| IN THIS ISSUE: Some of Rep Thatcher's Bills
Help for Businesses
Help for Veterans
Thoughts for Thatcher | 
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Well, the 2011 Session of the Oregon Legislature is now underway…sort of. Lawmakers were only at work for a few days this week to get things organized and they’ll be back ready to roll up their sleeves February 1st. In November, voters approved Ballot Measure 71 which now means lawmakers will hold annual sessions at the State Capitol.
This session offers many challenges and opportunities. There is a lot of heavy lifting to do this year, especially with a $3.5 billion dollar gap between the amount of tax revenue coming in to the state and the amount agencies say they need to maintain current programs.
The challenges come in juggling the budget. The opportunities come in looking for ways to revamp the way we do business in state government. If there was ever a time to establish solid priorities of government and match spending accordingly, this is it. If there was ever a time to reform PERS and other benefits provided to state workers, this is it. This list goes on but I think you get my point.
We also need to help our economy recover from the recession. Oregon businesses need the state to get out of the way. They need fewer regulations, taxes and fees; not more. I’m optimistic that the legislature will look for ideas to create the kind of tax and regulatory environment where businesses will create more jobs.
I’ve been encouraged by some of the changes our new Governor has proposed, but I am waiting to see how he will follow through. For the first time in state history the House of Representatives is split with 30 Republicans and 30 Democrats. The Co-Speakers have promised to work together on important issues and I hope that spirit of cooperation can be maintained through the difficult decisions ahead.
This week the list of committee assignments were distributed and I was honored to be named the Co-Chair of the new Joint Legislative Committee on Audits, Information Management & Technology. I expect this committee will be able to really drill down in certain areas of government accountability. I was also placed on the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, and selected to be Co-Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services.
You’ll see a few of the bills I am sponsoring listed below. Please let me know if you are interested in these measures or others going through the legislative process.
Sincerely,
 Some of Rep Thatcher's Bills
EDUCATION:
HB 2286 Establishes model grant program at Oregon Department of Education to prevent teens from dropping out of high school.
HB 2280 Makes it easier for the Oregon Department of Education and the Secretary of State’s Office to audit school districts like the Willamette Education Service District.
ENVIRONMENT:
HB 2777 Calls on school districts to use a balanced approach and include economic principles when teaching students about the environment.
HB 2779 Requires agencies to prepare economic impact statements for administrative rules related to energy and environmental issues.
GOVERNMENT REFORM:
HB 2780 Requires Governor and Legislature to establish priorities of government and a process based on performance to measure results.
HB 2788 Enhances the Oregon Transparency website by adding the State Treasurer’s office, more information on compensation for public employees and a section to show the schedules for meetings held by any state agency.
HB 2825 Adds information about tax breaks for economic development to the Oregon Transparency website.
HEALTH CARE:
HB 2801 Establishes right of persons to be free from being forced to participate in a health care system and cannot be fined for non-participation.
HB 2798 Allows Oregonians to deduct any payments for health insurance premiums to be deducted from their taxable income on state tax returns.
IMMIGRATION:
HB 2802 Changes Oregon’s laws to let law enforcement to check immigration status if criminal activity is suspected and implements other provisions similar to the Arizona law.
HB 2805 Denies state benefits, licenses and other programs to those without legal presence.
HB 2806 Requires public and private sector employers to use e-verify to confirm legal status.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
HB 2767 Calls for DUII offenders on diversion to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car.
HB 2765 Gives employers, landlords and others better information about registered sex offenders for their screening purposes.
SECOND AMENDMENT:
HB 2787 Protects the privacy of Concealed Handgun License holders by preventing disclosure of their records.
HB 2790 Allows gun owners to carry without concealed handgun license.
HB 2791 Does away with the state criminal background check required for gun purchases; federal check is still required.
TAXES:
HB 2817 Eliminates Oregon’s inheritance tax.
HB 2819 Repeals Ballot Measure 66 which raised personal income taxes to 11 percent for some Oregonians.
HB 2820 Repeals Ballot Measure 67 which raised corporate tax rates to 8 percent for certain businesses.
Help for Businesses 
Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, has a website designed to help Oregon companies easily find and connect with potential partners and customers. The
Northwest Connectory is a business-to-business tool which provides companies with access to a free online service to share their products and services and highlight unique technical skills. Check it out at
www.oregon4biz.com
 Help for Veterans
A new state law just took effect that will help veterans seeking a home loan. Last fall Oregon voters approved Ballot Measure 70 which expands veteran eligibility for the ORVET Home Loan program. It also eliminates constitutional 30-year eligibility restriction so the program is now a lifetime benefit for eligible veterans. Click here to find out more
Thoughts for Thatcher
With the Oregon House tied with 30 members from each party is it more important for Rep Thatcher to compromise on issues or stick to the principles and priorities that a majority of her constituents have requested?
Click here to send Rep Thatcher your comments
Feedback from the last newsletter question:
The 2011 Legislative Session is around the corner. Are there any Oregon laws you would like to see changed? If so, why?
- I would focus my attention on school vouchers so we can refocus the school teachers and their unions on what the people need and want. A good simple education controlled at the local level.
- Oregon (State) should not be in the liquor business.
- I don't believe the state should be in the business of providing jobs with retirement pensions. I've never had them and I don't understand why those who serve us profit better than those they serve.
- Each school should have their own goals as to the students that are attending, have discipline rules and follow them, have dress codes for both teachers and students and if they are not adhered to need they need find another place to teach and/or go to school.
- Repeal the minimum wage laws.
- We need to stop the sanctuary status that Oregon has been thrust under and start enforcing immigration laws.
- Privatizing ODOT, allowing individuals to make businesses that will pay taxes and create jobs is a start.
- Repeal the income tax, property tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax.
- There must be a definitive legislative fix to allow officers, based upon probable cause, to remove vehicles from illegal drivers on our shared roadways for the safety of all until they satisfy legal requirements of proof of ownership, licensed driver, valid insurance or proof of vehicle sale.
- Pass an E-Verify bill with resources for enforcement.
- The first is to get rid of OLCC, especially the state controlled warehouse and retail sales. Privatize it, tax it, and transfer enforcement to local authorities with a little help from the revenue created by the tax.
- Dump ridiculous laws like seat belts and cell phones.
- If measure 67 cannot be repealed, and I hope it can be, then at least let merchants charge the public this sales tax.
Thank you for your feedback. |
