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Last week, Senate Bill 554 passed through the Oregon State Senate’s Democratic majority. Leading up to the vote, I was very vocal about my opposition—I will never support legislation that would jeopardize the safety of my constituency or infringe on their natural right to self defense. SB 554 did both and I voted against it. SB 554 is a solution in search of a problem, there is no history of a licensed concealed carry holder using their firearm to commit gun violence in a public building. The bill is now before the Oregon House of Representatives.
On this final week of Women’s History Month, I would like to take a moment to highlight Nita Belles, a resident of Deschutes County. Nita is the founder of In Our Backyard, an organization dedicated to ending human trafficking in Oregon and America. Her mission to help and empower women is one that I care deeply about, and that I am pleased to support. Nita is a great example of a leader who is striving to make our communities safer for those who are most vulnerable. I am grateful to call her a friend, and proud to join her in her cause.
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March 29th is Vietnam War Veteran’s Day, and we should take the time to honor these American’s for their dedication and sacrifice to our country. In a presidential proclamation in 2012 by President Obama, March 29, 2012 was picked at the 50th anniversary of the date that the last American military troops left Vietnam. Too many of these service members were made to feel forgotten and abandoned when they returned from the horrors of war, a tragic stain on America’s history that should never be repeated. I’m thankful for these American heroes, and the opportunities I have had to work with them on important issues throughout our community.
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On Sunday night, a windstorm caused a fire in Deschutes County. I would like to thank the Bend Fire Department and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for their skill and professionalism, addressing the situation and developing an evacuation plan. I encourage you to make a plan to evacuate, should that become necessary. You can find more information about the status of the situation—and about the Ready, Set and Go Plan—at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’s website.
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I’m pleased to sponsor SB 700, a bill that establishes the Oregon Brain Injury Trust Fund Board in order to help survivors of brain injury not only heal, but flourish. David Kracke, Oregon’s Brain Injury Advocate, has worked with me in the past on similar bills to combat concussions in school sports, and is a tireless worker for those whom have suffered brain injuries. This bill will help families get access to the resources that are out there to help those who have been injured, and help to make Oregon a better place.
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Best Regards,
 Senator Tim Knopp
Senate District 27
email: sen.timknopp@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1727
address: 900 Court St NE, S-309, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/knopp
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