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 It's been less than 2 weeks since the Legislature convened for the 2017 Legislative session but there are already a lot of topics dominating discussions in the State Capitol. Here are just a few of the important issues the Legislature will be taking on between now and July:
TRANSPORTATION
Anyone trying to get around any part of this state will notice that transportation is an issue. Whether it's traffic congestion, road quality or some other aspect, it's noticeable. A joint, bipartisan transportation committee was formed to look at this issue in detail and will be working together to try and find a solution and come to an agreement that will work for all of Oregon. How will we pay for it? It's going to take a combination of fuel tax, license and registration fees and other revenue sources to fund the fix.
SCHOOL FUNDING
We must do better for our kids when it comes to education. Oregon's high dropout rate needs to be fixed both through increased funding and new ways of doing the work to educate our kids. I will be working hard to make sure we are adequately funding our schools but funding alone will not solve these problems. A team of Legislators and educational leaders has been looking at ways to train our teachers in best practices. This mentoring program can be the key to helping our teachers be more effective.
BALANCING THE BUDGET
Oregon will be facing a significant budget shortfall this biennium, to the tune of $1.7 billion. If we are to keep current service levels, it would require finding a way to increase the state's revenue, currently comprised of state income taxes, fees and lottery revenue. There are several drivers to the budgetary shortfall including: 1) A decline in Federal funding for the Affordable Care Act, for which the State will need to account for; 2) increased state responsibility for funding of public education and ; 3) increased PERS costs, with the state's unfunded liability now increasing by another $354 billion. Ballot measures passed in the 2016 election will also come with increased costs to the state. Oregon voters rejected the proposal for a gross receipts tax with Measure 97, but Senator Mark Hass has proposed an alternative solution to bring more revenue through a more modest, but widespread, tax on corporations. You can be certain that Legislators will be working hard to come to an agreement that will help to fund public safety, human services, schools and other important services without the need for cuts.
We will continue to update you on the progress of these important Legislative priorities in the weeks to come.
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 On Thursday, Senator Manning had the honor of "carrying" or introducing his first bill in the Senate chamber.
In the spirit of tradition, whenever a new member carries his or her first bill, Senate members ask questions of the carrier, intended to be humorous and, of course, all in good fun. Senator Manning held his own and kept the chamber bursting with laughter.
Click the image above to watch a video clip of Senator Manning as he introduces SB 26.
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 The Joint Committee on Full Ways and Means will be hosting hearings across the state to provide an opportunity for Oregonians to weigh in on the proposed budget cuts and share their stories on the impact that the Legislatures decisions may have on them.
Join the Committee for one of these upcoming hearings:
Friday,
February 17 -- Hermiston
5
to 7 p.m.
Main
Commons
Hermiston
High School
600 S 1st St, Hermiston
Saturday,
February 18 -- Madras
1
to 3 p.m.
Performing
Arts Center
Madras
High School
390 SE 10th St, Madras
Friday,
February 24 -- Ashland
5
to 7 p.m.
Rogue
River Room
Southern
Oregon University
1250
Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland
Saturday,
February 25 -- Eugene
1
to 3 p.m.
Rooms 308-309
Building 17 (The Forum)
Lane
Community College
4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene
Friday,
March 3 --
Tillamook
6
to 8 p.m.
Officer’s
Mess
Port
of Tillamook Bay
6825 Officers Row, Tillamook
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