Friends,

                As we enter the 80^th legislative session, I would like to tell you a little bit about what I’ll be working on over the next few months.

                Last year I was honored to be appointed to the Joint Student Success Committee which has been tasked with the monumental goal of significantly increasing the funding for our schools and to identify and fix the systemic problems that have been keeping our students from receiving the support they need. After spending a year touring the State and listening to parents, students, and teachers from across the State, the committee is moving forward with policy and revenue proposals. The top priority for me is the reduction of class size and the increase in pay for teachers and other vital school employees. For too long we have prevented teachers and students from having the tools they need to succeed. We must do better.

                Again, I am honored to serve as the Chair of the Agriculture and Land Use Committee. This committee is one of the most important ones that we have here in the Capitol. The charge of protecting and promoting the family farms that we have here in Marion County is one of the most important priorities that we have. The agriculture sector is the backbone of the Oregon economy and I am proud to stand up for our farmers. In addition, I have also been appointed to serve as a member of the Business and Labor committee. As a small business owner, I believe in the power of small businesses and the vital role that they play in job creation and community development. I also believe in the benefit of labor unions and in the role of collective bargaining that ensures our public employees receive a fair deal for their work.

                Outside of my committees, once again I’ll be introducing legislation to expand the Farm to School program which helps to streamline our locally produced agricultural products into the classrooms where our kids can enjoy our local and healthy fruits and vegetables. I’ll also be re-introducing a resolution calling for an end to the unlimited campaign contributions (Citizens United) by special interests looking to buy influence and access. Simply put, money is not speech and the people must be protected from this erroneous court decision.

                I am also pleased to re-introduce two separate pieces of legislation on annexation reform that will allow my constituents in East Salem to have a greater say in how and when they can be annexed and will stop the city from forcing you out of the county and increasing your taxes, without your input. These bills are House Bills 2108 and 2109.

                Lastly, I will be a diligent guard against any legislation aimed at our retired public employees. Our teachers and police officers, caseworkers and classified employees signed a contract with the state many years ago and we cannot go back on our word and break that contract. I have always and will always vote against any unconstitutional attacks on our PERS.

Sincerely,

Brian Clem