Senator Rod Monroe's March Newsletter
Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 03/07/2013 01:35 PM PST|
|
||||||||
900 Court St. NE, S-306 Salem Oregon 97301
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am honored and excited to once again represent District 24. With the legislative session well underway, I write to you today to share my assignments and priorities as we move forward.
Legislative Priorities
Education Sub-Committee on Ways and Means
As a former teacher, former David Douglas School Board Member, and current Mount Hood Community College Board Member, I have committed my career to education. This will be my third session as Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Education Sub-Committee. As a committee, our primary responsibility is to review the education budget ranging from early childhood to post-secondary education. With a large percentage of the state’s general fund in education, I recognize the importance of this committee and will use my years of experience to make public schools a great place to learn for all of Oregon’s children.
This month, the Co-Chairs of Ways and Means released their “Turning Point” 2013 Budget Framework. For me, the highlight is the $6.75 billion equivalent budget for schools – nearly $1 billion in additional resources and savings above what schools had in 2011-13. After a half-decade of economic instability causing cuts to schools, teacher layoffs, increased class sizes, and shrinking school years, I’m very happy to see a budget that stabilizes school funding and allows us to begin rebuilding our education system. This is the first step in the budget process, and there is more work to be done. I will continue to share updates from the Capitol as the conversation progresses.
Business and Transportation Committee
I asked to be on this committee because of my interest and background, including Chief Transportation Counselor for the Metro Council from 1993 to 2005, in all issues transportation related. A few of my key interests lie in the development of high speed rail in the Willamette Valley as well as to maintain roads and highways across the state.
Also, as a small business owner, I have an important awareness of the business side of this committee. I have worked hard to build up and own a successful apartment business which helps me to understand how to create jobs and get Oregon out of this recession.
Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project
One of my top priorities this session is the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project. There are significant safety issues and congestion problems that occur on the current stretch of Interstate 5 just north and south of the Columbia River. This project will provide a much needed bridge replacement that will reduce crashes and congestion and increase travel options such as light rail. There will also be a much needed and safe pedestrian and bike path away from traffic with beautiful views of the Columbia River.
The project will also boost Oregon’s economy in the short-term by putting people to work, and in the long run, the new bridge will relieve traffic congestion and freight mobility issues that will provide lasting economic benefits. Building a safer bridge across the Columbia will benefit all of Oregon: Wheat growers from Umatilla County, wineries from Southern Oregon, and trucks on Oregon’s highways are counting on less congestion and greater freight mobility to ensure that their product gets to market. I recently gave a speech on the Senate floor addressing the many positive aspects, just before the Senate passed the bill to replace the Interstate 5 Bridge. Click the image below to watch!
I always enjoy hearing from my constituents. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. My email is sen.rodmonroe@state.or.us. Like me on Facebook to keep up on my work in the Capitol!
Best regards,
Senator Rod Monroe
