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Dear Friends,
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting with over 50 constituents at the Sisters Chamber office for a “meet and greet” hosted by the Chamber and the Sisters City Council. I really enjoyed the interchange with the constituents and Senator Chris Telfer. Surprisingly, we were also joined by Treasurer Ben Westlund who lives in nearby Tumalo. Ben answered questions about the problems with Oregon’s 529 College Savings Plan. Many of the citizens were members of the “Save the Metolius&
rdquo; organization and we had good discussion on this important issue. Let me put it on the record; that I stated I would support no legislation that would destroy or damage the Metolius River and I oppose the current legislation. However, I am willing to support common sense legislation which will protect the Metolius River basin. Senator Telfer and I discussed the legislative session and our concerns about the lack of legislation supporting businesses. I enjoyed this type of event and only wish the weather and time allowed more such events. A special thanks to Sisters Chamber Executive Directo
r Erin Borla and President Patty Vandiver and Sisters Mayor Lon Kellstrom and Council members Jerry Bogart and Sharlene Weed for their service and for arranging the event.
Sincerely,
Gene Whisnant
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I would encourage all of you who received my Newsletter earlier this week about the Republican Back to Basics Budget proposal to pass it on to your friends and family if you agree with what the proposal is trying to do. If you have not read the proposal yet, please see the link below for the updated briefing.
May Revenue Forecast: Today, we received the May revenue forecast which was down another $300 million for the 2009-2011 State budget and another $100 million for the 2007-2009 budget. This means the 2009-2011 State budget is down but not as deep as some predicted. On Monday, the co-chairs are expected to announce their budget based upon this revenue forecast. We’ll discuss it in detail in next week’s legislative update.
Cap and Trade Policy: We have received many inputs mostly opposing the Governor’s “Cap and Trade Policy.” I have been opposed to this policy for some time. In support of my opposition, the following paraphrased quotes from Mid State Electric Cooperative May 2009 “Ruralite” magazine are provided: President Gordon DeArmond stated Midstate has always been what is called a Preference Customer giving us a low cost of power here in the Northwest. That will go away in 2011 when Midstate will have to purchase more power at a higher price due to renewable mandates. General Manager Bill Kopacz commented that government requirements for renewable portfolio standards, state conservation programs and reporting procedures will increase the cost to operate Midstate. The operating costs generated by these programs and procedures will likely be passed on to the customers in the form or rate increases. I am very supportive of developing renewable power sources but I oppose unreasonable mandates with unforeseen consequences which drive up consumer costs.
Ways and Means Education Subcommittee: SB 643A: On Monday, we had public hearings on SB 643A- relating to physical education; SB 701A- relating to a loan repayment program for nurse educators; and SB 695- relating to school breakfast program. All committee members appear to be very supportive but the measures were not worked. I am a sponsor of SB 701A which creates the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment program and the terms of the loan repayment program for nurse educators. I see that this will help bring more Nurses to become educators.
House Judiciary Committee: We passed SB 404A which actually repeals two 1862 laws. This is the first bill I have seen this session which actually repeals a law. ACLU brought this bill so that attorneys of nonresidents are no longer liable to defendant for costs awarder against their client.
Here Here is a list of bills that have been a Priority to me to get passed through this Session.
HB 2500- Creates a website for the State of Oregon to give the citizens the ability to see how their tax dollars are spent.
HB 2511A- Directs the Secretary of State’s office to set up a system to allow military and overseas voters to vote by fax.
HB 2424A- Sets up a Noxious Weeds removal program in conjunction with the Adopt a Highway program.
HB 3121- Sets up a specialty license plate group where the funds would go to child abuse prevention programs
HB 2619- Requires Legislative Counsel to solicit bids for printing ORS each biennium
HB 2510A- Repeals the 15 year limit that a Veteran has to use their Preference Points in applying for State public employment
HB 2228A: This bill establishes Oregon Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Pilot Programs and adopted rules establishing the process. On Tuesday, I opposed the bill with a floor speech based upon the fact that Skyline Forest which is in my district was identified as a pilot project without any input from me and the fact that the bill actually hurts some other projects. I support the TDR program and hoped to have the Skyline Forest be Oregon’s first community forest created by HB 2729 in the 2005 session by Rep. Chuck Burley and myself. The vote came close but still passed on a 31-28 vote. The Central Oregon Land-watch also opposed the bill.
Crooked River Ranch event: On Saturday, I joined Senator Ted Ferrioli and Rep. John Huffman at Crooked River Ranch in Terrebonne for a town hall meeting with about 50 local citizens. We had a great discussion and question-answer period. We discussed the session and what is in the future. We discussed a few of my priority bills and some of the difficult issues on revenue, taxes, and health care we are facing.
Armed Forces Day: Please join me and thank those who served and are serving in our military. This Saturday, the third Saturday in May is Armed Forces Day, it was designated in 1949. The day is to honor all who served and are serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. On Wednesday, Salem hosted a great Armed Forces celebration with the JROTC units from Redmond and La Pine high schools participating. Also, I spoke to the Military Order of World
Wars Salem chapter on Wednesday.
Relief Nursery Reception: I attended the Family Relief Nurseries reception on Monday night. I was pleased to see Tim Rusk, Executive Director from MountainStar Family relief Nursery in Bend in attendance.
State Commission on Children & Families meeting: I attended the May 14, 2009 meeting which focused on the effects of the budget and our priorities for children and families.
VISITORS
On Thursday, we passed HR 6 to honor former Speakers of Oregon House Representatives for years of service, achievements and continued contributions to State of Oregon. I had the honor of escorting former Speaker Bev Clarno. There were eight in attendance including Speaker Duncan from the 1959 session.
Redmond’s Central Christian School students and teachers and parents visited the capitol and with Rep. Whisnant.
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.
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900 Court St. NE, H-473, Salem Oregon 97301