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Capitol Address: |
Senator
Mark Hass Friends, We are now in the thick of the first ever Regular February Legislative Session. This change comes as a result of the 2010 voter approved measure that allows for an off-year, short session of no more than 35 days. This February we are focusing on three top priorities: balancing the budget, economic development, and furthering educational reforms that we began in the 2011 session. I’m encouraged already by the bipartisan tone of this session. We have already successfully agreed on a budget. These new annual sessions are designed to address small tweaks to legislation that should not have to wait eighteen months until the next full session. This means that most major policy issues are not likely to make it through this month. Even with these limitations, our agenda is fully packed. Over 260 bills have been introduced for consideration. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Education and Workforce Development, I will be engrossed in a variety of legislation designed to continue the K-12 and higher education reforms that we began last spring. Another major piece of legislation we are working on this session is the Oregon Investment Act. This bill will streamline Oregon’s economic development by creating an Oregon Growth Board and consolidating resources that are currently fragmented across many different departments. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve you this February and excited about what we can get accomplished this session. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to voice your opinion on any of the issues mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at sen.markhass@state.or.us or at 503-986-1714. Sincerely, Oregon Senate Democrats now have an external legislative blog and website where you can connect with your elected officials. Please visit us at www.orsenatemajority.org to learn more. |
