Leading On Real PERS Fix
Since before the start of the 2013 legislative session, the reform of PERS has been a priority for many schools and local municipalities. Even with increases to their overall budgets, the price tag on PERS has forced them to make significant cuts in education, health, and public safety. Faced with that reality, the State Senate Democrats continued to push, Senate Bill 822, a false and inadequate reform on PERS.
With 10% more revenue available their plan is to minimally deal with PERS and raise taxes. Oregon deserves leaders willing to step to the plate and tackle this crisis. I want to solve the crisis with real reforms and help with job creation. We can do better for our children, seniors, police and firefighters.
PERS is a titanic problem. It is a sinking ship that needs to be rescued. Passing only SB 822 says to kids and their parents, seniors and Oregon’s most vulnerable that we don’t have room in the life boat for you. This is unacceptable.
SB 822 was voted on by a party line vote. It now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bottom line still remains, we need real PERS Reform.
Photo of the Week
Ronda and Jenna Sneva, a Central Oregon athlete, after testifying on how to recognize and respond to concussions. Follow this link to read about her story.
Announcements
Joint Ways and Means In Bend
The Oregon Legislature Ways and Means Joint Committee will hold a public meeting in Bend on Friday, April 19 from 4:30-6 PM at the William Healy Armory, 875 SW Simpson Avenue in Bend.
The hearing provides the public an opportunity to present your opinion on the financial decisions the budget writers face. The main budget issues include PERS reforms, tax increases, and the elimination of tax credits and tax deductions for mortgages and charities. The key legislation being considered includes HB 2001, HB 2456 and SB 822.
Junior Achievement Finance Park Launch Party
Junior Achievement (JA) Finance Park was created to provide a relevant, high-impact personal financial literacy program for middle and high school students across Oregon and SW Washington. The program space is a transportable structure similar to a high-end trade show exhibit, designed as a mini-city with “businesses” that correlate to 16 personal budget lines. JA Finance Park provides a critical resource to help schools and communities ensure that young people have the opportunity to develop sound financial skills for life. It also enables students to recognize the value of education and how dropping out might limit their future horizons.
They will hold their launch party for their first mobile JA Exhibit in the nation 4-6pm, April 25th at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo center (3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR. 97756). Along with being the first mobile JA Exhibit, they will also be the first paperless exhibit giving each JA participant an IPad for their program. If you would like to you or your children would like to participate please R.S.V.P. to Julie Beeh at JBeeh@ja-pdx.org. Click here to read more.
Visitors From Central Oregon
Senator Knopp speaking to Central Oregon Real Estate Professionals
Lester Friedman - Coldwell Banker/Morris
John Baker - Windermere
Jim Moran - Coldwell Banker/Morris
Katella Bahr - Exit Reality Bend
Barbara Klumwiede - BJKRE
Pete VanDeissen - Duke Warner Realty
Jaynee Beck - Duke Warner Realty
Bill Robie - Central Oregon Association of Relators
Don Romano - Fisher Nicholson Realtors
Jack Zika - Bend Premier Real Estate
Margo DeGray - Coldwell Banker/Morris
Richard and Julie Fountain - Exit Reality Bend
Gail Rodgers - John L. Scott Bend
Jim Mazziotti - Exit Reality Bend
Rian Palfrey - Exit Reality Bend
Lajeanne Kline
Mike Hoover - Windermere
Sara LaFaver - The Garner Group
Linda Fisher-Berlanga - Evergreen Home Loans
Jeanette Brunot - Eagle Crest Properties
Derek Meyer - Amerititle
Bob Yancey - Yancey Real Estate LLC.
Fred and Debbie Baldwin - Century 21 Gold Country Realty
Char Berry - Hayden Homes
Cat Zwicker - Desert Sky Real Estate
Charles Brown - Fay Ranches Inc.
Jeff Knox - Merlot Mortgage
Bob McClung - Prudential NW Properties
Oleta Yancey - Yancey Real Estate LLC.
Phyllis Mageau - The Garner Group R.E., LLC
Sandy Garner - The Garner Group R.E., LLC
Damonian Pike - Prudential Real Estate Properties
David Jones - Northwestern Home Loans
Mike Lantz - Adult Foster Homes
Jennifer Stewart - PRCCO
Eileen Fahlgren - PRCCO
Krista Dowding - PRCCO
Art Lee - SEIU 49
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