Dear Friends,

This is the first of our “Rep Whisnant’s Weekly Legislative Updates” for the 2009 75^th Legislative Session. Our Weekly Updates will provide you with what we are working on for you in Salem.  Josie and I drove over the Santiam Pass late on Monday with two cars loaded with what we’ll need to live in Salem during the 2009 75^th Legislative Session.  As you know, we do not plan to return to the District during the winter months as to not miss committee meetings or floor votes due to adverse weather on the mountain passes.  I was able to meet with most of our District elected and key officials and also citizen groups in November and December to prepare for the session.  We urge you to visit us in your Capitol and let us know your positions and how we are doing as your “public servant.”

ALEC Predatory Tax Academy:  Rep. Whisnant attended the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) “Predatory Tax Academy” in Washington, DC, December 3^rd with Rep. Kim Thatcher.  We learned about what has worked and not worked by States to improve their financial well being.

ALEC States & Nations Policy Summit:  Following the Academy, Representative Flores, Rep. Thatcher and Rep. Whisnant attended the annual ALEC “States & Nations Policy Summit” from December 3-6.  Rep. Whisnant is the Oregon Chair for this non-partisan and non-profit organization with over 2,000 state lawmakers and 300 corporate and foundation members.  The summit had great seminars and speakers highlighted by former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, and Congressman Tom Price (R- Georgia). 

Interim House Judiciary Committee:  The Interim House Judiciary Committee met December 11^th and passed out all the Judiciary Committee bills for the 2009 session.  The House Judiciary Committee, which Rep. Whisnant will again serve as Vice Chair on, usually reviews more bills than any other House committee.

2009 75^th Legislative Session:  Rep. Whisnant is energized to begin the 2009 75^th Legislative Session when he is sworn in for his fourth term on January 12, 2009.  He was appointed by the Speaker Elect Dave Hunt to be the Vice Chair for the House Judiciary Committee and serve on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education.  He has served previously on both of these committees. 

2009 Financial Education Summit:  Rep. Whisnant attended the Financial Education Summit on “Improving Financial Literacy in Oregon” on January 7^th, 2009 in Salem.  As an advocate for improving financial literacy in the education system; Rep. Whisnant received the HB 2584-A Task Force report and recommendations and offer to help introduce any letters or legislation to support the recommendations.  

 DISTRICT LOCAL MEETINGS/EVENTS

•  Met with officials of St. Charles Medical Center
• Spoke to COBA legislative Committee
• Spoke to Teen Pact Class of home schoolers about the legislative process
• La Pine Radio interview
• Met with Deschutes County Mental Health officials
• Met with Sisters City Manager and City Councilmen
• Met with Children’s Vision Foundation Board members on legislation
• Met with local Judges
• Met with local city and business leaders about the US economic stimulus plans 
• Met with Deschutes County Commission on Children & Families director and board members about possible legislation
• Met and spoke to Redmond Police Chief, Redmond Fire Chief, County Sheriff, CEC Director and others for inputs in preparation for the 2009 75^th Legislative Session

Another reminder, you may follow our committee meetings and floor sessions on http://www.oregonchannel.org/rams.htm.  Also, our mailing address is 900 Court Street NE, Room H-471, Salem, Oregon 97707; phone is 503-986-1453; and email is rep.genewhisnant@state.or.us

Sincerely,

Gene Whisnant