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Legislative Update |
December 2012 |
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NEW LAWS IN THE NEW YEAR | |
Click here for information about some of the new state laws adopted by the legislature which take effect January 1, 2013 |
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IN THE NEWS | |
Read Representative Thatcher's Commentary in the Keizer Times on creating special driver's licenses for illegal immigrants - Click here |
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The Oregon World War II Memorial Foundation is trying to raise funds to complete a special tribute on the State Capitol Grounds to the 3,375 Oregonians who lost their lives. Click here for details on how you can help. |
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The holiday season allows us to reconnect with family and friends to celebrate our special relationships. It's also about reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the next. This month we have much to contemplate and hopefully each of us will take time to think about those killed or injured in tragic incidents from coast to coast; from the Clackamas Town Center to Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.
While discussing the events of the past few weeks can be emotional for some, we need to have a civil conversation in order to move ahead in a positive direction. We need to examine the pros and cons of the many options being discussed. For example I'm not convinced more gun control would help.
As one of the strongest advocates of 2nd Amendment rights in the Oregon Legislature, I believe we should consider allowing more responsible and well trained adults to volunteer in the schools to defend our students - as suggested by my colleague, State Representative Dennis Richardson. Several firearms experts are already offering free training for teachers and other personnel. You can see the list on the Oregon Firearms Federation website under "instructors".
Others in the legislature are calling for increased mental health funding and better security procedures at school buildings. I look forward to reviewing all these ideas and more when the 2013 Legislative Session gets underway in a couple of months.
I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
P.S. Included in my monthly newsletter is information about various government programs paid for with your tax dollars that you may want to know more about. See details below. |
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Nike Special Session 
Governor John Kitzhaber called state lawmakers into a one-day Special Session December 14th to deliberate his proposal to freeze a certain part of state corporate tax policy to benefit Nike and other large companies in Oregon. After a few days of hurried hearings and debate, House Bill 4200 was adopted by a vote of 72-11 out of the 90 members of the House and Senate.
Representative Thatcher did not support the measure in its final form. However, she did propose amendments to add more fairness to the process by allowing companies of all shapes and sizes to have a similar benefit from the state in addition to oversight of the new program by the legislative branch.
Click here to read some of Representative Thatcher's comments during the debate on the House Floor.
Representative Thatcher has heard from many in the community who are concerned about the action taken by the legislature. She would like to know your views on the "Nike Deal" and other economic development incentives. See below under "Thoughts for Thatcher." |
 Fiscal Cliff
While lawmakers at the State Capitol worry about the economy and financial problems facing Oregon, in the Nation's Capitol talks over the possible "fiscal cliff" are underway.
What are the possible consequences here in Oregon if Congress doesn't do something? State economists recently predicted failure of the federal government to cut the budget or raise revenue would cost Oregon's economy $616 million. One study showed nearly 9,000 Oregonians would lose their jobs and another report found the cost per average tax return in Oregon would be around $3,205.
Oregon Congressman Greg Walden wrote more about the federal budget crisis in a recent newsletter. Click here to read more. |
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Transportation Update
New "EV" Station in Newberg 
The Chevron/Coyote Joe's on Oregon on Highway 99W in Newberg is now home to one of the State's electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations. Electric Vehicle drivers will be able to sign up for several types of plans to pay for the service to charge their cars, similar to a cell phone plan.The facility equipment and installation costs are estimated to run up to $100,000, paid for by federal grant funds. Other expenses will be covered under a public/private partnership with no ongoing subsidies from the government.
The Newberg site is one of 33 that are expected to be online around the state by the end of next year; all part of a larger west coast network of charging stations. Other stations near Representative Thatcher's legislative district include one in Grand Ronde. There are numerous other stations that are not part of the government funded network in shopping centers and other locations. There are currently more than 1,600 plug-in EVs registered in Oregon, along with another 48,900 hybrids.
 Mileage Tax Down the Road?
A 3-month pilot program is currently underway to see if charging by the mile would pay off for Oregon roads. A special Road User Fee Taskforce recruited around 50 volunteers, including a few state legislators, to participate in the program. Transportation experts want to see how it would work if drivers paid a tax based on the miles they drive rather than on the gasoline they buy. The theory is those who drive the most will pay the most.
Due to rising fuel costs and the economic slump gas tax revenue has been down in recent years and as a result the Oregon Department of Transportation is expected to cut its road construction budget in half over the next few years. A mileage based system could provide another source of money to pay for repairing state roadways and would capture funds from vehicles that currently pay little or no gas taxes such as electric or plug-in hybrid cars. Big-rig trucks already pay a "weight-mile tax"
Volunteers in the test program have several options for how they report their mileage using various technology including GPS and Smartphones. Motorists concerned about "big brother" tracking them can opt for an annual flat rate system instead of one based on miles driven. The per-mile charge is supposed to bring in approximately the same amount of gas tax revenue the participants would have paid for a vehicle that gets 20 miles to the gallon.
A similar pilot program in 2007 gave ODOT some valuable information to use in the new one which was authorized under House Bill 2138 adopted by the 2011 legislature. The Taskforce may also introduce legislation in 2013. Learn more at www.roadchargeoregon.org
Winter Driving Information & Salt 
Going over the river and through the woods to grandma's house for the holidays might get easier if you check out the state's website for road conditions - Click here for more winter driving tips.
After decades of avoiding salting Oregon's roads, this winter the Oregon Department of Transportation launched a 5 year pilot program to test out use of the material on parts of state highways which cross state borders. The two areas where it will be used include an 11 mile stretch of I-5 between along the Siskiyou Pass, where California already uses salt. A second application is in Eastern Oregon traveling 120 miles on
US 95 which connects to Nevada and Idaho.
ODOT maintenance crews say salt can be corrosive and are taking steps to protect the environment but feel it could be an effective tool to improve roadway surfaces reducing accidents in snowy and icy conditions. Salt will not be used elsewhere in the state. Liquid deicer and sand will still be used in other locations. |
Newberg Gun Sign
Thanks to passionate citizens like Mary Starrett of Newberg, the City of Newberg has now changed their policy and a sign at the Public Safety Building on 3rd street. This fall Starrett went to the city council and echoed concerns that Representative Thatcher had expressed to the City last year about a sign (pictured to the left) prohibiting anyone from carrying a firearm in the facility, including those with a Concealed Handgun License (CHL).
The sign has now been changed (pictured to the right)
to properly reflect state law allowing CHL holders to carry in most public buildings. |
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 Health Care Update
Federal health care reform, so-called "Obamacare", continues to be a hot topic in Oregon. You may have heard of the Health Insurance Exchange designed to be a one-stop location for families and small businesses to shop for affordable medical coverage. That program in Oregon is now called "Cover Oregon". It is supposed to help people figure out if they're eligible for federal tax credits or government funded health care programs. Enrollment in the new program starts October 2013.
Meanwhile reforms at the state level continue for low-income patients using the Oregon Health Plan. A new Coordinated Care Organization is up and running in Yamhill county. For more information on the Yamhill County Care Organization (YCCO) click here. |
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Thoughts for Thatcher
Did the Special Session of the State Legislature do the right thing by approving a new program to help Nike and other large corporations wanting to expand in Oregon or should that same offer have been made to all businesses? How do you feel about economic development tax breaks and other incentives offered by the state in general?
Click here to respond or email rep.kimthatcher@state.or.us
Feedback from last month's newsletter question:
Should illegal immigrants be able to obtain a provisional driver's license from DMV which would allegedly be for driving privileges only and not to be used for identification?
Responses received:
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Of course not. Our situation has become truly surreal. If an applicant for a drivers license is found to be illegally in the country, why would they be rewarded instead of deported?
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We need to prove we are legal to obtain a driver's license.
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Giving provisional driving permits to illegals is still 'illegal'. We truly feel for young people who came here with illegal immigration, but illegal is still illegal. We say NO!
- Absolutely not! In no way shape or form. These people are illegal, not just "undocumented".
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The operative word is "illegal"! No such person should get a driver's license or vote. Yes when they become a citizen.
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I seriously believe our DMV agency should be allowing these individuals their driver's license as long as they meet all of the requirements of the "driving tests" required. These individuals came onto this earth the same as you and me and we should all be treated equally as long as we don't jeopardize that right.
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Try to be an illegal in Mexico and see how far you get.
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Your efforts to protect OREGONIANS are very much appreciated. Please continue the fight. Illegal aliens are not OREGONIANS. It is despicable that our governor is looking for ways around SB 1080.
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Unfortunately, a majority of people consider these "illegal immigrants" as a threat to our society. We have just as many US citizens that are not worthy of their United States citizenship.
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No provisional driver's licenses for illegal aliens. We have voted for and paid for legislators for many years to create our laws, including immigration laws. If they need changed, then citizens need to go through the system and get the votes to change them.
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I honestly don't understand how Americans can find themselves in so many discussions and debates on whether or not to make life easier for people who are in our country ILLEGALLY. If there is a voting majority of legal American citizens who believe that our boarders should be opened and anyone allowed in who wants to come in, then they need to change the laws so as to allow it.
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I definitely think that illegal people living in Oregon should not have the privilegeof having a driver's license. Making it easier for people to live in our country erodes the quality of life for our legal citizens.
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Illegal immigrants should be shipped out of the country! They are lawbreakers and should NOT receive any kind of driver's license in the United States!
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Absolutely not, provisions often pave the way for future bad behavior and allow our law makers to avoid the real problems of broken, unenforced laws.
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I am most concerned that the people who are using our roads have shown that they know how to drive safely, not what their immigration is. 40,000 convictions a year in Oregon for driving suspended or revoked demonstrate that one does not need a valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle in the state.
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I am disgusted with John Kitzhaber & clan idea and anyone else who endorses this dumb proposal. NO special rights to illegals; period.
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NO! The right to have a driver's license, social security card, visa, voters rights, picture ID cards, welfare etc. are rights of United States Citizen. If they want these rights, then they must become United States Citizens legally and pay taxes like everyone else.
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I agree that a provisional DMV license should be available; hopefully it would increase the number of insured drivers on the road. The adult or near adult children of illegals that were brought into this country when the family entered, or were born in this country to illegals should be treated as US citizens by Oregon DMV.
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No State license should be issued without proof of legal residence or any state benefit what so ever for that matter.
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With the millions of illegal immigrants coming into the country. Then flying the Mexican flag and demanding that we provide them with bi lingual teachers, free food, free housing and bankrupting our medical facilities. They are taking jobs away from the citizens of Oregon in a time when there is very little jobs to be found.
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I stop after the word Illegal. They have already broken our laws. Why are we having a discussion about how best to serve them? Keep it simple. Illegal immigrants have broken the law. They go home or go to jail.
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Offering a limited use license will not entice more illegal aliens to move here. In fact, by capturing a photo, name and data in our system, we will have more controls over criminal activity. Licensing prohibitions drive them further underground while they drive anyway, have no insurance, and fail to register vehicles.
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If you wish to force some people to wear a badge of shame by giving them a "special" license, then go for it. I doubt too many "illegal immigrants" are going to go through a legal process in order to obtain a provisional license because they are here illegally ... if they bother to get a license, it will be a forgery.
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No, NO and NO! They are here Illegally! They should NOT be Given a Driver's license or anything that resembles a Drivers Lic.! They should get nothing from us, including, as far as I am concerned. No Free medical, Free schooling, Food stamps, Welfare, Free or Cheap housing, and On and On!
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I have mixed feelings about illegal's having driver's license. Giving them a license is giving acceptable to their illegal presence. On the other hand they would be able to buy auto insurance.
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I think anyone who wants to come here and make a better life for themselves should be welcome. The only conditions are that they not be criminals, they are not entitled to live at taxpayer expense, and they enter legally. If they do not meet this criteria, they don't belong here, and nothing should be done to make them feel welcome.
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If you want to contact Rep Thatcher's office you can send an email to: rep.kimthatcher@state.or.us or call 503.986.1425
Write to Rep Thatcher at:
900 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
www.leg.state.or.us/thatcher |
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