Dear Friends,
The 2013 Legislative Session is finally underway and we are working hard to address issues that are important to Oregonians.
I am delighted to announce that my first bill is up for a hearing! I am a co-chief sponsor with Senator Steiner Heyward on Senate Bill 344, which would extend privacy protection to candidates and current employees by prohibiting an employer from demanding access to a private Facebook page as a condition of employment. Similar protection will be extended to higher education admissions processes. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13 at 3pm in the Senate Committee on General Government, Consumer and Small Business Protection (Hearing Room B). You can click here to watch from your computer.
Update on gun safety legislation
As many of you know, I have been a leading voice in the Oregon Legislature for gun safety in our communities. As outlined in my previous newsletter, I have introduced the following bills this session in order to keep our children and communities safe:
• SB 347 removes the current exemption in the law that allows individuals with concealed handgun licenses to carry loaded guns into schools.
• SB 346 bans large capacity magazines and clips. The bill defines large capacity magazines as those with the capacity to hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, I am working on bills to require background checks on all gun sales, and to ban semi-automatic weapons.
We’ve seen too many tragic stories in the news. It’s time to take action. Your support is crucial! Here’s what you can do to help in the effort to pass sensible gun safety legislation:
Contact your legislators:
Find your legislator here: http://www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/
Have your neighbors, friends and family contact the state senator and state representative from their district.
What do you say to your legislator?
• Ask for their position on the bills you care about.
• Urge them to co-sponsor the legislation.
• Urge their vote in favor of the bills.
• Urge them to make gun safety a priority this legislative session.
Stay informed
• Get involved in groups supporting gun safety.
Ceasefire Oregon and One Million Moms 4 Gun Control are great organizations that support our cause.
Capitol Tips
Want to know how the Oregon Legislative Process works? There will be a public workshop offered on Oregon’s Legislative Process next week. I urge anyone who is interested to attend.
When: Monday, February 18, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Oregon State Capitol, Hearing Room B
• Live streaming video of the event will be available HERE at 6:00 p.m., Feb 18.
• Send questions to legislators during the event by emailing AdministrationLeg@leg.state.or.us
Meet My Staff
I would like to take a moment to introduce my new staff for the 2013 Legislative Session.
Jeff Fisher – Chief of Staff
Jeff is a native Oregonian who has recently joined us from the Democratic Party of Oregon. Previously, Jeff has worked in the UK House of Commons as a press officer for Rosie Cooper MP and as a parliamentary intern for Shadow Minister, Mary Creagh MP. He graduated from the University of Leeds with a MA in Political Communication and Portland State University with a BS in Communication Studies.
Peter Brown - Legislative Assistant
Peter, a Portland native, recently graduated from the University of Montana with a political science degree. Previously, Peter has worked for Senator Ron Wyden as casework intern.
Jacob Voegele – Intern
Born and raised in Portland, Jacob is a senior studying Political Science at Portland State University. He is passionate about the issue of education, and hopes to spend his career working to improve Oregon's schools and making education more accessible to all Oregonians.
Thomas Baker – Intern
Thomas is studying Political Science and Economics at Portland State University. He comes to us from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and SW Washington where he was the Resident Manager. He previously served as the Canvass Director and Field Organizer for Grassroots Campaigns.
As the 2013 Legislative Session progresses, I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. You can contact my staff at (503) 986-1718 or by e-mail at sen.ginnyburdick@state.or.us. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Senator Ginny Burdick.
Senate President Pro Tempore
Serving District 18
sen.ginnyburdick@state.or.us
503-986-1718
900 Court St. NE, S-213 Salem Oregon 97301