|
Dear Friends,
Although I have previously voted for transportation bills including the Connect Oregon legislation; I voted NO on HB 2001 B, the transportation tax and fee increase. I realize that we need to improve and invest in our transportation infrastructure for our safety and economy. But in the current economic recession with over 250,000 Oregonians unemployed; I could not support this increase tax burden on our citizens. Oregon taxpayers have already produced $3.5 billion in unrestricted reserve funds (confirmed by the Legislative Fiscal Office) which co
uld fund easily this $300 million bill. Also, the roll back of the $250 million pay raises granted by the Governor without legislative approval could almost fund these transportation programs. Please note that the Democrat House Majority Leader Mary Nolan and other Democrat members also voted against the bill. HB 2001 B passed the Senate today with a 24-6 vote.
With about one month before we adjourn, the legislature will be focusing on the budget bills and tax increase bills. We’ll try to keep up posted on the important bills and our votes in support of full transparency of the process.
Sincerely,
Gene
|
Transportation Tax Increases in HB 2001
Vehicle Registration increase- from $27 to $43
Title Fee increase- from $55 to $77
Plate Fee increase- from $5 to $20/pair
Fuel- 6 cents per gallon increase
Commercial Registration by weight- 51% increase
Farm Registration by weight- 35% increase
Mileage Tax table increased by 20%
Oregon unemployment numbers
Oregon saw 12% unemployment in April with 242,550 Oregonians unemployed. Four of the large industry categories cut employment. During April, seasonally adjusted numbers showed job loss in 4 areas- Manufacturing cut 2,800 jobs; Construction cut 3,100 jobs; Professional cut 3,800 jobs; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities cut 1,400 jobs. But Government added 2,100 jobs and Educational and Health Services had a small gain of 400 jobs.
Ways and Means Education Subcommittee: This week we passed the Oregon State Library budget and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) budget. OHSU’s budget was cut by 10% from the Essential Budget Level. This committee will still be meeting since it deals with voting on budgets.
House Judiciary Committee: We have had our last Committee Meeting on Thursday. In order to get closer to adjournment, all of the policy making House committees are now closed for the session except Rules and Revenue.
The Governor signed these bills which I supported:
HB 2206 - Closes childcare provider loophole
SB 238 - Protects Seniors and reduces elder abuse
HB 2625 and HB 2714 – Dealing with the inspection of vessels regulated under ballast water statutes
HB 2834 - Closes Oregon School for the Blind- This bill passed the House today with a 41-18 vote. Representative Whisnant spoke on the floor describing his concerns about this decision and how vital the student transition needs to watched. He urged that a legislative task force follow each student’s comprehensive transition plan and ensure it is created and acceptable. The student’s quality of education needs to remain an immediate priority.
HB 374 - Establishes Oregon Civics Day for Teachers on the first Friday in December. This will enable school districts to encourage their teachers to participate in professional opportunities focused on Civics. I support this bill and should soon come to the Floor for a vote.
HB 3076 - Talented and Gifted (TAG) student bill will not be passed this session. The bill would have clarified language from a 2007 bill which I sponsored. In fact, I have supported increased funding for TAG each session.
SB 449 - Recognizes U.S. 97 as the World War II Veterans Historic Highway. This is to honor those who have served and give the public a chance to learn more about them. This will not receive any tax dollars but ODOT may receive donations for the project. The bill passed the House and Senate this week and now goes to the Governor for his signature.
HB 3100 – Keep Kids Safe License plate bill will not pass this session. The Deschutes County Commission is still in the process of deciding if they would like to acquire a sticker license plate or wait and see what else is possible. I appreciate the Bend Bulletin’s editorial support. An editorial on May 27th put the license plates issue into perspective and was in support of our plate.
Free prescription drug coverage for the unemployed
Pfizer recently announced a program to help newly unemployed Americans maintain their Pfizer prescriptions at no cost. For eligibility requirements and to apply, click here.
A new program has been set up under The Department of Justice
The Oregon Child Support Program- Recession Response Project
This program is for parents who have experienced an employment-related loss or reduction of income and need quick relief from their child support obligations. The toll free number is 1-800-850-0228 and the website http://www.doj.state.or.us. The website has a summary and contact information and the phone number will connect you with workers in this response project.
VISITORS
Wednesday evening, Rep. John Huffman and I met at Detroit Lake with Sisters citizens regarding the Metolius River Basin Issue. They presented strong arguments concerning potential adverse effects on water and fish habitat.
School will be out, but the Legislature will still be in Session in June
Do you have a student, child, relative or friend that is interested in serving a day in the Capitol? The Capitol has a wonderful Honorary Page Program. You must be 12 years old or older to participate – groups can apply as well. You come for a day – have a tour of the Capitol and spend the day with your legislator. You serve on the House Floor, with all the proper protocol and help in the Legislator’s office. It is a very rewarding and educational day. Just e-mail Lorraine.Dye@state.or.us or call my office at 503-986-1453 and we will see that you get the proper information. We would love to have you here for a day!
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.
|
900 Court St. NE, H-471, Salem Oregon 97301