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A message from Daniel Bonham,your State Representative.
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Let us not seek theRepublican answer or the
Democratic answer, but theright answer. Let us not seekto fix the blame for the past.
Let us accept our ownresponsibility for the future.
- John F. Kennedy
Neighbors –
The 2019 Legislative Session is justpassed the halfway mark with all eyeson the May 15threvenue forecast. Firstchamber deadlines have now passed,and bills that made it through thecommittee process are making theirway through the floor sessions. Ofcourse, getting bills through onechamber does not guarantee theirmovement through the secondchamber, nor does it promise theGovernor will sign the bill intolaw. There is still plenty of work to do.
The major topics in the Capitol are: a$2 billion Commercial Activity Tax, a$1.6 billion Paid Family and MedicalLeave program, $1.2 billion Cap &Trade (Carbon Tax) system, a PERS“fix” package that includes theft of thekicker refund- raiding SAIF’s reserves-and asks current PERS employees todirect contributions to a Stability Fund,a $500 million Employer AssessmentTax, and a $350 million Medicaid tax.
As we discuss these major topics, theone thing that absolutely needs tochange is the roll of the minority partyin these discussions andnegotiations. Currently, the tyranny of
the majority party is dominating thissession. This past September, I wassent by the Oregon Legislature toattend the Council of StateGovernments Western LegislativeAcademy. In that training, one of thetopics was civil discourse. The civildiscourse training was the only aspectof the Academy that had any policyincorporated into the discussion. Aspart of that civil discourseconversation, we clearly demonstratedthat regardless of the topic, having agroup made up of representatives whohave both diverse and uniqueperspectives leads to the best policymaking. If you simply surroundyourself with people who think exactlylike you – the opportunity to producesolutions that help everyone isseriously diminished.
Sincerely,
Daniel BonhamState Representative
Communication is a constantlychanging medium. Changes intechnology provide opportunities andchallenges to the way peoplecommunicate ... the way people listen... and the content that they choose tolisten too. In an effort to find new andcreative ways to keep our neighborsinformed and engaged in the legislativeprocess, we've started a podcastseries.
As someone that spends several hoursa week in my car driving back and forthto Salem ... And as someone thathas driven over 30,000 milesconnecting with our neighbors ... I'velearned firsthand the power ofpodcasts to provide original,substantive and timely content in amanner that is convenient to theaudience.
Today, I am proud to announce ourinaugural podcast - an interview withRep. Mike McLane. I hope to provide awindow into the personalities, process,and politics of Salem. As the firstRepublican and the only member onthe House side to provide a podcast,we're excited to see where this journeytakes us. If you have any suggestions,
please don't hesitate to send them myway.
Click Here to Listen and Subscribe topodcast.
The response to our legislative surveywas fantastic! With overwhelminguniformity, you appreciated theopportunity to provide a voice in thelegislative process. We look forward tocontinuing this section in comingnewsletters. Click the link below andshare your thoughts on a few newcontroversial bills in the 2019Legislative Session.
HB 2015 - As the federal REAL ID lawstake effect in Oregon in 2020, shouldthe Department of Transportation toissue, renew, or replace anoncommercial driver license,noncommercial river permit, oridentification that provesresidency without proof of legalpresence?
SB 1008 - Relating to juvenile offendersentencing.
HB 3194 - Authorizes self service atgas stations.
SB 320 - Abolishes annual one-hourchange in time from standard time todaylight saving time and maintainsOregon on daylight saving time exceptin portion of Oregon in Mountain TimeZone.
Click Here and Share Your Opinionon Upcoming Legislation
I am excited to report, April brought alot of progress on the legislature front.Bill concepts previously passed out ofthe policy committee with Ways &Means referrals sit in committeewaiting for the May 15 RevenueForecast ... allowing us to focus onpolicy bills that have passed out ofcommittee and sent to the Senate.
In Senate Education Committee, two ofour priorities have received their firsthearing. HB 2892 and HB 2964 bothpassed out of the House withoverwhelming majorities and bipartisanco-sponsorship. Republicans andDemocrats coming together to helpstudents and increase awareness ofthe support staff necessary to provide aquality education.
Our hearing was the same day asOregon State Day in theCapitol. Bennie the Beaver provided amoment of levity in Senate EducationCommittee with grilling questions.
HB 3274, an effort to increaserenewable energy and wateravailability had a hearing today inHouse Rules. Providing win-winsolutions for our rural communities ...clean environment, a more diversifiedelectrical grid, and additional waterresources for our drought pronecommunities.
My daughter, Jen, made it home fromcollege just in time for the 40th AnnualCherry Festival Celebration. I’m trulygrateful for the volunteers andcoordinators that made this special dayhappen.
We have 6 public hearings and worksessions scheduled in the comingweeks on several of our remainingbills. Stay tuned for updates!
Dawn Emerson, from Terrebonne,Oregon had her art titled “Just PassingThrough” displayed in Governor KateBrown’s office. The artist uses pastelcolors to create dynamic realism.
“The exhibition takes its title from therealization that we, like all living things,are on this earth so briefly – we are justpassing through”.
I had a pleasure in meeting with. KenWilhelm and & Racheal Baker from theUnited Way of Deschutes County forthe broader United Way of DeschutesLobby Day.
There were nearly 100 OSU studentsand alumni visiting the Oregon Capitoladvocating for student success andincreased funding. I stand with studentsuccess and efforts to make educationan affordable reality.
CASA's trained volunteers are on frontline in Oregon's fight against childabuse. It was so helpful to hear thestores from local CASA advocates.
Jim Bob Collins is a rancher fromWheeler that came to advocate onAgriculture Heritage. Thanks formaking the long trip ... trulyappreciated!
Time to podcast!
900 Court Street, Suite 483 | Salem, OR 97301-3896503.986.1459 | [email protected]
