Representative Deborah Boone E-Update

Greetings from House District 32!

 This week I attended the annual Oregon Coast Economic Summit in Florence, presented by the Oregon Legislative Coastal Caucus.   It was a time to celebrate the many positive things happening in our communities, and to find ways to work together and build upon our successes laying a foundation for a brighter future.

 The theme of this year's summit was "Strengthening Our Region through Collaboration: A Confluence of Economic and Institutional Factors for Regional Economic Development." The summit featured informative panel discussions on a wide range of topics recognizing the Oregon coast's unique economic diversity. Panel participants included federal, state and local government officials, members of the private sector, tribal leaders and policy makers at all levels.

 It is no surprise that as Oregon has rebounded from the recent recession, the economies along the coast have been recovering more slowly.   There are many economic drivers in any community, and along the coast, Port operations are extremely important.

 Ports play a critical role in supporting job creation and economic diversification, and this year’s summit focused special attention on the development of Oregon’s ports as important economic growth engines. This past session the our Legislative Coastal Caucus was instrumental in formulating a working relationship with the Federal Government, which was formalized with the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, which included dedicated funding for dredging and maintaining small coastal ports. US Senator Jeff Merkley offered key support for the federal legislation and he was at this week’s summit. He recognizes that commercial and recreational boating and fishing, as well as small businesses along the coast are dependent on the port operations, and pledges his support to work towards securing consistent funding for harbor maintenance in small ports throughout Oregon.

 Another way we can enhance our economy is further expansion and development of marine research and education on the coast, both of which offer new opportunities in marine studies, ocean habitat management and marine resource cultivation. Our educational facilities can been on the cutting edge of marine education, and our local students will be able to seek a path in ocean research that will open countless doors for them in an exciting new career field.

 While there are no easy answers, it is gratifying to be able to spend time with other federal, state and local policy makers, tribal leaders and community members who are enthusiastic about the true potential to be found at the Oregon Coast. When we work together, great things can happen, and that’s why collaboration will be key as our coastal communities prepare for the future.

 During the Legislative Interim period, I spend as much time as possible in District, meeting with constituents and talking about various issues.   It is from these discussions that some of the best ideas for new Oregon laws are suggested.   I have been pleased to sponsor many successful constituent-suggested pieces of legislation, and look forward to hearing your ideas.

 If you have an idea about how Oregon law could be changed for the better, or If you have a concern or comment about a state agency, you can write, phone or email my office. Even when the Legislature is not in session, my messages are checked frequently. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of Representatives, and I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely,

Deborah Boone