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Dear Friends:
There was some hopeful news this week as the state’s Economic and Revenue
Forecast for March shows Oregon’s economy is performing well, and an additional
$102 is expected in state revenue by the end of June. Nearly $93 million more than expected could
arrive for the 2017-19 biennium, which will help with the anticipated budget
deficit. Lawmakers are legally bound to
produce a balanced budget, so we still will need to make some difficult
decisions during the coming months, but with a state economy is showing a
sustainable pace of growth, we are seeing improved economic conditions
throughout the state.
There was good news from NIKE, Inc, with the announcement of
$1.5 million in grants from the NIKE School Innovation Fund. 100 Oregon high schools to continue their
support to implement or expand the AVID (Advancement Via Individual
Determination) program. Avid’s
research-based strategies and curriculum provide educators with training to
better prepare students for success in high school, college or a career. Statistics show that a full 99 percent of
AVID students graduate from high school on time with the skills, academic
behaviors and knowledge needed to succeed going forward. Congratulations go out to Jewell School
District and Knappa High School for their NIKE grants. NIKE has been partnering with school leaders
in Oregon through their School Innovation fund since 2007, investing more than
$14 million to support public schools with the goal of increasing on-time
student graduation rates, closing the achievement gap and preparing students
for success.
Speaking of School Success, a big shout out goes to the
Students of Tillamook High School! On
Monday they completed their 54th annual Charity Drive. This is a fun competition where the
different classes spend 10 days holding all kinds of fundraising events to see
which class can raise the most money.
Half of the money raised goes to Doernbecher’s Children’s Hospital, with
the rest being divided between college scholarships and local charities. The totals are truly amazing. This year the Junior class raised
$42,899.69, the Freshman raised $43,119.43, the Sophomores raised $56,092.25
and the Senior class finished on top with a whopping $71,383.21. This year’s Tillamook High Charity Drive
raised $213,494.58 bringing the 54-year total to $3,158,856.21. Way to go Mooks!!!
The Oregon Coast Renewable Energy Challenge is set for next
Tuesday at the Hatfield Marine Science center is Newport. Students in grades 3-12 from Oregon coast
STEM hub schools will bring their models in wave energy, wind energy and solar
to the Hatfield Science Center to test in wave tanks, wind tunnels and solar
race tracks. Our House District 32 teams cleaned up in
2016, and with competitors from both Tillamook and Clatsop counties, I’m
anticipating some fantastic results again this year. If you want to view the competition, it will
be held Tuesday February 28th from 8:45 - 2:15 in the Visitor’s
Center.
We have been receiving lots of spam emails on various topics
in our office, sometimes the issue is so controversial that people weigh in
from throughout Oregon and even around the country. My goal is to best represent House District
32, and I want to hear from my constituents.
If you wish to comment on legislation it is best to put the message in
your own words so it is not confused with a bulk spam email campaign. It is still early in the session, and there
is still time to introduce new bills.
As any proposed bill works through the process, there are many
opportunities for partial or total amendments of the original legislation. I
value the input I receive from constituents, as it helps me make decisions that
best represent the people of my district.
If you are planning a trip to the Capitol, let my office
know a few days in advance so we can schedule an appointment. I’m in H-481 and my door is always open, it’s
nice to meet with neighbors and friends when they visit Salem. If you have a concern or comment about a
state agency, or proposed legislation, you can write, phone or email my office.
It is my privilege to serve you in the House of
Representatives and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Representative Deborah Boone
House District 32
email: Rep.DeborahBoone@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1432
address: 900 Court St NE, H-481, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boone
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