End of Session News

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am happy to report that the 2013 Legislative Session has finally come to a close.  While this session had its challenges, I was successful in passing and supporting common-sense legislation that will benefit all Oregonians.  My goal always is to work in a bipartisan manner that is respectful and inclusive of all parties involved in the process. 

While there is always more we can do, I’d like to recap some of the good work that was accomplished this session.  

• A more than 500% increase in the funding for our Farm to School program. Two years ago we started with a pilot program of only $200,000.  By demonstrating the effectiveness of this program - that gets more of our locally grown produce into student school lunches - we were rewarded with an increase of our allocation to $1.2 million.  This program continues to be a win-win for our children’s health, local farmers and our economy. 

• We expanded our “Oregon First” (House Bill 3400) agenda by requiring agencies to list the percentage of our tax dollars spent purchasing goods from in state vendors.  While this might seem like a small change, my hope is that this will prompt agencies to be more thoughtful and proactive in supporting local businesses.  Additionally in the coming months this data will be posted on our state government Transparency website for anyone to see.

• I sponsored and created an easier path for small and first time farmers to acquire loans through our “Aggie Bonds” program. (House bill 2700)

• I voted to help Oregonians keep their homes by approving a bill to expand the state’s foreclosure mediation program. (Senate Bill 558)

• I voted to provide approximately $5.83 million in housing assistance for returning veterans.

• We sent a clear message to Congress through House Joint Memorial 6, which I was the Chief sponsor of, that corporations, associations and PACs are not people and donating unlimited amounts of money to a political campaign is not free speech and hurts democracy.

• I was part of a successful effort to bring resolution through mediation to the disput between Salem Hospital and the Willamette Valley Community Health CCO to provide better and lower cost health care for our community.

During the interim I maintain an office within the capitol full-time.  I look forward to connecting with you over the summer and in the interim.   I appreciate everyone who contacted my office during session. 

Please feel free to contact my office if you have any question or concerns. I can be reached by calling (503) 986-1421 or by email at rep.brianclem@state.or.us

Sincerely,