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Dear Friends,
It has been a busy few weeks at the capitol. Being back for February's 'emergency session' has brought legislation that is in my opinion both necessary and unnecessary. It has been difficult, at times, for me to watch as we spend tax payer’s dollars looking and reviewing legislation that has little if any time restrictions and even legislation that is potentially harmful to the economy and to the public’s safety.
As we came back this month it was my hope that we would work solely on legislation that was either urgent or would aid in creating jobs and getting the economy back on the right track. I have come to the conclusion, however, that while some of those things may happen; it will not be the overall theme of this session.
Last week, HB 3653 was introduced to fix concerns and possible legal ramifications of SB 519 which passed during the last regular session. SB 519 was termed the employer gag bill and is currently being challenged in the federal court. Unfortunately, HB 3653 continues the atmosphere of punishing employers and treating them with suspicion instead of providing an environment in which they can grow and create jobs. The business community (the community directly affected) was not invited to the discussions surrounding the problems with the original bill. This concerns me. I supported and was proud to carry the minority report to HB 3653 primarily because of my strong belief that we must get some balance back in our policy decisions that will create an environment in Oregon that will encourage and allow private enterprise to grow. We need jobs. We need entrepreneurs willing to take risks to provide jobs. Unfortunately, the minority report was rejected. Click here to see a clip!
This week, the House passed SB 1007, which is another “fix” bill from last session’s problematic HB 3508. HB 3508 allows criminals to be eligible for early release. Unfortunately, many flaws within this bill have allowed 4,800 felons to be released early. I received many letters and emails about the issue these two bills addressed, supporting a complete repeal. Attorney General Kroger, The Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, The Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association and The Oregon District Attorney’s Association all oppose SB 1007. I have great concerns with both the substance of SB 1007 and the process for vetting this legislation. SB 1007 went directly to Ways and Means (this is not a policy committee) instead of the Judiciary committee, which has members with experience and history of public safety issues. Despite sincere opposition from the public safety community, SB 1007 passed. Again, we are rushing through serious policy decisions without appropriate input from key stakeholders and the traditional vetting process. I don’t believe this is good for the people of this State.
Today the Republican Caucus and myself proposed an alternative annual session plan that would require the Legislature to focus only on emergency fiscal and policy issues during even-year sessions. The proposal will be presented as a “minority report” to the plan that’s heading to the House Floor for a vote on HJR 41.
This alternative plan will require the Legislature to address only the most urgent issues facing our state. It would require both parties to work together, while limiting the partisanship and backroom deal-making we’ve seen this month.”
The alternative retains the provisions of the majority plan, but adds additional restrictions on legislative activity during even-year sessions. Under the plan, the Legislature could only address memorials or resolutions, budget-balancing measures and tax and revenue measures.
In addition, any measure that reaches the House or Senate Floors during even-year sessions would require a bipartisan, two-thirds vote in both bodies.
On the front page of the Oregonian on Thursday the top headline read, "Next Oregon budget needs another federal bailout, lawmaker says." The Oregonian reported that Democratic leadership wants yet another federal bailout for the 2011-13 state budget. They say the money is needed to sustain spending that grew by 9 percent and 20 percent, respectively, in the last two biennium. I reminded everyone on the House Floor during remonstrance’s that Oregonians need jobs, not another taxpayer-funded bailout.
Oregon needs a tax system and policies that encourage, not discourage, job growth. To balance the budget, the Legislature needs to control its unsustainable spending and require state government to live within its means- just like Oregon families and businesses.
Following the closing of Session, Senator Jackie Winters, Representative Vicki Berger and myself will be having a Town Hall. It will be on March 2nd at the Salem Public Library from 6:30 pm until 8:00pm. I hope you can make it!
As we continue with Session I will do my best to keep you in the loop. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
Blessings,
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