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On this day, September 30, 1961, A bill for the 1773 Boston Tea Party was paid by Mayor Snyder of Oregon. He wrote a check for $196, the total cost of all tea lost.




Post an Event


Big Top Vancouver Gun Sale
Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 10:00 am
Big Top Vancouver Gun Sale Sep 30th – Oct 1st
Clark County Event Center Ridgefield, WA



Get Ready Clatsop County
Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00 am
Get Ready Clatsop County
11AM-2PM
Warrenton, Oregon



WLN Training: Building a Campaign Team
Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 12:00 pm
WLN Training: Building a Campaign Team It is never too early and never too late to put together a campaign team! Whether you are preparing for a long campaign or are at the end of a campaign putting together a Get Out The Vote (GOVT) effort, building a campaign team will help you to do all of the things you need to do for success! Learn how to build a strong campaign team at our next free Zoom session this Saturday, September 30th at NOON (Pacific Time).
Online



Oregon Open Jiu Jitsu Championship
Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Oregon Open Jiu Jitsu Championship September 30 - October 1
Salem, Oregon



Seven Sundays in Salem - Jericho March
Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 3:00 pm
An organic Jericho March around the State Capitol block to peacefully protest the legislation coming from that building and to demand changes to our election system to ensure it is honest and transparent. 3-4:30pm - on 10/1 and culminating with a final march on 10/15. (Joshua 6:2-5)
South entrance to the State Capitol, Salem



Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici St. Helens Town Hall
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici St. Helens Town Hall
St. Helens Sr. Center 375 S 15th St, St Helens, OR



Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Hillsboro Town Hall
Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Hillsboro Town Hall
Evergreen Middle School 456 NE Evergreen Rd, Hillsboro, OR



Rock the Locks Annual Music Festival
Friday, October 6, 2023 at 10:00 am
Rock the Locks Annual Music Festival October 6th – 8th
Rock the Locks Entrance Address. 83606 Bud Draper Road, Umatilla Oregon



Portland Greek Festival
Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11:00 am
Portland Greek Festival October 6th-8th
Portland, Oregon



Representative Nathan Sosa (Democrat) HD 30 Constituent Coffee
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 9:00 am
9:00 - 10:30 AM
Insomnia Coffee, Baseline 5389 E Main Street Hillsboro, Oregon



McMinnville Scottish Festival
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 10:00 am
McMinnville Scottish Festival October 7th-8th
Yamhill County Fairgrounds 2070 NE Lafayette Ave McMinnville, OR



Talent Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 10:00 am
Talent Harvest Festival October 7th, 2023. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
Downtown Talent, Oregon



Congresswoman Andrea Salinas Town Hall
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 10:30 am
Congresswoman Andrea Salinas Town Hall 10:30AM-2:PM
PCUN Union Headquarters 300 Young St. Woodburn, Oregon



Meadowlark Comic Con
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 am
Meadowlark Comic Con October 7th, 2023
Josephine County Fairgrounds Grants Pass, OR ​



Community Conversation with Senator Janeen Sollman (Democrat- District 15)
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 am
11AM-12PM
Shute Park Library 775 SE 10th Ave Hillsboro, Oregon



Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Seaside Town Hall
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 am
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Seaside Town Hall
Bob Chisholm Community Center 1225 Avenue A, Seaside, OR



Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Tillamook Town Hall
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Tillamook Town Hall
Tillamook Bay Community College 4301 Third Street Tillamook, OR



Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Portland Town Hall
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Portland Town Hall
Lincoln High School 1750 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR



SEDCOR Economic Educational Forum ft. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 12:00 pm
SEDCOR Economic Educational Forum ft. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas Non-Member: Individual Ticket-$50
Keizer Community Center 930 Chemawa Rd NE, Keizer, OR



98th Annual League of Oregon Cities Conference
Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 1:00 pm
98th Annual League of Oregon Cities Conference October 12-14
Eugene, Oregon



Marion County Republican Party Monthly Central Committee Meeting
Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Marion County Republican Party Monthly Central Committee Meeting
VFW Hall Salem, OR



Hood River Valley Harvest Fest
Friday, October 13, 2023 at 10:00 am
Hood River Valley Harvest Fest October 13-15th
Hood River, Oregon



Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival
Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 9:00 am
Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival
October 14th-15th
Albany, OR



Seven Sundays in Salem - Jericho March
Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 3:00 pm
An organic Jericho March around the State Capitol block to peacefully protest the legislation coming from that building and to demand changes to our election system to ensure it is honest and transparent. 3-4:30pm - final march on 10/15. (Joshua 6:2-5)
South entrance to the State Capitol, Salem



Senator Lynn Findley Madras Town Hall
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Senator Lynn Findley Madras Town Hall
Jefferson County Public Health-Community Room 500 NE A St. Suite 102 Madras, OR



Representative Susan McLain (Democrat) Constituent Coffee
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 1:30 pm
House District 29 (Western Washington County)
BJs Coffee 2834 Pacific Ave C Forest Grove, OR



Senator Lynn Findley Prineville Town Hall
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Senator Lynn Findley Prineville Town Hall
Crook County Fairgrounds- Grizzly Mountain Pavilion 1280 S. Main St. Prineville, OR



ORP Platform Convention
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 1:00 pm
ORP Platform Convention October 19th-21st
Pendleton, Oregon



Wasco County GOP 2023 Beef and Burgundy Dinner and Auction
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Wasco County GOP 2023 Beef and Burgundy Dinner and Auction
The Dalles, Oregon



Representative Susan McLain (Democrat) Constituent Coffee
Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:00 am
House District 29 (Western Washington County)
Grand Central Bakery Picnic Tables 118 SE 2nd Ave. Hillsboro, OR



Oregon Democrat Legislator Joint Town Hall Event
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Senator Elizabeth Steiner (D-Portland), Representative Maxine Dexter (D-Portland), Representative Lisa Reynolds (D-Portland)
Cedar Mill Library 1080 NW Saltzman Rd Portland, OR



Vision Oregon Event
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Vision Oregon Event
October 25th
Portland, OR



Wes Knodel Guns Show
Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 10:00 am
Wes Knodel Guns Show October 28th-29th
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center 3800 SE Airport Way Redmond, OR



Douglas County GOP Trump Reagan Dinner and Auction
Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Douglas County GOP Trump Reagan Dinner and Auction
Roseburg, OR



Baker County Republican Women Evening with Myron Ebell
Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Baker County Republican Women Evening with Myron Ebell $20
Baker City, OR



Halloween
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 12:00 am
Halloween
Happy Halloween



League of Minority Voters: Liberty and Hope Awards Gala
Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 5:30 pm
League of Minority Voters: Liberty and Hope Awards Gala
Portland, OR



Stormy Weather Arts Festival
Friday, November 3, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Stormy Weather Arts Festival November 3-5
Cannon Beach, Oregon



Wes Knodel Guns Show
Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 10:00 am
Wes Knodel Guns Show November 4th-5th
Linn County Expo Center 3700 Knox Butte Rd E Albany, Oregon



Clackamas County Republican Party’s Roaring 20’s Fall Gala
Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Clackamas County Republican Party’s Roaring 20’s Fall Gala
Oregon City, OR



Oregon Legislative Committee Days
Monday, November 6, 2023 at 8:00 am
Oregon Legislative Committee Days November 6th-8th
Salem, Oregon



Oregon Regular Municipal Elections
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Oregon Regular Municipal Elections
Oregon



Yachats Celtic Music Festival
Friday, November 10, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Yachats Celtic Music Festival
Nov 10, 11, & 12th
Yachats, OR



Veteran's Day Parade
Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 am
Veteran's Day Parade
Downtown Albany, Oregon



Veteran's Day
Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 pm
Veteran's Day
USA



Willamette Valley Ag Expo
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 9:00 am
Willamette Valley Ag Expo
November 14th-16th
Albany, OR



ShowBiz Salem Holiday Expo
Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 12:00 pm
ShowBiz Salem Holiday Expo November 18th-19th
Oregon State Fairgrounds 2330 17th St NE Salem, OR



Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 8:00 am
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving Oregon



Civil War Oregon State vs. Oregon Football Game
Friday, November 24, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Civil War- Oregon State Beavers vs. Oregon Ducks Football Game
Autzen Stadium Eugene, OR



Christmas Ships
Friday, December 1, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Christmas Ships
Oregon Riverways



Canby Gun & Knife Show
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:00 am
Canby Gun & Knife Show Dec 2nd – 3rd
Clackamas County Fairgrounds 694 NE 4th Ave Canby, OR



Sportsmans Outdoor and Shooting Expo
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:00 am
Sportsmans Outdoor and Shooting Expo Dec 2nd – 3rd
Columbia County Fairgrounds 58892 Saulser Road St Helens, OR



Christmas Storybook Land
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:30 am
Christmas Storybook Land

December 2 – 16
Linn County Fairgrounds Inside the Cascade Livestock Building 3700 Knox Butte Rd Albany, OR 97322



Wes Knodel Gun Show
Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10:00 am
Wes Knodel Guns Show
December 9th-10th
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center 3800 SW Airport Wy Redmond, Oregon



Christmas Day
Monday, December 25, 2023 at 11:59 pm
Christmas Day
Merry Christmas Oregon



New Year's Day
Monday, January 1, 2024 at 12:00 am
New Year's Day
Oregon



Oregon Legislative Committee Days
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 8:00 am
Oregon Legislative Committee Days January 10th-12th
Salem, Oregon



WLN's Fourteenth Annual "TAKE THE OFFENSIVE!" Leadership and Activist Training Conference
Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 9:00 am
"TAKE THE OFFENSIVE!" Leadership and Activist Training Conference
Portland, Oregon



Oregon 2024 Legislative Short Session
Monday, February 5, 2024 at 8:00 am
Oregon 2024 Legislative Short Session February 5th-March 11th, 2024
Salem, OR



Oregon March for Life
Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 9:00 am
Oregon March for Life
Salem, OR



Portland International Auto Show
Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10:00 am
Portland International Auto Show February 22nd-25th
Portland, OR



Oregon Festivals & Events Association Annual Conference
Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 10:00 am
Oregon Festivals & Events Association Annual Conference
February 29 - March 2, 2024
Seaside, OR



ORTL Together We Advocate Conference
Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 8:00 am
ORTL Together We Advocate Conference
Tualatin, OR



Last day for major party or nonpartisan candidate to file declaration of candidacy or nominating petition.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Last day for major party or nonpartisan candidate to file declaration of candidacy or nominating petition
Oregon


View All Calendar Events


OHA Report on COVID Sought
The final report would answer whether the state’s response to the virus was effective

A bill directing OHA to select a private consultant to evaluate Oregon’s public health response to the COVID-19 epidemic is moving. SB 1554 passed the Oregon Senate 17 to 9 on a straight party-line vote Feb. 28th. Four Senators were excused from voting, three Republicans and one Democrat. Senators Elizabeth Steiner Hayward (D-Portland) and Dennis Linthicum R-Klamath Falls took views as divergent as the urban/rural divide they represent concerning SB 1554. Senator Steiner Hayward’s views are expressed in the After Action Report she co-authored.

The After Action Report would investigate the COVID-19 response across several levels of engagement to identify areas for improvement, make recommendations, and capture key lessons learned. Critics are concerned that the report may be used to justify controls on the freedom of citizens in future declared emergencies. SB 1554 includes a General Fund appropriation of $899,573. The final report is to be submitted no later than September 1, 2023.

Oregon has the least popular Governor in the nation for many reasons. Among those are the arbitrary closing of many businesses plus severe mask and vaccination mandates implemented by OHA under her direction in response to the COVID pandemic. A consultant selected by OHA under the Governor’s direction could interpret history in technical terms favorable to the Governor. This is an election year and Democrats fear the worst based on early polling. A report on the Kate Brown administration’s response would be too late technically to affect the November 2022 general election, but it would be a convenient way to deflect criticism of shutdowns and mandates during campaign season.

Steiner Hayward reasons we need this study to know how we could save lives in future emergencies. Her focus is on evaluating how the various agencies made use of their funds, coordination between various government departments, equity in outcomes and public-private partnership effectiveness.

Senator Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls) thinks a study could be useful but sees this bill as one seeking answers to the wrong questions. He questions the value in quantifying government’s role without qualifying the impact it had on those tens of thousands hurt by shutdowns and mandates that adversely affected businesses and schools.

The survey would require input from state and local agencies, hospitals and medical providers, businesses, schools and individuals. Concerns arise over the objectivity in reports from individuals and organizations dependent on public funding for their livelihoods.

The final report would seek to answer whether or not the state’s response to the virus was effective. OHA reports nearly 700,000 people contracted the disease, more than 27,000 were hospitalized and 6,582 died, reportedly all due to COVID-19 and not underlying conditions.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Defenders of the OHA response point out that Oregon fared better Than Oklahoma and Kentucky, two states of similar size. Compared to those states, Oregon’s number of cases and deaths are nearly half. How Oregon compared to those states in mental health outcomes is not mentioned.

The post-pandemic era is upon us. A study of the wide variety of actions and outcomes taken by many different countries on six continents could be a useful tool in directing future responses to virus outbreaks. Sweden allowed citizens the freedom to act responsibly without controls. Australia mandated citizens stay in their homes and followed up with strict enforcement. Poor nations didn’t vaccinated because of cost and many achieved enviable results using affordable therapies banned in many developed countries including the U.S. Deaths and injuries to all age groups brought about by vaccines gets sparse attention by the legacy media. The actions of the FDA and CDC were questioned in Congressional hearings. Agency transparency remain a major concern by many in Congress.


--Tom Hammer

Post Date: 2022-03-02 11:45:57Last Update: 2022-03-02 12:03:24



Economic Equity Not Equality
Spending on disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses and communities

The Oregon Senate passed SB 1579 on a vote of 17 to 9, along party lines.

This legislation directs Business Oregon to implement an Economic Equity Investment Program to award grants to qualified organizations that provide culturally responsive services to disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses and communities.

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means appropriated $15 million General Funds for the Economic Equity Investment Fund for biennium ending June 30, 2023.

That is considerably less than the $50 million requested in the original bill. Perhaps they wanted to recoup most of the funds held in litigation?

Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) made the Ways and Means committee aware that the Emergency Board appropriated $60 million last year with similar goals, which resulted in several law suits, some of which are ongoing. The Legislative Council opinion suggests it is possible that part of this bill will be ruled unconstitutional, which will expose the state to more lawsuits.

The debate of constitutionality was argued with Senator Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton) defending the bill drafting to avoid lawsuits, but Senator Bill Hansen (R-Athena) also alerted the committee against potential lawsuits and the added expense to the state. Chair Representative Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland) referred to the LC opinion stating someone had to experience a loss before a suit could be brought. Representative Janelle Bynum (D-Clackamas) took the discussion on the legality as a personal attack. It was unnecessary since the committee is loaded 14-8 for her party.

A lot of the discussion was aimed at the disparity of Blacks. The US Department of Labor, average wages broken down based on $1.00 earned by a White worker, a Black person is 1.99% of the work force and earns $0.92. Oregon is the fifth highest paying Black wages next to Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Hawaii. Hispanic/Latino at 13.34% and Native Americans as 0.89% earns $0.67, Oregon is 42 compared to other states. Asian-Pacific Islanders are 5.31% of the work force earning $1.10 ranked 13th compared to other states.

This bill directs Oregon Business Development Department to develop and implement an Economic Equity Investment Program to award grants to organizations that provide culturally responsive services to support economic stability, self-sufficiency, wealth building and economic equity among disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses and communities whose future is at risk.

At risk is two or more economic equity risk factors defined as: Business Oregon's Strategic Plan for 2018-2022 notes that persistent economic disparities exist among people of color and other represented communities, despite growth rates higher than the state's overall population. Household income and wages are lowest for Oregon's African American, Native American, and Hispanic communities. The Strategic Plan states that these groups are also disadvantaged in their access to capital and are underrepresented in employment within the professional and technical services sectors.

Akasha Lawrence Spence (D-Portland), Chief Sponsor of SB 1579, said, “This measure is necessary to help communities from our rural center to our urban core become self-sufficient, attract private investment and become resilient in the face of economic shocks.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Senator Kayse Jama (D-Portland), Co-Chief Sponsor, said, “We are in an immense moment of social reckoning in this country. I have spent nearly every one of 20 years in community advocacy focused on police and criminal justice reform. I am a Co-Chief Sponsor of SB 1579 because I know creating economic opportunities for all is fundamental to creating a fairer future for Oregonians who have been left behind."

Organizations providing culturally responsive services pick and choose winners and losers instead of a constitutional equality. It remains to be seen what the courts say about fairness.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-02 10:28:43Last Update: 2022-03-02 17:39:57



Republicans Vote to Empower Parents
Current law already gives parents the right to see what materials are being used

Senate Republicans have voted to advance a measure that would modernize Oregon’s curriculum transparency laws. SB 1575 would increase access for parents looking to get involved with their student’s education.

“It’s time to bring Oregon’s value of transparency into the 21st century,” said Senator Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), author of the bill. “Current law already gives parents the right to see what materials are being used to teach their kids. For decades, we have recognized parents’ right to know. This bill would create a streamlined process for parents to exercise that right.”

ORS 336.465 outlines the rights of parents to examine “instructional materials to be used in any class, course, assembly or school-sponsored activity.” Despite this promise of transparency, parents often have no practical way of exercising this right. Outdated procedures often require parents to travel to district facilities or school buildings during limited hours (typically during working hours). This is a barrier for many parents.

SB 1575 would allow parents to access curriculum materials via an online website.

“The internet gives parents and students access to near unlimited information at their fingertips,” Thatcher continued. “Students use computers to complete assignments and even to participate in the classroom. Our transparency laws need to be updated.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

According to a recent national survey, 85% of voters agree that parents should be allowed to see all curriculum, books, and other materials in classes their children are taking. Seventy-one percent believe parents should have a ‘significant’ role in their childrens’ curriculum development process.

The motion to debate SB 1575 failed along party lines, 9-16, with all Democrats voting no. The bill will remain dead in the Senate Education committee.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-02 10:28:18Last Update: 2022-03-02 10:36:21



Ag Overtime Bill Passes Oregon House
Will likely cut hours and pay for farm workers

The Oregon House passed a union-backed agriculture overtime bill championed by Representative Andrea Salinas (D-Lake Oswego) and Representative Paul Holvey (D-Eugene) that many analysts say will result in job losses and pay cuts for farm workers.

HB 4002 was rushed through during the 35-day short session and passed the House today on party lines. The vote followed a motion from House Republicans to send the bill back to committee. This attempt narrowly failed initially 27 – 32, with bipartisan opposition to this flawed bill and support for a true Oregon solution.

House Democrats, led by the Representatives from Lake Oswego suburbs and Eugene, were emboldened by the threat of an overtime rule from the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries if legislation failed this session. The majority turned down every alternative proposal from Republicans, including an amendment to guarantee increased pay to farm workers for extra hours worked with a $50 million grant. The Democrats’ bill instead includes tax breaks for large, out-of-state corporate farms.

“This legislation is a loss for Oregon,” said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “We had an opportunity to find an Oregon solution that caters to our state’s diverse agriculture industry, protecting both farm employees and farm owners. Instead the majority’s failed leadership passed a bill that will cut employee hours and wages while expediting the automation of farm work.”

“Legislators from both sides of the aisle have stated on the record: this proposal will result in job losses for farm workers,” added Representative Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “There is no appropriate justification for taking jobs away from Oregonians trying to put food on their families’ tables.”

“There is no doubt we will need to fix this legislation in 2023 to save farm employee jobs,” said Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany). “First we will need more balance in the Legislature and a majority that stands up to partisan special interests. We must put people above politics.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-02 06:39:04Last Update: 2022-03-01 15:29:12



Democrats Scramble to Repair Public Safety Perception
“How is it that the remedy for racial bias is more racial bias?”

Reeling from months of urban rioting in Portland and nationwide, walking back "defund the police" movements in large cities, and facing backlash over Governor Brown releasing large number of inmates back to communities, Democrats are eager to repair the self-inflicted damage they have done to their party and their brand, as crime and murder rates skyrocket.

The Oregon Senate -- led by Democrats -- has approved SB 1510 on a vote of 16 to 11. This legislation reduces traffic stops, makes changes to law enforcement best practices and will distribute funding to culturally-specific organizations and service providers. Oregon Senate Democrats announced the passage in the Senate of SB 1510 with a press release entitled “Senate Democrats Advance Measure to Improve Public Safety.”

The bill passed, despite questions about the constitutionality of certain provisions. This is the second time in two days, Democrats have ignored legal advice to pass legislation that is constitutionally suspect. The bill would prohibit law enforcement from enforcing laws about properly functioning headlights and taillights on Oregon’s roads.

“SB 1510 is a critical step forward to improve public safety and help undo systemic racism in our justice system. Black Oregonians are 2% of the overall population and 10% of the prison population. As a former corrections officer, I saw the impact of these racial disparities daily,” said Senator James Manning (D-Eugene), who co-carried SB 1510 on the Senate floor. “The important investments in this bill will reach the programs that will help people re-enter society after leaving prison and help Oregonians who are in need of a variety of services stay out of contact with the criminal justice system in the first place.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“This bill will make our community and roads more dangerous at a time when crime is on the rise,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “Soft-on-crime policies like these are what is causing Oregonians to feel unsafe in their homes, now they will feel unsafe on the roads.” One former legislator who declined to be named said, "How is it that the remedy for racial bias is more racial bias?"

“Communities need police to be able to focus on preventing and solving crimes, especially violent crimes,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Ballot Measure 110 Implementation, who co-carried SB 1510 on the Senate floor. “We should reduce traffic stops for equipment violations like broken taillights that aren’t dangerous, so police can focus on stopping real crime. We need to reestablish trust between communities and law enforcement. SB 1510 will help create a safer Oregon by helping law enforcement focus on doing their jobs effectively.”

SB 1510 directs the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to establish a program to award grants to public and private entities for restorative justice programs, improves law enforcement best practices and directs Justice Reinvestment Equity Program funds to be distributed to culturally specific and response service providers.

SB 1510 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-02 06:17:04Last Update: 2022-03-01 12:01:33



Senate Republicans Propose End to Mask Requirement in Senate Chambers
“This body requires our members to mask while speaking,”

Senate Republicans today moved to amend Senate rules to change the masking requirements in the Senate Chamber.

“This body is one of the only legislative bodies in the nation that requires our members to mask while speaking,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “There is no reason for it. The majority kicked out a member last week for something that just 24 hours later the CDC says is not required. I asked them to wait, now the CDC shows exactly why they should have.”

Senate Democrats voted down the rule change along party lines, 9-17. The Senate will remain out of step with CDC guidance until the masking requirement is struck.

The CDC announced Friday it is no longer recommending most Americans wear masks indoors. According to the CDC’s framework, Marion County is considered medium COVID-19 level, making masks optional. Oregon Governor Kate Brown has announced that the mask mandate will be lifted beginning March 11.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-01 17:46:50Last Update: 2022-02-28 17:55:56



Complaining of Low Wages, Three Democrats Call it Quits
Legislators disappointed at no pay increase

The Oregon State Senate Committee on Rules passed SB 1566 to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for possible funding.

This bill establishes an annual salary for members of the Legislative Assembly equal to an annual occupational mean wage estimate for Oregon for the prior year and adjusted once every two years.

The bill allows for annual cost of living adjustment to the interim expense allowance, and adds up to $1,000 per month reimbursement for child care expenses for members who have one or more children or dependents under age 13.

State legislator salaries would go from $32,839 to about $57,000, and applies a cost-of-living adjustment to the monthly interim expense allowance received by members. It also provides for a child care allowance of $1000 per month for members who have children or dependents under 13 years of age.

Three Democrat legislators announced they will not seek re-election assuming that SB 1566 has failed. Representative Anna Williams (D-Hood River), Representative Karin Power (D-Milwaukie), and Representative Rachel Prusak (D-West Linn/Tualatin) all said their base salary was not enough to compensate for the amount of work required as a state representative. The three have professional jobs outside of their legislative duties.

The salary for legislators was set to be a servant of the people and a part-time commitment.

It was never intended to be a career job. SB 1566 salary increases would change legislators to full-time careers.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

In 2010, voters approved legislator’s plea for a short session to adjust budgets and deal with issues that couldn’t wait. That has not changed in the eyes of the public, but the legislature has manipulated legislation with studies and programs that report back to them adding meetings and work until it has exceeded its boundaries.

COVID shut downs have kept the public voices silent making the legislature more powerful than ever intended.

The state would benefit with new blood that will put the brakes on new programs and do a complete audit of programs to determine the value of our "servants" representing us.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-01 11:26:58Last Update: 2022-03-01 13:26:30



House Republicans Block Executive Office Powers for OHA
Instead guarantee insurance coverage for essential health care visits

House Republicans have negotiated a fix to SB 1529 to ensure that Oregonians can receive insurance coverage for annual primary care and mental health care doctor visits.

SB 1529 previously included a proposal from Democrats that would have given the Oregon Health Authority’s public health director, an unelected bureaucrat, the same powers as the Governor to declare a health emergency and dictate mandates related to that emergency. Republicans successfully changed the bill to prevent OHA from gaining this inappropriate power.

“Oregonians need better access to health care, not a state agency with more power to dictate mandates,” said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville).

“The pandemic was and still is exhausting for hardworking Oregonians,” said Representative Raquel Moore-Green (R-Salem), a member of the House Committee on Health Care. “Rather than empowering OHA to declare more frequent emergencies and mandates, this bill gives Oregonians better access to affordable health care.”

SB 1529 is scheduled for third reading and vote on the House floor today, March 1.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-01 10:25:43Last Update: 2022-03-01 11:17:04



Democrats Help Felons Stay in the Country Illegally
“Making victims pay for their abuser to stay in the country illegally is wrong”

Oregon Senate Democrats have moved to make taxpayers foot the bill for the deportation lawyers of illegal non-citizens, including those who have also been convicted of felonies like murder, rape, domestic violence, sex abuse, and kidnapping.

“Making victims pay for their abuser to stay in the country illegally is wrong,” Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “These kinds of soft-on-crime policies are what is causing Oregonians to feel unsafe in their homes. In the middle of a crime spike, we should be making communities safer, not putting more criminals back on our streets.”

In the Judiciary Committee, a Republican amendment to SB 1543 was rejected that would have ensured those who had stood accused or convicted of felonies would not receive benefits under the universal representation program.

Department of Corrections data shows that as of January 1, 2022, at least 615 individuals with federal ICE detainers are in custody in Oregon prisons. Three-in-five have been convicted of sex abuse, rape, murder, or sodomy. Under SB 1543, these individuals would be prioritized for taxpayer assistance.

It is estimated that taxpayers already pay over $26 million per year in prison costs to detain criminal illegal non-citizens. SB 1543 appropriates another $10.5 million to pay for their deportation defense.

SB 1543 was introduced by Senators Kate Lieber (D-Portland) and Kayse Jama (D-Portland) and Representative Andrea Salinas (D-Lake Oswego). The bill passed along party lines, 17-8 and will now be considered by the House.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-01 06:55:56Last Update: 2022-03-01 01:02:54



Democrats Pass Bill to Help Convicted Felons Stay in the Country Illegally
“Making victims pay for their abuser to stay...”

Oregon Senate Democrats have moved to make taxpayers foot the bill for the deportation lawyers of illegal non-citizens, including those who have also been convicted of felonies like murder, rape, domestic violence, sex abuse, and kidnapping.

“Making victims pay for their abuser to stay in the country illegally is wrong,” Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “These kinds of soft-on-crime policies are what is causing Oregonians to feel unsafe in their homes. In the middle of a crime spike, we should be making communities safer, not putting more criminals back on our streets.”

In the Judiciary Committee, a Republican amendment to SB 1543 was rejected that would have ensured those who had stood accused or convicted of felonies would not receive benefits under the universal representation program.

Department of Corrections data shows that as of January 1, 2022, at least 615 individuals with federal ICE detainers are in custody in Oregon prisons.

Three-in-five of those have been convicted of sex abuse, rape, murder, or sodomy.

Under SB 1543, these individuals would be prioritized for taxpayer assistance.

It is estimated that taxpayers already pay over $26 million per year in prison costs to detain criminal illegal non-citizens. SB 1543 appropriates another $10.5 million to pay for their deportation defense.

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SB 1543's Chief Sponsors are Senator Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), Senator Kayse Jama (D-Portland), Representative Andrea Salinas (D-Lake Oswego), Senator Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), Senator James I. Manning Jr. (D-Eugene), Senator Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego), Representative Teresa Alonso Leon (D-Woodburn), Representative Khanh Pham (D-Portland) and Representative Andrea Valderrama (D-Portland).

The bill passed the Senate along party lines, 17-8 and will now be considered by the House.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-28 15:57:16Last Update: 2022-03-01 17:44:45



Culturally Responsive Investments
Oregon Democrats want racial reparations through redistribution

The Oregon State Senate has approved Senate Bill 1579 on a vote of 17 to 9.

This legislation would direct Business Oregon to implement an Economic Equity Investment Program to award grants to qualified organizations that provide culturally responsive services to disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses and communities.

“The Equity Investment Act is a proactive investment in our communities statewide,” said Akasha Lawrence Spence (D-Portland), Chief Sponsor of Senate Bill 1579, who carried the bill on the Senate floor. “This measure is necessary to help communities from our rural center to our urban core become self-sufficient, attract private investment and become resilient in the face of economic shocks. Senate Bill 1579 will increase Oregon's capacity to build thriving communities.”

“We are in an immense moment of social reckoning in this country. I have spent nearly every one of 20 years in community advocacy focused on police and criminal justice reform,” said Senator Kayse Jama (D-Portland), Co-Chief Sponsor of Senate Bill 1579. “I am a Co-Chief Sponsor of Senate Bill 1579 because I know creating economic opportunities for all is fundamental to creating a fairer future for Oregonians who have been left behind."

Business Oregon's Strategic Plan for 2018-2022 says that persistent economic disparities exist among people of color and other represented communities, despite growth rates higher than the state's overall population.

They are saying that household income and wages are lowest for Oregon's African American, Native American, and Hispanic communities. Observers might note that Business Oregon is suggesting that "white communities" do not need the "culturally responsive investments" that these other communities do.

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The Strategic Plan states that these groups are also disadvantaged in their access to capital and are underrepresented in employment within the professional and technical services sectors.

Senate Bill 1579 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-28 13:54:02Last Update: 2022-02-28 15:52:33



Masks No Longer to be Required in Oregon
Date changed again, to March 11

With declining case rates and hospitalizations across the West, California, Oregon, and Washington are moving together to again update their masking guidance.

After 11:59 p.m. on March 11, California, Oregon, and Washington will be adopting new indoor mask policies and moving from mask requirements to mask recommendations in schools.

State policies do not change federal requirements, which still include masks on public transit.

“Two years ago today, we identified Oregon’s first case of COVID-19," said the Governor Kate Brown. "As has been made clear time and again over the last two years, COVID-19 does not stop at state borders or county lines. On the West Coast, our communities and economies are linked. Together, as we continue to recover from the Omicron surge, we will build resiliency and prepare for the next variant and the next pandemic. As we learn to live with this virus, we must remain vigilant to protect each other and prevent disruption to our schools, businesses, and communities––with a focus on protecting our most vulnerable and the people and communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”

In Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority rules requiring masks in indoor public places and schools will be lifted after 11:59 p.m. on March 11.

In California starting March 1, masks will no longer be required.

However, the division continues, as masks will be recommended for unvaccinated individuals in most indoor settings.

After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended.

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Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, healthcare settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities. As always, local jurisdictions may have additional requirements beyond the state guidance.

“We’ve continued to monitor data from our state Department of Health, and have determined we are able to adjust the timing of our statewide mask requirement," stated Washington Governor Jay Inslee. "While this represents another step forward for Washingtonians, we will continue to move forward together carefully and cautiously.”

In Washington, indoor mask requirements will be lifted as of 11:59 p.m. on March 11. The Washington State Department of Health will be issuing new guidance for K-12 schools next week so schools can prepare to implement updated safety protocols.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-28 13:06:56Last Update: 2022-02-28 13:26:28



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