News From The Legislature

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
 
With the end of the session, and the opportunity to take a breath, I've been able to reflect on all the accomplishments-and the unfortunate missed opportunities-from the 2009 Legislative Session.  Among some of my own successes were phasing out the toxic chemical deca-BDE, allowing households to use gray water systems, providing school breakfasts to more Oregon children, protecting the Metolius area, increasing Oregon's minimum corporate tax, and reducing Oregon's greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.  On the other side of the coin, some of the bills we weren't able to pass this session included paid family leave, children's toy safety, unredeemed deposits transparency, and the drug take back bill.
 
I'm disappointed in the outcome of these bills; however, it's probably best at this point to focus on what went well this session.  As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, one of the biggest accomplishments from this session was in the area of health care.  We passed HB 2116, which will expand health insurance coverage to include 80,000 more Oregon kids, meaning that 95% of Oregon's children will now have health insurance.  HB 2116 also expands the Oregon Health Plan to include roughly 35,000 more adults.  We are able to expand coverage mainly because HB 2116 leverages federal matching funds to bring in over $1.7 billion in new federal funds over the next four years.
 
While not the end of the health care discussion, HB 2116 (and its companion bill HB 2009) represents an important first step toward universal health care coverage.  HB 2116 also demonstrated that even during difficult economic times, it is possible to strengthen programs that keep Oregonians safe, healthy, and secure.  That is what I'll remember from this session, and I'll keep it in mind as we move through a challenging interim and possible special session.
In This Issue
 
1. 2009-2011 Budget Summary
2. Hands Free Cell Phone Bill Passed
3. Field Burning Bill Passed
4. Legislative Accomplishments for 2009
5. Video of Climate Change Bill
6. Governor Signs Gray Water Bill
7. Staff Changes
8. Future Town Halls
9. Interim Contact Information
2009-2011 Budget Summary
 
For the 2009-20011 budget, the K-12 education will be allotted $5.8 billion. An additional $200 million will be appropriated for schools in 2010, if the economy improves. This budget is $500 million less than 2007-2009 biennium. The state's four year universities will receive about $820 million dollars, which is over 8 percent less than the previous budget. The universities will be allowed to raise tuition to help make up for the funding shortfall.
 
For the next biennium, public safety will receive $1.9 billion. While this is less than the 2007 budget, deeper cuts to public safety were avoided with the passage of House Bill 3508, which partially delays the mandatory minimums created by Measure 57. Human Services will receive $4.2 billion, including $541 million in federal stimulus dedicated to Medicaid.
 
These cuts to public services were difficult to make, particularly during a historically deep recession. I will continue to work to find new revenue in future sessions, in order to try and restore funding for badly needed social programs.  
Hands Free Cell Phone Bill Passed
 
On Thursday, June 24th, the legislature passed House Bill 2377, a ban on driving while using a cell phone without and hands free device. I have introduced legislation for this ban in previous sessions and I was pleased to see the Legislature enact this public safety precaution. The bill is now in the Governor's Office awaiting a signature.  
Field Burning Bill Passed 
 
On Monday, June 29th, the House passed Senate Bill 528, which will phase out field burning in the Willamette Valley. Field burning has been associated with increased respiratory aliments, traffic accidents, and power outages and the practice has been greatly curtailed since the 1970's. SB 528 will phase out field burning in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Linn, Benton, and Lane Counties. Similar legislation has been introduced in previous sessions, and it was time to finally enact this bill. SB 528 is now in the Governor's Office awaiting a signature.  
Legislative Accomplishments for 2009
 
While we're taking a moment to reflect on the 2009 Session, here are a few of my own legislative accomplishments.
 
Energy and Environment  
  • SB 596, bans the use of DECA-PBDE, a toxic chemical which frequently finds its way into Oregon's waters.
  • SB 631, limits the sale of cleaning agents containing phosphorus.
  • SB 637, requires schools to adopt an integrated pest management plan that uses an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management.
  • SB 739, requires sellers to test for arsenic in domestic wells when selling the property where the well is located.
  • HB 2080, allows gray water systems to be installed in residential settings.
  • HB 2186, reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
  • HB 2626, establishes a loan program for Oregonians who wish to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy conservation systems.
  • HB 3037, establishes a product stewardship program for unused pant.
  • HB 2220, authorizes check sites to inspect for and decontaminate watercraft from invasive species.
  • HB 2544, creates the Oregon Environmental Literacy Task Force to create a plan that teaches students about environmental issues facing Oregon and the U.S.
Healthy Families
  • SB 695, eliminates the co-payment required on reduced-price school breakfasts so that more children from lower-income families start the day eating a breakfast. This bill was folded into a larger budget bill.
  • HB 2009, creates the Oregon Health Policy Board to oversee the implementation of expanded coverage and institute reforms to contain skyrocketing health care costs.
  • HB 2116, provides the funding for expanding coverage to children and low-income Oregonians.
  • HB 2794, requires health benefit plans to provide coverage of the HPV vaccine for women and girls who wish to be vaccinated.

Public Safety 

  • SB 570, makes it easier for law enforcement to identify the sale of illegal metal by requiring scrap dealers to keep detailed records of all their metal purchases.
  • SB 928, prohibits firing or demoting victims of domestic or sexual violence solely on the basis of their being a victim.
  • HB 2377, prohibits driving while using a cell phone, without a hands free device.
Affordable Housing
  • HB 2436, establishes a $15 document recording fee to fund additional resources for affordable housing. 
Video of Climate Change Bill
Last week the Senate passed HB 2186, which is a bill that addresses greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.  This bill was key to helping us meet our statewide greenhouse gas reduction goals since transportation accounts for about one-third of all greenhouse gases emitted.  One of the most important parts of HB 2186 is the authorization for Oregon to adopt a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).  A LCFS will not only help in our efforts to reduce emissions, but it will also help Oregon attract investments from those working on developing cleaner fuels.  HB 2186 received a concurrence vote in the House, and it is now on its way to the Governor for his signature.  To learn more about HB 2186, please click here to see video footage of my floor speech. 

Governor Signs Gray Water Bill
 
Jackie and TedOn June 12th, I attended a signing of House Bill 2080, which allows the limited use of gray water in residences. While gray water--waste water from a home's sink, shower, and laundry machine--involves a small amount of water, this legislation still represents an important step toward water conservation.  I worked on this over multiple sessions, and I was really pleased to see this policy finally enacted. I am pictured with Governor Ted Kulongoski (picture courtesy of Beth Herzog).
 
Staff Changes
 
Now that session has ended, one of my legislative aides, Aaron Rabiroff, has moved on. Among other responsibilities, Aaron staffed my work on the Senate Judiciary Committee. An attorney, Aaron will be practicing law. I am grateful to have excellent staff like Aaron and I wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors. Jill Gray, my senior legislative aide, will remain working in my office during the interim.
Future Town Halls
 
Later this summer, I will be holding a town hall that focusing on the recently completed legislative session. Look for more information in upcoming newsletters. 
 
Interim Contact Information
 
During the legislative interim my office will be in Portland. We can be reached at:
 
Phone: 503-493-2804
Email will remain the same:  sen.jackiedingfelder@state.or.us
Mailing Address:  PO Box 13432, Portland, OR 97231