Senator Richard Devlin News Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Legislative Assembly convened earlier this month and has started off at a rapid pace. This Session brings with it many exciting opportunities and tough decisions. I’m working tirelessly here in Salem to advocate for legislation that improves the lives of Oregonians in Senate District 19 and across the state.

Early this month, Oregon Senate Democrats introduced their 2013 Legislative Agenda, which prioritizes concerns that I've heard from many community members in my district. The agenda focuses on investing in public education, supporting small business, encouraging job retention and creation, and ensuring that the needs of Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens are met. I am working with Democrats and Republicans in both chambers to promote this agenda and craft legislation that places Oregon on a solid foundation as we recover from the recession.

As the Senate Co-Chair of Way and Means, I have been heavily engaged with the House Co-Chair Representative Peter Buckley (D – Ashland) this month to devise the Co-Chairs’ Budget. Our budget, like the Governor’s Recommended Budget, provides a brief blueprint for the Legislature to reference as it develops the state’s 2013-2015 budget. The Co-Chairs’ Budget will be released on Monday, March 4^th. I anticipate significant further discussion of available resources and funding priorities as we move forward in the budgetary process. Please stay tuned for more budget updates from me in the weeks and months ahead.

I encourage you to stay informed throughout the legislative session by visiting the Oregon Legislature’s web page and familiarizing yourself with the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS). OLIS is a new tool that can help you research and track bills as they progress through the House and Senate. Using OLIS, you can find legislation related to issues important to you and review agendas for committee and floor meetings.    

If you would like a firsthand view of the legislative process, I welcome you to visit the Capitol and observe a Senate floor session or committee hearing. You can learn more about visiting the Capitol on the Oregon State Legislature’s website, which has information on free guided tours, a Citizen’s Guide to the Oregon Legislative Process, and a calendar of meetings, activities, events and special exhibits. If you cannot make it down to Salem during the session and have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at (503) 986-1719 or by email at sen.richarddevlin@state.or.us.

Lastly, I am happy to welcome Matthew Murakami to my office as a Legislative Intern. Matthew is a junior at Willamette University majoring in Politics with a strong interest in the legislative process. I look forward to the energy and support he will bring throughout the Legislative Session.

Sincerely, 

Senator Richard Devlin