Capitol Connections.....family matters.

Hello Friends,

Earlier this month, Salem Keizer School District provided a community forum on their Behavioral Support Services. In a class size of 25 kindergarteners or first graders it is estimated at least 5-6 students will have significant behavioral issues that disrupt the classroom. At times a teacher must “clear” the classroom of other students so the one struggling can calm down. This week over 3,000 students and teachers visited the Capitol seeking funds to support behavioral & mental health services, and smaller class sizes, to turn the “classroom crisis” around.

Will it work?

A lot of has changed since we raised our three kids. Most households in Marion County have two working parents, and fewer have a parent staying home with their children during their early childhood years. Parents may not have extended family support, but rely on paid childcare starting as early as infancy.

The Governor’s Budget includes expansion of many programs for early childhood, including an optional  home visit for all parents when their child goes home from the hospital, along with taxpayer subsidized infant care, child care, all day preschool, in addition to the expanded funding of k-12.

I'd like to hear how you feel about expanded government involvement in family support. Please complete this short survey to weigh in on government funded universal homes visits and the expanded role of government in child care and preschool.

Committee Updates:

Joint Carbon Committee added more public hearing dates to listen to your concerns regarding cap and trade legislation HB2020. 

• Springfield: Friday, February 22 – Springfield City Hall, Council Chamber, 225 5th St. (12-3 pm)
• Medford: Saturday, February 23 – Central Medford High School, Auditorium, 815 S Oakdale Ave. (9 am-12 pm) •
• Baker City and Newport (remote testimony): Monday, February 25 – Live video feed to the Capitol from Baker County Fairgrounds, Event Center, 2600 East Street (5-6 pm) o Oregon State University - Lincoln County Extension, Thompson Conference Room First Floor, 1211 SE Bay Boulevard (6-7 pm)
• The Dalles: Friday, March 1 – The Dalles Civic Auditorium, Community Room, 323 E 4th St. (12-3 pm)
• Bend: Saturday, March 2 – Central Oregon Community College, Cascades Hall, Room 246-248, 2600 NW College Way (9 am-12 pm).

Health Care Committee held public hearings and work sessions on dozens of pharmaceutical related bills. Most aim at reigning in the high cost of prescription drugs, but may have consequences related to patient care. To review these bills, visit the Health Care Committee and click on the date to pull up the bills heard that day.

Business & Labor: Barry Parker, Director of Oregon Lottery provided an update on 2018 outcomes of lottery funds. Video Lottery brought in 934 million dollars and traditional lottery which includes Keno, Power and Mega Ball, scratch its pulled in 361 million dollars- for a total of nearly 1 billion in revenue for the state. While the bulk of the funds are dedicated to education, 1% is allotted to treatment for problem gambling. If you know friends or family members struggling with gambling addiction, they should know there is help beyond a help line. All services are professionally provided, confidential and FREE. The help line assists in finding the right fit for effective treatment. Visit OPGR.ORG or call 1-877-695-4648 and start your healing process.

email: Rep.DenycBoles@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1419
address: 900 Court St NE, H-385, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boles