^{*  “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” 
—Helen Keller}

Welcome to the sixth edition of Do What You Can Do.

First off: Capitolizing is here!  It’s a weekly podcast I’ve launched with my fellow Senator, Shemia Fagan (we’re the only two new Senators this session) and you can subscribe now on iTunes or wherever you get podcasts. Capitolizing was created to answer two simple questions: just what do we do here in the Capitol, and why the hell should you care?

Listen and let us know what you think.

What's Up

Climate Action:

This coming Monday night the Climate Committee will receive the proposed “Omnibus Amendment” to HB 2020, a combined selection of the dozens of amendments that have been proposed.  I haven’t seen this big multi-part amendment yet, but from what I understand it will make the bill’s purpose and methodology somewhat clearer and broaden the group of greenhouse gas emitters who will have to participate in the program. We’re also looking for more specifics on ways to protect everyday Oregonians from undue economic harm.  All of those would be good steps.  Stay tuned.

Wine Wars:

SB 111 and some related bills have touched off a battle within Oregon’s wine industry. It began with a kind of truth-in-labeling thrust to protect Oregon’s brand, as our wines have become more and more valued over the years, and has spread to take in some other issues. The interests of Willamette Valley growers, whose grapes go almost completely to Oregon wineries, are different from those of Rogue Valley’s growers, some of whose grapes go to California for processing. One of several arguments is whether an “Oregon” wine should be defined more by where the grape is grown or where the wine is made. Southern Oregon grape-growers tell me they could take a grave economic hit if the bill’s early version becomes law. Peace talks are underway to find labeling rules that can work for everyone.  The Oregon wine industry has become a vital part of our economy.  We have to navigate this issue in a way that keeps it intact so that it continues to thrive.

Campaign Finance Reform:

As the Oregonian finished up its “Polluted By Money” series this week, my Senate Campaign Finance Committee held a hearing on Senate Joint Resolution 18, which would refer to Oregon voters a constitutional amendment that says money in politics can be limited and regulated (e.g., requirements to disclose who pays for political ads) by the legislature, by local governments, or by the people through the initiative process. While it’s sketchy to predict the fate of any big legislation at this point in the process, SJR 18’s gathering momentum. 

What Do You Think?

Our last newsletter asked what you thought about Uber’s proposal to let them keep classifying their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees.  Seven of you said it’s fine that they’re contractors and 13 of you think they should be full-on employees. Some added comments that people should be more carefully screened before they’re hired as drivers.

This week I want to invite you into a poll that my friend and colleague Rep. Pam Marsh has launched here in the Capitol.  There’s some interest in eliminating the time change we do twice each year. We want to know which time system has the most support behind it:

• Year-round daylight saving time
• Year-round standard time
• I don’t care just get rid of the time change
• Do nothing 

For some context: 

• For year-round daylight saving time, on the shortest day of the year, the sun would rise at 8:37 AM and set at 5:29 PM. 
• For year-round standard time, on the shortest day of the year, the sun would rise at 7:37 AM and set at 4:29 PM. 

What do you think? Write sen.jeffgolden@oregonlegislature.gov

The Last Word

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