Be on the look out for Rep. Nathanson walking through your neighborhood.
In this Newsletter
- Capitol News
- Oregon's Implementation of ARRA
- Extension of Unemployment Benefits
- District News
- Ninkasi Brewery
- Living Sustainably
- Upcoming Events
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October 2009
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
October has been an exciting month so far. I chatted with
constituents at the
Laughing Planet Cafe in the Jefferson-Westside Neighborhood, attended the 2009 Emerald Awards
presented by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, took a ride on the EmX with Senator
Merkley, presented a lifetime achievement award to John Frohnmayer at the Eugene International
Film Festival and continued to tour local businesses and organizations. Jamie Floyd of Ninkasi Brewery showed me around their facility and I got a
sneak peek of
what will become the new tasting room and administrative office building. The following week
Mary Spilde, President of Lane Community College, gave me a tour of Lane's Health
Professions Division, we saw the new Health and Wellness Building under construction and discussed LCC's part in meeting the future health care needs
of Lane County.
Some of you may have even seen me around your neighborhood lately. I have been using these
lovely Fall afternoons to go door-to-door and talk to constituents. During the legislative
session it can be difficult to stay connected but now that we are in the Interim I am talking with you at your door about your ideas, concerns and
priorities for Oregon. If I haven't talked with you at a coffee or
at your door, you can always contact me at rep.nancynathanson@state.or.us and share your
thoughts.
Sincerely,
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Rep. Nathanson discusses EmX with state transportation officials. |
Capitol
News
Update on Oregon's Implementation of ARRA
The last week of September we had our first committee days of the Interim. In one hearing, the Governor's office provided an update to the Joint
Committee on Ways and Means on the state's implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). They reported that Oregon has
already
received and committed just under $1 billion for a variety of projects and programs. This includes 100 transportation projects, 18 safe drinking
water projects, and 13 sewer and irrigation projects, which together are expected to create over 5,000 jobs statewide over the next two years. Many
programs including food stamp assistance, medical assistance through the Medicaid program, and Emergency Unemployment Compensation have also received
money from ARRA. Additionally, State Fiscal Stabilization Fund money has been spent to help fill the state's budget deficit and diminish the drastic
reductions that would have occurred in our K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. This money is supplemented by state Reserve funds which
the legislature allocated.
You can visit the recovery website for reporting of ongoing program
and
project details.
Extension of Unemployment Benefits
As of Sunday, October 4th, thousands of Oregonians who have seen their unemployment benefits run
out, may be eligible for an extension. Recent
legislation, which I helped pass during the 2009 legislative session, is now in effect. This is good news for anyone who may have already exhausted
their benefits or had been preparing for that reality. The maximum benefit is 50% of the individual's most recent regular Oregon unemployment claim.
The program is scheduled to end January 2010. The employment department recommends that Oregonians file for benefits online.
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Jamie Floyd of Ninkasi Brewery explains the brewing process to Rep. Nathanson. |
District
News
Ninkasi Brewery
I had the opportunity to tour Ninkasi Brewery this month. This Eugene-based business is
noteworthy for its commitment to sustainable business practices and involvement in our local community. The company is experiencing significant
growth
despite these difficult economic times. Brewer and Co-Founder, Jamie Floyd, told me that the company reached their 5 year business plan in 3 years
and
they continue to keep growing as they move forward. Ninkasi's approach to employment is to hire ahead of their anticipated need, value their
employees, and make sure that the right amount of support is in place as they grow. Ninkasi takes care of their employees and also their local
community. They participate in community events, like the art walk, and invite visitors to stop by and check out the active brewery, taste a beer,
and
see
what's going on. Ninkasi, founded in 2006, is named after the Sumerian Goddess of fermentation. For more information about this local business
see their website.
Living Sustainably
Oregon State University's Extension services recently published an easy-to-read booklet titled, "Living Sustainability:It's Your Choice." The guide
identifies barriers to living sustainably in the United States: the time crunch, too much "stuff"and disconnection from nature and spirituality. It
also suggests ways to overcome them by using a "triple-win" system.
The triple-win effect balances social, environmental and economic values. You can access the booklet online here.
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Rep. Nathanson enjoys lively discussion during a coffee hour with constituents at Laughing Planet
Cafe. |
Upcoming Events
I hope you can join me for my next coffee and conversation with constituents. Be on the lookout for more information about the location.
What: Coffee Meet and Greet
When: Saturday, November 21. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: TBA
Contact: 541-343-2206 or rep.nancynathanson@state.or.us
Click here to access my legislative website.
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