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Dear Friends,
"Josie and I are very sad to learn that Ben Westlund has
lost his long and courageous fight against cancer. We send our
sincerest sympathy to Libby, BJ, Taylor, and Ben's family. I
enjoyed serving the people of HD 53 with Senator Westlund.
Ben had a great passion and love for the political process in Salem
which probably helped him in his battle. He will be missed in
Salem and Central Oregon." Representative Whisnant also spoke to The
Bulletin where he reemphasized his feelings about Ben and condolences
for his family, “It was a real honor to serve with Ben. ... I think
there’s no one who loved the political process in Salem more than Ben
Westlund. ... He loved the committee hearings and representing the
people, it was really a passion for him. I think that probably kept him
going in his fight with cancer.”
It is great to be back in District and have the opportunity to
visit with constituents and attend local events. I started the week in
District by judging the “FFA Sectional Career Development” competition.
I joined five other volunteers judging six outstanding FFA members in a
speaking competition. First, I want to say a job well done to each
participant. They all delivered effective and professional speeches on
interesting agriculture related topics. We selected two for the State
Competition. I assure you that based upon my experience with the FFA
members I met and judged; our future agriculture industry is in good
hands. During the week, I was interviewed on KBND and KBNW talk radio
stations and by a News Channel 21 reporter about the February 2010
Session. Our town halls last week in La Pine, Redmond, and Sisters were
very successful. Senator Chris Telfer (R-Bend) joined me for the La
Pine and Redmond town halls. Also, Megan Schenewerk joined Josie and I
at the town halls to make sure the constituents’ questions will receive
answers. Senator Telfer and I kept our comments on the February 2010
Session brief to allow maximum time for questions and answers. The
major topics of discussion concerned Measure 66 & 67 impacts on the
economy; the annual session referral to the voters; tax increases;
legislation to help create jobs; concerns about discussion of cuts to
education; PERS control; and the growing size of government. I will
continue to attend district events to listen to constituent concerns
and possible legislative ideas. Thank you to the 100+ who attended the
town halls. I learned from them and hoped the people who attended
better understand my work on their behalf in Salem. For those who were not
able to attend, we have provided a copy of the hand out we gave out at
the meetings.
Sincerely, honestly, and with respect,
Gene
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For a print-out copy, Click
Here
Rep. Whisnant accomplishments:
- Supported all the bills to promote
private-sector job creation.
- Supported the rework on the business energy tax
credit program (BETC).
- Supported and carried on the floor the
destination resort reform bill SB 1031 and SB 1036 extending the authority for “Guest
Ranches.”
- Sponsored an OLCC bill which allowed private
clubs to apply for liquor licenses.
- Sponsored a bi-partisan bill establishing a
demonstration program using non-profits to improve Oregon’s visual
screening of school students.
- Supported the following bills: HB 3655 which extending unemployment benefits for
18,600 Oregonians; HB 3627 provides tax credits for laid-off Oregonians
to invest in new businesses; HB 3631 prohibits denial of coverage for sexual
assault.
- Supported SB 999 and SB
1000 to help our returning veterans. Both of these bills helped
address veteran issues I learned about from in-district meetings with
veterans.
Annual Sessions:
SJR
41 and SB
998 were the last major
legislation passed. House and Senate leaders finally reached
agreement Thursday on a 195 day limit (160/35) for both sessions.
Biggest Disappointments:
The
lack of legislation to create jobs and improve our economy. The
retribution legislation against those who supported a NO on Measures 66
& 67. Also, I am disappointed the Senate Leadership killed HB
3638, stopping the
revolving door for legislators. This bill which I sponsored passed
the House 60-0. This would have been an excellent example of
negotiated bi-partisan work. I supported Oregon’s crime victims and
law enforcement community calling for repeal of 2009 law which allowed
violent criminals to seek and in many cases win early release from prison.
I opposed the Democrat solution, SB
1007, which suspended
these early releases until after the November elections. SB 1059 puts an unfunded mandate on cities to reduce
their green house gas from the 1990 level. I spoke against the bill on
the floor about the start date of 1990 and that impact on Central
Oregon. The bill only passed with 32 yes votes.
Overall evaluation:
The
Democrat-led legislature failed to address Oregon’s chronic unemployment.
They increased state spending by $30 million and added over 200
government positions.
Office phone number: 503-986-1453
Megan Schenewerk, Legislative Assistant
Email: rep.genewhisnant@state.or.us
Website: www.leg.state.or.us/whisnant
Mailing address: 900 Court Street NE
H-471, Salem, Oregon 97301
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900
Court St. NE, H-471, Salem Oregon 97301