By Sen. Doug Whitsett (Distr. 28)for the IndependentLast week Washington Congressman “Doc” Hastings introduced a bill in Congress that, if enacted, will make enormous strides toward restoring economic vitality and stability to Oregon’s rural communities. This federal bill would create a County, Schools and Revenue Trust Fund that would provide a perpetual dependable source of…
Eagle Point reacts to potential loss of jobs
June 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The Rogue Valley came perhaps within hours of losing another 120 full-time and numerous part-time jobs last week. HB 2212 is a bill that passed both the House and the Senate (and was opposed by our southern Oregon delegation) that would set commission limits, among other items, on floral call centers as well as florists….
Home brew allowed again
March 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Home brew competitions at the Oregon State Fair and local county fairs across the state will be back this summer following passage of SB 444, according to Oregon House Co-Speakers Arnie Roblan and Bruce Hanna. The bill changes a prohibition-era law that was recently reinterpreted by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission that caused the Oregon…
SB 666, a bill beyond reason
February 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment
By Sen. Doug WhitsettDistrict 28 The most audacious bill yet introduced in the current Legislative session may well be Senate Bill 666. The aptly numbered bill was introduced in the committee on General Government and Small Business Protection late last week. It seeks to establish foster parents as public employees for purposes of labor activities….
Ed jobs bill to give schools more money for staff needs
August 16, 2010 by Leave a Comment
On Aug. 10, the House passed the $10 billion Edujobs bill guaranteeing Oregon $117million to forestall teacher layoffs. The number of Oregon teachers saved by this federal funding is estimated at approximately 1,600. The Governor will be invited to apply for these funds from the U.S. Department of Education, and they will be distributed through…
Hearing on Shady Cove water suit Mar. 1
February 8, 2010 by Leave a Comment
The Monday, Feb. 1 Shady Cove Water District meeting was business as usual. Unfortunately “business as usual” for the SCWD tends to involve court dates and law suits, regardless of who occupies the offices. The meeting itself was brief, but followed an hour long Executive Session called for the board to meet with their attorney…
Senator Wyden gets earful on health, focuses on his plan
August 31, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Grants Pass resident Roy Gasso traveled to Medford’s Abraham Lincoln School on August 27 for the occasion. The self-employed consultant had attempted to hear Congressman Peter Di Fazio in Grants Pass but was turned away because of overcrowding. Gasso brandished a sign reading, “Public Option = Affordable Health Care.” As a small business owner, Gasso…
EP amends TUF, accepts street bid
June 30, 2009 by Leave a Comment
The Eagle Point City Council approved an amendment to the Transportation Utility Fee (TUF) at their June 23 meeting. Only one person affected by the TUF was present at the meeting and there were no audience comments on the issue. There are two revisions in the ordinance. The first revision applies to vacant land. The…
Victim abuse bills passed
June 15, 2009 by Leave a Comment
The Oregon House approved a package of Senate bills all designed to protect victims and improve the abilities of local community organizations to aid and protect victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking. The bills – SB 839, SB 928 and SB 220 – all passed with strong bipartisan support, 57-0. State…
Unemployment benefits increase by $25 a week
March 9, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Every Oregonian receiving unemployment benefits will see a $25 increase in their weekly benefits. The Oregon Employment Department worked quickly to put in place all programming necessary so that the increase in payments could begin as soon as possible. Oregonians saw the increase in benefits beginning the week of March 2.. For Oregon this could…
