Awash in federal cash and buoyed by rising state revenues and higher taxes, the Legislature is winding down it's biennial short session and Legislators are spreading cash around. Traditionally, Republicans have been the party of smaller government, but that era may be waning, as evidenced by the pride with which Republicans announce largesse for their district.

Maybe one can't blame them for taking the money. After all, things do need to get done, built and maintained in their districts. All this crowing does make one stop and think what, if anything, was done to secure the money and why do they think it's something that their constituents support? These examples may leave you scratching your head.

Among Representative Breese-Iverson’s (R-Prineville) claimed accomplishments for House District 55 in Central Oregon includes an investment of $4.4 million for the Crook County Courthouse.

In reference to the budget, Representative Jessica George (R) was able to secure funds for two projects in House District 25 (Keizer, St. Paul and Newberg) to support local infrastructure, including infrastructure improvements at Old Renne School to the tune of $750,000 and the McKay Road roundabout for a cool $3,000,000.

Rep. Kim Wallan (R-Medford) reports that she worked to secure a total of $4.85 Million in state funding for a variety of local projects, including $3 Million to complete the Rogue X Sports Complex in northwest Medford, which was approved by voters in May 2020. Inflation and supply chain delays have resulted in significant cost overruns, setting the project behind schedule. These state funds will help the city obtain the materials needed to complete construction of the indoor-outdoor facility.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Representative Jack Zika (R-Redmond) secured funding for vital investments in House District 53 in Central Oregon, including Deschutes County, the City of Bend, and the City of Redmond, including $950,000 to the City of Redmond for the Skyline Village Affordable Housing project and $1.5 million to the City of Bend for shelter services and infrastructure, hygiene services, and homeless outreach and $350,000 to Oasis Village to support transitional housing.

The list goes on. Maybe all of these projects are worthy of support, but who is standing for smaller government?


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-06 11:18:48

Last Update: 2022-03-06 11:24:05