|
|
|
|
Senator Joanne Verger
503.986.1705
sen.joanneverger@state.or.us
 | |
Greetings District 5 ! Thank
you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter. It is an honor to
return to represent our coastal communities as your state Senator. As
the 2009 legislative session gets underway, I look forward to working
with you to build a strong Oregon.
Here are some updates on important developments in our community and the legislature's progress so far:
The Federal Stimulus:How It Benefits Oregon
Last
week, the United States Congress passed a $787 billion stimulus package
to help Americans get out of the current recession. Through the debate
and signing of this bill, many constituents have asked what benefit the
South Coast will
get from this legislation.
The
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help jumpstart the nation's
economy, while also bringing many benefits to Oregon. The federal
government estimates that
through this investment, our state will
create or save about 44,000 jobs. Additionally, the act provides most
Oregonians with tax cuts while also giving the state government vital
emergency revenue that will help the legislature better manage budget
shortfalls. Be assured that I am
working closely with my colleagues in the federal government to ensure
these funds are well-spent and benefit our coastal communities.
Resources and information are available:
The Obama administration has also shown an impressive commitment to
providing transparency in this process. There are several excellent
resources listed in the sidebar to your left, including www.recovery.gov,
which lists how funds are being spent. These sites are being updated as
federal agencies submit requests for projects, so be sure to check it
often for the most accurate information.
Click here to return to the top. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Protecting the Coos Bay Rail Line
The
2007 closure of the Coos Bay rail line has been a major problem for our
communities, putting approximately 750 jobs at risk. The potential loss
of these jobs could send ripples through the region - an economic
disaster we cannot afford. Last week, several state and federal
agencies approved loan financing for the Port of Coos Bay to purchase
the closed Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad's Coos Bay rail line.
All
parties - from state and federal government to communities, businesses
and employees who depend upon the rail line - have worked tirelessly to
preserve hundreds of jobs and ensure the long-term economic viability
of the region. I applaud these moves and will continue to work hard in
the future to make sure the rail line is repaired and remains
operational.
Fighting for New Carissa Funds
Of
the nearly $20 million settlement over the New Carissa disaster, $2.8
million remains. Governor Kulongoski's recommended budget committed to
using the money to map Oregon's territorial seafloor and to evaluate
the social and economic impacts of two pilot coastal marine reserve
projects. Now the budget must make its way through the legislature,
where I will be fighting to ensure the New Carissa money is spent on
projects that benefit coastal communities.
Your Opinion on Budget Priorities
The most recent economic forecast
projects the state to have a budget deficit of $3.3 billion dollars for the 2009-2011 biennium. This shortfall will likely affect a lot of our decisions in Salem and as always, I want your thoughts on what our budget priorities should be. Please click here to take a survey that will me know your ideas.
Federal Science Agency Looks at Newport for Possible Research Center
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a federal
agency that conducts research about the oceans, atmosphere, space and
sun- knowledge they use to benefit science and public service. NOAA is
currently soliciting 20-year lease proposals from interested parties,
including Newport, OR and Bellingham, WA. This research facility would
provide several benefits to Newport, such as:
* An estimated economic benefit of $19 million per year
* Immediate relocation of 65 federal employees with high-paying jobs to Newport
* An additional 120 full-time, living wage jobs created
* Other economic, research and educational opportunities from the presence of a world-renowned science research organization
The
Port of Newport has my full support in seeking this project and I will
continue to work with them to ensure we do everything possible to
pursue this exciting opportunity.
The Klamath River Dam Removal Project
As
an elected official I have always tried to vote in a way that reflects
the will of the people I represent. Usually this has not been very
hard. Senate Bill 76, which authorizes the removal of the Klamath River
Dams, is strongly supported by many citizens and a number of fishing
groups in my district, who sincerely feel that this can help their
industry.
While
I believe removing the Klamath Dams has some merit, I have had concerns
about the possible financial liability to the state of Oregon.
Regardless, I voted in support of the project. I am confident that the
eventual removal of the dams will lead to increased salmon runs and
increased economic activity in the district.
Please click below to watch a Youtube video of my floor comments about
my vote in favor of the removal of the Klamath River Dams.
Click here to view my floor speech on Senate Bill 76
Navy Extends Public Comment Period for Northwest Training Range
This
week, the U.S. Navy extended the environmental public comment period
for their range complex located 250 nautical miles off the coast of
Washington, Oregon and Northern California. The new date, March 11,
2009, will give South Coast citizens the chance to engage with the Navy
about the possible environmental effects of the Navy's proposed future
operations off our coast.
This
extension is good news for coastal citizens, who now will have more
time to influence how the Navy uses our waters. To learn more about the
extended deadline and how to provide public comment, please visit http://www.nwtrangecomplexeis.com/
Events Around Our Community
I
tremendously value your opinions about the work I do in Salem.
Oftentimes, residents of the coast describe their distance from the
state capitol as a source of frustration. In an effort to engage with
you about I am hosting a series of town halls and legislative forums
across the South Coast.
The
first town hall is next Saturday, February 28 in Coos Bay at the Coos
Bay Library from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. I strongly encourage you to come
as we share our thoughts about Oregon's future.
Here is a calendar of every event I am planning in District 5:
What: A Town Hall Discussion with Senator Joanne Verger
When: Saturday, February 28 - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Coos Bay Library - 525 Anderson Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420
What: A Town Hall Discussion with Senator Joanne Verger
When: Saturday, March 7 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Lincoln City Community Center - 2150 NE Oar Place, Lincoln City, OR 97367
What: Lane County Senior & Disabled Services Advocacy Committee Legislative Forum
When: Saturday, March 7 - 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: 155 High Street, Eugene, OR
What: A Town Hall Discussion with Senator Joanne Verger
When: Saturday, April 4 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Siuslaw Public Library - 1460 9th Street Florence, OR 97439
Contacting my Office
Thank
you for your continued support of my work as your Senator for the past
four years. I ask you to join my voice in the next four as together, we
work to "set the pace" for the future of the Oregon Coast. If you ever
have questions, comments or concerns about my work in Salem, please
contact my office at (503) 986-1705 or by e-mail at sen.joanneverger@state.or.us to share your thoughts with me.
As
well, Kathy Verger Muscus is based in our North Bend office. She
provides a variety of services and often represents me at meetings
involving both local and statewide matters. Kathy keeps my constituents
informed about my positions on important issues and does a wonderful
job of conveying the thoughts, feelings and concerns of south-central
coast residents to me. She can be reached by phone at (541) 290-0841
and by e-mail at kgvm@charter.net.
Sincerely,
 State Senator Joanne Verger
|
|
|
