E-Newsletter Volume 7, No. #2

 We are once again in full swing here at your state capitol, as we begin the work of the people for the next 5 months.  As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I will be chairing the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and I will be a member of the Veterans and Emergency Services Committee and the Business and Labor Committee.  We have a lot of important issues to discuss in each of these areas, so I thought it might be interesting to give you a brief overview of just a few of the topics that have been introduced thus far.

Agriculture & Natural Resources:

• HB 2023 Requires state agencies to notify ODFW before state agency restricts or closes access to state lands used for hunting.
• HB 2175 Makes foods that contain or are produced using genetically engineered material subject to labeling requirements.
• HB 2252 Allows State Fish and Wildlife Commission to establish multiyear licenses.
• HB 2427 Prohibits raising canola within Willamette Valley.

Veterans & Emergency Services:

• HB 2086 Directs Oregon Lottery Commission to establish lottery games to benefit veterans’ education and economic development.
• HB 2157 Directs Higher Education Coordinating Commission to establish statewide policy to award college credit to veterans or persons serving in Armed Forces for certain training.
• HB 2177 Grants income tax credit to firefighters who provide volunteer services to rural fire protection districts or fire departments.
• HCR 3  Recognizes Korean vets for their service during Vietnam War.

Business and Labor:

• HB 2112  Authorizes imposition of civil penalties for certain actions relating to deductions from compensation paid to employees.
• HB 2398  Prohibits sale of certain consumer goods by self-checkout device.
• HB 2443  Allows licensees of OLCC to sell wine and cider in certain containers supplied by consumers.
• HB 2502  Authorizes employer to pay wages due employee through direct deposit into employee’s account or by electronic transfer.

This week in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee we heard from former State Forester Jim Brown, who introduced the concept of inclusive sustainability. This statewide goal moves beyond traditional environmentalism or economics, and concentrates on how proper planning and practice blends the two to strengthen both. Panelists from various agencies, industries, and constituencies fleshed out this idea and how it can be or is being utilized in our wide range of natural resources.

Forestry: Healthy forestlands produce an array of values from improved forest ecosystems to more and better wood and paper products as well as vibrant local economies and stable employment.

Fisheries: Productive waters, both off shore and in our many rivers and streams, provide opportunities for  recreation, biodiversity and industry.  Balancing this three legged stool is essential for the continued health of our region and state.

Agriculture: Sustainability in agriculture means balancing the environmental impacts of farming while encouraging farming as a viable option for families. This involves collaboration between our farmers, state agencies, research institutions like Oregon State University, and the Legislature.

Underpinning all of these issues is how we manage our water resources. Both the use and maintenance of Oregon's water is vital in all aspects of our lives, from what comes out of the tap to what runs into our factories and fields.  I look forward to working with all parties concerned to insure the implementation of good natural resource policies.

Please enjoy the pictures taken over the last couple of weeks and thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter…have a great weekend!