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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Capitol Update Series: Rep. Cedric Hayden, Roseburg Republican followed in his father’s footsteps both as dentist and legislator. Hayden is also a co-founder of Caring Hands Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that provides free dental care for people in need. In the street clinics Hayden runs in Eugene, he performs dental work for mainly veterans. Many…
Zero based budgeting concept has been hailed by many as a way to control government spending. Sen. Fred Girod of Scio representing Senate District 9 has a bill that will do just that. He along with Sen. Linthicum are spearheading the idea and have support from the democrats. The bill is still being written by…