Public Employee Retirement System
Yesterday, we
held a hearing in the Senate Workforce committee on Senate Bill 559 and
Senate Bill 560 which are bills that I along with my Republican colleagues have
introduced to address the long-term impact of the state's pension system on
government finances and services at all levels. We heard from a
number of different stakeholders including private citizens who know the
importance of creating a more responsible and sustainable public pension system
that works for citizens, employees, retirees, and government. We have an
opportunity to make decisions that really work for the common good. These bills
are a starting point and will be amended if other ideas surface.
Bill
Summaries:
- SB 559 will change the calculation used to determine
final average salary for 3 years to 5 years
- SB 560 redirects employee contributions made to
their IAP to be used to pay for their pension and caps the amount of salary
used to calculate final average salary at $100,000.
Oregon Senate Reads the US Constitution
 This
session, I made a request to Senate President Peter Courtney that Oregon’s
Senate read the United States Constitution on the Senate floor. This is
something that has not happened in the chamber in decades. It is a great
opportunity to remind legislators and citizens that our government was founded by
and for the people.
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More Taxes and Fees Proposed
A few bills
have been proposed early this session that would create new taxes and fees on
citizens that are particularly egregious examples of Ronald Reagan's famous
quote about Government's view of the economy, “If it moves, tax it. If it keeps
moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” One idea would
create new fees and rules on river floaters that are onerous and are probably
difficult to enforce in a fair and consistent manner. Two other proposals in
the House Revenue Committee that would tax coffee and automobiles over 20 years
old. I oppose both those bills and will work to defeat them.
Budget Framework Town Halls
There is town hall series happening around the state that
will focus on the budget. If you want to learn more about the budget and
provide your input, consider attending one of the events. Here are the
locations and times of the future town halls:
Shelly Smith – KIDS Center
I had the pleasure last week of meeting with Shelly Smith
who is the Executive Director of the KIDS Center. The KIDS Center is a child
abuse intervention center in Bend that gives children access to comprehensive
family, medical, and therapy services to treat and prevent abuse. Thanks to all
of Central Oregon for supporting the KIDS Center and their great work to
protect kids.
Best Regards,
 Senator Tim Knopp
Senate District 27
email: sen.timknopp@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1727
address: 900 Court St NE, S-309, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/knopp
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