The Senator
Prioritize School Funding (SJR 19)
Ask any elected official in the state legislature what his/her #1 priority is and you’ll probably hear more redundant rhetoric about funding k-12 education. Unfortunately, despite its real and implied importance, funding for k-12 is the last budget to pass the state legislature every session. This forces school boards to plan their next year’s budget based on a figure that has yet to be determined. Not surprisingly, their budget forecasts often end up being way above or below the amount the legislature assigns.
As if this didn’t create enough confusion already, the state legislature has turned the education budget into a game of political hockey. This metaphor may take some explaining, but when powerful lobby groups enter the picture, the scenario is not difficult to imagine.
The term “budget cut” has been carefully utilized by the education lobby to influence the k-12 budget. The education lobby, funded by the powerful teacher’s union, pushes their way around the legislature by using the phrase “budget cut” as a weapon, even though the legislature increases the k-12 budget every year. How is this political slight-of-hand successfully carried out, year after year? When school boards are creating their budget forecasts in February, legislative members influenced by the education lobby convince the school boards to come out with excessively high budget forecasts. Then, when the legislature begins debating the k-12 budget in April, what is in reality an increase in funding is coined a “budget cut”. When “budget cut” and “education funding” are combined, the education lobby and the media are able to make an emotional game of the k-12 budget.
Senator Atkinson will change this ridiculous game and put the k-12 budget on top of the list of funding priorities. After all, everything else the legislature funds should come second in line to our primary schools. He proposes giving legislators a maximum of 81 days to tackle this budget, or else forfeit their pay. If the state legislature were forced to determine the k-12 budget within the first 81 days of session, these lingering issues would be resolved. Our schools will be back on the agenda as the #1 funding priority, the power will transfer from the lobbyists back into the hands of our elected officials, and the school boards will be able to make their school-year budgets based on a firm figure. All in all, this takes the political hockey out of the education budget process.
Bankruptcy/Credit extension
Current economic times are hard and many are facing financial challenges. Even the most financially responsible citizens have been forced to foreclose on their home mortgages and file for bankruptcy. Senator Atkinson believes we need to find a way to provide relief for those who deserve a helping hand in this economic slump.
Existing Oregon law takes those who file for bankruptcy out of the market for multiple years. Essentially this means you will not be able to get approved for new credit cards, buy a home or a car, or get a business loan for at least two years after declaring bankruptcy. In addition, a poor credit rating will follow you for 7 to 10 years and will cause your future loan interest rates to skyrocket. You will not be able to hold certain offices or be the director of a company. By law, you have to inform anyone you do business with that you filed for bankruptcy, negatively affecting your hard earned reputation. These restrictions, which apply the moment bankruptcy is filed, make it very difficult, if not impossible, to fully recover a good credit standing in less than ten years.
All of this cripples the individual and the state’s chances for economic healing. Senator Atkinson thinks no Oregonian with a good credit history should be forced to endure these hardships. He says those with a proven credit history, defined as those with a credit score of 680 or better and zero history of bad credit, deserve amnesty. Oregon should allow those who meet the “good credit standards” a one time, two-year credit extension before forcing them into filing for bankruptcy. Banks can afford to support these extensions since they have received the government bailout funds. This two-year extension will allow Oregonians additional time to recover and avoid bankruptcy and its long-lasting consequences.
Telemedicine (SB 468)
When Katrina smashed the Gulf Coast in 2005, people in New Orleans were left without many services. One of the first services not organized was mental health. After the hurricane hit, depression, domestic violence and other family issues spread faster than the city could handle. Under the direction of one of Senator Atkinson’s closest friends, Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) began to offer aid through “telemedicine,” which provided real consultations from doctors across the country. Telemedicine saved the lives of many people and it worked beautifully!
In step, Oregon counties receiving the federal timber payment have been in jeopardy of losing their payment dollars. When timber payments are lost, what is the first thing to disappear? Mental health services. Then the libraries close their doors, and on down the line. We also know when the economy goes down, suicide goes up, depression goes up, and instances of domestic violence go up.
Atkinson’s telehealth medicine bill will allow Oregonians in rural areas to receive the same professional, world class mental health services from OHSU as Katrina victims at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s what the “telemedicine” bill does:
- sets up payment rates for doctor and insurance reimbursements
- sets privacy and protection standards
- it is written in line with the standards set by the Health and Human
Services (HHS) of the federal government.
Making the Political Tax Credit Optional to Help Those in Need (Bill #SB 909)
The state of Oregon gives each taxpayer a $50 “gift.” The only catch is you can’t keep it. It’s a use it or lose it kind of gift, and the only way to use it is to donate it to a qualified political campaign. In other words, by making a political donation, you can reduce your taxes.
In the 2007 session and again in 2009, Senator Atkinson has advocated for increased flexibility with this tax credit. He feels strongly this benefit should also apply to contributions made to a food bank, gospel rescue mission, homeless shelter, safehouse for domestic violence, or other charitable organizations that assist our most vulnerable. Where would you send your money if you could contribute to making Oregon a better place? This bill gives you more choices to send a $50 donation where you want, and it won’t cost you a dime.
Hatch Box Program on Rogue River (SB 472)
Now is a critical time for Oregon’s salmon and steelhead population. The depletion of salmon and steelhead in our rivers and streams is a tragic reality for most of our waterways. If you ask anyone lucky enough to grow up fishing (and catching) salmon in Oregon rivers, he/she will most likely say these experiences greatly enriched their childhood. Passion to preserve the vulnerable salmon population led to the creation of the Jordon-Scotty incubator in the 1980s, a product designed to help put more fish back into our streams. Using this model, salmon eggs are housed in a specially designed box which greatly increases the chances for spawning.
Since the 1980s, the design has undergone many improvements. Today, when harbored in a hatch box, eggs have a 95% chance at hatching. The bill Senator Atkinson has introduced was at the request of Hal Borg and Hal Borg Jr. of southern Oregon, who have similar appreciation for our salmon populations. They want to work with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to start a hatch box program on the middle and upper Rogue River. This method has been proven in rivers around the world and will ensure there will be fish in Oregon’s rivers tomorrow.
High Performance Building Standards (SB 448)
This bill aims to reduce the use of non-renewable energy by our state’s facilities. Technology has given us the ability to construct buildings with greater energy efficiency and that are more environmentally friendly than ever before. Senator Atkinson wants to promote the use of energy systems powered by renewable resources, such as sun, wind, heat recovery, and geothermal sources. Creating a high performance standard will begin to bring our state’s buildings up to date and guide state agencies in design, construction, and renovation of their facilities.
Stop Investments in Iran (SB 470)
We want to prevent our state from supporting any groups known to be hostile to the United States. The Iranian government has long refused to comply with demands made by the United States to stop their production of nuclear weapons products and the safe harbor of hostile groups. A way Oregon can take a stand in this international issue is to ban the state from investing in Iranian based companies. The moral of the story is that if we continue to allow investment into businesses in Iran, there is no way to guarantee our state’s money is not aiding and abetting individuals and groups who want to do harm to our country.
Closing the Loophole in Criminal Death Cases (SB 500)
On rare occasions, police investigating a murder case consider a relative one of the primary suspects. Under current law, the next to kin have to be notified of the details of the investigation. Officer Jim Tattersall informed Senator Atkinson of this loophole and its negative consequences. It is common sense that a murder suspect should not be able to have access to all the possible evidence concerning the deceased until they are cleared of suspicion.
Brammo Motorsports: Electric Vehicle Tax Credit (SB 499)
This bill will add the word “manufacturing” to the Business Energy Tax Credit, (B.E.T.C.) allowing a southern Oregon electric motorcycle manufacturer the energy tax credit. Brammo Motorsports has developed the most advanced electric motorcycle called the Enertia, and deserves to be able to take advantage of tax credits and incentives for creating this eco-friendly/renewable machine. This bill will allow all Oregon manufacturers of electric vehicles these same tax incentives as a renewable developer.
Adjusting Oregon’s Estate Tax (SB 473)
The government taxes you long after you are safely dead. Inheritance meant to benefit family members is taken by the government. The Oregon state government taxes it at a rate which forces many people to leave the state just to protect their family from excessive estate taxes.
By letting estate moneys and property roll over to families without a tax penalty, this bill will automatically put more cash back into circulation.
This bill stipulates that:
-Between January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2010, the estate tax exemption will be raised to $2 million.
-Following January 1, 2010, the exempt amount will further be raised to $3.5 million.
Elimination of Capital Gains Tax (SB 474)
Capitol gains are what individuals get in return for taking the risk to invest in our economy. A capitol gains tax is like punishing people who are willing to take that risk and put their hard earned money into our own markets. Ordinary income tax rates are already extravagant, taking up to 35% out of every single paycheck you receive. Then, to stick it to you again, Oregon boasts the second highest capital gains tax in the nation! At the embarrassing rate of 9%, Oregon’s capital gains tax rate is lower only than the financially bankrupt state of California. No wonder so many good businessmen and investors leave the state! Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have a 0% capital gains tax. These states understand something Oregon’s legislature has yet to grasp and have successfully attracted investors to their states. Senator Atkinson proposes a bill that will bring our state back into the fighting ring. By completely eliminating Oregon’s capitol gains tax beginning January 1, 2010, we will produce incentives for investors to stay in Oregon and put their money on the market, as oppose to under their mattresses.
Eliminate the Boater Education Requirement (SB 475)
In 1999, the mandatory Oregon boater education requirement was passed into law. From the day that legislation passed to today, it has only “served” Oregon by establishing another useless permitting fee. Anyone who has gone through the course can tell you it does very little for the public good. In fact, it is entirely too easy to cheat on the boater’s test to be taken serious or to be educational. All of the answers to the test can be matched up side by side with the questions, like an open book test in high school. Then, you must pay the teacher $40 to take the open book test, of which you retain very little to none of the content. This is what a boater education card costs you after you’re done paying all the taxes and fees.
To put this into perspective, imagine the typical, busy Oregon family of four that gets to steal away from work and soccer practice once a year to go on a camping trip. They pull their fishing boat up into the mountains with them to enjoy a few days on the lake. As if there weren’t already enough expenses for a family to go on a one-week vacation, this bad law tacks on another $160, making a simple camping trip all the less feasible to afford for Oregon families. As Senator Atkinson likes to call it, this law is nothing but a “cash cow” under the guise of safety.
Senators Message
Thank you visiting my new webpage. Launching this site is just one of many goals I set for the 2009 legislative session and is a great opportunity for me to stay connected. I firmly believe our public process is best served by including as many everyday Oregonians in the conversation as possible. My hopes are this site can be a tool for all who are interested in learning a little more about current topics at the state legislature, my role in it, where I plan to head from here, and a few of my personal experiences along the way. Serving as a State Senator for southern Oregon is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, endeavors I have yet to experience, and I’m excited to be able to share it with you.
I truly hope you enjoy my new website and that you’ll come back to see what new and exciting things the Atkinson camp will be doing over the coming months. This is just the start.
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