Legislative Update

2011 Session

The 2011 legislative session was an Oregon first in many ways. It was our first “annual” session, our first with a third-term Governor, and the first with a House of 30 Republicans and 30 Democrats. Despite historic budget challenges, we set out to revitalize Oregon and successfully enacted legislation to enhance the state's education system, to encourage business growth, and to promote green technology. We also managed to pass a legislative and congressional redistricting plan without involving the Secretary of State or the Courts.

The economy of Oregon is never far from my mind, and the 2011 session was no exception. Creating the conditions that allow for economic growth is my top priority, and we were able to make some worthy contributions.
Keeping dollars in state was the motivation behind Buy Oregon, HB 3000, which allows state purchasing decisions to give additional consideration to Oregon vendors. Continued funding of the Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC), will continue to drive our economic future. Even in its brief history, Oregon InC can already point to new industries, new companies, and many new jobs it has helped make possible. Bringing more than $7 to Oregon for every dollar we invest, it is among our most effective programs.
We continued funding the successful Connect Oregon program, HB 2166, and our investments in key transportation infrastructure that opens up additional capacity and makes intermodal connections. We filled a significant gap in our economic development tools and created the Business Expansion Program (SB219) to support medium sized Oregon businesses who are adding jobs, while shielding our economic development efforts from the worst of the budget cuts.

2011 has been described as the most productive session for education in 25 years. Though we were not able to pass the budget many of us would have liked, we made some significant positive steps on education policy. Among them was the transformational product of a Higher Education Work Group I co-chaired with Senator Hass.
Senate Bill 242 makes Oregon’s universities, public universities instead of state agencies, giving them considerable flexibility and improving efficiency. It also established the Higher Education Coordinating Commission which for the first time brings Oregon’s community colleges to the same table as universities and ensures accountability. After years of struggle the 2011 legislature also took a dramatic step to ensure a good start to school for Oregon kids. I carried Senate Bill 248 to passage, ensuring that full-day kindergarten will be the norm in Oregon in 2015.

Oregon’s heritage of balance when it comes to the environment continues. While we seek additional autonomy when it comes to managing our natural resources, we also want to make sure they are there for future generations. The 2011 session passed a range of important environmental bills. Two in particular stand out. We updated our landmark bottle (HB 3145) by expanding the types of containers covered and continued to modernize the collection system. We brought the wildly successful Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) program under control, HB 3672A, by instituting strict controls that direct limited state dollars to the places they will make a difference while continuing to pursue the significant benefits available to Oregon through increased energy independence, and the jobs created by new industries and sectors.

Although I am proud of the work completed by the 76th Legislative Assembly, we have much yet to do. Like the nation, and the world, Oregon’s economy continues to struggle. The Oregon of the future will reflect the choices we make now, and we must seek to advance the interests of those future Oregonians. I look forward to the next session and working with my fellow policymakers to continue building a better Oregon – for the long run.

Committee Assignments:

2012

Co-Chair Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development Co-Vice Chair House Committee on Transportation and Economic Development House Committee on Revenue Joint Ways and Means Committee Joint Committee on Tax Credits

2011 Session

Co-Chair House Committee on Transportation and Economic Development Co-Vice Chair Joint Committee on Redistricting House Committee on Revenue Joint Committee on Tax Credits

2009 Session

Chair, House Committee on Sustainability and Economic Development House Committee on Revenue House Committee on Rules

2007 Session

House Committee on Revenue House Committee on Judiciary House Committee on Transportation

Memberships

Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC) (Ex-Officio) Member Oregon Business Development Commission (Ex Officio) Co-Chair Legislative Work Group on Higher Education New Deal Leaders Network (LINK) Democratic Leadership Council Portland Business Journal 40 under 40 (LINK) Pivotal Leaders (LINK)

Notable Legislation:

Rainy Day Fund:

Negotiated and secured passage of House Bill 2073 (2009) and established Oregon’s first ongoing funding source for the Oregon Rainy Day Fund

Higher Education:

With Senator Mark Hass, co-chaired the legislature’s Higher Education Work Group, and passed Senate Bill 242 (2011) offering new flexibility and efficiency to Oregon’s higher education system, integrating our community college system, and ensuring accountability

Business Expansion:

Co-Chief Sponsor of Business Expansion Program. Senate Bill 219 (2011) adds resources to support expanding Oregon businesses, who add jobs

Full Day Kindergarten:

Carried Senate Bill 248 (2011) to passage, making full day kindergarten the norm in Oregon in 2015 and giving Oregon kids a good start.

EEAST:

Co-Chief Sponsor and Champion of House Bill 2626, (2009) the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technology Act, financing energy efficiency projects to create jobs and reduce energy costs. EEAST attracted a $20 millon Federal grant and has been a model for federal legislation

Solar Feed-In Tariff:

Passed House Bill 3039 (2009) establishing Oregon’s Solar Feed-In Tariff, supporting development and deployment of solar energy technology

College Savings:

Passed House Bill 2728 (2011) allowing Oregonians to deposit some or all of their tax refunds into 529 College Savings Plans

Entrepreneurship:

Introduced and passed House Bill 3627 (2010) exempting severance pay from state tax if it is invested in an Oregon small business

Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC):

Co-Chief Sponsor of funding for unique private-sector led process to connect innovation, with job creation. Signature Research Centers and industry led initiatives make Oregon more competitive. Program brings $7 to Oregon for every $1 invested