  It is difficult to summarize six months of the 2021 Legislative Session in just a few paragraphs. There were many twists and turns, anticipated events and unexpected issues — yet through it all I believe the wins for the people of southern Klamath & Lake Counties will help make us stronger in both the short and long term.
Success in Policy
Following are important policy highlights that I chief-sponsored, co-sponsored or carried on the House floor that passed the Oregon Legislature:
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HB 3162 - Crater Lake National Park Day
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SB 19 - Transfer of Warner Creek Correctional Facility to Lake County if the
prison closes
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HB 2472 - Oregon Tech designated as Oregon’s only Polytechnic University
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HB 2089 - North Lake County added as part of Klamath Community College
service district
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HB 2433 - Extention of Tax Credit for Rural Medical Providers
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HB 3389 - Protect Small Business from Unemployment Insurance pricing surge
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HB 2738 – Full and adequate funding for CASA
Success in Funding
Here are the projects I secured funding for in our community:
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Oregon Tech, New Residence Hall Facility: $55,650,000
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Lakeview - Water Treatment Facility: $15,000,000
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Klamath Crimson Rose: $12,194,093
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Lake County Railroad: $3,349,960
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Klamath Community College Childcare Resource Learning Center: $1,540,000
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Klamath County Economic Development Association: $1,000,000
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South Central Oregon Economic Development District: $1,000,000
Disappointments
Unfortunately there were many disappointments. First and foremost was the lock-down of the Capitol building to the public. Closure to the public is unprecedented, as never before has this happened in Oregon’s history. While virtual testimony became the norm, the participation and effectiveness of remote testimony was sorely lacking. This remote method could be somewhat helpful for those in Klamath & Lake counties who live a long way from the Capitol, however overall participation in the process statewide was significantly lacking. For the best results in our legislative process, it requires direct public access and input, not comments only via tiny squares on a computer screen.
Other disappointments include: public policies that lower public education standards as well as short-funding public education, new 2nd Amendment right restrictions and bills that replace our founding principle of equality under the law with the foreign and new definition of “equity” as favoritism.
Thankful
I am continually thankful to each of you — despite the obstacles — who stayed involved and engaged in the legislative process. Thank you for all your emails, letters and phone calls. It is an honor to serve on your behalf in the State Legislature. I will continue to find ways to bring us together as a state and not divide us. I will work to bring balance back to Oregon’s policy making. I will continue to stand for the principles that make our state and our nation great.
As we step into the interim, please know that I, and my staff, are available to help with any concerns you may have with a state agency or ideas for future policy in Oregon. Finally, enjoy our Independence Day weekend with family and friends reflecting on the sacrifices for freedom given by so many long ago — heroes known and unknown. We live in a blessed nation in one of the most beautiful states in the Union.
Best Regards,
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 E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 56
Southern Klamath & Lake Counties
Capitol Phone
(503) 986-1456
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-384
Salem, OR 97301
Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
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