Week 9 Newsletter

Updates from Senator Tim Knopp.

Sen. Knopp Newsletter header

Do You Think Incarcerated Felons Should Be Able to Vote?

Senator Knopp says no.


Hello Senate District 27, 

Voting is a key pillar of our Constitution, and the foundation of our Republic. It is often referred to as a right, not a privilege, but not all rights are incontrovertible. Some rights can be lost under certain circumstances. The right to bear arms, the right to assemble, and the right of protection from unreasonable search and seizure are all examples of rights that one could lose as a consequence of breaking the law. 

Currently, if you are convicted of a felony crime and are incarcerated in the state of Oregon, you lose your ability to vote. Once your sentence has been served, you regain that right. Senate Bill 579 would change this, allowing anyone in prison the to vote. Personally, I think this is wrong and I oppose this legislation.

policy updates

Below is a press release sent out from the Oregon Senate Republicans on Senate Bill 579, which would give convicted felons the ability to vote on elections and ballot measures while still incarcerated.  

press release prisoners voting

Knopp speaking

Last week I gave a remonstrance in opposition of SB 579 on the Senate Floor. Click here to watch.


I want to hear from you! Do you think incarcerated individuals should be allowed to vote in prison? Click here to share your opinion.


 prisoners voting

Legislative Priorities 

 

On Monday, I carried House Concurrent Resolution 4 on the floor. If passed, this resolution would declare the month of March to be " Social Work Month" in Oregon. Click here to watch me speak in support of HCR 4 on the Senate Floor. Social work can be difficult in a lot of circumstances. I appreciate this opportunity to recognize those who do the difficult work serving Oregonians, often during the most challenging periods in their lives.

Committees

On Tuesday I testified in favor of Senate Bill 991 in the Finance and Revenue Committee. If passed, SB 991 would bring relief to Oregon taxpayers with student debt by allowing them to subtract from taxable income amounts paid on qualified education loans, Click here to watch my testimony of support for SB 991


Introductions

Continuing the trend with yet another staff introduction, this week I introduced the Senate Republican Office's Senior Policy advisor, Dylan Amo. Dylan is integral to the policy work done in the SRO. 

Click here to watch my courtesy to Dylan on the Senate Floor. 

Dylan Staff Spotlight

constituent meetings

Last week I met with students from Cascade Academy out in Bend. I got the chance to bring them down to the Senate Floor and take a picture (below). 

cascade academy


Other Constituent Meetings

  • Bend Chamber of Commerce
  • Sisters School District Superintendent 

SD 27 Headings

Oregonians have increasingly gloomy view of the economy
The Oregonian | By Mike Rogoway

Proposal to give some Oregonians $1K a month appears doomed
Statesman Journal | By Dianne Lugo

More than 40% of Oregonians have a negative view of Gov. Tina Kotek: Poll
The Oregonian I Jamie Goldeberg

Oregon may ban TikTok on state-issued phones
OPB I Dirk VanderHart

Oregon House approves $200 million housing package to address homelessness
The Bulletin I Peter Wong

Popular Bend coffee house Spoken Moto gets ready for its slow-motion relocation
The Bulletin I Suzanne Roig

City approves purchase of cinder pit land to build housing
Redmond Spokesman I Nick Rosenberger

Redmond council continues to tweak rules, spends $980k on housing project
Redmond Spokesman I Nick Rosenberger

City, County talk tourism, housing
The Nugget I Sue Stafford

Best Regards,

tim-sig

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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