Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update on my work as your State Representative.
HB 3056,
HB
3057, and HB 3059, which I introduced, each passed unanimously on the floor of the Senate today. These bills clarify and correct certain portions of existing state law
relating to issues of condominium and homeowner associations including liens,
shared finances, and special declarant rights. I look forward to their being signed into law by the Governor.
HB 2722,
relating to governing documents of housing associations, received a work session in the Senate
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources this afternoon. This bill prohibits condominium and homeowner
associations from enforcing irrigation requirements during periods of drought,
when water becomes scarce or expensive.
The bill passed on the floor of the House on April 3rd and will now likely move to the floor of the Senate for a vote.
As a land use attorney, I co-founded the law firm of Vial Fotheringham
LLP in 1986. Over the past 35 years,
myself and a group of other lawyers and stakeholders have worked to craft the State’s first laws
relating to condominium and homeowner associations. Nearly every home in the Portland
Metropolitan Area belongs to one of these associations and, although I no
longer hold any investments in the law firm, I am pleased that I can bring my
experience to the State Capitol to advocate for legislation that will have
positive impacts on Oregonians.
May 19th and June 2nd mark the
next legislative deadlines. Policy
committees must post agendas that schedule any remaining second chamber bills for
which they intend to hold work sessions by May 19th. Bills in policy committees that are not
scheduled for a work session by this deadline cannot receive further action and
are considered “dead.” From there, the
scheduled work sessions must occur by June 2nd. These deadlines do not apply to bills have
been assigned to the House
Committee on Revenue, the House
Committee on Rules, the Joint
Committee on Ways and Means, and other joint committees.
On May 3rd, representatives of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
came to the State Capitol to share their legislative priorities with members of
both the House and Senate. Senator Betsy
Johnson, Senator Chuck Riley, Representative Ron Noble, and I answered members’
questions on a number of topics ranging from Washington County’s transportation
needs to the potential for a gross receipts tax and predictive scheduling
legislation. I appreciate those who attended for making the trip down to Salem
to share their thoughts and concerns with us.
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On April 30th, I appeared for the second time alongside
fellow freshman Representative Janelle Bynum on the KATU News program, Your Voice
Your Vote. This time, Rep. Bynum and I
were asked to provide a mid-session update on topics including the 2017-19
Budget, PERS, and what we have learned so far about the culture in Salem. You can watch the segment online by clicking here.
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On Monday evening, the Joint
Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization presented a
framework for what I am hopeful will become a Transportation Package that the
legislature can pass this session. The
proposal contains funding for a number of much needed maintenance,
preservation, and congestion relief projects both in the Portland Metropolitan
Area and around the State, as well as some innovative new ways of funding our
transportation system going forward. KATU News interviewed me about the proposal, which
you can read or watch by clicking here.
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Yesterday, the President of my Church’s local Stake, Jeff Wight, came to
the State Capitol to deliver a prayer as part of our Opening Ceremony on the
Floor of the House. It was an honor to
introduce Jeff to my legislative colleagues.
His message of gratitude and plea for wisdom was particularly meaningful
for me as more complex and divisive issues begin to take center stage in Salem. You can watch a video of his prayer and my
introduction by clicking here.
In addition, I am grateful to have been included in weekly “fellowship”
meetings, organized by a bipartisan group of six to eight Representatives each
week during our lunch hour. These
gatherings give us an opportunity to reflect on matters of faith as they relate
to our experiences in the State Capitol. During these meetings, one of us will
typically start the conversation by telling our personal story of faith, which
will then prompt a discussion about where each of us agrees and how we differ
on the “big questions” of life. Although
the members of this group find themselves voting in different ways on the
Floor, one thing that we all agree on is the need for genuine understanding of
each other as people. I find that these
sessions remind me of the respect that most members of the legislature have for
one another, despite our political differences.
As always, it is a privilege to serve as your State Representative.
Sincerely,
Rich
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Capitol Phone: 503-986-1426 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-484, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Rep.RichVial@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/vial
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