|
Hello Friends,
2017-2018 Legislative
Interim Update:
A few months
have passed since the 2018 May, Legislative Special Session that was called by
the Governor. The Legislature was called into Session by Governor Kate Brown to
pass one bill that extended a tax break to small businesses or sole proprietors.
This came directly after she signed a bill that increased taxes on small
businesses adding around $300 Million to the State general fund when a record
amount of revenue was already coming in. In my opinion it was a waste of time, waste of
money and only a handful of businesses will qualify for the break, but it gives
the Governor the weak campaign claim that she is business friendly. I voted
“NO” and you can read my last Newsletter covering the issue by clicking on the link Here:
Carbon Reduction
Committee:
During the Legislative
Interim I have been busy with committee assignments and work groups among many
other things. I was assigned to the Joint Interim Committee On Carbon
Reduction. We have had two meetings so far consisting primarily of testimony and
presentations from State Agencies, the business community and Scientists so we
can start considering carbon reduction policy options for Oregon. Our end goal
is to craft a bill to be considered for the 2019 Regular Legislative Session.
Although I
am very concerned about the cost of Cap and Trade without the corresponding
benefit to the environment, If we want to be serious and fair about making a difference in carbon reduction, then a
straight Carbon Tax across the board for all Co2 generating businesses would
have better results versus just impacting the very few that are over 25 metric tons
of Co2 a year while leaving out the many businesses that are just under that
number. In addition, I believe the revenue generated from a carbon tax should
go the general fund to benefit all Oregonians with democratically elected representation and not be put into a fund controlled by a small appointed commission.
 |
|
Senator Taylor and I talking before our meeting. We share membership sitting on the Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources. |
I’ve also been appointed to the Oregon Global Warming Commission and we have primarily been focused on presentations related to improving Oregon Forest management and with Forest carbon
sequestering as one of our policy options to consider for linking in as a part of the new Carbon Reduction bill for 2019.
|
I am the chair of a workgroup on The Energy Facility Siting Council which is responsible for overseeing
the development of large electric generating facilities, high voltage
transmission lines, gas pipelines, radioactive waste disposal sites, and other
projects. State-level oversight of energy facilities helps ensure that Oregon
has an adequate energy supply while protecting Oregon's environment and public
safety. The EFSC Work Group has been established to review
issues and concerns regarding public participation in the site certificate
application and certificate amendment processes.
|
|
 |
At the Canby Chamber of Commerce luncheon on July 3rd, 2018. U.S.
Representative, and my next-door neighbor, Kurt Schrader gave a Federal update.
I provided a State update. Rep Schrader in his remarks continually touched on
bi-partisanship and the need for more balance in Congress to get good pragmatic
policies that benefit all Americans. I completely agree with him that balance
is key to good working legislation and policies. Unfortunately, the Oregon State
Legislature has been unbalanced for years and needs a serious correction in the
partisan make-up of the Legislative body. Too much Ying and not enough Yang! The
Luncheon had a superb turnout, great audience, good food and we had wonderful
time.
|
What can I
say? I’m a Republican who loves the 4th of July and everything that
goes along with it. We do the Canby Parade every year handing out tootsie rolls
to the kids and State Senator Alan Olsen pens for the adults. Everyone needs a
pen. I had a great turnout of volunteers helping me and we enjoyed pizza
afterwards before heading out to fireworks displays. I hope you all enjoyed your 4th
of July!
Have a Happy Summer!
|
|
 |
Yours truly,
Senator Alan Olsen
Senate District 20
Email: Sen.AlanOlsen@oregonlegislature.gov
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1720
District Phone: 503-266-4599
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-425, Salem, OR 97301
District Address: 675 Northwest 2nd St., Canby, OR 97013
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/olsen
Senator Olsen's Regular Session Committees:
Vice Chair of Senate Committee Environment & Natural Resources
Senate Committee on Veterans & Emergency Preparedness
| 
