Hello Friends,
Oregon's Long Session took a full 160 days, nearly six months, to complete its business.
This was the first time since 2011 that the legislature took this long. Constitutionally, the only duty of each legislature is to produce a balanced budget. That said, the legislature does far more than produce a balanced budget when it assembles during Session — policy is a major part of its business, and 2019 was no exception.
2019 Legislative Session will be remembered for three things.
FIRST: The Democrat super majority legislature raised taxes on Oregonian’s nearly $5 billion. That pencils out to an average increase of almost $600/year in the cost of living for every Oregonian. This crushing impact will soon be felt by retired couples on a fixed income and on hard working families. What’s more, these new taxes were enacted on top of another year where the State’s Department of Revenue received revenue. SECOND: the Senate Republican walked out not once, but twice, halting the Senate process in order to prevent anti-constitutional gun, medical and environmentally extreme Cap & Trade bills from passing. THIRD: Unprecedented hubris was used by the super majority in pushing through policy. There was little effort from Democrats to engage Republicans to find paths of common interest for bills that would effect the entire state. Most policy was Portland-centric and top-down and will be devastating to rural Oregonians.
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Serving as Vice-chair on Energy and Environment Committee. |
Remaining firm.
I remain one of the most conservative Republicans in Oregon's House of Representatives. With a Democrat majority, this means getting any of my bills through one chamber, let alone both House and Senate chambers, and then signed by the Governor would prove to be a difficult challenge. That is why I am very pleased with the passage of four bills I chief sponsored — bills that directly benefit Southern Klamath and Lake Counties.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is a legislative summary looking through the lens of bills that did and did not pass. I’ve borrowed a Clint Eastwood movie motif with this title. Please feel free to share this link with others.
 Upcoming Schedule
Throughout this summer and upcoming autumn months, I am spending time in Southern Klamath and Lake counties, meeting with individuals and groups to talk about the past, present and future of Oregon policy. If you would like to request a meeting with me, please email (listed below) and provide information about yourself and your group.
While no one is completely happy with the results of the 2019 legislative session, I would emphasize our state government currently reflects voters who represent the larger metro areas. I believe our system of government still works and your vote matters. An increasing number of Oregonians do not like what was produced by the 2019 session. I remind all voters of the upcoming November 2020 election, which provides Oregonians the opportunity to elect new or re-elect all 60 State House Members, half of the State Senators, the Attorney General, BOLI Commissioner, the Secretary of State and the State Treasurer.
Government of, by and for the people. Each election continues or changes the course that Oregon travels. I encourage all Oregonians to participate in the election process, as our state is facing serious challenges, especially in rural areas.
To keep current, be sure to follow my Facebook page (link below). Also please share this email with others who might be interested.
I am honored to serve and represent the people from beautiful southern Klamath and Lake counties.
In your service,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1456
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-377, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
Facebook: Facebook.com/WernerforOregon
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