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It is spring here in the Willamette Valley. The picture is the view from my office.
Yesterday, leading Democratic legislators put
forward a laundry list of cuts to key programs that are unwarranted and poorly
conceived. Instead of working across the aisle with their Republican colleagues
to identify and reform major cost drivers, Democrats have decided to aim
painful cuts at the citizenry in order to justify large tax increases similar
to the failed Measure 97 campaign. There are numerous proposals to contain
government costs that won’t impact services citizens need and want. We should
consider proposals such as reforming state employee health care, reclassifying
certain employees, or instituting targeted hiring freezes to name a few. Oregon
needs legislators to work together to solve problems and that means looking at
both sides of the budget equation not just new revenue. The citizens of Oregon
need to know that the legislature is working in good faith to contain costs before
they can support revenue increases. There is still time to craft better
solutions, they just have to be willing to join us in making it happen.
 A unique idea was heard last week to help
families become first-time home owners. Senate Bill 849 would create home buyer
savings accounts which would assist individuals and families in coming up with
a down payment by reducing their taxable income if they use a HBSA to save.
Much like an education savings account helps individuals get a college
education, a HSBA would assist people in achieving the economic stability provided
by home ownership. While the bill did not pass, I sponsored the concept and
other innovative ideas to expand housing access and home ownership.
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 House Bill 2660 is another good bill heard last
week in the Senate Health Care Committee. The bill would require the Oregon
Health Authority and Department of Consumer and Business Services to make
written materials available to patients about options related to insurance
coverage of breast reconstruction surgery, breast prostheses, and breast forms.
Information about insurance coverage and treatment options is critical for
individuals and families to make the best decisions for their health and
financial stability. I support the passage of this bill and it is a good
opportunity to help people affected by a terrible disease.
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Last week, a hearing was held in the Senate
General Government and Accountability Committee on a bill that would increase legislative
oversight on agency fees. I helped sponsor the legislation, Senate Bill 1052,
which stipulates that new or increased fees adopted by state agencies do not
become effective unless approved by the Legislature by law. While much of the
government runs on tax revenues, another sizeable source of income for
government is fees. Oftentimes, agencies charge a fee for providing a service
and largely these are under the control of the agency with limited oversight by
the legislature. Requiring legislative approval will protect citizens and
taxpayers from being priced out of services they need and require agencies to
provide solid reasons for why a new fee or fee increase are necessary.
 In an effort to protect victims of stalking
from further harassment and violence, Senate Bill 315 was introduced this
session. The legislation authorizes a court to order a special condition
of probation restricting the location of a convicted stalker’s residence if they
are released. Sponsors of the bill include Senator Winters, Senator Ferrioli,
and myself. The bill would go a long way towards improving safety and providing
a sense of security for those impacted by stalking. While the bill itself died
in committee, I support the concept which lives on in an amended version of SB
714. Look for future updates on SB 714 online.
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The Senate Education Committee heard one of my
bills last week, Senate Bill 578, which aims to help and encourage teacher’s to
become National Board certified. The bill mirrors a bill sponsored by Rep. Gene
Whisnant. According to the National Education Association, “National
Board Certification (NBC) is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential
that goes beyond state licensure. NBC has national standards for what
accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.” The science shows that
students taught by teachers with National Board Certification learn more and do
better in class and on standardized tests.
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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