In the current economic recession, the priority for the state of Oregon and the legislature should be job creation.  Since our state revenue depends on income taxes; we need more people with payroll checks.  Since the session began, I have seen only one bill to create jobs. That bill indebts the state for over $300 million.  I’ll try to keep you posted on how we are doing at providing more real JOBS for the 254,404 unemployed Oregonians with families and mortgages and food bills.

Jobs Scoreboard

Bill                                                                                          Jobs Created

SB 5552 borrowed $175 million                                                       16

for maintenance on state facilities.

Note:  Please read the Bend Bulletin, April 16, 2009 editorial, “Jobless gold for Oregon” which I placed on the floor desk of all House members.

There are several bills that have been introduced this session regarding taxes and fees increases, Click Here

Ways and Means Education Subcommittee:  The Teachers Standards & Practice Commission budget was passed on Monday.  On Wednesday, the Committee received a briefing on the Oregon Educators Benefit Board about the results of the bill concerning a single source health insurance for school employees.  On Thursday, we began hearings on the Higher Education Budget.  Chancellor Pernsteiner delivered a passionate presentation about the value of Higher Education and the effect of further budget cuts to access and affordability.  Former Senator Ryan Deckert, Oregon Business Association President, testified that there is a “critical connection between a strong, nimble economy and business sector in Oregon and the strength and output of our university system.”   He stated that Oregon spends $4,615 per student while Ireland spends $15,457 and today Ireland is leading EU economic growth.  During questioning, I commented that Ireland also has one of the lowest taxes for corporation and businesses in the EU.  We need to c onsider this so we have jobs for our college graduates.  

House Judiciary Committee:  On Wednesday, the Committee passed HB 2727 which protects the identity of concealed handgun license (CHL) holders.  Most members of the committee were sponsors of the original bill but there was strong opposition and many people worked to find a compromise.  The Chair and other committee members are committed to monitoring this bill to see if it provides the protections which CHL holders deserve.  We have also met and will be working with the Oregon State Sheriffs A ssociation to establish a standard application which allows individuals to request prior notification before any information is released.  Many individuals sent us emails in support of this bill and many requested that we only support the original bill.  That was not possible with the current composition of the House chamber.  The bill still faces opposition in the Senate.     

HB 3379: On Monday, I testified before the House Transportation Committee on a priority bill for Central Oregon cities on which I am a chief co-sponsor.  This bill provides cities a unique “tax increment financing” system to help cities.  It authorizes issuance of lottery bonds for transportation projects. Redmond Mayor George Endicott also testified in support of the bill.

HB 2973: This is a bill which I introduced as a preventive bill to protect school districts from obligating the State’s “full faith and credit” on a bond which does not have voters approval.  I testified before the House Revenue Committee with Jay Hall, a U of O law student intern and with Legislative Counsel.  This bill only restates existing law but the bill language caused the State Treasurer’s Office some problems.  I am not sure that we will be able to resolve the issues before the deadline.

HB 2511: I testified on Wednesday in support and am very optimistic that this bill which allows overseas military to vote by fax will pass out of House Rules Committee soon. 

HB 2619: This bill simply requires we bid the contract every two years for printing our Oregon Revised Statutes.

HB 3121: On Friday, I testified in the House Transportation Committee in support of a bill to authorize a “Kids License Plate” to help fund child abuse prevention programs.  I introduced this bill for the second consecutive session for the Coalition of County Commissions of Children & Families.  The committee chair does not like license plate bills but last session passed the "Share the Road"special license plate.  I understand that she has decided to only authorize one additional plate this session and several have been introduced.

HB 3076: On Friday, I testified in the House Education Committee in support of a Talent and Gifted (TAG) student bill.  This is the third consecutive session I have introduced a TAG bill.  This bill only requires school districts to submit lesson plans for TAG students to the Superintendent of Education for approval.

HB 3146:  I will vote no on this bill which creates a luxury tax on numerous items including canoes and kayaks.

HB 2461: I will oppose the “Beer Tax.”

My most important bill of the session; HB 2500 establishing “Open Books Oregon” website to allow Oregonians to see how their tax dollars are spent passed out of the House Rules Committee unanimously on Wednesday.  It appears to be on its way for approval after Rep. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) and Rep. Jefferson Smith (D-Portland joined Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) and I as chief co-sponsors.  Also, Department of Administrative Services played a very key role in providing the date they could start this website at no cost.  Hopefully, it will be enhanced in the future.

On Monday, I testified in opposition on HB 2227, the destination resort bill.  I heard from many constituent on this bill in support and opposition.  I reviewed all the committee written submissions and testimony.  The North Klamath County citizens’ testimony was very convincing on why they wanted a resort to help them survive as a community since they have lost their timber industry.  Rural Oregon was promised tourism and destination resorts after the state destroyed the timber industry.  I supported an amendment which would have studied our current law and proposed necessary changes to address the environment, transportation, water and other unintended negative impacts.  I do not understand the rush in this economy to destroy an industry which does create jobs in rural Oregon.  Also, I opposed the delegation of the legislative body to a state agency to establish policy.  The vote was 31 yeas to 28 nays.  Speaker Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas County) joined the Republicans and t hree other Democrats voting NO.

Watch parts of my speech here

Wednesday on the Capitol steps, I led the 4,000 plus citizens in the “Pledge of Allegiance” attending the Taxpayers TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party.  Citizen and legislative leaders spoke to the crowd about efforts to reduce the size of government and protect your money.  I understand there was also a TEA party in Bend.  I am listening to the people who are concerned about the future of Oregon and the future for our children and grandchildren.

Constituent Visitors

Dennis Luke

Eileen Stein

Gail Shibly & Dr. Jay Douglas, DHS Public Health, provided me an update on the Terrebonne Lower Bridge Mine report

Oregon Family Council-

Doug and Diane Shrock from First Church of God in Redmond

Mike Boswell from Three Sisters Fellowship in Sisters

Robert Hass- Medical Marijuana

Greg McClarren, Newberry Geo-thermal project

Matt McCoy-COCC

Bankers- Bob Fenstermacher, Kristee Chick, Larry Goodreu, Dave Lewis, Val Menge and Tom Hosea

Central Oregon Home school from Redmond came and took a tour of the Capitol

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.