The Oregon House Committee on Rules convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss two significant resolutions that highlight the state's agricultural heritage and support for military families.

The first resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 (SCR 13), seeks to designate the T-bone steak as Oregon's official state steak. Morgan Crom, president of the Oregon Cattle Women and a rancher, presented a compelling case for the resolution, emphasizing the historical significance of cattle ranching in Oregon, which dates back to the early 1800s. Crom noted that cattle production contributed nearly $800 million to the state's economy in 2022, underscoring the importance of ranching not only as an economic driver but also as a way of life for many families. The T-bone steak, representing the diversity and quality of Oregon's beef industry, was described as a fitting symbol of the state's agricultural legacy. The committee unanimously supported the resolution, which carries no fiscal impact, reflecting a broader recognition of the agricultural community's contributions to Oregon's culture and economy.

The second resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 (SCR 30), designates April 10, 2025, as "Purple Up Day" in honor of military children. Katie Sutanovich, a former military sergeant and chief of staff to Senator Suzanne Weber, advocated for this resolution, highlighting the often-overlooked sacrifices made by children of military families. Sutanovich shared her personal experience, noting that while service members receive public acknowledgment for their sacrifices, their children often do not. This resolution aims to recognize and honor the resilience of military-connected youth in Oregon, which has over 7,000 children linked to military service. By designating a day to celebrate these children, the resolution seeks to foster community awareness and support for their unique challenges.

Both resolutions reflect Oregon's commitment to honoring its agricultural roots and recognizing the sacrifices of military families. As the committee moves forward, these discussions underscore the importance of community support and recognition for diverse groups within the state. The next steps will involve further legislative processes to formalize these recognitions, reinforcing Oregon's cultural and economic values.