Oregon Senator Brian Boquist (R-Dallas) has called out Governor Kate Brown and the Democrats for proposing to delay the 2021 legislative long session in a statement:

“After a summer of Democrat-controlled special sessions that excluded Oregonians from the legislative process, they are now claiming Oregonians should be involved and that the session ought to be delayed. They fear working in proximity to other people without a vaccination, when the governor and Oregon Health Authority have admitted Oregon has one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the country.

“Led by Governor Brown, Democrats are ignoring the will of the people. Oregonians have been begging for the Capitol, schools, businesses, and the economy to be opened now. Enough tyranny under the guise of COVID-19.

“The arbitrary decisions that have shattered the economy are based on what generates income for the state. Marijuana and liquor stores have stayed open during the political pandemic; both of which fund state programs. Public university dorms are open and generate revenue for the state, yet public schools remain closed, unless they are used for child care, that parents must pay for, despite paying property tax for public education.

“Democrats prioritize the rights of violent anarchists rioting in Portland night after night, over all Oregonians whose lives are impacted by legislation crafted in the marble walls of the Capitol. It is imperative the session is not delayed.”

The Oregon Constitution provides that the long session duration is 160 days, regardless of when it begins, but it must begin on the day provided by law:

Article IV, Section 10. Annual regular sessions of the Legislative Assembly; organizational session; extension of regular sessions. (1) The Legislative Assembly shall hold annual sessions at the Capitol of the State. Each session must begin on the day designated by law as the first day of the session. Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section:

(a) A session beginning in an odd-numbered year may not exceed 160 calendar days in duration; and

(b) A session beginning in an even-numbered year may not exceed 35 calendar days in duration.

(2) The Legislative Assembly may hold an organizational session that is not subject to the limits of subsection (1) of this section for the purposes of introducing measures and performing the duties and effecting the organization described in sections 11 and 12 of this Article. The Legislative Assembly may not undertake final consideration of a measure or reconsideration of a measure following a gubernatorial veto when convened in an organizational session.

(3) A regular session, as described in subsection (1) of this section, may be extended for a period of five calendar days by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of each house. A session may be extended more than once. An extension must begin on the first calendar day after the end of the immediately preceding session or extension except that if the first calendar day is a Sunday, the extension may begin on the next Monday.

While the full effects of a delay are not clear, holding session with COVID-19 regulations in place may slow the pace of legislation. Delaying the session until some or all of the COVID-19 regulations are lifted may speed the pace of legislation.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-10 09:23:12

Last Update: 2020-10-10 09:28:53

The Oregon Healthy Authority surveyed 1,000 Oregonians regarding their thoughts and behavior around the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey, conducted by DHM Research, found the following:

• More than eight in 10 report wearing masks nearly all of the time while in public indoor spaces.
• More than two in three avoid crowded places.
• More than six in 10 are staying 6 feet apart when in public.

The survey also found the following about how often people attend gatherings:

• OSA reports: Half of Oregonians report attending about four or more social gatherings in the previous two weeks. Survey says: Half of Oregonians attended 3 or fewer gatherings in the past two weeks.
• One in five Oregonians say they have attended at least one social gathering of more than 10 people in the past two weeks.
• One in three say they gather with fewer people outdoors.

A separate survey of 468 Latinx Oregonians conducted in Spanish by Lara Media found the following:

• 87% of respondents report wearing a face mask nearly all of the time while in public indoor spaces.
• More than half of respondents avoid crowded places.
• More than six in 10 are staying 6 feet apart when in public.

The survey found different levels of concern about COVID-19 among respondents based on age, geography, political views and race/ethnicity. Latinos expressed higher levels of concern than whites and reported wearing masks more frequently. Members of the Latinx community have accounted for nearly 40% of Oregon’s COVID-19 cases.

Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen said, “These results show that nearly all Oregonians understand it’s important to wear a mask. But fewer Oregonians believe they’re at risk of getting sick and too many people are socializing indoors in bigger groups. It’s hard to sustain the changes we’ve all had to make in our lives to keep ourselves and others safe from COVID-19. But we won’t be able to prevent more infections, and get more schools and businesses open in Oregon, until more people act with urgency and avoid the social super-spreader gatherings that have driven COVID-19 transmission and disease in Oregon.”

Fox News interviewed Wesley Smith, Discovery Institute, on facing extreme COVID-19 surveillance. There is a great deal of push by the government for mandatory vaccinations. He reports that U.S.A. Today said it could include: “Vaccine refusers could lose tax credits or be denied nonessential government services. Health insurers could level higher premiums. You couldn’t enter private businesses unless you showed your vaccine papers.” It’s preparing the ground for Draconian advocacy, Smith says, and Dr. Fauci is claiming global socialist engineering is needed to prepare for future pandemics by changing the way we live, changing water systems and changing the way we travel. He isn’t even talking about COVID-19. Is this where Governor Brown is headed?

One interesting number in the survey may indicate where the Governor is getting her cues. The survey shows 94% Liberals are concerned about COVID-19 in Oregon compared to 58% Conservatives.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-10-10 08:14:04

Last Update: 2020-10-10 09:29:53

Millions in grant funding is available for small businesses facing lost revenue in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Business Oregon awarded the final round of its Emergency Business Assistance Grant funding to intermediary organizations across Oregon to in turn provide grants directly to eligible small businesses. The fund was created by Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon legislature, funded with both federal CAREs Act funds and state funds.

“We reallocated some of our own budget and paired that with millions in federal funding to deliver this much-needed help to Oregon’s small businesses,” said Business Oregon Director Chris Cummings. “We stand as partners with the business community in this pandemic, and I hope every eligible small business accesses this final round of funding from this program.”

Businesses are eligible to receive up to $50,000 in funding as detailed in the application.

Eligibility requirements have been expanded to allow for more business to get funding than in previous rounds. Businesses that have received less than $100,000 in small business assistance through the CARES Act (such as PPP, EIDL, EIDLA, City of Portland Small Relief Program, the Oregon Cares Fund for Black Relief + Resiliency and other programs) are now eligible. Additionally, even if a business was not prohibited from operations by the Governor’s Executive Order 20-12, the business could be eligible if it can demonstrate a 25% reduction in sales (reduced from 50% previously required) over a 30-day period in 2020 compared to a comparable period in 2019.

Also, any business that has already received a grant from this program is eligible for an additional award and should complete the supplemental application. This is a shorter application with less documentation needed. Businesses can expect to receive an award comparable to their prior award.

The following organizations have funding available. The application these organizations will need can also be found on Business Oregon's website in multiple languages to access ahead of time.

Regional Intermediaries and Counties

CCD Business Development Corporation – Coos, Curry and Douglas County

Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. – Jackson, Josephine County

Community Lending Works – Benton, Lane, Lincoln and Linn County

Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments – Marion, Polk and Yamhill County /

Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon – Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington County

Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District – Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Western Washington County

Clatsop County

Columbia County

Tillamook

Col-Pac/West Washington County: NW Oregon Emergency Small Business Grants

Northeast Oregon Economic Development District – Baker, Union and Wallowa County

Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation – Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler County

Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council – Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson County

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District – Hood River, Sherman and Wasco County

South Central Oregon Economic Development District – Lake and Klamath County

Statewide Intermediaries

Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation – Statewide

Central Willamette Credit Union – Statewide

Point West Credit Union – Statewide

In addition to the Emergency Business Assistance Grant program, Business Oregon is providing free masks, gloves and other protective supplies to small businesses.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-09 18:54:29

Last Update: 2020-10-11 08:53:25

The last day to register is Tuesday, October 13th. If you're not sure if you're registered to vote, you can check your voter registration status on the Secretary of State's website. If you haven't registered to vote yet and you have an Oregon drivers' license or ID card you can register to vote online. You can also register to vote in person at your County Clerk's office.

At this point it doesn't matter what your party registration is. That only matters in the primary. Everyone who lives in the same area gets the same ballot.

The ballots start mailing out on Wednesday, October 14th. Since some of the ballots may be mailed a day or two later, give it at least a couple extra days to arrive. if you don't get a ballot, you can get one from your County Clerk.

If you have been displaced by fire and need more information, the Secretary of State has more information.

The last day to mail in ballots October 27th. You don't have to mail in your ballot. You can take it directly to the County Clerk's office or to a convenient ballot drop box location.

Election day is November 3rd and the results will start to be announced at 8:00 pm when the polls close. You can get results for state offices on the Secretary of State's website.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-09 17:33:11

Editor's note: This is part four of a multi-part series covering the 2020 Oregon General Election ballot measures.

Issues of public safety, law enforcement and police procedure have become big issues lately. Police shootings and subsequent riots have driven these issues the to forefront, and Ballot Measure 110 is just one battle in this war.

This measure decriminalizes many drug offenses and diverts marijuana tax money to treatment programs. Unlike Measure 90 in 2016, Measure 110 doesn't provide any legal or tax structure for the drugs it decriminalizes.

While the measure purports to reduce the number of drug-related incarcerations, in 2019 the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission published a report on the success of House Bill 2355, showing a marked reduction in misdemeanor drug possession convictions and racial disparity in arrests. Fewer convictions is the result of the new law diverting offenders. The argument for reducing drug-related incarcerations is becoming weaker and weaker.

Opponents of this issue also point out that far from being unkind, consequences of drug use are needed to help addicts to seek help. This initiative has been almost completely funded by a national organization Drug Policy Action which is the advocacy and political arm of the Drug Policy Alliance. This organization shows concern for overdoses and incarceration, though it can be seen as a part of the wider anti-law enforcement movement nationally. They pumped in about $2 million dollars of out-of-state money to put this initiative on the ballot. About $80,000 was left and that was turned over to More Treatment for a Better Oregon: Yes on 110 committee. Over half of that was spent on voters pamphlet statements.

On their website, they describe themselves as "A nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization, Drug Policy Action undertakes a wide range of activities including political advocacy permitted by 501(c)(4) organizations." They say that they "work to pass new drug laws and policies grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights -- and to elect candidates at every level who support these principles."

Interestingly, $1,000 was donated by disgraced former Multnomah County Commission Chair Jeff Cogen out of his campaign account. Readers might remember that Cogen was driven from office in a scandal that included his alleged use of illegal drugs.

This is the official title for the measure, as provided by the Attorney General, as it will appear on the ballot:

Provides statewide addiction/recovery services; marijuana taxes partially finance;
reclassifies possession/penalties for specified drugs

Result of “Yes” Vote: “Yes” vote provides addiction recovery centers/services; marijuana taxes partially finance (reduces revenues for other purposes); reclassifies possession of specified drugs, reduces penalties; requires audits.

Result of “No” Vote: “No” vote rejects requiring addiction recovery centers/services; retains current marijuana tax revenue uses; maintains current classifications/penalties for possession of drugs

Summary: Measure mandates establishment/ funding of “addiction recovery centers” (centers) within each existing coordinated care organization service area by October 1, 2021; centers provide drug users with triage, health assessments, treatment, recovery services. To fund centers, measure dedicates all marijuana tax revenue above $11,250,000 quarterly, legislative appropriations, and any savings from reductions in arrests, incarceration, supervision resulting from the measure. Reduces marijuana tax revenue for other uses. Measure reclassifies personal non-commercial possession of certain drugs under specified amount from misdemeanor or felony (depending on person’s criminal history) to Class E violation subject to either $100 fine or a completed health assessment by center. Oregon Health Authority establishes council to distribute funds/ oversee implementation of centers. Secretary of State audits biennially. Other provisions.

Major donations to More Treatment for a Better Oregon: Yes on 110
Date	Donor	Amount
09/01/2020	Nurses United Political Action Committee (12987)	$5,000
08/13/2020	Drug Policy Action	$70,000
08/10/2020	Oregon AFSCME Council 75	$10,000
08/03/2020	Bridges to Change, Inc.	$5,000
08/02/2020	Ben Wood	$1,000
07/29/2020	Friends of Jeff Cogen (5571)	$1,000
07/19/2020	Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under	$2,175
07/12/2020	Charles Swindells	$1,000
07/12/2020	Kenneth Thrasher	$1,000
07/12/2020	Robert Quillin	$1,000
07/12/2020	Robert Quillin	$4,000
07/09/2020	Drug Policy Action	$200,000
06/21/2020	Thomas Imeson	$1,000
06/21/2020	Susan Mandiberg	$1,000
06/21/2020	Richard Harris	$1,000
06/08/2020	Drug Policy Action	$225,000
05/13/2020	Drug Policy Action	$250,000
03/26/2020	Drug Policy Action	$300,000
02/27/2020	Drug Policy Action	$300,000
02/23/2020	David Menschel	$1,000
02/06/2020	Drug Policy Action	$300,000
01/10/2020	Drug Policy Action	$215,000
12/09/2019	Drug Policy Action	$215,000

--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-09 11:42:14

Last Update: 2020-10-02 16:01:23

Oregon Governor Kate Brown, the Oregon Legislature and Oregon counties are making policy decisions regarding housing that are slowly degrading the long-term availability of housing and setting the stage for a new housing crisis in an already fragile market.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act -- the CARES Act -- was a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump in late March 2020. Oregon's cut was about $2.45 billion, of which $1.6 billion is available to local governments, and of that $60 million has been earmarked for rental assistance. As of October 2, only $23 million -- about 38% -- has been expended.

During the first special session of 2020, held in June, the legislature enacted an eviction moratorium expiring at the beginning of September. Governor Brown extended this moratorium by executive order on the eve of its expiration.

This money is not only needed by tenants. The assistance given to tenants must find it's way to private sector housing providers so that they can continue to operate and provide housing. It also has a much needed stimulative effect, as those dollars make their way into the sagging economy.
Parts of the system are broken and are leading to an inevitable systemic meltdown ahead for housing providers, tenants or both.

• Tenants are not required to provide any documentation supporting their need. They need not provide proof of loss of income or even an affidavit supporting the loss. This invites fraud.
• Despite the poor response of the Employment Department, many who lost income received unemployment compensation. Again, there is no requirement that any tenant demonstrate that they filed for and did not receive unemployment compensation
• The Oregon Legislature and the Governor have enacted and extended moratoria on evictions for non-payment of rent.
• Many counties, knowing that rental assistance isn't needed for tenants to maintain housing -- because of the moratorium on evictions -- see little urgency to provide rental assistance funds.

Because of the eviction moratorium, there currently isn't any impact on tenants. Those tenants who choose not to pay their rent are amassing a debt that grows monthly and the time will come when they will have to make good, but the real hurt is felt by housing providers -- often families who are dependent on the rental income -- and they are growing more and more upset as they get left behind legally and financially.

The positive impact of a stop-gap measure like an eviction moratorium is at its peak in the short-term, when people are trying to react to the chaos. After several months, even if personal solutions aren't optimal, for most people, they need to fall into place. At about this time, the negatives start to mount. Tenant debt increases, while housing providers continually have to scramble to make ends meet -- even to maintain the property. What gets harder and harder as time goes on, is the end game.

Because most tenants don't have thousands of dollars in savings, the final chapter has to have one or more of these elements:

• The government does nothing and tenants, unable to pay back months of rent, finally are evicted and sued for past debt.
• The government bails out tenants, and by doing this, makes landlords whole. Taxpayers, not so much.
• The government enforces some sort of program by which tenants pay back months of unpaid rent over time.
• The government declares amnesty for tenants and housing providers are left absorbing the debt.

None of those are pretty, and all get uglier as time goes on.

Rental relief funds are distributed by Community Action Agencies, which serve larger counties or collections of smaller counties, but some have been better than others in distributing the funds. For instance, Clackamas County has only distributed 7.9% of the funds available. Jackson and Multnomah Counties aren't much better at 10.3% and 16.2% respectively. The CAA leading in percentage of distribution, NIMPACT, which is a combination of Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and the Warm Springs Reservation has only expended 78% of their funds. It begs the question, "Why aren't these counties able to get these funds into the hands of tenants, then housing providers and on to the larger economy?"

Below is contact information for Community Action Agencies across the state.

ACCESS – Jackson County
541-494-1210

Community Action Washington County (CAO) – Washington County
503-615-0770

Community Action Program Of East Central Oregon (CAPECO) – Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla & Wheeler Counties
Access application through their website.

Community Action Team (CAT) – North Coast
503-397-3511 – Columbia County
503-325-1400 – Clatsop County
503-842-5261 – Tillamook County

Community Action of NE Oregon (CCNO) – Northeastern Oregon
541-523-6591 – Baker County
541-575-2949 – Grant County
541-963-7532 – Union County
541-426-3840 – Wallowa County

Clackamas County Social Services (CCSS) – Clackamas County
503-655-8575

Community Services Consortium (CSC) – Linn, Benton, & Lincoln Counties
541-704-7646 or 541-704-7642 – Linn County
541-704-7625 – Benton County
541-574-2280 – Lincoln County

Community in Action (CinA ) – Malheur and Harney Counties
541-889-9555

Klamath and Lake Community Action Services (KLCAS) – Klamath and Lake Counties
541-882-3500

Lane County Human Services – Lane County
Access rental assistance application Lane County website.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) – Columbia Gorge
541-298-5131 – Wasco & Sherman Counties
541-386-4027 – Hood River County

Multnomah County
CALL: 211 or 1-866-698-6155 (Language interpreters available by phone)
TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155
TEXT: your zip code to 898211 (TXT211) (text and email in English and Spanish)
EMAIL: help@211info.org
WEB: search for resources on our online database- https://www.211info.org/search-resources

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action (MWVCAA) – Marion & Polk Counties
503-399-9080 x 4003

NeighborImpact (NI) – Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson Counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
541-548-2380 x 210 or go to the website

Oregon Coast Community Action (ORCCA) – Coos and Curry Counties
541-435-7080 x 370

United Community Action Network (UCAN) – Southern Oregon
541-672-5392 – Douglas County
541-956-4050 – Josephine County

Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) – Yamhill County
503-687-1494

Oregon Human Development Corporation (OHDC) – Statewide services for migrant farmworkers
1-855-215-6158

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-09 09:12:38

Last Update: 2020-10-09 10:14:04

Always ready to take a swipe at the Trump administration, Governor Brown made the statement "What happened at the White House a week or so ago with the announcement and reception regarding Amy Coney Barrett is a great example of how to spread the COVID disease in indoor formal or informal social gatherings." The statement was made during reporter questioning at a recent press conference.

She makes no mention of the other ways to spread COVID-19, such as through rioting, but that doesn't fit her narrative. the jab is a reminder that it's political season, and the Governor is always playing politics.




--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-08 18:59:16

Last Update: 2020-10-08 19:20:28

On September 30, 2020, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission issued an Order of Immediate License Suspension to the licensee of “Top of the Bowl” in Douglas County for violating public health social distancing and face covering requirements. During an investigation that spanned two-months, OLCC enforcement staff observed non-compliance activity at Top of the Bowl that resulted in three charges against the business’ operator. The business, which holds a Full On-Premises sales licenses is NOT allowed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages during the suspension.

The first violation is for not complying with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) statewide mask, face shield, and face covering guidance. The second violation is for violating OHA’s Phase Two Reopening guidance for Restaurants and Bars requiring a six-foot distance between individuals in the bar – employees and patrons. The third violation is for serving food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, after 10 PM, which is outside the hours allowed under OHA’s Phase Two guidance.

OLCC’s investigation began on July 11, 2020, when an OLCC Inspector conducted an inspection of Top of the Bowl. The inspector found the licensee not wearing a face mask while bartending. The inspector provided Verbal Instruction (VI) to the licensee about social distancing, mask requirements and the 10:00 pm closure of licensed premises.

Twice in August, 2020, including one time in company with a Douglas County Sheriff deputy, OLCC enforcement observed the bar operating after 10 PM; staff and patrons were not wearing face coverings or maintaining proper social distancing, and patrons were still consuming alcoholic beverages.

In response to these incidents, OLCC compliance staff met with both the licensee and the bar manager on September 2, 2020 to discuss ways to get the licensee into compliance. OLCC cautioned the licensee that further violations could result in an immediate license suspension.

On September 19, 2020, OLCC compliance staff returned to Top of the Bowl to see if the licensee had implemented corrective actions. Upon entering the premises, inspectors instead observed that staff and patrons were again failing to adhere to the social distancing and facemask requirements.

In response, on September 30, 2020, the OLCC issued the operator of Top of the Bowl an order of immediate suspension for failing to follow OHA’s face covering and reopening guidance for restaurants and bars.

The licensee of record is Top of the Bowl LLC, and Jaimie Hennricks.

The OLCC investigation is continuing and the licensee faces the possibility of additional charges for liquor rule violations. The licensee is entitled to, and has requested, an administrative hearing to challenge the OLCC’s actions. The business may continue to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages on premises or for takeout or delivery, but is NOT allowed to sell any alcoholic beverages.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-08 13:27:06

Last Update: 2020-10-08 13:45:30

Editor's note: This is part three of a multi-part series covering the 2020 Oregon General Election ballot measures.

After spending the eye-popping sum of nearly $1.5 million dollars to place this measure on the ballot New Approach PAC will present Measure 109 to the voters. That's over $13 per required signature and one almost can't help but wonder if so much has to be spent per signature, maybe it's not going to be all that popular.

New Approach PAC is a Washington, DC based, super-PAC that has it's sights set on drug legalization on a state-by-state basis. In the wake of Measure 90 in 2014, it's almost as if national drug-legalization efforts have their sights set on Oregon as a semi-willing victim. The basic proposal is to legalize psilocybic mushrooms for medical use. Research has shown that they may have some efficacy for treating PTSD, drug abuse and other disorders.

Despite the dubious record of the cumbersome process for drug approval under the onerous shadow of "big pharma," one wonders if the initiative process is any better of a way to approve medicine. The lesson here might be that if you establish too excessive of a regulatory bureaucracy, one way or the other, we the people will prevail and get our way.

Oregon is proud of the fact that it is the first in many policy areas. Voters may not wish to make Oregon the first state to legalize "magic mushrooms." Other drugs have testing, known potency, accepted dosages and we already have dispensaries called drugstores. Voter approved pharmaceuticals bypass some of the structures we have to reduce problems.

This is the official title for the measure, as provided by the Attorney General, as it will appear on the ballot:

Allows manufacture, delivery, administration of psilocybin at supervised, licensed facilities;
imposes two-year development period

Result of “Yes” Vote: Allows manufacture, delivery, administration of psilocybin (psychoactive mushroom) at supervised, licensed facilities; imposes two-year development period. Creates enforcement/taxation system, advisory board, administration fund.

Result of “No” Vote: “No” vote retains current law, which prohibits manufacture, delivery, and possession of psilocybin and imposes misdemeanor or felony criminal penalties.

Summary: Currently, federal and state laws prohibit the manufacture, delivery, and possession of psilocybin (psychoactive mushroom). Initiative amends state law to require Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to establish Oregon Psilocybin Services Program to allow licensed/regulated production, processing, delivery, possession of psilocybin exclusively for administration of “psilocybin services” (defined) by licensed “facilitator” (defined) to “qualified client” (defined). Grants OHA authority to implement, administer, and enforce program. Imposes two-year development period before implementation of program. Establishes fund for program administration and governor-appointed advisory board that must initially include one measure sponsor; members are compensated. Imposes packaging, labeling, and dosage requirements. Requires sales tax for retail psilocybin. Preempts local laws inconsistent with program except “reasonable regulations” (defined). Exempts licensed/regulated activities from criminal penalties. Other provisions.

Major donations to Yes for Psilocybin Therapy
Date	Donor	Amount
08/19/2020	New Approach PAC	$300,000
08/14/2020	Timothy Kutscha	$20,000
08/09/2020	Brandon Pollock	$1,000
07/29/2020	New Leaf Brands	$20,000

Major donations to PSI 2020
Date	Donor	Amount
09/04/2020	Yes for Psilocybin Therapy (20657)	$45,000
07/17/2020	Adam Wiggins	$20,000
07/15/2020	Adam Wiggins	$25,000
07/09/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$40,000
06/30/2020	David Menschel	$1,000
06/19/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$80,000
06/15/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$65,000
06/09/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$40,000
06/03/2020	John Gilmore	$9,981
05/22/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$80,000
05/11/2020	Sasha Cajkovich	$10,000
05/10/2020	Ron Beller	$9,952
05/10/2020	Mark Farr	$1,738
04/19/2020	Robert Faust	$1,000
04/19/2020	Jeffrey Zucker	$2,500
04/15/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$60,000
04/12/2020	Megan Frost	$1,000
04/12/2020	Timothy Kutscha	$2,000
03/24/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$50,000
03/17/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$50,000
03/15/2020	Robert Hanson	$1,000
03/13/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$50,000
03/06/2020	Benjamin Halper	$1,000
03/06/2020	Kristyn Judkins	$2,500
03/06/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$50,000
03/03/2020	Adam Wiggins	$15,000
02/25/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$50,000
02/07/2020	Field Trip Psychedelics Inc	$10,000
01/21/2020	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$225,000
12/20/2019	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$150,000
11/19/2019	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$100,000
10/18/2019	New Approach PAC - 527 organization	$10,000
08/14/2019	PSI 2020 (19606)	$58,372

--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-08 11:42:14

Last Update: 2020-10-02 16:01:08

With all the transportation infrastructure projects going on all the time, it's good to see one that's specifically dedicated to improving traffic flow, safety and congestion. The Rose Quarter Improvement Project, part of HB 2017 -- the transportation package passed in 2017, promises just that.

According to ODOT's description of the project, the new auxiliary lanes will connect on-ramps directly to the next off-ramp on I-5. As an example, about 99 percent of the vehicles that merge onto I-5 heading south from the Fremont Bridge (I-405) during the evening peak hour period are exiting at the three exits within the Project area – the Broadway, I-84 and Morrison Bridge exits. The addition of an auxiliary lane will allow drivers to make these trips without merging into the two through lanes on I-5 before exiting. This will reduce rear-end and sideswipe crashes, both of which are major causes of delay.

Adding safety shoulders will also help reduce the number of sideswipe and rear-end crashes and reduce delays caused by those crashes. The new shoulders will also provide a place for vehicles in crashes to move safely off the roadway and safer and quicker access for emergency service vehicles to reach emergencies within or beyond the Rose Quarter area.

The project schedule spans about a decade, with about half of that being design, planning and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The Project’s assumed multimodal improvements will provide enhanced separation for pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicles on the local street network. The Project assumes new multiuse paths and a pedestrian-and-bicycle-only bridge across I-5 connecting NE Clackamas Street and the Rose Quarter entertainment area.

The project is going to be pricey. With inflation factored in, the total price tag could come close to $800 million dollars.

Year of Dollars	Preliminary Cost Estimate (2017)	Base Estimate Range (2025)
TOTAL	$450 - $500 million	$715 to $795 million
INFLATION	$0	$130 million to $147 million
RIGHT-OF-WAY	$6 million	$42 to $52.3 million
UTILITY REIMBURSEMENT	$0	$7.6 million
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING	$64 to $71 million	$74.2 to $81 million
CONSTRUCTION	$380 to $423 million	$461.2 to $507.1 million

Even though much of the project is targeting vehicle traffic, ODOT notes that some of the existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the Project area expose users to navigational challenges, such as crossing freeway on- or off-ramps. Changes to the local street system and the addition of highway covers will reduce conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians, people riding bicycles, or people rolling in the Project area. Changes to overcrossings will enhance walking and bicycling comfort.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-08 11:10:24

Last Update: 2020-10-07 21:24:42

Today the House Republicans filed a complaint with the Secretary of State and called for an immediate investigation into Lynnette Shaw, Democratic candidate for House District 24 for falsifying her education background in the November 2020 general election voters’ pamphlet statement.

Lynnette Shaw stated in her voters’ pamphlet statement that she received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota. This statement was false, violating ORS 260.715. A representative of Lynnette Shaw’s campaign has already admitted to this serious violation.

“Intentionally misleading voters in your voters’ pamphlet statement is a serious crime. We call for an immediate investigation into this matter,” said Trey Rosser, Executive Director of Evergreen Oregon PAC, campaign arm for the House Republicans. “When the Secretary of State’s office confirms what Lynnette Shaw’s campaign has already admitted, we urge the case be referred to the Attorney General for prosecution.”

Per ORS 260.715, “A person may not knowingly make a false statement, oath or affidavit when a statement, oath or affidavit is required under the election laws. Violations under this statue are a Class C Felony.

"We also call on the Working Families Party and Senator Jeff Merkley to withdraw their support of Lynnette as they did in 2018 when another House Democrat Candidate (Amanda La Bell) fraudulently included a college degree on her Voter Pamphlet Statement”, said Trey Rosser. “As Governor Kate Brown stated at that time, ‘It’s important to me that Oregonians know who they’re voting for and that candidates are honest about their history,’ at which time she pulled her support for La Bell along with the Working Families Party and Senator Merkley."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-07 19:49:12

Last Update: 2020-10-07 20:10:24

Multnomah County is making one final push to provide information and resources to anyone who is eligible to vote — including people formerly or currently involved in the justice system.

In partnership with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County Election's voter education and outreach specialist has been working to help individuals currently held in jail for misdemeanors update their voter registrations and even vote from jail.

“We do have voters that are currently in jail that get their ballot through the mail and return it to us and are able to vote,” said Catherine McMullen, voter education and outreach specialist for Multnomah County Elections. “We want all eligible voters to be able to participate in the election process.”

She emphasized the resources and rights that citizens have to vote, including those who are experiencing homelessness and those who have formerly been incarcerated on felony charges, letting them know that they also have the power to vote.

“As soon as you have finished serving your time for a felony, you are eligible to re-register to vote and vote again,” said McMullen.

Through the Election Division’s efforts, she also connected with Eloise Holdship, a corrections counselor with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, who’s launched a voter registration initiative for adults in custody.

This work has been especially significant because, as Holdship found, almost none of the individuals she works with are aware of their voting rights. Holdship says she wasn’t aware of their rights, either — which is why she decided to launch the initiative.

“A lot of folks, once they are arrested and awaiting or serving a sanction, just sort of assume they are a person in custody and don’t have much choice in a lot of things,” she says.

Stephanie LaCarrubba, a programs unit manager at the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, has supported the effort. She says it's important to increase voter turnout among incarcerated individuals who can be disproportionately impacted by many issues on the November ballot.

Though the goal of the initiative was to encourage incarcerated individuals to register for the Nov. 3 General Election, Holdship says she doesn’t expect voting rights awareness in Multnomah County jails to stop anytime soon.

“We want to keep it going from here on out,” she says. “Even if it’s in a month when there’s not even a local election, and the adult in custody requests to register, we’d be ready, and we could facilitate all of that.”

Some have questioned if it's a good use of tax dollars to put so much effort into encouraging people to vote who may not be up-to-date on the issues.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-10-07 16:36:16

Last Update: 2020-10-07 16:55:47