 This Monday through Wednesday the legislature meets at the Capitol in Salem for Legislative Days. When the legislature is not in session (meaning on the chamber floors, debating and passing bills), we meet in our committees to get reports from agencies and discuss future action. Since the close of session in June, my committee assignments have slightly changed. I now serve on the following committees:
The links above will take you to the agenda and times for each committee this week, so you can be informed. In addition, you can also watch live online as the committees take place.
ODOT Says Less Maintenance this Winter
In late September, Legislators received notification from Oregon’s Department of Transportation (ODOT) stating that Oregonians should expect less road maintenance during the winter months. This means less line painting, fixing of potholes and less plowing of snowy highways. Many of you have written my office asking why and how to ensure we have safe highways to travel on during the winter months.
I join with your concerns, as my job as a legislator requires myself and my staff to often travel on Oregon’s highways during the winter months. That is why I am glad to serve on the Joint Transportation Committee, where the first item on Wednesday’s agenda will be “ODOT – Update on System Maintenance & Preservation and Status of Projects.” Rest assured my colleagues and I will be looking deeper into the causes and how to ensure safe roadways for all Oregonians this winter.
La Pine DMV: Extended Hours
I have a small, good news, update for those who live near La Pine. The local DMV has extended its hours, opening now 30 minutes earlier and closing 30 minutes later. The new times are:
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, closing midday from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
It is a small step forward, but certainly a step in the right direction. I continue to meet with ODOT to explain why offering 2-3 days of service a week at the La Pine location not only helps those in the surrounding area, but also lessens the Burden at the Bend and Redmond DMVs. Stay tuned as I continue to press DMV on this issue.
REPEAL Measure 110 Now
Polling shows a majority of Oregonians think decriminalization of drugs is a mistake. In early October, I urged the Governor to call a Special Session of the Legislature for the sole purpose of Repealing Ballot Measure 110. (broken link) This short, one-day, session would bring immediate relief to our cities and neighborhoods by re-criminalizing hard street drugs and give law enforcement the tools they need to get these harmful drugs off our streets. Moreover, as we move from autumn to winter, we know more people struggle with depression and addiction than at any other time of year. Now is the time to Measure 110. No more Oregonians need to fall prey to addiction and its often tragic result, overdose and death. Watch to my interview with KATU (Portland) or listen to my radio interviews with KAGO (Klamath Falls) and KQEN (Roseburg).
During Legislative Days, when most legislators are in Salem, I will be requesting meetings to see if a bi-partisan coalition can be built to take action and end Measure 110’s harmful effects sooner rather than later. Thank you to all who have called and sent emails supporting this effort to Repeal Measure 110 Now.
 It is an honor to serve the people of Central & Southern Oregon. If you need assistance on a state matter, plan on visiting the Capitol or have an idea for legislation, please reach out to my office.
Best regards,
E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 55
The Crater Lake District
Capitol Phone
(503) 986-1455
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-383
Salem, OR 97301
Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
|
