E-News Update    -    House District 45    -   Issue XII

                                                                                               

 

 

 

Representative Jackie Dingfelder

House District 45

 

 

Phone:             503-986-1445

Fax:                 503-986-1130

Address:           900 Court St. NE, H-383

                        Salem, OR 97301

E-mail:             rep.jackiedingfelder@state.or.us

Website:          http://www.leg.state.or.us/dingfelder/home.htm

 

 

 

July 10, 2003

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

At the beginning of session, despite the Speaker’s optimistic timeline, many Capitol watchers speculated that this session would be a long one.  However, who knew that seven months later we would find ourselves so far from wrapping things up? 

 

The session thus far has been largely unproductive in reconciling our budget shortfall with our funding needs.  With the Speaker’s recent creation of a separate House budget committee, any semblance of progress has slowed to a crawl.  This move will, unfortunately, lengthen the duration of this legislative session.

 

On a more positive note, the House Revenue Committee has been hearing testimony over the past two weeks regarding tax reforms.  Thanks to all who shared their opinions on this matter with me directly and with the Revenue Committee during the public hearings.

 

More details about the budget and tax reform are included in this newsletter.

   

Sincerely,

Representative Jackie Dingfelder

House District 45

 

This Issue:

 

 

 

HOUSE REVENUE COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON TAX REFORM:

On Monday, June 30th, the House Revenue Committee began two weeks of hearings on tax reform.   The House Committee, joined by members of the Senate Revenue Committee, explored a range of reform options.  Despite the publicity surrounding the discussion, staff for Speaker Minnis clarified that she does not support a legislatively enacted general tax increase and that the hearings should not be confused with the 2003-05 budget.  A statement issued last week by the speaker’s office read, “The speaker sees these hearings as the beginning of a discussion that could well last into the interim”, and there are no plans to come back in a special session and enact major tax changes.

 

During the first meeting Former Governor Vic Atiyeh and former Republican Representative Tony VanVliet urged the Legislature to put aside partisan politics and enact tax reform to ensure stable funding for critical services to Oregonians.

Atiyeh was governor when the Legislature voted to create a temporary income tax surcharge to sustain state services during the recession of the early 1980s.

 

VanVliet speculated that a major reason prior attempts at reforming Oregon’s tax system failed in the 1980s and early 1990s, when Oregonians were asked to consider a sales tax, was because the discussion centered around taxation and not on the services that Oregonians would be receiving for their tax dollars.

 

The committee also heard from State Treasurer Randall Edwards who reported that the Oregon public finance system had caused the unbiased Wall Street bond raters to downgrade Oregon's bond rating, which equated to a 'hidden cost' to state taxpayers.  Committee members also heard from three economists:

 

 

 

 

The committee also received an overview of the multi-state tax commission, and its efforts to assist states in developing streamlined sales taxes that reduce the burden on retailers with the goal of increasing compliance.

 

On Wednesday, July 9th, House Democratic Leader Deborah Kafoury delivered the shared position of the House Democrats in her invited testimony.  The sentiments she expressed, on behalf of our caucus, echo what I have been saying since coming into office; the legislature needs to take action to provide stable, reliable, and adequate funding for critical state services.  Tax reform is a key component in addressing this fact.

 

Additionally, the committee has heard from numerous private citizens during its’ open hearings.  Chair Shetterly, with an eye to fairness as always, has done a good job of allowing equal time for individuals on both sides of the argument to air their view on the subject.

 

 

BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS and STOP-GAP FUNDING

The number of participants in the "Leadership" budget discussions has ranged from close to 20 to just three in recent days. The three are: Governor Ted Kulongoski, Senate President Courtney and House Speaker Minnis. Legislators were hopeful that greater progress could be made through direct negotiations between the three.

 

In an action that took the immediate pressure off the budget deliberations, Governor Kulongoski signed into law HB 5065. The bill will allow state agencies without approved budgets to continue to operate for the month of July despite not having budgets for the 2003-2005 biennium. In debate on the bill’s passage, Sen. Kurt Schrader, Co-Chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee, commented that he thought they would be back in a month to pass another stopgap measure.

 

On Monday, June 30, Governor Kulongoski signed HB 3642 into law. The bill transfers $108 million from the Educational Stability Fund (established in 2002 by the voters passage of a legislative referral) to help fund schools for the 2003-2005 biennium. This is the third time that the Legislature has transferred money from the fund.

 

 

SPEAKER MINNIS CREATES SPECIAL BUDGET COMMITTEE

On Thursday, July 3rd, the House Rules Committee sent a rule amendment to the House Floor to allow Speaker Minnis to set up a “Special Committee on Budget”.  This committee is separate from the bipartisan, Joint Ways and Means Committee which has been working on budget issues since January. 

 

On Tuesday, July 8th, the Speaker named committee members to that committee which will consist of Representatives Randy Miller(R) and Susan Morgan (R) as Chair and Vice-Chair, and Representatives Rob Patridge (R) and Gary Hansen (D) as members.  As you can see the balance is three republicans to one democrat.  This balance precludes any ideological-based dissenting opinion from being aired in a minority report.

 

With this committee in place Speaker Minnis can now pass whatever budget related bills she wants out of the House.  However, it is likely that the Senate will not pass budgets that shortchange our kids’ schools, or put the sick or disabled in jeopardy. Rather, the Senate will probably send any bills the House passes out back to the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

 

 

SCHOOL FUNDING IMPASSE:

Education funding remains at the top of the list of unresolved issues this session.  Negotiating a settlement for funding Oregon’s schools has touched every office in the capitol, but we are still no closer to a resolution.  The key element in this issue remains the proposed funding level of the State School Fund.

 

The figures being discussed for K-12 education suggest that schools will be funded at a level ranging from $4.9 billion, the Speaker’s proposal, to $5.3 billion which is the Governor’s proposed budget.  House Democrats started this session calling for $5.9 for public education, but hopes of reaching this figure have diminished due to a lack of willingness by a sufficient majority of the House members to raise the necessary funds. 

With inflation adjustments and cost of living increases, the funding levels from the 2001-03 biennium would require a funding level of $6 billion to retain our current service levels and remain on-par with the last two school years. 

 

While the legislature passed a continuing resolution that will last until the end of July, it is important that school districts know in the near future, with some level of certainty, what the funding level will be so that they can start to plan for the next school year.

 

 

OREGON HEALTH PLAN SATUS:

I have received several emails lately inquiring about the status of the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).  I had intended to include a thorough update in this newsletter, however the status of the OHP and related public health policy issues changes daily.  A work group is meeting daily to review options for keeping the Oregon Health Plan intact.  Unfortunately, it is unlikely that past cuts made during the Special Sessions will be restored unless new revenue is generated.
 

One funding option, introduced by Representative Alan Bates, would create a .5% user fee on healthcare services.  Every dollar generated under this proposal would be matched with $2 in federal funds.  These funds would then be used by the Department of Human Services for medical assistance programs.  House Bill 3393 received a hearing in the House Health and Human Services Committee, but the bill was stuck in the committee when it shutdown.

 

If you are supportive of this proposal, I encourage you to contact House Speaker Karen Minnis at 900 Court St. NE Room 269 Salem, OR 97301, or via email at rep.karenminnis@state.or.us, and urge her to either allow a work session on this bill or to raise the necessary revenues to restore funding to the OHP.    

 

 

TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE UPDATE:

House Bill 2041, the Transportation Funding Package bill, is now in Senate Committees for consideration.  If you will recall from an earlier newsletter, dated June 13th, the one objection I have with the package is the inclusion of a new tax credit for purchases of new or replacement EPA-certified diesel truck engines.  My frustration stems from the fact that we would be creating a new tax credit for EPA-certified engines, which will soon be federally mandatory anyway.  This new tax credit could cost the state as much as $3 million per year in lost revenue per year.

 

Overall, the package is a good deal for Oregon.  We need the 4,750 new jobs that will result from the implementation of this transportation package and businesses need the long-term freight mobility enhancements to be competitive in a fast-paced economy. 

 

It is my hope that the Senate Revenue Committee will remove the Section 29 provision of HB 2041 during its’ work session scheduled for Monday, July 14th.

 

 

RAIL FUNDING ACTION ALERT:

Recently, local and state leaders from across Oregon came together to urge restoration for rail funding in the next biennium.  I am participating in this legislative Passenger Rail Transportation Caucus which was formed to address funding issue. Although the Governor included funding for rail service in his balanced budget proposal, the current Co-Chairs Budget proposal has removed funding for the trains from the 2003-2005 budget. To retain Oregon's passenger rail service the Legislature will need to come up with $9.3 million. 

 

If the session ends without funding these trains, passenger rail services will stop immediately.  In addition to losing this transportation options, the state will forgo an estimated $6 million in economic benefits generated from businesses related to tourism activities.  As local economies continue to develop regional tourism, traded and commerce over the next 20 years, this corridor will be a key component to economic recovery in Oregon.

 

If you are supportive of retaining passenger rail services in Oregon, I encourage you to contact the Budget Committee Chairs’.

 

Co-Chairs / Budget Committee Chairs

Senator Kurt Schrader 

Representative Randy Miller

 

 

ADVOCACY COMMISSIONS ACTION ALERT:

Women and minorities in Oregon are in real danger of losing the only official voice in state government.  As of April 1st, the legislature cut funding for the Commissions for Women, Black Affairs, Hispanic Affairs, and Asian Affairs. These agencies provide the only recognition that women and minorities deserve a voice and a seat at the table of state government.

 

These are very lean state agencies that provide a stellar example of how much can be accomplished with minimal resources.  Each commission has only one employee, an executive director who does everything from research to fundraising to clerical work.  The commissioners themselves are citizen volunteers who donate their time.

 

The various commissions are set up to bring communities into closer contact with their representatives and to help legislators connect with the ones they work for, the people.

These commissions also provide direct services by fielding questions and providing help to their respective constituents.  They are often the last stop for people with problems who don’t know what public and private resources are available.

 

The advocacy commissions complement the actions of Legislators as they work to carry out their legal mandate to represent all Oregonians.  Please contact Gov. Kulongoski and the Ways and Means Co-Chairs and ask that the advocacy commissions be funded in the 2003-2005 Budget.

 

Contact info:

Governor Kulongoski

 

Co-Chairs / Budget Committee Chairs

Senator Kurt Schrader 

Representative Randy Miller

 

 

EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Donate Blood; supplies have dropped to a 1-day supply

During the summer more people become injured and less people give blood.  
If you can spare an hour to give blood the American Red Cross would greatly appreciate it.  You can make an appointment at the Portland Red Cross Office which is located at 3131 N Vancouver Avenue, Portland, OR  97008.

 

For more information contact:
Cecelia Wanner

American Red Cross Pacific

  Northwest Regional Blood Services
Phone: (503) 528-5847
Email: wannerc@usa.redcross.org

 

 

Kids N' Tennis Fundraiser

Saturday, July 12, from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. the Fremont Nature's store will sponsor a special fundraiser for Kids N’ Tennis, an organization that provides low income kids (8-19) with the benefits of a world class tennis club. This multi-cultural club was started by 2 African American Tennis Pros who felt that kids should have an opportunity to learn and compete in this great sport.  Today Kids N Tennis has placed in the national tennis championships at the junior level.  This function is being organized by parents of the Kids N’ Tennis summer camp.  The meal is $5.00 per person with all proceeds going to Kids N' Tennis.  

 

Menu:  Jerk Chicken or Tofu, Coconut Rice, Black Beans, Mango Slaw, and a soda.  

 

www.kidsntennis.com

 

 

Hollywood Farmers Market Visit

The Hollywood Farmers Market is going strong!  The Hollywood Farmers Market is located at 4420 NE Hancock Street and operates every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  If you have questions or would like to volunteer please contact the Hollywood Farmers Market at 503-233-3313. 

Click here to access the Farmers Market website.

 

 

Have a Burger and Help the Hollywood Theater

On Saturday, July 19th,  you can enjoy a famous Yaw’s burger at Sam’s Billiards, 1845 NE 41 - Poor Richards, NE 39 & Broadway - The Laurelwood Pub, 1728 NE 40, or

The Hollywood Burger Bar, 4211 NE Sandy Blvd., and the proceeds will go towards the Hollywood Theatre’s marquee restoration. 

 

Purchase a burger from one of the restaurants during the month of July and buy a Yaw Burger on July 19 at the Walk & Shop and then cast your vote for one of today’s burgers or burgers of Yaw’s.  You will have a chance to win one of the prizes that include a $300 gift certificate to Sunriver, two passes to the Hollywood Theatre, or a $10 coupon to any participating restaurant.

 

For more information about July 19th’s “Yaw’s Burgers helping the Hollywood Theatre restore its’ marquee”, contact John Perkins, 503-288-3892.

 

 

Columbia Slough Regatta 2003

Bring your family and your canoe or kayak to the largest community paddling event in the Northwest!  Personal Flotation Devices Required.  Sunday July 27th from 9:00 am- to 1:00 pm at the Multnomah Country Drainage Districts Headquarters at 1880 NE Elrod Drive, Portland (Just off NE 33rd Ave.)

 

Limited complimentary 45-minute canoe and kayak rental courtesy of Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe.  Reservations are necessary for the complimentary canoe trips and space is limited.  RSVP to Joe Annett for reservation: (503) 823-2934 or jannett@ci.portland.or.us  For more information contact Sarah Murphy (503) 281-1132 or e-mail info@columbiaslough.org or go to http://www.columbiaslough.org/index.html.

 

 

Project: Community Care

On August 16th over a thousand volunteers will donate their time, tools and hard work to help out at Project: Community Care.  Volunteers will help out in grounds keeping projects, paint touch ups, and delivering food boxes to families in the school community.  There are 40 schools participating, some of which include; Beaumont Middle School, Grant High School, and Gregory Heights Middle School.

 

The work will begin at 10:00 am and end at 3:00 pm on August 16th.  There will also be a barbeque for participants.  For more information contact Randy Thomas; manager of custodial services for PPS at 503-961-3154 e-mail:rathomas@pps.k12.or.us or Patty O’Sullivan; government relations officer for PPS at 503-580-0630 e-mail posulliv@pps.k12.or.us.

 

 

Summer Camp at the Oregon Zoo

Children four years of age through seventh grade can spend five exciting days at the zoo learning about various endangered species.  The camp, which runs from 9am-4pm, June 16th –August 29th, includes daily lunch breaks and instruction from the zoo’s most experienced animal keepers.  For more information or to register, call 503-220-2781.

 

 

Go to the Hollywood Senior Center Gift Shop

The Hollywood Senior Center Gift Shop needs volunteers, customers, and consignors.  For thirty years the Gift Shop has been selling craft items handmade by senior citizens from the community.  The money raised is used to provide services to elders in the community who rely on the Senior Center for support. 

 

Help support the elder citizens of our community by volunteering for a half-day a week or by purchasing a toy, quilt, a knit, or some baby clothes.  Your contribution will be much appreciated.

 

 

LINKS TO THE LEGISLATURE:

You'll find a current schedule of the public meetings and events for a range of state agencies, boards and commissions at: http://www.oregon.gov/index.cfm?CurrPID=665

 

Track legislation online at: http://www.leg.state.or.us/billsset.htm/

Streaming audio/video of floor sessions and many committee hearings are available at: http://www.leg.state.or.us/listn/listenset.htm

 

The new Oregon Blue Book is now on line.  The Blue Book is the official state directory and fact book about all levels of government in Oregon... and much more, check it out.

 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

I value your feedback, questions, and concerns about state issues. Please feel free to use the e-mail, mail, and telephone contact information listed below. Thank you for the honor of representing you in the Oregon House of Representatives.

 

State Rep. Jackie Dingfelder
rep.jackiedingfelder@state.or.us  
Phone: 503-986-1445

Address: 900 Court Streets, NE, H-383, Salem, OR 97301
Fax: 503-986-1901

Website: http://www.leg.state.or.us/dingfelder/home.htm

 

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please send an email with the message unsubscribe to: rep.jackiedingfelder@state.or.us