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Follow
Key Bills
The
League's bill matrix,
which lists key bills that we are following this session, is updated
weekly. The matrix includes legislative action taken, League action
taken, and links to our testimony.
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Department of Human Services Budget
The Department of
Human Services Budget HB 5031
has been in hearings since mid- February. The Co-Chairs of the Ways
and Means Committee proposed enhancements in 3 major areas of Children,
Adults and Families, Seniors and People with Disabilities and Health
Services.
The Children, Adults and Families Division may receive
additional funding for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program
and Day Care for those leaving the TANF program. The Child Welfare
branch has received legal assistance from attorneys and paralegals in
response to consultant's recommendations. Additional caseworkers
and foster care payments for relatives are under consideration this
session.
The Oregon Project Independence will be continued for
Seniors. Long term care for DD clients and increases in provider
rate were added. Program support for seniors and quality of care in
community based facilities were enhancements in the proposed
budget.
The Health Division budget did not expand Oregon Health Plan
standard for adults. The Healthy Kids insurance coverage program
was included in this budget. The Office of Private Health Partnerships
will provide insurance coverage options for Healthy Kids. The
Addictions and Mental Health Budget supports forensic and civil
commitments but did not expand mental health programs in the
community. Substance abuse treatment for youth was partially cut
but substance abuse treatment for adults was eliminated from this budget.
Other bills seek a funding source for alcohol and drug treatment.
Karen Nibler, Social Policy Coordinator
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Initiative
Reform
The League testified
that it could only support a proposal for a "rolling" two-year
period to gather initiative signatures if the time was reduced to one
year. Our position
states that one year is enough for this process. We are still
awaiting a continued discussion of HB 2082,
the omnibus initiative reform bill heard in February, which seems to have
gone underground since committee members have stated, "It is being
discussed". We believe there is sentiment to improve the initiative
process this session, but the changes need airing.
Kappy Eaton, Governance Coordinator
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Volunteer
Help
is needed to monitor legislative committees and report back to the Action
Committee. If you live close to Salem or have an Internet
connection, you can learn to track
bills and listen to hearings. Help is needed to monitor legislative
committees and report back to the Action Committee. It is a
fascinating experience if you have time to dedicate to the legislative
process. Contact LWVOR
to volunteer.
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Double
Majority
It
looks like the double majority for property tax elections is on the way
out. The House Elections committee has sent HJR 14
to the floor, and it is expected to pass. A positive Senate vote is
also expected with Senate Finance and Revenue also supporting the
change. The 50/50 would not longer be required at elections in May
or November of any year. Since it is a constitutional amendment,
voters will see it on either the May or November ballot in 2008.
Kappy Eaton, Governance Coordinator
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Donate to the Legislative Report
Thank you to those of you who have generously contributed funds for the Legislative
Report. The Legislative Report costs money to produce,
yet we don't want to limit who can receive it by charging a subscription
fee. Please support the volunteer Action Team's efforts to share
the happenings at the Capitol with you and others. You can send a
donation, marked "Legislative Report" to the LWV address
below.
Thank you.
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LWVOR Action Committee
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Chair:
Norman Turrill
Vice Chair:
Marge Easley
Citizen Access Coordinator:
Paula Krane
Governance Coordinator: Kappy Eaton
Natural Resources Coordinator:
Liz Frenkel
Social Policy Coordinator:
Karen Nibler
Legislative Coordinator:
Brena Lopez
Portfolio members and committee representatives:
Bob Adams
Debbie Aiona
Jane Baumgarten
Diana Bodtker
Anna Braun
Barbara Browning
Sarah Chaplen
Anita Francis
Barbara Fredericks
Norma Jean Germond
Fran Greenlee
Gail Holmes
Peggy Lynch
Ellen Maddex
Janet Markee
Erin Miller
Margaret Noel
Barbara Ross
Penny Spaccarotelli
Nancy Stevens
Pam Vavra
Intern:
Terra Ashford
Legislative Report Editor:
Rebecca Smith
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 Day at the Legislature
April 19, 2007
Oregon State Library Room #102
9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Oregon
Registration
deadline: April 13 Registration Form
Agenda
9:00 AM
Registration and Coffee
9:20 AM
Welcome
9:30 AM
Program
Invited Speakers: Rep.
Berger - Modernizing Oregon's Bottle Bill
Rep. Buckley - Promoting Good Governance and Ethics
Rep. Macpherson - Dealing with M37 Land Use Issues
Legislative Analysis
and Updates from the League's State Action Committee
12:00 PM Lunch
Invited Speakers: Sen. Schrader, Sen. Morse, Sen. Westlund
- A New Vision for Oregon's Budget Process
1:00
PM Preparation
for meetings with Legislators
1:15
PM Visit
Legislators and Attend Committee Hearings (We will attend legislative
appointments in groups and will make every attempt to schedule you with
your own Senator or Representative.)
3:00 -3:30 PM
Return
evaluation forms and legislative visit reports
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Mental
Illness and Criminal Behavior Connection
The
Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) has authority over criminals
who have been found to be guilty except for insanity and are committed
to the Oregon State Hospital. The PSRB also monitors 356 patients
on conditional release in the community. These patients receive
services from community mental health departments and have a low
recidivism rate. The numbers have been increasing and pressure
has been to release them from the crowded hospital. The
PSRB asked for additional funding for board members' expenses in SB
5534. The PSRB will return in the interim to report on the
caseload increase. The Juvenile PSRB has been administratively set up
and will begin taking cases July 1, 2007. Funds may be
reallocated or added during the interim.
The Oregon Law Commission has initiated new procedures for
the Juvenile PSRB. SB 320
refers to delinquency cases and petitions alleging mental disease or
defect. SB 328
includes developmental disability in the definitions and custody for
supervision and treatment. Both are proceeding through hearings.
Karen Nibler, Social Policy Coordinator
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Tax Expenditures Discussion Begins with a Laugh
The
people in Hearing Room A burst into laughter - the committee, those at
the testifying
podium (including me) and the audience. Now it is rather unusual
to hear mirth during any House Revenue Committee hearing, particularly
when the subject is Tax Expenditures. The League was not taking a
position on any of the five measures under consideration, but we were asking
that the committee seriously discuss and move forward a process for a
better evaluation of the original purpose for the tax credits and
whether or not the recipient of the credits was still actively involved
with that purpose. If not, at least the tax expenditures that
served no economic or social purpose should be considered for reduction
or repeal.
In answer to a question, Representative Butler, the
committee's vice-chair, was explaining how he used to compile his
income tax information on IBM cards. As he was talking,
Representative Gelser, a very bright and articulate new female
legislator from Corvallis, requested permission of the Chair to ask
Butler a question: "What are IBM cards?" Butler's
explanation, with gestures, was almost as hilarious as the question
from the new technology generation. The Revenue committee has
three freshmen members among those of Butler's age and experience and
some in their mid-years. It will be interesting to see how the
challenges of tax expenditures will be addressed by this combination of
decision-makers. At least the discussion has begun.
Kappy Eaton, Governance Coordinator
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Co-Chairs' Budget is Strategic
The
Ways and Means Co-chairs' proposed 2007-09 Budget is based on several
"investments and initiatives" that relate to the sub-title
"Strategic Investments for Sustained Prosperity." The
key investments, including the cost of continuing previous services,
are:
- $6.245 billion for
K-12; full school year and reduced class sizes
- $47 million more for
Shared Responsibility Grants for accessible college education
- $100+ million to
affordable housing - critical for mental health, seniors and those
in poverty (requested by the Housing Trust Alliance)
- Adding 100 sworn
officers to Oregon State Police
- $50 million to counties
with loss of federal timber payments
- $139 million added to
Rain Day Fund
The
initiatives, together with the investments, include public safety
prevention, county partnership, housing, affordable college access,
ending balance reserves, renewable energy, assistance for veterans, and
human services to promote independence. The investments, by percentage
of the General Fund/Lottery funds (estimated at $16+billion):
Education, 54.5%; Human Services, 22.7%; Public Safety/Judicial, 15.9%;
Economic Development/Transportation, 1.6%; Natural Resources, 2.4%;
General Government, 2.8%.
While
there are encouraging investments in most areas, the League is
concerned about what appears to be a disinvestment in community
colleges and universities. Community colleges were shortchanged
in the current budget with the resulting and continuing loss of
programs, faculty and students. The Co-chairs budget does not
include enough enhancements to prevent further erosion to these
community programs, which provide many of the skilled workers needed by
Oregon businesses. Many of the colleges have already increased
tuition to where they are losing students, and most are up to the
compression cap in terms of an option levy. This is a message that
needs to be given to local representatives and senators.
Kappy
Eaton, Governance Coordinator
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Legislature
in Action Near You!
The
Joint Committee on Ways and Means is scheduling public hearings in
several communities throughout Oregon. If you are near one of
these areas, take the time to go and observe our Legislature in
action. For more details on the agenda and bills to be heard, or
to make sure the schedule hasn't changed, check out the legislative agendas online.
The following is the current schedule as of this report:
Monday, April 9 7:00 PM
Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources
Oregon State University
LaSells Stewart Center - 875 SW 26th
Corvallis
Tuesday, April 10 6:30 PM
Joint Ways and Means
Cheldelin Middle School Cafeteria
987 NE Conifer Blvd
Corvallis
Wednesday, April 11 6:30 PM
Joint Ways and Means
University of Oregon,
Lillis Business Complex, Room 282
Eugene
Thursday, April 12 6:30 PM
Joint Ways and Means
Oregon State University-Cascade Campus,
Bend
The hearing will also include participants from the
following locations via videoconference:
Ontario School District
Boardroom
195 SW 3rd Ave.
Ontario
Blue Mountain Community College
Science and Technology, Room 200
2411 NW Carden Ave.
Pendleton
Region 9 ESD
Room 2.204
400 East Scenic Drive, Suite 207
The Dalles
Friday, April 13 6:30 PM
Joint Ways and Means
South Medford High School Auditorium
815 South Oakdale Ave.
Medford
Saturday, April 14 1:00 PM
Joint Ways and Means
North Bend High School
Multi-Purpose Room
2323 Pacific St.
North Bend
Also:
A group of Legislative Leaders (both houses and
parties) will tour some of the counties affected by the potential loss
of federal dollars from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self
Determination Act. They will be in Coos, Curry, Douglas,
Josephine and Lane Counties from April 19th through the 21st. We
do not have the details yet but hope to have more information next
week. Not sure if they will be having town halls as well as
talking to public officials. If you live in one of these counties
check you local papers for more information and plan on expressing your
opinions on this important economic issue.
Paula Krane, Citizen Access Coordinator
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Voter Registration and Presidential Primary Changes
The
Senate Rules committee will be hearing a proposal to remove all the
polling place statute material that remains in place alongside the
vote-by-mail law. This will be the third session for this
discussion brought forward by the Secretary of State. This time
it is expected to pass. The House has passed legislation that will
allow voter registration by persons who live in shelters, parks, motor
homes, marinas or other identifiable locations. These
persons may use the county elections office as a mailing address for
purposes of registration.
The
House has passed HB
3080, which would allow the Governor, in consultation with the
Secretary of State, to delay the counting of ballots up to seven days
in case of an emergency during an election. The House Elections,
Ethics and Rules Committee has sent HB
2084, which would change Oregon's Presidential Primary to
February 5, to Ways and Means. The estimated cost for this
special election is $2.8 million.
Kappy Eaton, Governance Coordinator
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Is
Oregon's Criminal Justice Cost Effective?
HB
2305, which expands the role of Oregon Criminal Justice
Commission (CJC), has not passed out of committee. However, SB 856,
introduced by Chip Shields and Frank Morse, has appeared with the
intent to create a Smart on Crime Task Force. Speaker Merkley
said the bill asks to evaluate programs to reduce criminal
behavior. The cost of prisons has increased 25% each of the last
few bienniums, and other public safety agencies are competing for
funds.
The Senate Judiciary heard the bill on March 26 and
listened to committee members and sponsors of the bill. The
Oregon District Attorneys Association pointed out that M 11 has reduced
the violent crime rate. Crime Victims United supports M 11 and
the decrease in crime rate. A few senators questioned the cost of
the prison system and considered the allocation of public safety
resources a legitimate issue. A few senators wanted to use prevention
methods and drug treatment to reduce prison population and
recidivism. The CJC could assume this role rather than set up a
new task force. The bill will be amended and referred to Ways and
Means.
Karen Nibler, Social Policy Coordinator
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Bottle Bill Expansion
If all goes well Oregon's outdated 1971 Bottle Bill is
about to get a facelift. SB 707,
with three important amendments, finally passed out of the Senate Committee
on Environment and Natural Resources on April 5, after four work group
sessions and two hearings. The League presented testimony on
April 3 in support of the bill, which directs the Department of
Environmental Quality to develop a plan and adopt rules related to
beverage container collection and refund. The best news is that
water bottles have been added to the list of beverage containers.
Also, the bill creates a 14-member Bottle Bill Task Force that will
develop recommendations for legislation by November, 2008, which allows
time for more behind-the-scenes negotiations, especially on finding
ways to increase the 5-cent deposit. Lastly, in an effort to
placate smaller grocery store owners, those stores with less than 5,000
square feet can refuse to accept more than 50 containers per individual
per day.
Although
the League would like to have seen more types of containers added along
with a higher deposit amount, we believe that SB 707 is a good first
step toward updating Oregon's aged Bottle Bill. We urge you to
ask your Senator to vote "yes" on SB 707 as amended.
Marge Easley, Vice Chair
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Ethics
The
Senate Rules Committee, after multiple hearings, has sent SB 10
to Ways and Means to sort out the problems of a stable funding source
for the Government Standards and Practices Commission (GSPC), gifts,
and personal use of campaign funds. The latest proposal for GSPC is to
establish a $14.5 million endowment, with the interest being used to
cover costs. The ball is now in the Ways and Means
corner. In the meantime, Senate Operations and Legislative
Reform has sent a letter to Ways and Means regarding SB
5522, explaining the problems with improving legislative
compensation, including expenses, along with prohibitions on use of
campaign funds. The House has heard five Law Commission bills on some
of the same issues. Somewhere along the line these issues are
going to meet, and we wait with interest to see what proposal actually
comes forward.
Kappy Eaton, Governance Coordinator
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