The convening of the Oregon Legislature in February of 2008 was a historic event. Never before had an Oregon Legislative Assembly met in a supplemental session for the purpose of rebalancing the budget and experimenting with the idea of having annual sessions in the future.
As a member of the Full Ways and Means Committee it was important in February to see major budget decisions for 
Oregonians being made by all of Oregon's state elected officials rather than a small representation of the E-Board where interim budget request have been heard in the past.
With a 193 million dollar short fall in the forecast, the Joint Budget Committee went to work and the final budget document reflected a thoughtful and diligent approach. Seniors and Disabled programs neglected in the '07 session were rewarded in this cycle. Closer oversight of agencies budgets and a review of '07 budget notes improved the committees accountability to you.
Always of high importance in the budget process is the bonding bill. This bill is a list of approved bonding request by the Co-chairs and to the Joint Committee for their recommendation to the House and Senate. An unfortunate part of the process is the lack of opportunity to vote on these individual projects.You must approve all or none.I oppose this part of the process as I believe each project should 
be able to stand up to a vote on it's own merits.
In the '08 Bonding bill there were many good projects such as funds for Judicial e-Commerce, Oregon Institute of Technology, OWIN, the Interoperability Wireless Network, also included was a 200 million dollar request for "F" Bonds for a basketball arena at the University of Oregon. The bill passed but not with my vote. As always I gave alot of thought and study to my position.
I believe during this session we were able to approve legislation that ensures the safety and well being of my constituents on the coast. We addressed funding for the Oregon State Police, OPI (Oregon Project Independence) and inheritence tax relief for our fisherman who have been hit so hard in our coastal communities, just to name a few key issues.
The jury is still out on annual sessions. We accomplished a good rebalance of the budget, addressed pressing needs of organizations and did it in an impressive few short weeks.
The Capitol was under construction, the offices were created in small areas anywhere there was room. You had to meet people in the hallways, small meetings were in hard to find unfamiliar rooms, and the best work area was at your desk in the chamber. The House and Senate all ate together and there were fewer lobbyist at work.
If this sounds like an improvement you may want to encourage the legislature to meet each year but only if they agree to time lines and short sessions. You now know it can be done.
Consumer Protection
SB 1064- OVERSIGHT OF LOAN ORIGINATORSStrengthen state oversight of mortgage loan originators and gives DCBS authority to identify and police irresponsible loan originators.
HB 3630 FORECLOSURECONSULTANTS
Restricts "foreclosure consultants" and "equity purchasers" that prey on vulnerable homeowners facing foreclosure.. HB 3630 will protect homeowners from schemes that take advantage of their situation.
HB 3631-CHILDRENS PRODUCT SAFETY
Prohibits the sale of childrens toys and products that have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the manufacturer or the Department of DHS.
