Revenue & Budget Process Update
As I referenced in my last newsletter, in order to stop massive teacher layoffs and cuts to school days, as well as stabilize funding for vital state services, the Ways and Means Co-Chairs proposed a budget plan that asks for a shared sacrifice from Oregonians.
We are now at a pivotal point in the 2013 Legislative Session as we await the crucial May revenue forecast. Oregon's improving economy will help fund education and other vital services, but there are still difficult challenges ahead. As Senate Majority Leader I am spending all my time working toward a fair compromise on budgets and the resources needed to fund them. As Chair of the Senate Rules Committee I am also working on many important issues that require end-of-session negotiations for passage.
This month the Legislature will continue to work on the budget through the Ways and Means subcommittees, the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee, and the Joint Committee on Tax Credits. The next state revenue forecast will be presented tomorrow, Thursday, May 16th. We will use the information presented then to further guide our actions in the upcoming months.
To track the actions of these and other committees you can do so via the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) here.
International Workers’ Day
May Day in Salem brought thousands of Oregonians to the Capitol to rally in support of worker’s rights. Many individuals and families from the Latino community were here on May 1st to celebrate International Workers’ Day and the signing of Senate Bill 833, the Oregon Safe Roads Act, by Governor John Kitzhaber.
The Oregon Safe Roads Act, which passed both the Senate and the House with bipartisan support, will grant short term driver's cards to Oregon residents who lack traditional DMV documentation. Senate Bill 833B increases public safety by ensuring that all Oregon drivers on our roads have the proper training and skills to drive safely. I was proud to support this measure and pleased to give more Oregonians the opportunity to safely get to work, get to the store, and take their children to school.
Expanding Access to Foreclosure Mediation
In April the Senate voted 22-7 to pass Senate Bill 558A, the Foreclosure Avoidance Mediation Program. This bill is one of my top priorities this session and will give homeowners at risk of foreclosure the ability to request mediation with their lender regardless of the procedure that may follow an initial foreclosure notice. Senate Bill 558A passed out of the House Consumer Protection and Government Efficiency Committee this week and will now move to the House floor for a full vote. More details can be found here.
I was honored to join my colleague, and fellow Chief Sponsor of SB 558A, Senator Lee Beyer (D-Springfield) in receiving a “gold star” award from the Oregon Housing Alliance in recognition of our work on foreclosure issues. Pictured here with Sybil Hebb, Oregon Law Center, Janet Byrd, Executive Director of Neighborhood Partnerships, and Senator Lee Beyer.
Environmental bills take a step forward
Several bills focusing on renewable energy and increased energy efficiency standards took a step forward last month. Senate Bill 488, the Oregon Clean Fuels Program was voted out of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources committee last month and is now in the Senate Rules Committee for additional consideration. This program serves both the environmental and economic interests of our state by supporting Oregon biofuel and renewable energy companies, and addressing the increasingly urgent threat of climate change. As Chair of the Senate Rules Committee, I strongly support Senate Bill 488.
Last month the Senate also passed a bill that increases energy efficiency standards for household appliances. Senate Bill 692A will make it easier for Oregonians to purchase energy-saving items and will reduce utility costs for homes and businesses by giving Oregonians the opportunity to buy the most innovative and efficient appliances out there. Higher standards will also help Oregon make wise use of its natural resources and lead to more sustainable energy use patterns. This bill is now in the House Energy and Environment Committee.
No on Senate Bill 633
Over the last month I heard an overwhelming amount of opposition from many of you to Senate Bill 633. SB 633 preempts counties from implementing policies restricting the types of seeds farmers can plant on their land. I cast a strong “NO” vote on this bill when it came to the Senate floor for a vote on May 1st for the following reasons;
Senate Bill 633 preempts local government and cities without offering an alternative. This bill will specifically pre-empt a measure already approved for the May 2014 ballot in Jackson County that would restrict the planting of genetically modified (GM) crops, without providing the county with any other path to move forward.
Preemption of a local vote has a deleterious effect on democracy. Seed and agricultural issues are unique to each climate, culture, and community.
In my over 14 years in the Legislature few issues have produced more active opposition from the citizens of my district. Local farmers have a right to grow organic crops and communities have a right to determine the right policy for their land.
National Equal Pay Day
Just over one month ago, on April 9th, 2013 we commemorated National Equal Pay Day which represents the additional three months women need to work to catch up with men’s earnings the previous year. In Oregon, women earn 22 percent less than men for full-timework. Following National Equal Pay Day, the Senate passed Senate Bill 744 which directs the Council on Civil Rights to conduct a study on wage equality and factors contributing to wage inequality in Oregon. This inequality is a huge problem for Oregon’s economy, and SB 744 will provide the tools to help us address the issue.
Pictured here with my Legislative Aide Megan Osborne and Outreach Director Kathleen Stuart on April 9th, holding up the women's dollar "$0.78".
