Week 13 Update

Updates from Senator Tim Knopp.

Senator Tim Knopp

Student Loan Transparency

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Student debt is a significant and growing issue for many young people in Central Oregon and throughout the US. Students often receive a mix of support from personal, private, and government sources and understanding the financial ins-and-outs of the aid they receive is critical to ensuring loans are paid back on time. Senate Bill 253 will improve students’ understanding of their financial aid packages by requiring higher education institutions to specifying the amount of education loans received as well as the approximate remaining loan amount owed upon graduation. I sponsored SB 253 because I believe students need to have adequate information about the costs of their education so they can make the best decisions possible and prevent them from significant financial harm. The bill passed the Senate with no opposition and is being considered in the House.

A Visit From Mayor Endicott

Mayor Endicott

It was great to get a visit this week from the Mayor of Redmond, George Endicott. It is very important to have a good relationship with community leaders from the district and Mayor Endicott represents Redmond well.

Justice for Victims of Sexual Violence

One mechanism that sexual violence victims use to obtain justice is the civil courts system. In addition to criminal courts, civil courts can provide justice and restitution to victims but it also changes the standards of admissible evidence. Sexual assault perpetrators attempt to stymie justice through accusing the victim of past sexual impropriety or “asking for it” by the way the victim was dressed at the time of the crime. SB 261 would make evidence about the sexual behavior or predisposition of the victim inadmissible in civil proceedings just like it is in Oregon’s criminal courts. I sponsored SB 261 because victims deserve justice and dignity. The bill passed the Senate unanimously last week and awaits consideration in the House.

Honoring Our Heroes

Bob Maxwell

Last week the Senate Committee on Veterans and Emergency Preparedness, held hearings on House Concurrent Resolutions 1, 9, and 10. HCR 1 designates Agness, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Hood River, Jordan Valley, Medford, Richland, Portland, Salem, and The Dalles as ‘Medal of Honor’ communities. HCR 9 honors Medal of Honor recipient and Bend resident Technician Fifth Grade Robert Maxwell(pictured). HCR 10 commends the Bend Heroes Foundation for its work recognizing and honoring veterans. The resolutions were passed out of the Senate committee and will head to the Senate floor for approval in coming days. It is a special privilege to be able to honor the men and women who have given their lives for our country and our values.

Best Regards,

tim-sig

Senator Tim Knopp 
Senate District 27

New Clips

Energy

Oregon Senate Backs woody biomass as ‘green energy’

Oregon Senate passes bill adding woody biomass to green tech list

Housing

Knopp bills to ease housing crunch get hearings

Crime

Oregon sex trafficking victims get potential relief from past prostitution convictions

Oregon Senate OKs more protection for stalking victims

Veterans

Knopp bill to honor fallen war veterans advances

Budget

Knopp wants to require that ballot measures include funding

Governor Brown orders hiring freeze as budget crisis looms

Editorial: Paying the price for initiatives

Health Care

Oregon Senate OKs bill to form disabled-rights panel

Opioid Epidemic

Business

Oregon Senate OKs fix to overtime 'overreach'


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