Dear Friends,

Last week, I discussed my issues and concerns with SB 338 which borrows $176 million for short term jobs on state owned facilities with a 15-20 year debt which doubles the amount of debt.  This is the Democrat leadership’s “stimulus bill” which passed the Senate this week 20-10; two Republicans joined the 18 Democrats and voted for the bill.  The bill will be in the House next week.  The bill will pass the House and the Governor will sign it.  In turn, you, the taxpayer, will be obligated to repay it within the next 15-20 years which will at least double the debt.  I believe it is important to remember that this is a partisan Democrat Bill with no input by the Senate or House minorities.  I believe this partisan bill is full of pork and “ear marks.”   Also, I concur with the statement that “We can not use debt to get out of a recession caused by debt.”

“Main Street Incentive” Program

In turn, I am proud that our caucus has proposed a real economic stimulus plan named the “Main Street Incentive Program.”  The “Main Street Incentive” plan encourages main street citizens and businesses to hire contractors and make improvements to their properties immediately by using their savings or other resources.   Main Street citizens and businesses that make such investments in their properties will benefit by receiving a tax credit spread over five years.  The Plan will limit the amount to the credit to 50 % of property improvements costing $10,000 - $50,000 for homeowners and $25,000 to $50,000 for business owners.  For “green projects,” the property owners could claim 100 % of the project cost.  The plan is intended to jump start the economic recovery; thus, the projects must begin before September 1, 2009.

Here is a you tube video done by Representative Dennis Richardson (R- Central Point) that explains the Main Street Plan in a short and simple way, please copy and paste this link in your web browser and watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dX2lxHfuuU

Comparisons of the two plans

-          The “Main Street plan” will create immediate local jobs selected by the people; not politicians with pork projects.

-          SB 338 places a debt on the taxpayers of $17 to $20 million per year for 15-20 years.

o       ALL of the money would go directly toward labor and materials for projects. Because the state is not borrowing any money, no taxpayer dollars will be wasted on interest or be an encumbrance on future budgets. Additionally, taxpayer dollars will not be spent on the bureaucracy required to oversee the cumbersome bidding process, vendor preferences and project completion targets outlined in the current bonding package. The Main Street plan money goes toward long-term capital projects, not light bulb replacement or moss removal. Such projects will increase property values and, in turn, property tax receipts for struggling counties across the state.

o       Many local businesses will benefit and be able to grow upon completion of these projects. For example, a retail shopping center with a new parking lot would attract more customers; a hotel with remodeled rooms would attract more visitors.

o       In addition to benefits provided to property owners and local governments, the struggling financial sector would benefit as well. Property owners would be borrowing money – not the state – through banks (and oftentimes local banks) to finance their projects, providing even greater economic stimulus and more commerce.

-          The state will lose the revenue from the tax credits but it will be offset by the increased property value taxes and the taxes on the construction pay checks.

I appreciate the correspondence I have received supporting my opposition to SB 338.  I urge all citizens to support the House Republican plan.  A Portland citizen provided the following clear and convincing statement in support of the “main street plan”:

“Given the choices at hand . . . a debt committed long term spending stimulus package that has long term obligations saddled on the backs of Oregon taxpayers, that are not needed or welcome; versus an opportunity to truly stimulate our economy by putting incentives where they will best pay off without a long term burden attached seems like a "no-brainer".  Please consider opting for the "Main Street Incentive Plan" and let Oregonians do what we do best . . . dig our own way out of a financial hole with incentives, not burdensome long term debt.  Our children will thank us for it!

“Open Books Oregon” legislation (HB 2500)

Also this week, I with co-sponsors, Rep Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), Rep. Jefferson Smith (D- Portland); and Rep. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay), introduced a very important bill to create a comprehensive, free, searchable webpage to allow you, the taxpayer, to go on line and review what revenue the State collects and how it spends your tax money and other revenues.  This bi-partisan bill will provide transparency and accountability in how the State is spending our money.  In 2008, 28 states introduced spending transparency bills.  13 states have implemented websites; some by legislation and some by executive order.  Oregon already has a very user friendly webpage to check on political campaigns and on the K-12 budget.  In today’s information technology world, we need to allow the taxpayers the information described by our bill.  President Obama spearheaded such legislation in 2006 with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. 

In closing, I want to send Jessie Darrin from La Pine a special birthday wish on her 100^th birthday, February 1^st.

Sincerely,

Gene Whisnant

COMMITTEES

The House Judiciary Committee met every day this week and even passed some bills.  On Thursday, the committee members attended a presentation on Oregon Dependency Law and Foster care in Oregon with Multnomah County Judge Waller and Erinn Kelley-Siel from DHS.

BILLS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

My office is continuing to work on bill drafts which must be submitted to Legislative Counsel by Monday.  We are also continuing to obtaining sponsors of our bills. 

We submitted three military bills this week to the House Chief Clerk’s office for their introduction to the House. Once they have their first reading next week, they will be referred to a Committee.  One bill eliminates the time limit and one time use of veteran’s preference points for veterans applying for state employment which was requested by a constituent.  The second bill requires the State to create a program to allow military deployed person to vote electronically.  The third bill honors the American Legion on the celebration of its 90^th Birthday.

HB 2060 & HB 2064 Students Visual Screening bills:  I briefed the House Education Committee on my work as the 2007-08 chair of an Interim House Education task force and my support of the two bills to improve our existing student visual screening program.  This is not a new mandate but puts pressure on parents and the school districts to be sure that our students do not have visual problems affecting their ability to learn.

EVENTS/SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS

We were visited by these Constituents and other Community members this week

-  Sheriff Larry Blanton stopped by the office this week.

-  Mayor George Endicott was in Salem for the Oregon Mayor Association conference and visited with us.

-  Dr. Middleton and COCC board members visited with us.

-  Sharon Miller and Linda Walker with NeighborImpact visited with us.

-  Don Horton and Bruce Ronning with Bend Park & Recreation District visited us.

-  Shelly Smith with the Kids Center was also in the Capitol.

-  During the week, the president of PSU, Wim Wiewel visited us and the Dean of OSHU, Dr. Joe Robertson visited our office.

Please feel free to contact my office on any issues you would like to be brought to our attention, or to give your opinion on any legislation that is before your State House right now. We want to hear from you and make sure we are doing what we can for you here in Salem.

Our office phone number is 503-986-1453; our email is rep.genewhisnant@state.or.us; our mailing address is

     900 Court St NE H-471 Salem OR 97301.

You may also follow our House Floor Sessions and Committee meetings by going to http://oregonchannel.org/rams.htm