Representative Deborah Boone E-Update

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As the legislature enters the final few days of the 2013 session, last minute negotiations continue as the budgets are moved through both chambers. Work at the Oregon Legislature is dominated by legislative committees, where most of the work to shape legislation and public policy is done. This session I served as Vice Chair of the House Energy and Environment and also on the Veterans and Emergency Preparedness committee. These committees have now finished up their work, and now we wait for the final budget appropriation packages to come out of the Ways and Means Committee. While this has been a good session, with lots of success, as the weather improves I’m looking forward to spending more time at home and enjoying recreational activities in the House District 32. One thing I thoroughly enjoy is first razor clamming on the Clatsop County beaches, and then enjoying the fresh flavorful bounty from our ocean. Another thing I miss when I’m in Salem are delicious fresh fish dinners I prepare after a successful recreational fishing trip.

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I support continuing the limited gill net season on the Columbia that is so important to the commercial fishing industry in Clatsop County, but not popular with some of my recreational fishing friends. There are already strict limitations on this fishery, and I cannot support legislation that destroys the livelihood of many north coast fishers just to make a few more fish available for recreational anglers who already receive 80 percent of the available quota. As a member of the Coastal Caucus I am working in support of legislation that will help improve all fisheries, including hatchery research within the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife budget, a landmark agreement between Oregon and the Corps of Engineers for small port dredging, sea floor mapping and research, and making sure all stakeholders are at the table when policy discussions take place. Fishing, whether it be commercial or recreational is such an important part of Oregon’s tradition, culture and economy, it is a very personal issue for many people, and I believe that the resource is there for everyone to share.

When the 2013 Legislative Session convened, the target end date was this week, but now leadership expects the session to end next week, and lawmakers will be able to return to their districts to enjoy the Independence Day festivities. For the north Oregon Coast, the Fourth of July marks the beginning of the heaviest tourist season. The economies of our coastal towns depend on the tourist season, and this looks like this year will be a great one.

As the economy continues to recover, more people are visiting our state. Last year, there was a 13 percent increase of international arrivals in Oregon, with nearly one and a half million Oregon visitors coming from Canada. A majority of these tourists travel by motor vehicle, and most likely travel 101 along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. This is a tremendous boost to the economy, last year Oregon tourism was a $9.2 billion dollar industry that directly employs over 91 thousand people, and indirectly employs an addition 41 thousand. Statistics also show that after visiting Oregon, many people decide to relocate to our beautiful state. That’s one reason the real estate market is beginning to pick up, and with more existing home sales, then new construction will follow, and we’ll begin to see the kind of economic growth and strength our communities realized before the last recession.

If you have a concern or comment about a state agency, or pending legislation, you can write, phone or email my office, or when you’re in Salem, stop by my office in the Capitol. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of Representatives, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Deborah Boone
State Representative District 32