Representative Deborah Boone E-Update

Greetings from Salem!

The Legislative Session is moving quickly, as by law we are limited to five weeks.   On Wednesday the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis released the March Economic and Revenue Forecast, and reported there are signs of continued growth, the projected revenue has increased by nearly $15 million since the December forecast.  Job growth is continuing, Oregon employment is up over 4,300 jobs since December, and is expected to gain another 6,000 in the near term.
Local revenue for K-12 schools is up by $98 million statewide,  so in addition to the historic billion dollar increase in K-12 funding passed by the Legislature in 2013, school districts will see an additional boost in revenue for the 2014-15 school year.   In District 32, our school districts will see these increases:
• Astoria SD  1       $186,930
• Knappa SD  4       $ 57,260
• Jewell   SD  8       $ 22,484
• Seaside SD  10     $162,832
• Warrenton-Hammond SD 3  $ 94,264
• Neah-Kah-Nie SD 56   $ 87,369
• Tillamook SD 9   $194,318
• Banks  SD 13        $ 109,019
• Gaston SD 511J     $ 61,381

This week we saw action on two of my bills, first HB 4042 which adds Renewable Marine Energy to types of energy for which the availability of Net Metering is required, received a unanimous House Floor vote on Tuesday, and now moves to the Senate, where it is awaiting committee assignment.

Next, HB 4100, a bill I co-sponsored had a hearing in the House Rules Committee.  HB 4100 which would require labeling for genetically engineered (GMO) foods sold in Oregon and refer the issue to the voters.  Dozens of countries ban GMO food, and last year Oregon wheat growers took an economic hit when GMO wheat was discovered in an eastern Oregon farmer’s field, which caused the temporary suspension of overseas Oregon Wheat sales.  HB 4100 does not ban GMO food sales in Oregon, it would only require labeling, so shoppers could make informed choices about the foods they purchase and consume.  There was a lot of thoughtful testimony on both sides of the issue, and the hearing lasted more than 2 ½ hours.  In order for the bill to be considered, there must be a committee work session, which has not been scheduled.  Unlike other legislative committees, Rules does not have hearings or work session deadlines, so this bill may move through the process later in the session.  

In the district the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) design team will be holding   Salmonberry Corridor Master Plan Public Meetings next week.   The OPRD design team has been conducting Resource Assessments and Regional Recreation Assessments in an effort to better understand opportunities and constraints in the corridor development.  These findings will be presented to the public so community members and park staff can work together identifying the most important values, strategies and actions needed to guide the master planning and design efforts.  OPRD is holding these meetings to seek input from the general public, and I urge you to attend and find out more about how this project will bring recreational opportunities to our communities.
The West End meeting will be held Tuesday  2/18 at the Port of Tillamook Bay Officers Mess Hall 5:30-7:30pm.
The East End meeting will be held Wednesday 2/19 at the Banks Fire Hall 5:30-7:30pm.
 
Even when the legislative schedule is hectic,  I always look forward to visiting with constituents.  If you have a concern or comment about a state agency, or pending legislation, you can write me at 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301, phone 503 986-1432 or email rep.deborahboone@state.or.us, or when you’re in Salem, stop by my office H-375 in the Capitol.  It is my privilege to represent you in the House of Representatives, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Deborah Boone
State Representative District 32