing emergency medical services. The department also responds to motor vehicle crashes, water rescues and provides for prevention and education services. Siletz firefighters respond to mutual aid requests from other agencies and take part in fighting regional wildfires. Many of those services would be jeopardized by cutbacks in emergency response funding. As a newly elected Fire District board member, Saaty said she’ll be helping to find workarounds for budget shortfalls while making the public aware of the impacts of administration decisions. The potential of those impacts are what drove her to become involved in the political process and to seek public office. Saaty, a Siletz resident, is a first-time office holder. “We all could see what was happening and what was going to be coming (in the wake of the November election) and were keeping an eye out for ways to get involved.” Saaty attended a Newport rally co-sponsored by the Indivisible group and the county’s Democratic Party. The party’s county chairperson, Mary Infante, engaged her in conversation and asked if she would be interested in running for office in May’s special election. Although Saaty had no experience in elected office, her day job as a Water Quality Monitoring Specialist with the U.S. Soil and Water Conservation District imparted a good working knowledge of the interaction between supervisory boards and staff in public agencies. Saaty said she hopes to be using her new position to inform the public about the dangers posed by environmental threats, especially the dangers posed by climate change. “I was living here at the time of the Echo Mountain fire and I know that a lot of people in the area don’t believe in the reality of climate change and what a hazard the changing climate will pose to all of us.” Although she’s enthused about assuming her new role in public office, Saaty doesn’t nurse ambitions toward higher office. “I’m not especially interested in going after positions of authority, but If something came along for which I’d be a good fit, I’d certainly consider it,” said Saaty, who majored in fisheries while studying for her degree from California’s Humboldt State University. “It would be especially interesting if it were something in the environmental sector, aquatic environment or aquatic wildlife. I’d like to be of help in areas I’m well-suited for.”
Immigrant rights guidance, platform policy on agenda for County Democrats July 23 meeting in Lincoln City
LINCOLN CITY — The rights of immigrants and all persons living in the U.S. and the county’s platform goals and proposals will be presented at the Lincoln County Democratic Party’s next meeting, Wednesday, July 23, 5:45 p.m., at the Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place in Lincoln City. In her “Know Your Rights” presentation, attorney Kate Simkins will explain the constitutional rights held by all persons living in the U.S. regardless of immigration status and how those rights can be exercised. She’ll discuss how Oregon’s sanctuary state status works to protect Oregonians and what all residents can do to help protect themselves and their neighbors. An associate with the Lincoln City-based Zantello Law Group, Simkins has extensive experience in the field of immigration law and has represented both immigrant children and adults in private practice, worked for two faith-based nonprofit immigration organizations and worked as an asylum officer, a policy analyst and an immigration attorney for three federal agencies. In advance of the Oregon Democratic Party’s August Platform Convention, attendees will hear from Platform Committee Delegation Chair, Linda Perrine, about the platform proposals to be presented by the Lincoln County Democrats for consideration by the state organization. A discussion will follow the presentation. The proposals fall into nine key areas: Economy and Labor, Education, Climate and Environment, Foreign and National Security, Human Rights, Health Care and Public Health, Energy and Infrastructure, Protecting Democracy and Science and Technology. Among the items included under those headings are support for an Oregon “right to a healthy environment” constitutional amendment, universal housing and healthcare, support for state energy independence, subsidized child care, preservation of Oregon farmland and tying federal minimum wage to the same cost of living (COLA) as it is currently applied to social security. Finally, the attendees will hear a summary of recent public rallies and demonstration activity and will be informed of future opportunities for expressing their views in public forums. “At this very dangerous period of our history, it’s important that we find a strategic balance between policy and action,” said Mary Infante, Chair of the central committee of the Lincoln County Democratic Party. “By providing sound legal guidance to our most vulnerable neighbors, organizing to raise our voices as effectively as possible and clarifying our values and priorities, we’re demonstrating that we are not just the voice of opposition, but also the proponents of a sustainable, fair and equitable future.” The Lincoln County Democratic Party holds monthly meetings rotating among northern, central, southern and eastern centers of the county with zoom options available for virtual attendance and participation. All are welcome. The purpose of the Lincoln County Democratic Party and its executive committee is to promote the interests of the Democratic Party in Oregon and Lincoln County, to work for the election of Democratic candidates, adopt a party platform and work to ensure its principles are reflected in law, and to provide a link between Democratic voters, the Democratic Party, and the government. The Lincoln County Democratic Party welcomes comments and questions, which can be addressed to: dems@lincolncountydemocratsoregon.com.
Gov. Kotek Declares Drought Status for Lincoln County
Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Lincoln County through Executive Order 25-13 and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Lincoln County has been experiencing moderate drought since May 27 and severe drought since June 17. Drought metrics also indicate that drought conditions have been present in Lincoln County over the last three to six months. Additionally, below normal precipitation, above normal temperatures, streamflow, and soil moisture conditions further indicate persistent drought conditions in Lincoln County. For much of the year, Lincoln County benefited from normal to above normal streamflow conditions. However, recent conditions have declined to well below normal levels with some stream gauges recording record low conditions. Declining streamflow conditions have persisted despite precipitation that occurred during June. Streamflow conditions are likely to remain below normal without sustained precipitation. A link to the Executive Order can be found here. (Source: Oregon.gov)
Rep. Hoyle Files Four Amendments to Congressional Republicans’ Partisan Budget Bill
The amendments focused on protecting students, county payments for rural communities, & reversing H.R. 1’s massive tax cuts for the rich and big corporations For Immediate Release: July 2, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, in the House Committee on Rules, Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) filed four common sense amendments to Senate Republicans’ partisan version of the budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) that aim to protect working families and rural communities from the worst impacts of the legislation. In her testimony, Rep. Hoyle underscored the need for common-sense solutions over partisan chaos, calling on Congress to listen to the American people and focus on real-world impacts instead of political theater. Her proposals include: Striking the Medicaid provider tax changesin the bill which will otherwise push rural hospitals closer to the brink of closure; Doubling the Pell Grant which will otherwise be significantly reduced; Striking the language on timber revenue sharing which will otherwise cut counties out of their share of timber receipts; and, Inserting language from the Wall Street Tax Act which provides an alternative way to fund government programs through enacting a 0.1% transaction tax on risky trades done by speculators on Wall Street. Rep. Hoyle’s full testimony to the committee can be viewed here. Background on the amendments filed and how they respond to the current bill text can be found below. Background Amendment 15: An amendment to add The Wall Street Tax Act BILL AS DRAFTED: H.R. 1, as amended by the Senate, would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt by giving the largest-ever tax cut to billionaires and big corporations. REP. HOYLE’S AMENDMENT: Amendment 15 would raise over $700 billion by levying a tiny .1% tax on all trades of stocks, bonds, and derivatives. Revenues from Amendment 15 can be reinvested into programs that H.R. 1 cuts, like Medicaid and SNAP. This tax would hit Wall Street, wealthy private investors, and large corporations hardest, ensuring they pay their fair share while keeping the tax burden off of working families. Amendment 43: An amendment to double the budget allocation for Pell Grants. BILL AS DRAFTED: H.R. 1, as amended by the Senate, would cut the Pell Grant by as much as $1,500 for some students and attach overreaching credit-requirements for students receiving the grant. The program is currently slated to have a $2.8 billion deficiency at the end of this fiscal year. REP. HOYLE’S AMENDMENT: Amendment 43 would double H.R. 1’s allocations for Pell Grants, ensuring that the program remains solvent without any cuts. Amendment 64: An amendment to strike the changes to the Medicaid Provider Tax changes. BILL AS DRAFTED: H.R. 1, as amended by the Senate, would change the Medicaid Provider Tax to reduce amount of federal matching dollars available to states who then disperse this funding to hospitals. Federal matching dollars are especially vital to help keep rural hospitals funded. REP. HOYLE’S AMENDMENT: Amendment 64 would remove any changes to the Medicaid Provider Tax and is specifically aimed at keeping rural hospitals across Oregon and the country open. The amendment comes after new data showed the Senate’s version of H.R. 1 already creates an $8 billion shortfall in rural hospital funding, before Provider Tax changes are factored in. Amendment 411: An amendment to amend timber revenue sharing. BILL AS DRAFTED: H.R. 1, as amended by the Senate, would take timber revenues away from counties by mandating all revenues from increased timber production go directly to the federal government. REP. HOYLE’S AMENDMENT: Amendment 411 would strike the provisions that would prevent counties from receiving standard revenue shares for timber sales on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Mangement Lands. These revenue shares are vital to helping rural governments fund schools, local safety, and more — especially as local taxbases dwindle yearly. Amendment 411 is also cost neutral.
Rep. Dave Gomberg: “Adjournment is Around the Corner”
In his June 23 newsletter, State Rep. David Gomberg discusses what we can expect in the final days of the 2025 legislative session. Rep. Gomberg also invites us to participate in his upcoming town hall, which will also feature Attorney General Dan Rayfield. The town hall is Monday, July 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln City Community Center. RSVP TO TOWN HALL READ THE UPDATE
Juneteenth 2025
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.” We encourage you to celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day with us. [Source: “What Is Juneteenth?” History.com]
Klamath Falls Man Arrested in Newport for Alleged Assault on Lincoln County Democrats Protester
Newport, OR – Jacob Earl Busch, a 41-year-old man from Klamath Falls, Oregon, was arrested in Newport last week after allegedly body-slamming a 74-year-old protester to the ground outside Newport City Hall. Witness accounts and video footage indicate that Busch’s actions resulted in serious injuries to the victim, who required hospitalization. Busch was arraigned on Monday, June 9, at 1:12 p.m. in Room 305 of the Lincoln County Courthouse. The arraignment was overseen by Judge Sheryl Bouchart, and Busch was represented by court-appointed attorney Matthew Martin. He pleaded not guilty to the current charge of assault in the fourth degree. According to witnesses and video from the scene, Busch stopped his vehicle in the middle of traffic to confront a group of peaceful demonstrators on the sidewalk. Social media posts allege that Busch claimed his wife—a military veteran—was offended by signs being displayed at the protest. However, the protester who was assaulted was reportedly holding a Ukrainian flag at the time. The person believed to be his wife allegedly began the altercation by exiting the vehicle first and being verbally confrontational, and a minor child was reportedly present in their vehicle. After the incident, the vehicle fled the scene but was later located and stopped in Waldport, Oregon. During the arraignment, Judge Bouchart issued a no-contact order to protect the victim. Lincoln County Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Thornicroft confirmed after the hearing that Busch has a lengthy criminal history. Court records show prior convictions for multiple assaults, methamphetamine-related charges, numerous driving violations, escape, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In 2021, Busch received two separate 24-month prison sentences in Linn County, each with an additional 24 months of post-prison supervision. Though the sentences pertained to separate charges, it remains unclear whether they were served concurrently or consecutively. Information provided during the arraignment further reveals that Busch has been arrested 23 times across two states. Given Busch’s extensive criminal history, the District Attorney’s office has requested the court consider these prior offenses during any bail considerations. Prosecutors also suggested that more serious charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. The victim in the case, a military veteran himself, spoke to the District Attorney expressing pride in defending the constitutional right to free speech. “Even if I personally disagree with what others choose to say, I am proud to have upheld this country’s constitutional rights—and I will continue to do so,” he said. He was not able to attend the arraignment due to ongoing health issues directly related to the case, but provided a statement to the DA expressing concern for his personal safety, and that of the community, if Busch was allowed to be released. Busch remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue pending $75,000.00 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 7 at 8:30 a.m.