News From the Legislature
 
Winter appears to finally be moving into spring and the legislature has started to focus on finalizing what bills will be heard this session. Like much of this session, the budget has dominated the past two weeks. The legislature rebalanced the current 2007-09 budget and has started work on the upcoming 2009-11 budget. This past week I testified in support of the Pharmaceutical Take Back Bill, while the committee I chair heard public comments on proposed regulations of fire retardants and phasing out of field burning in the Willamette Valley. In addition to my legislative work, I was able to attend the Bike Transportation Alliance's Alice Awards Event and I am looking forward to our upcoming Legislative Town Hall in April.
 
In This Issue
 
1. Pharmaceutical Take Back Bill
2. Phasing Out of Toxic Flame Retardants
3. Upcoming Town Hall
4. Events
 
Pharmaceutical Take Back Bill in Health Committee
 

 

On Wednesday, March 11th, the Senate Human Services and Rural Health Policy Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 598, which creates a system to return unused pharmaceuticals. As mentioned on the previous newsletter, SB 598 was introduced by the committee, at my request. The picture above is a link to video footage of my testimony in support of Senate Bill 598. 
 

Phasing Out of Toxic Flame Retardants

Last week, the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, held a hearing on Senate Bill 596, which would restrict the manufacture, sale, and distribution of products containing Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PDBEs). PBDEs are found in a wide variety of products, including carpets, computer circuit boards, and textiles. Studies have found that PDBEs are increasingly building up in the natural and urban environments. PBDEs are classified as a persistent bioaccumulative toxin, which means that once it get into our environment or our bodies, it stays around for a long time and continues to accumulate with repeated exposure. Currently, Oregon bans two of the three major types of PDBEs, and SB 596 would expand these regulations to include the third major category. If SB 596 were adopted, Oregon would join Washington and Maine in banning all of the major types of PDBEs.
 
Upcoming Town Hall
 
On Thursday, April 2nd, I am hosting a Town Hall at Portland Community College Southeast Center, at 7:00 PM, with Representatives Cannon and Dembrow. It will focus on the upcoming budget for the 2009-2011 biennium. I look forward to hearing from all of you about how the legislature should approach the budget during the current economic downturn. Parking will be free, for the event. The Town Hall will be located at:
 
PCC Southeast Center, Mt. Tabor Hall, Rooms 139 and 140, at the corner of SE 82nd and Dvision St., 97216.
 
Events
 
On Saturday March 9th, I attended the 14th Annual Alice Awards which are given by the Bike Transportation Alliance. I am pictured at the awards with Representative Tobias Read (photo by Jonathan Maus, used with permission).
 
Jackie and Tobias
 
Oregon State University is now accepting applications for their summer science camp for Oregon Middle School students. The camp runs through the first two weeks of August and its program, lodging, food, and field trips are fully funded through grants. The camp accepts 48 students. Applications and more information can be obtained from their website, http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/summer-science-camp, by email at fourhscicamp@proaxis.com, or from Andy Hoffmann by phone at 541-737-4081. The deadline to apply is April 15th.