Historically, special interest advocates and lobbyists have directed federal and state policies, but for common sense ideas on solving Oregon’s budget woes, it is time to ask those who pay the bills--average Oregon citizens. That’s what we did in last week’s newsletter. The Oregon Issues Survey sought citizen input on a wide range of key state issues. The on-line responses, along with those obtained from constituents who received a mailed version, give valuable direction to the Governor and State Legislators—if they will take the time to listen.
Presently, nearly 2,000 responses have been given and they are quite revealing. I hope all of Oregon’s state officials will consider these messages sent to Salem.
As you will read below, hundreds of survey responders have taken the time to draft written responses; more are added by the hour.
Today’s newsletter will share how Oregonians feel about the status and future course of our great state.
Question 1. Oregon faces a $3 billion budget shortfall to fund all state programs at their “current service level” over the next two years. Which of the following do you believe should be used to balance the state budget? (mark all that apply)
Top Answer selected by 65.4%:
(Column 10—the highest possible approval rate)
Institute 100 year sustainable timber harvest plan and increase utilization of Oregon’s natural resources with effective, efficient and environmentally sound management.
Second Place Answer was a tie with 46.7%:
(Column 10—the highest possible approval rate)
Limit total State expenditures for any budget to the 25 year average increase of revenues--all extra revenues in positive years go to the Rainy Day Fund for use to back-fill revenue shortfall during periods of low State revenues.
Targeted spending reductions (specify below).
As of March 5, 2009, 529 survey responders supplied their thoughts and solutions to Oregon’s revenue problems. To see Question 1 and its alternative answers and the written responses, Click Here.
Question 2. When it comes to improving our state’s transportation system what level of priority would you assign to the following options?
(scale of 1 [lowest] – 10 [highest])
Top Answer Selected by 83.7%:
(Column 1—the lowest possible approval rate)
Implementing a GPS Tracking system to fund transportation projects by charging a fee based on how many miles are driven.
I was not surprised to see the overwhelming disapproval of the Governor’s GPS tracking system proposal for replacing the gas tax. On the other hand, I was surprised to see the low level of public concern over transportation issues. In fact, for Question 2 and its six transportation issues, all six suggestions received an overwhelming disapproval rating. Not a single transportation suggestion obtained a double digit approval rating in the top 5 approval rating columns (numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10). I believe transportation infrastructure is vitally important to Oregon’s economic future. Assuming this survey has some level of validity, the vast majority of Oregonians currently do not agree. Maybe I just asked the wrong questions. In any event, from the trend-lines of this survey, the average Oregonian that took the time to respond, presently does not believe transportation issues are of much importance.
Question 3. When it comes to major issues being discussed in the Legislature, what priority level would you assign to the following?
(scale of 1-10)
Top Answer Selected by 45.5%:
(Column 1—the lowest possible approval rate)
Funding public works projects (to be paid by increasing taxes, fees and state debt)
Second Place Answer Selected by 42.4%:
(Column 10—the highest possible approval rate)
Reducing regulations and red tape for Oregon businesses
This question presented the survey responder with eight issues confronting the Oregon legislature. None of the answers indicated a strong preference to the Legislature on what course should be taken to strengthen Oregon’s economy. Nevertheless, from the first and second highest-response answers to Question 3 and its eight alternatives, a laissez-faire attitude toward government intervention seems to be surfacing.
Question 4. When it comes to improving Oregon’s health care system, what level of priority would you assign to the following options?
(scale of 1-10) [More than one answer could be selected.]
Top Answer Selected by 61.1%:
(Column 1—the lowest possible approval rate)
Providing universal government health care for all Oregonians.
Second Place Answer with 58.7%:
(Column 1—the lowest possible approval rate)
Raising hospital and medical “provider taxes” to expand state-funded health care.
This question specifically deals with the issue of Health Care in Oregon. I believe Question 4, with its six alternatives, demonstrates the economic pressures felt by the Oregon taxpayers who responded. They clearly are opposed to spending additional tax dollars on expanded government health plans—an opinion not shared by many elected officials here in the Capitol.
Final Survey Comments. The number of written comments to this Oregon Issues Survey increases by the hour. Attached are the first 651 written comments from Oregonians across the state. If you browse though them, you will see the variety and passion of feelings expressed.
In conclusion, these truly are challenging times for most Oregonians. It is clear to me from the outpouring of written opinions, the silent majority are starting to find their voices. Business as usual in the Capitol is no longer an option. Either Oregon’s elected officials will listen to their constituents who want real change and meaningful, bipartisan reform, or the citizens’ voices will be heard at the next election.
This is the time to set aside politics and reform state government. We cannot continue the past practices of government spending at levels far surpassing sustainable rates of revenue. Now is the time to redefine government’s highest priorities, recognize a sustainable rate of spending and reform agencies and programs for effectiveness, efficiency and economy. Let us learn from the past, plan for the future and listen to the comments and suggestions given by concerned Oregonians. If not now, then when?
One final thought…I will be sharing this Oregon Issues Survey with my fellow-Legislators. If you would like to add your voice, please take the survey and leave your comments by Clicking Here.
Sincerely,
Dennis
Richardson
State Representative
Know Your Legislators: Representative Jim Thompson
On November 4, 2008, Representative Jim Thompson was elected by the voters of House District 23. House District 23 covers Polk, Benton, Linn and Marion counties. It includes the communities of Dallas, Falls City, Halsey, Harrison and Jefferson.
Representative Thompson is a lifelong Oregonian. He grew up in rural Lincoln County. He graduated from Taft High School. While in college, Representative Thompson earned science degrees from Oregon State and Western Oregon University (then known as Oregon College of Education). Following college, he built a career in plant sciences working for laboratories and developing technologies that use botanicals to treat asthma and allergies. Most recently, Rep. Thompson worked as executive director of the Oregon State Pharmacy Association.
Representative Thompson entered public service in the 1980’s when he served on the Monmouth City Council. In 2004, Representative Thompson first served as state representative when he was appointed to fill a vacant seat. His term lasted for nine months.
Given his expertise in pharmacy, health care reform is Representative Thompson’s main area of interest. Outside of the legislature, he serves on several health care reform groups, including the Oregon Health Care Volunteer Advisory Committee, Health Safety Net Advisory Committee and the Public Health Logistics Workgroup. During this 2009 Legislative Session, Representative Thompson serves on the Health Care Committee and on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources Committees.
District Office
55 South 5th Street
Central Point, OR 97502
Tel: (541) 601-0083
Fax: (541) 664-6625
E-Mail: rep.dennisrichardson@state.or.us
Please tell a friend about House District 4 Legislative Update.
To subscribe to our Legislative Updates by email click here
To unsubscribe, click here.
