Riley Report: February, 2017 Edition

Chuck Riley Senator Header

February, 2017

Yesterday was the opening day of Oregon’s 79th Legislative session. Constitutionally, we have 160 days until we must sine die – or “end the session.” This year sine die will happen on or before July 10th.

Office Updates

During the interim I was elected by my caucus colleagues to be part of the Senate Democrat leadership team. I’m proud to be serving as Assistant Majority Leader for Oregon Senate Democrats this session.

I’m happy to report that my Chief-of-Staff, Linda; Legislative Aide, Melissa; and our intern from the 2016 short session, Adrian, are all returning for another legislative session in my office. I’m also welcoming a new intern to my office: Shane. My team is here to assist you; please don’t hesitate to email, call, or visit us here in Salem.

My Legislative Priorities

This session I have submitted bills to address a variety of issues from extending the Veteran’s Park Pass to include State Forests (SB 116) to banning leaded aviation fuel in Oregon (SB 115) to increasing IT oversight for the Secretary of State and State Treasurer Offices (SB 120).

Three of my bills that I want to highlight are: 1) SB 117 - my bill to ban predatory towing in Oregon;  2) SB 123 - my bill that establishes Children’s Special Districts to fund activities for kids outside of school time; and 3) SB 126 - my bill to give juveniles convicted of Measure 11 crimes a second look after they have served at least 50% of their sentence.  

In the News

As chair of the new Senate General Government & Accountability Committee, one of my goals for this committee is to identify and eliminate unnecessary state boards and commissions. You can read more about our efforts here.

I’ve been working to curtail unethical towing practices for years. Recently, I talked with Kyle Iboshi of KGW News about my predatory towing legislation. I just did a second interview with Kyle on this.  I’ll post the follow-up to Facebook and Twitter once it’s available.

Upcoming Events

On February 4th the Orenco Woods Nature Park will have its Grand Opening from noon to 2 p.m. Head out to NW 225th & Birch in Hillsboro to enjoy refreshments and geocaching to celebrate the opening.

The Legislature will be hosting town halls around the state to gather public input on the state budget. The closest one to Senate District 15 will be at the PCC Sylvania campus on February 11th from noon to 2 p.m. There will also be meetings in Salem, Hermiston, Madras, Ashland, Eugene, and Tillamook if you can’t make the one in Portland. You can see the full schedule here, and read the Co-Chairs’ Existing Resources Budget Framework here.

Oregon is turning 158 this year, and there will be a big birthday party to celebrate on Saturday, February 11th. Come down to the state Capitol from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 11th to see historic displays, hear live music, participate in fun activities, and of course enjoy a slice of birthday cake! This event is free and open to the public. There will be more events celebrating Oregon’s birthday throughout the week – stop by the Capitol if you’ll be in Salem for a variety of heritage celebrations. One special opportunity during Oregon’s birthday celebration is a chance to see the original Oregon State Constitution on display in the Capitol Rotunda on February 14th. Each year on the state’s birthday the Constitution is taken from the State Archives and placed on display for one day.

Openings on My Small Business Advisory Council

I currently have a couple of openings on my Small Business Advisory Council. The Council meets monthly, in the district, to discuss impediments to small business, and I attend every other month to discuss their recommendations. I’m looking for small business owners who live and/or work in Senate District 15 to join the Council.  Be sure to contact my office if you’re interested in learning more.

Snapshots

capitol ambassador

In December I met with a group of high school students from the Capitol Ambassadors Program. Here I am with Shawna Ashley Ingram from Hillsboro High – one of my constituents in the program. 

Celebrating the Providence neighborhood health center grand opening.

providence health center opening
Sen. Riley with colleagues standing together outside

With my colleagues Senator Lew Frederick, Representative Susan McLain, Representative Janeen Sollman, and former Representative Joe Gallegos.  

With community stakeholders at a STEM conference. 

Sen. Riley at a table with 15-20 other people reading a report
Sen. Riley and colleagues standing together and looking off camera

With my colleagues touring BRIDGE housing’s preservation project at Woodland Park.

The Senate floor on opening day.

picture of senate floor during floor session from above

 

Stay in Touch!

We want to stay in contact with you!  If you are not already subscribed, please visit my legislative website and enter your email address into the “e-Subscribe” box at the right so that you never miss a newsletter.  You will also find me on Facebook, or you can follow me on Twitter to stay up to date with what my office is up to.  Or, you can always check the events calendar on my legislative website!

As always, I am here to serve you.  If there is something I can do to assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Sen. Riley signature

Senator Chuck Riley

Senate District 15

email: Sen.ChuckRiley@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1715
address: 900 Court St NE, S-303, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/riley

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