Reflections on February 2010 special session
The legislature has just now concluded its February special session. My primary focus this past month has been economic development and helping struggling families. Looking back on the session, I’m pleased to report modest progress. I helped enact the following bills which now await the Governor’s signature.
Encouraging Sustainable Jobs
Encouraging construction of sustainable power plants creates Oregon jobs and fosters energy independence. Three bills headed to the governor’s desk move us toward these goals. I was proud to co-sponsor HB 3633, which explores the commercial viability of wave energy. Oregon should lead the nation in wave energy, and best of all, energy producing buoys are manufactured in Clackamas by Oregon Iron Works. Bio-mass presents another opportunity for sustainable energy, and HB 3674 encourages construction of power plants that will turn otherwise wasted logging scraps into electricity. HB 3649 will encourage low impact hydropower facilities on small rivers or streams. The combination of these bills will create jobs and help lead Oregon to a sustainable economy.
Of course, conservation is at least as important as creating new sources of energy, and HB 3675 strengthens a bill I co-sponsored in 2009, the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technology (EEAST) Act. This program helps home and business owners invest in energy efficient upgrades. These retrofits will create thousands of jobs through investment in efficient infrastructure.
Empowering Small Business
Small businesses drive job creation in our communities. Research and experience reveals that incubating existing businesses is a better method of job creation than bidding against other states to attract companies, which frequently leave for the next great offer elsewhere. Other states have enjoyed considerable success by providing marketing and other strategic data to home-grown businesses. That’s why I co-wrote , which lays the groundwork to provide small businesses with information necessary for success.
Entrepreneurs create these businesses and the state should be on their side. With credit markets tight, many businesses simply need a small loan to transition operations to the next level and create jobs. SB 1017 facilitates access to the Oregon Business Development Fund. If a budding entrepreneur uses her severance pay to start a new business, she will pay no taxes on that severance under HB 3627.
Aiding Struggling Families
If someone defrauds a consumer, the victim can recover under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act (UTPA). Amazingly, banks, mortgage lenders, and credit card companies are exempt from this law. I led the fight to level the playing field, and HB 3706 will subject banks and credit card companies to the same basic law against fraud as every other merchant in Oregon.
As I knock on doors in our community, I see too many vacant and foreclosed homes. Under current law, some homeowners who financed their homes using 80/20 home loans are in danger of being sued by the lender even after the bank has seized their home. I’ve been working to fix this problem since I first got to Salem, and I’m pleased to announce that HB 3656 will protect many affected families.
With record unemployment and a stagnant economy, too many Oregonians cannot find work. Unemployment benefits will run out for 12,000 people over the next few months, and about 1,000 unemployed workers will lose their benefits each additional week. extends partial unemployment benefits for nearly 19,000 Oregonians whose benefits have run out or will soon expire.
Human Trafficking Awareness
On a different note: Many of you have heard me talk about human trafficking, a form of modern slavery. Most people think of this evil as a foreign problem, but it occurs with horrifying frequency here in Oregon. Young women (usually by age 12-14) are coerced by involuntary addiction and violence into prostitution. HB 3623 will increase awareness of the national hotline number: 1 888 373-7888. With the help of many others, I am proud to take a small step to shine a light on a crime now hidden in the shadows of society. I consider this legislation among my most rewarding accomplishments in Salem. Thanks to all the people who helped make it happen.
District Coffees
I will have my community coffees on March 20 at my regular times:
- 9:00-10:00am – to be determined, Clackamas
- 10:30-11:30am – Hawaiian Beanz Coffee Company, 19880 SE Highway 212, Damascus
- noon-1:00pm – Barbara's Flowers & Coffee, 355 SW Broadway, Estacada
As always, please send me your thoughts, and I will work to give you a swift response.
