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Dear Friends,
Yesterday, we held morning and afternoon House floor sessions. The last bill that we voted on was SB 556. The bill would require a facility of 50,000 sq ft or more that has at least 25 individuals during a business day to have automated external defibrillators on site. When I first reviewed this bill, it looked like a great way to ensure public safety. I thought that requiring these business owners to have one on the premise could help people in emergency situations. But as the debate continued on the floor, the point was brought up that we excluded schools from this bill. The logic behind the exclusion is that schools do not have the money right now to pay for these defibrillators. But that raised a concern, if schools can’t afford this, how do we expect businesses to aff
ord this cost during this economic time? The defibrillators cost over $1,200.00. Some Representatives spoke on the floor and asked why we did not offer tax credits for businesses that made these purchases? If we are asking a business to make a large purchase, why can’t we help them and offer a tax credit? With these points brought up, I changed my mind and voted against the bill. The bill still passed with a 34-23 vote. This example explains my frustration with the Legislators not really addressing our economic recession and taking action to further harm our small businesses, who are the backbone of our economy.
Sincerely,
Gene
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Summer Jobs for the unemployed
HB 2398: In this bill, Governor Kulongoski is proposing an Emergency Jobs program that will create 12,000 temporary summer jobs with an $8.40 to $10 per hour wage jobs. This plan is intended to put Oregonians back to work; but the jobs will be paid for by the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund. These funds are to be used exclusively to pay benefits to Oregonians who are unemployed through no fault of their own. The business community opposes diversion or raid of the UI Trust Fund. The current balance of $1.573 billion is down from $2.177 billion this time last year.
Income Tax Rate increase
HB 2649: The House Revenue Committee has passed several new tax bills on to the House Floor. One will increase the top income tax rate from 9 to 11%. HB 2649 would affect individuals who file $125,000 or joint filers who report $250,000. This would only affect a small percentage of Oregonians, but these tax increases may cause Oregonians to leave the state, or report differently. The Albany Democrat-Herald wrote an editorial that showed how these taxes will not create jobs. Many of the people who will be affected are small busine
ss owners. If we raise these taxes, the owners will cut their business expenses in order to pay the taxes. Other experts also discuss the mobility of rich people to avoid high tax states thus Oregon may actually lose revenue if people move. This tax increase would put Oregon 4th behind California, Hawaii, and Vermont for having this high income tax bracket.
Please click here to read Art Laffer and Stephen Moore’s Wall Street Journal article, “Soak the Rich, Lose the Rich.” They explain how taxing the rich will not solve the State's budget problem.
Health Care
HB 2009 and HB 2116: The two main health care bills are working their way to the House Floor. HB 2009 is a product of the Oregon Health Fund Board. The 2007 Legislature passed SB 329 which created a 7-member citizen Board to examine the state’s health care problems and develop an action plan for reform. HB 2009 has 613 pages. I have studied this issue and tried to follow the changes to the bill but it has been difficult. HB 2116 will provide health care coverage for 80,000 children and 60,000 low income adults with an expanded provider tax paid by some hospitals and 1 % insurance premiums.
Rep Whisnant’s bills
HB 2424- Noxious Weed pull added to the Adopt a Highway program has passed the Senate and House and is now on its way to the Governor’s office for signature.
HB 2619- This bill would require that printing of O.R.S.’s would have to be rebid every biennium. This has passed both chambers and awaits the Governor’s signature.
SB 876- Immunosuppressant Drug bill that will make sure transplant patients receive the correct prescription before and after a transplant to help ensure the body accepts the organ. This bill has passed through both chambers and will move to the Governor for his signature.
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
Oregon Youth ChalleNGe students were in the Capitol on Monday. They presented the colors and led the House members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Cadet Nancy Ayala from Redmond served as an “honorary page” and visited with Rep. Whisnant. See photo at www.leg.state.or.us/whisnant
Future Farmers of America (FFA) State President Samuel Palacio and Vice President Nick West, plus later with FFA members from Canby, visited Rep. Whisnant this week to ask for support of the funding of Student Leadership Development Organizations.
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-471, Salem Oregon 97301