Rep. Christine Drazan: Seniors and high taxes

By Taxpayer Association of Oregon Foundation, Capitol Update series: State Representative Christine Drazan made it a priority this year to find solutions to protect seniors form Oregon’s increasing tax rate which is driving some Oregon senior citizens from their home. The state and local taxes Oregon residents pay on real and personal property, net worth,…

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Senator Boles: Fighting school bullying

  Capitol Update Series: One of the priorities of Oregon State Senator Denyc Boles during the 2019 Session was to come up with legislation to address the rampant and persistent problem of school bullying and student harassment. In 2018, nearly 8.8 percent of students in Oregon reported they were bullied or harassed once a week…

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Rural Oregon response was key in Carbon Tax failure

It is official that the highly provocative and costly Carbon tax climate bill HB 2020 died as the 2019 Oregon Legislative Session drew to a close — mere hours before their June 30th midnight deadline. The carbon tax climate bill, HB 2020, passed the Oregon House but failed in the Senate after the entire Oregon…

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Timber voices led Carbon Tax backlash

  The protest against Oregon’s Carbon Tax bill HB 2020 (also called climate bill, carbon cap and trade) went national this month and has led to its own collapsing. One of the loudest voices in the debate has been the community most endangered by the carbon tax — which is timber industry and the small…

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Rep. Lewis: Help for those with hearing loss

Oregon Capitol Update Series: Patients under the Oregon Health Plan will now receive two hearing aids instead of one, thanks to Rep. Rick Lewis, R, Silverton, a former police chief. He asked the state to change the rules because people with one hearing aid can feel like sound is only coming from one direction. “When…

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Senator Bentz: Balancing mass events and neighbor rights

Capitol Update Series In August 2017, hordes of stargazers inundated Central Oregon to watch the total eclipse, but the experience left those living in the region less than happy. To better control such an event, the Oregon Legislature is considering House Bill 2790, which would let counties require permits for outdoor mass gatherings. Senator Cliff…

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Senator Chuck Thomsen: Reliable veteran funding

Capitol Update Series: State Senator Chuck Thomsen, Chuck Thomsen, a State Senator from Hood River, has been one of the Legislature’s best advocate for the needs of Oregon’s veterans. Recently, State Senator Chuck Thomsen wants to make sure that military veterans in Oregon are receiving the help they need, and to that end he has…

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Rep. Nearman: Steps to avoid costly PERS upgrade mistakes

  Capitol Update Series Featuring State Representative Mike Nearman. Information Tech watchdog is a title that Rep Mike Nearman wears proudly as he sits on the House Information Management and Technology Committee. Representative Mike Nearman wants to see the $39 million allocated from SB 1049 for software upgrades for PERS used wisely. A software boondoggle…

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Baretto: Investing in Oregon’s Future Farmers

Capitol Update Series: Rep. Greg Barreto, R, Cove, authored and pass the only bill so far to receive a unanimous vote in the 80th Oregon legislature. HB 2444 will fund Oregon Future Farmers of America with $1.43 million, passing by a 60-0 vote. Agriculture is a top priority for Barreto as he wants to see…

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Senator Hansell: Protecting the state seal

Capitol Update Series: People are selling T-shirts, key chains, mugs, and other items bearing the state seal of Oregon, but the state isn’t making any money from those sales. However, that could change under a bill cosponsored by Sen. Bill Hansell, an Athena Republican, according to The Oregonian/Oregon Live. If approved, the state would license…

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