On Friday, April 9th, the Oregon Supreme Court issued a ruling that granted the bipartisan legislative request to extend the timeline to finish the redistricting process to September 27. The Constitution gives the Legislature authority to redraw legislative and congressional boundaries, but that authority was put in jeopardy by delays in U.S. Census data. The opinion, issued by Chief Justice Walters, would keep the process in the legislature. The Secretary of State, Shemia Fagan, opposed the Legislature, hoping to take control of the redistricting process. The Oregon Supreme Court rejected her partisan attempt, calling her legal arguments flawed. The Supreme Court will issue a writ of mandamus allowing the Legislature to have the first chance to come up with a redistricting plan. The revised deadlines would require an emergency special session. It would give the Legislature until September 27 to enact a redistricting plan, ensuring it becomes effective by February 1, 2022.
“We have had a good working relationship among the Senate members of the committee,” Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend), vice-chair of the Redistricting Committee, said. “Election integrity and fair districts live to fight another day because of this decision. It ensures that we can continue to work together to ensure that Oregonians can pick their representatives fairly.”
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Senator Jackie Winters passed away during the legislative session in 2019. She was a monumental force for good in Oregon, and it was a great privilege to serve with her. SCR 10 was introduced this year to officially recognize and honor her work for Oregon. We both came to the legislature in 1999, serving as Representatives in the House. I will always remember her as a proud woman of faith, as a leader, and a friend. |
My colleague Senator Bill Hansell introduced a bill this session that helps to protect our students. Bailey Munck was sexually abused by a teacher on a school sports trip, because her abuser was a teacher and not a coach, he could only be charged with a misdemeanor. Working with the Munck family and other local officials, they worked to craft a bill that would bring teachers who perform sexual assault in line with coaches who perform such acts. I am proud to support this bill and I’m thankful for Bailey’s courage during testimony and the strength it took to come forward and reveal the truth.
The Senate passed SB 741, which would eliminate administrative procedures that are outdated and waste taxpayer dollars for the Central Oregon Health Council. This organization works with local stakeholders and other organizations to help deliver affordable and accessible healthcare. I am thankful for their help in bringing this issue to my attention and my colleagues in the Senate for supporting it. It now moves onto the House.
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I'm glad to say that my bill, SB 560, which requires insurer and health care service contractor to count payments made on behalf of enrollee for costs of care toward enrollee's out-of-pocket maximum or cost-sharing, has passed through the Senate and will advance to the House. This will ensure that people are getting the maximum dollar value for the money they spend on healthcare.
April is month that observes many important causes, one that is especially important to me is volunteerism. Volunteers play a critical role in our society, especially in this past year with so many struggling to get by. I encourage everyone to find a cause and organization that they believe in, and give what they can to help it succeed. I’m a proud member of the Board of Directors for the non-profit First Story. First Story addresses the affordable housing crisis with an integrated approach that gives individuals a hand up to homeownership while encouraging inclusivity.
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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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