Emphasis on investing
in education and creating family wage jobs
SALEM – The Oregon Senate Democrats introduced their 2015
Legislative Agenda this morning, on the first day of regular business for
the 78th Legislative Session.
“Our agenda for the 2015 session reflects the commitment
of all 18 Senate Democrats to the priorities that matter to Oregonians,” said
Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “As our economy recovers,
we are focused on maintaining our investments in critical services while
fighting for working families and Oregonians who are still struggling to get
by.”
The Senate Democrats’ 2015 Legislative Agenda focuses on
five key areas:
Investing in Education and Workforce Development
Strengthening Oregon Businesses and Creating
Family Wage Jobs
Standing up for Rural Oregon Communities
Fighting for Working Families and Struggling
Oregonians
Ensuring Efficient Government to Protect
Critical Services
Proposals aim to protect school funding and prioritize
early childhood education, make college more affordable, expand career training
opportunities, invest in critical transportation infrastructure, protect
Oregon’s clean air and water, ensure Oregonians can access mental health
services, strengthen contracting laws, and scrutinize tax credits to ensure
they are reaching their intended purpose to create jobs and stimulate the
economy.
“This agenda speaks to the concerns we’re hearing from all
corners of the state,” said Senator Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education.
“Families want to know that their representatives in Salem are looking out for
them. This agenda sets forth policies that will help us address their
concerns.
The Caucus Agenda Work Group, which authored the 2015
Agenda, included a diverse group of members, including Senator Rosenbaum,
Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem/Woodburn/Gervais), Senator Michael
Dembrow (D-Portland), Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward (D-Beaverton), Senator
Lee Beyer (D-Springfield), and Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose).
