Last week there were two Town Halls in Corvallis, one sponsored by the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce and the second by the League of Women Voters.
Regrettably, the Legislative Breakfast sponsored by the Corvallis Chamber was poorly attended, the League of Womens Voters Town Hall had more than double the attendance. Possibly the time, 8am, or perhaps the cost for the breakfast may have been contributing factors in the lackluster attendance at the Legislative Breakfast.
The Legislative Breakfast focused more on the Oregon Economy, specifically jobs, the "Library" session was more concerned with health care issues. Reasonable given the audience, the Chamber Breakfast was more Business oriented and the Saturday Library audience was comprised mainly of Seniors.
The Legislators quickly pointed out at the outset that this year 2012 was the first time the Legislature would meet annually. "This presents special challenges", stated Andy Olsen.
During the Chamber Legislative Breakfast Senator Morse spoke of the negative revenue trend in Oregon. Morse would like to have some adjustment to the "Kicker", but it is a difficult task.
While at the Saturday session, Representaive Jim Thompson lamented the fact that some Oregonians look towards the "Oregon Kicker" money as a Vacation and or Holiday fund.
By the numbers there are about 280 "Bills" to work through and only a 29 day session to accomplish the task. Rep. Thompson, made the comment that the Oregon House Speaker has already stated that "any Bill that is contentious will not be dealt with." This is simply a matter of the time constraint Thompson went on to say. Representative Andy Olson pointed ot that he was already told by the Senate President that "Personal Bills will not see the light of day."
One of the attendee's at the Legislative Breakfast, Richard Hein, President/CEO OSU Federal Credit Union, made the point, "If we ran a business like the State runs the State we would be out of business."
Hein told this reporter that "I am frustrated with the Legislature.....we need private sector jobs.....the Legislature cannot create jobs."
Representative Andy olsen responded that Oregon would create 50,000 jobs within five years. Senator Morse added, "We have a steep hill to climb." Morse further added that the "Regulatory climate in Oregon is a factor."
Senator Morse told the audience that "Counties in Oregon are going broke....because they cannot develop their natural resources.....they should be allowed self determination."
Morse lamented, "There are two States in Oregon, Rural and the rest of the State."
Representaive Sara Gelser spoke of the issue of school funding. "There is a lack of clarity on what is an Educational Compact", stated Gelser. Additionally Gelser spoke of the need to close the achievement gap. Only 67% of Oregon High School seniors graduate.
Collectively the Legislators spoke of the need to find the revenue necessary for Oregon State University to move forward with Capital Projects.
The take-aways from both sessions, too much to do in too little time. Economic Development, Revenue Generation, and Jobs are the major issues that need to be addressed.
