From September 18th through the 20th, legislators convened in Salem for Legislative Days, during which committees held informational meetings on a variety of issues relating to what the legislature did during the 2017 Regular Session and what some legislators would like to do in 2018. In the House Interim Committee on Education, we received a presentation from the Oregon Education Association on the impacts that large class sizes have on student achievement. As a former School Board Chair, I recognize that class sizes are an important factor in ensuring that our children receive the best education possible. Given the resources that are currently available for our schools, however, we cannot rely on class sizes alone to ensure our students’ success. One thing that I have observed, for instance, is that gifted teachers whose school districts are able to provide them with resources to meet the needs of each individual student can make all the difference when large class sizes are a reality. It is my hope that, during future legislative sessions, we can enact meaningful changes that will give more power to local school districts to retain the most effective teaching staff available to them and to ensure that more of the money they receive from the state goes directly toward improving the classroom experience.

On September 12th, I attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Oregon Youth Authority's new MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. In an effort to increase efficiency and save taxpayers money, the OYA recently combined the population of its Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility in Salem with its MacLaren campus, both of which were only about half full. The new and upgraded buildings, living spaces, and programs at the MacLaren campus will give youth more opportunities to gain the skills they need to turn their lives around and become productive citizens. I want to thank the OYA for inviting me and a number of my legislative colleagues to participate in such a special occasion.

From September 21st through the 22nd, I joined other members of the House Interim Committee on Transportation Policy for a tour of the International Port of Coos Bay. For several years, private companies have tried to obtain Federal approval to begin laying a pipeline that would divert liquified natural gas (LNG) from an existing pipeline in Eastern Oregon to Coos Bay on the Southern Oregon Coast. There is an enormous demand for LNG in several Asian markets, and one of the most efficient ways to export it there is through the Port of Coos Bay, one of Oregon’s only deep-water ports. This kind of development would be a tremendous economic boon for communities like Coos Bay, and my sense from having visited and toured the facility is that residents are supportive of these efforts. I look forward to working with my colleagues both in the Oregon State Legislature and in Congress to overcome some of the environmental challenges associated with this project and find a way forward for the people of Coos Bay, the region, and the State.

On September 28th, I delivered the keynote address at the “Drones, Droids and Unmanned Systems” conference in Kah-Nee-Ta, organized by the Cascade Chapter of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). I have been involved with both the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) and Drone workgroups since last legislative session, partnering with Representative Susan McLain (D-Forest Grove) and Representative John Huffman (R-The Dalles) to ensure that, as each of these technologies becomes more prevalent in our daily lives, Oregon is positioned to lead the nation in their development, production, and deployment. It would be a mistake, in my opinion, for our state government to spend time and money establishing a regulatory network for these industries, as that would be a duplication of efforts that are already being conducted on a national level by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Instead, we should work to incentivize our existing technology sector to set the stage for these new industries by investing in cybersecurity, remote communications, as well camera and radar systems, all of which are crucial to fully embracing the AV and drone industries. In fact, Intel has already begun some of this testing at its facility in Washington County. Oregon’s leaders must work to ensure that we are doing all we can to facilitate this research—and they must act quickly. Washington’s Governor has already signed an Executive Order inviting companies in these fields to open their doors there. During future legislative sessions, I intend to continue advocating for these industries to start up here in Oregon.

On a more positive note, I hope that you are enjoying the beginning of Fall and the change of the seasons. Since my last newsletter, our family has been working hard on this year’s grape harvest. In fact, on my way to the capitol for Legislative Days on September 19th, I made an early morning delivery  to the Sherwood School District.   Putting fresh table grapes in the mouths of our school children here in the metro area is actually a fun and rewarding way to spend my fall mornings! Looking ahead, the grandkids are already excited for Halloween, and I am excited to spending more time with family as the holiday season approaches.

As always, it is a privilege to serve as your State Representative. As a reminder, I welcome your input, value your perspective, and urge you to share your views by emailing me at rep.richvial@oregonlegislature.gov or by calling my office at (503) 986-1426. My staff and I welcome the opportunity to serve you in any way, whether it is through the legislative process or through personal assistance with state government. I hope you will always feel free to call on us.

Sincerely,

Rich