Is health care a fundamental right?
The House Interim Committee on Health Care held a lively public hearing and work session yesterday on a proposed Constitutional Amendment which would declare access to health care to be a “fundamental right.†If approved by the February special legislative session, it would be voted on by Oregonians in November.The key language of Legislative Concept 91 reads:
The people of Oregon find that health care is an essential safeguard to human life and dignity and that access to health care is a fundamental right. In order to implement that right, the Legislative Assembly shall establish by law a plan for a system designed to provide every legal resident of the state access to effective and affordable health care on a regular basis.
Defending our cars, our freedom
Planning to Mock FreedomBy Aaron Crowley,
Of all the symbols of independence in America, the automobile stands out. Nothing else gives a man the ability to take any road or highway to wherever he wants to go, whenever he so desires.
The Oregonian apparently has a problem with this in a recent article.
In a column about Randy O’toole’s recent seminar on planning, the reporter choses to mock Houston, TX residents as having a “love affair with the automobile.â€
Fireman Randy Leonard, another eastside guy
The Eastside GuyFireman Randy, another eastside guy
By Dave Lister, BrainstormNW
When Portland Mayor Tom Potter proposed to reform the city’s commission form of government by giving the mayor’s office administrative control of all city bureaus, one of his peers emerged as the leader of the opposition. This media savvy champion of commission government coupled his own “aw shucks†style of public speaking with Potter’s seeming indifference over his proposal to soundly trounce the mayor in a series of public debates. When the voters overwhelmingly rejected the “strong mayor†reform, this commissioner went on to challenge Potter at every turn, possibly contributing to the mayor’s decision not to seek a second term.
This commissioner, of course, is ex-fireman Randy Leonard.
Oregon & China—Opportunity for the Rising Generation
By Rep. Dennis Richardson and David PorterWake up, Oregon. Consider the rise of China as a global power. Note its large and rapidly growing economy, its modernizing military, and its spreading cultural influence. Then ask the following questions: How is Oregon responding to China’s rise? Are we looking to the future? Are we preparing today’s students in Oregon for the challenges and opportunities that a rising China will pose over their lifetimes?
And the question is not just are we giving educational opportunities to individual students, but are we preparing the next generations as groups to have the language and cultural skills that can make our state, and our nation, successful in the developing international system? And of vital importance, will our future generations have the skills to minimize the chances of war with China?
The Myths of Energy Independence
What did you think energy independence would bring? Elimination of terrorism, a more secure energy supply, growth of new industries developing alternative fuels, bankruptcy for disagreeable countries (Iran, Venezuela, etc.), reform in the Muslim world, anything else?
If those are your thoughts you ought to click on to a well-researched website at http://instituteforenergyresearch.org/ and read a recent article by Robert Bryce. First, the Institute for Energy Research is a public policy research group that applies free market principles to the complex issues surrounding energy. It refuses to accept government funds for any of its research and thus avoids the inevitable taint of “government think.†I suspect, but do not know for certain, that it does accept contributions from the petroleum industry and, therefore, for those of you who are eternally dedicated to “conspiracy theories†you may want to stop now and take in a Michael Moore or Oliver Stone movie instead.
Oregon teachers need tools for success
EPA’s Rejection of California/Oregon Auto Emissions Standards: Much Ado About Nothing
On December 19th the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rejected proposals from Oregon, California and 15 other states to impose new regulations on motor vehicles for the purpose of reducing carbon dioxide and other so-called “greenhouse gases†(GHG). Predictably, this brought forth howls of protest from grandstanding politicians. Richard Blumenthal, the attorney general of Connecticut, called the ruling “outrageous.†California Senator Dianne Feinstein said, “I find this disgraceful.†Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski promised to use “any legal means necessary to make sure Oregon can set its own tailpipe emissions standards.†If these people had taken as much time studying air pollution trends as they did preparing for lawsuits, they would know that their statements are absurd.
Eugene Community Development
Article written by: Suzanne Penegor of Eugene
Mike Sullivan, Community Development Division Manager, Eugene
W. Broadway Proj. (20-134) Series
Epilog
Two days after the election here in Lane County, Mike Sullivan of the Eugene Planning Department, spoke to the Lane Co. Rubicon Society about the ballot measure that failed that would have renovated the West Broadway area. Sullivan discussed the history of urban renewal projects in downtown Eugene and said that urban renewal usually comes in when land values fall dramatically. He said Eugene loves planning and processes.
Continue reading "Eugene Community Development"Mike Sullivan, Community Development Division Manager, Eugene
W. Broadway Proj. (20-134) Series
Epilog
Two days after the election here in Lane County, Mike Sullivan of the Eugene Planning Department, spoke to the Lane Co. Rubicon Society about the ballot measure that failed that would have renovated the West Broadway area. Sullivan discussed the history of urban renewal projects in downtown Eugene and said that urban renewal usually comes in when land values fall dramatically. He said Eugene loves planning and processes.
Nominees announced for 2008 Taxpayer Awards!!!
The nominees for the seven Taxpayer Awards are announced below. 10,000 ballots have been sent out. The winners will be decided at the ceremony February 6th, 6-8:00 Pm at the Airport Shilo Inn during a special meeting of the Oregon Executive Club and Taxpayer Association. It will also be broadcast live on the Victoria Taft show on KPAM 860AM. You are invited. If you want to vote click here for the ballot side 1 and ballot side 2. Thomas Jefferson Award:
Wiener Politician Award:
Pork Barrel Project:
Bureaucratic Bungler:
Golden Schnoz Award:
Government Innovation Award:
Excellence in Journalism Awards: (Not a voting category)
RESULTS BELOW
Rep. Fred Girod enters Senator Roger Beyer replacement election
Note from Fred Girod's campaign office:"Representative Fred Girod(R-Lyons) has announced that he will be seeking the Senate seat recently vacated by Senator Roger Beyer(R-Molalla) who resigned late last week. Fred was a major ally of taxpayers in the last session, and was one of a handful of legislators who stood strong in the fight against taking the corporate kicker; a thinly veiled tax increase. Rep. Fred Girod also has the early endorsement from State Representative Vic Gilliam."
The Hidden $6.2 BILLION Oregon PERS Liability
A recent study of public sector retirement funds by The Pew Charitable Trust’s Center on the States found that “Oregon currently has the best-funded pension system in the country.†This assessment of Oregon’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) deserves a closer look.Supporters back up Wingard race
From Matt Wingard for State Representative Press Release 1-20-07:
Supporters Rally to Wingard Over the Weekend
Donations and Pledges Up in Recent Days
“Matt Wingard is a very honest and sensible person who I believe will represent the people of House District 26 in a forthright and personable way. I look forward to having Matt replace me as Representative for House District 26.â€
--Representative Jerry Krummel, House District 26 (1/18/08)
