What will the 2024 presidential ballot look like?
Donald Trump vs. Joe Biden
Donald Trump vs. some Democrat other than Joe Biden
Some Republican other than Donald Trump vs. Joe Biden
Some Republican other than Donald Trump vs. some Democrat other than Joe Biden
Northwest Observer
Subscribe for Free Email Updates
Name:
Email:
Search Articles
       






On this day, April 16, 2013, a European court blocked Britain from extraditing a mentally ill suspect accused of trying to set up a terrorist training camp in Oregon. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that sending Haroon Aswat to a prison in the United States would breach his human rights due to the "severity of his mental condition." Aswat was arrested on a US warrant in 2005, and has been fighting extradition ever since.




Post an Event


Dorchester Conference 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Dorchester Conference 2024 April 26th-28th
Welches, Oregon



Multnomah County Fair
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 9:00 am
Multnomah County Fair
Oaks Amusement Park



Memorial Day
Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11:00 am
Memorial Day
A federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving.



Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 12:00 am
Juneteenth
Celebrated on the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when in the wake of the American Civil War, Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas.



Lincoln County Fair
Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.thelincolncountyfair.com
July 4-6
Lincoln County Fairgrounds



Independence Day
Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 11:59 pm
Independence Day
USA



Marion County Fair
Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.co.marion.or.us/CS/Fair
July 11-14
Oregon State Fair & Expo Center



Jackson County Fair
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 8:00 am
TheExpo.com
July 16-21
Jackson County Fairgrounds - The Expo



Columbia County Fair
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 8:00 am
columbiacountyfairgrounds.com
July 17-21
Columbia County Fairgrounds



Linn County Fair
Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.linncountyfair.com/
July 18-20
Linn County Expo Center



Washington County Fair
Friday, July 19, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.bigfairfun.com/
July 19-28
Washington County Fairgrounds - Westside Commons



Coos County Fair
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.cooscountyfair.com
July 23-27
Coos County Fairgrounds



Curry County Fair
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.eventcenteronthebeach.com
July 24-27
Curry County Fairgrounds - Event Center on the Beach



Hood River County Fair
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.hoodriverfairgrounds.com
July 24-27
Hood River County Fairgrounds



Jefferson County Fair
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.jcfair.fun
July 24-27
Jefferson County Fair Complex



Lane County Fair
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.atthefair.com
July 24-28
Lane Events Center



Clatsop County Fair
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://clatsopcofair.com/
July 30 - August 3
Clatsop County Fair & Expo



Malheur County Fair
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.malheurcountyfair.com
July 30 - August 3
Malheur County Fairgrounds - Desert Sage Event Center



Benton County Fair & Rodeo
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
bceventcentercorvallis.net
July 31 - August 3, 2024
Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds



Deschutes County Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://expo.deschutes.org/
July 31 - August 4
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center



Union County Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.unioncountyfair.org
July 31 - August 3
Union County Fairgrounds



Yamhill County Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.co.yamhill.or.us/fair
July 31 - August 3
Yamhill County Fairgrounds



Klamath County Fair
Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.klamathcountyfair.com/
August 1-4
Klamath County Fair



Wallowa County Fair
Friday, August 2, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://co.wallowa.or.us/community-services/county-fair/
August 2-10
Wallowa County Fairgrounds



Baker County Fair
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.bakerfair.com
August 4-9
Baker County Fairgrounds



Harney County Fair
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.harneyfairgrounds.com
August 4-9
Harney County Fairgrounds



Sherman County Fair
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.shermancountyfairfun.com
August 19-24
Sherman County Fairgrounds



Crook County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.crookcountyfairgrounds.com
August 7-10
Crook County Fairgrounds



Douglas County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.douglasfairgrounds.com
August 7-10
Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex



Grant County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.grantcountyoregon.net
August 7-10
Grant County Fairgrounds



Josephine County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.josephinecountyfairgrounds.com/
August 7-11
Josephine County Fairgrounds & Events Center



Polk County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.co.polk.or.us/fair
August 7-10
Polk County Fairgrounds



Tillamook County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.tillamookfair.com
August 7-10
Tillamook County Fairgrounds



Umatilla County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.umatillacountyfair.net
August 7-10
Umatilla County Fairgrounds



Wheeler County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.wheelercountyoregon.com/fair-board
August 7-10
Wheeler County Fairgrounds



Clackamas County Fair
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 8:00 am
clackamascountyfair.com
August 13-17
Clackamas County Event Center



Morrow County Fair
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.co.morrow.or.us/fair
August 14-17
Morrow County Fairgrounds



Wasco County Fair
Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.wascocountyfair.com
August 15-17
Wasco County Fairgrounds



Gilliam County Fair
Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 8:00 am
http://www.co.gilliam.or.us/government/fairgrounds
August 29-31
Gilliam County Fairgrounds



Lake County Fair
Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.lakecountyor.org/government/fair_grounds.php
August 29 - September 1
Lake County Fairgrounds



Oregon State Fair
Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.oregonstateexpo.org
August 31 - September 9
Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center



Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla 5pm-9pm
Albany, OR


View All Calendar Events


Meme of the Week
Who’s the nutty one now?






--Northwest Observer Meme Team

Post Date: 2021-02-06 12:06:50Last Update: 2021-02-06 12:29:58



Fire Department Consolidation Considered in Mid-Valley
Metro encroaches from the North

At the McMinnville City Council meeting on January 26, Emergency Service Consulting International staff Sheldon presented the plan to combine nine local Fire Districts into an eventual single district named the Willamette Fire District in a four-phase process of public involvement.

The process calls for meetings, defining the plan, laying out the challenges to the idea and refining the plan and overcome objections. It would expand existing intergovernmental cooperation agreements to include McMinnville rural, Amity, Dayton, Dundee, Carlton and Lafayette in the north. Southwestern Polk County, Sheridan and West Valley Fire Districts would make up the south. It was noted that Metro has a toe hold in Yamhill County currently with service to Newberg.

Councilors participated in a visioning exercise to determine why this would better serve the citizens. They were asked to name strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Positive perceptions included economies of scale, unified training, improved recruiting and renewed vigor in he ranks. Concerns were limits on prioritizing funding, fiscally isolating law enforcement, loss of intimacy with constituents, loss of local identity with firefighters and support staff, loss of local control, possible loss of charter and harm to community support for tax rates.

Dayton’s Fire Chief Brett Putman was interviewed. He was asked is the current service to the area working or broken? It’s working well. Is the current service structurally adequate to meet the future needs of the area? So far, yes. Will the new plan improve service? Possibly, but at what cost? Will it better control fire insurance costs? Possibly. Will the new plan save tax dollars? No, but a small increase may be worth it.

Is this a defensive strategy to keep high overhead Metro from further incursions into non-Metro Yamhill and Polk Counties? Local fire chiefs don’t see Metro as a threat. The current tax for Dayton Fire is $1.23 per $1,000 assessed value of property. Dayton works from an annual budget near $550k with only two full time employees. The rest of the 27 firefighters are all volunteers. They responded to 628 emergency calls in 2020, about 30% of them were fires. Rules for the safety of firefighters require from 3 to 6 minimum at the conflagration before engaging in fire suppression. Mutual aid calls are frequent as the smaller districts work together on fire alarms.

If the new combined district means tax rates go from $1.23 to $1.50 or $2.00, local chiefs will support consolidation only if the benefits to locals can justify that increase. Currently each of the small districts has elected directors. Eighteen of the forty-four directors are up for election in May of 2021. Most are volunteer firefighters in addition to being directors. Their elected positions will go away eventually if consolidation occurs.


--Tom Hammer

Post Date: 2021-02-06 09:26:57Last Update: 2021-02-06 09:44:12



Hope and Frustration
A family’s destiny is in the hands of the state

Editor's note: the following letter is printed with the author's permission, asking that their name be withheld

My name is [Name Redacted]. Recently, my father had a massive stoke to his cerebellum and had to be admitted to Providence St. Vincent, Portland Oregon Hospital. Upon his arrival I received a phone call from the attending Neurosurgeon that my father needed to have a Craniectomy as a life saving measure. I was told “If this operation is not done, he will die.”

Of course I said yes, and I am thankful to every single medical professional that saved his life and will be until my last breath. This isn’t news I would wish anybody to hear about a loved one. He has since been in the CCU for 2 weeks.

I am writing this letter now to express my concern for their 1 visitor per patient's entire stay policy. My mother, whom is still married to my father, has been his "designated visitor." I have been told several times that during this pandemic/crisis that I cannot see my father since I am not his designated visitor. My mother has expressed several times over to hospital staff of the need for my father to see his daughter as well, as I am the main point of contact.

I am aware of the pandemic and the many hardships countless people and hospitals have faced because of it. I’m more than positive that hospitals along with everyone else has had increased hardships, rapid policy changes, and setbacks. My heart goes out to all those affected.

Recently, my mother was provided a yellow informational handout about recovery from Providence St. Vincent. It entailed how patients need items of their daily routine to get better. I had a phone conversation with the attending doctor that day about how patients can become delusional during their stay in the hospital due to lack of sleep, unknown surroundings, and loss of routine. My father is still confused and delusional although making normal progressive strides while remaining in the Critical Care Unit.

My concern is with my father’s recovery going forward. While at home, I am a part of his daily routine, every day. My father sees me, every day. I know what he does, where he goes, who he’s talked to, how he thinks, what he ate etc. We are a part of each other’s lives and have maintained a close relationship. We are each other’s support system. My mother has relayed this information time and time again.

My mother is an essential visitor in the health and recovery of my father. I am also an essential visitor and should be deemed so. Who deems a visitor if they are essential or not? What are the parameters of being essential? I called, asked these questions and about written policy and have been told “There is no written policy” and “There is a global pandemic, that’s why you can’t visit”. I have been told the following reasons from several different staff members at Providence as for the reason why they have a 1 visitor per patient's entire stay "no written policy" policy:
  1. There is a global pandemic, it's not about who's essential, it's about limiting people in the hospital at one time. ( The hospital's "7 Steps of Safety" pamphlet posted on their website says " Limiting visitors to only those who are essential.")
  2. We are following CDC guidelines. (Guidelines are not laws)
  3. Its so that our hospital staff does not get sick so that there are still people to tend to patients.
  4. There is no written policy, it's just the protocol.
  5. They have given out exemptions, I'm just not sure who you have to talk to.
  6. It's up to the floor manager.
  7. It's up to the Covid Command Center.
  8. Try talking to a Social Worker or the Quality Care Team.
When I joined the Army in 2007 at the age of 20, I was well aware of the risks that my new job would entail. I assumed those risks and continued fighting for my country wherever they deemed fit, whether I agreed or not. It is what has made me who I am today and I respect those who willingly take on a risk to help others. I can only assume that medical personnel did the same thing when entering their said job field knowing that hospitals are where most people tend to flock to when the get sick. I am only asking to be able to relieve my mother when she can not be present, not to allow two visitors at the same time as to not "Increase the amount of visitor in the hospital at one time."

We both offer support to my father in different ways, different constructs, and different strengths. My mother needs her own support person during this tough time as well, a person of trust when she cannot be present, a second voice when she can’t find the words to say to the doctor, and a familiar face she can find comfort and reassurance in. My father deserves an advocate with whom he knows and trusts on his behalf when one of us cannot be present. Nurses, doctors, staff, ANY employee ANYWHERE is allowed to take the day off to conduct personal business, go grocery shopping, tend to family matters and so on. Why are we ( My mother and I) not allowed to relieve each other while advocating and supporting my father during his stay in the hospital? My mother is having to choose to stay with my father (Who has been restrained to his bed when someone is not present in the room for fear of pulling out vital drain tubes) or taking a break to gather her bearings.

I do not write to you as a bleeding heart daughter who just wants to see her daddy. I write to you for the mere fact of aiding in my father’s recovery and my mother’s emotional wellbeing. My father has told the staff that he wishes to talk to me. He has told me to "Come on over, were waiting for you." People in positions of power are using COVID to enforce policies, written or not, unaware of the aftermath. They are unaware of the mental and emotional toll it is putting on the people.

Virtual meetings/visits” can not replace in person visitation. How is "Skype & Zoom" getting back to normal when you never used it before in your actual normal life?

I am asking for help to be allowed to see my father when my mother cannot be present. There would still only be 1 person (visitor) in the hospital per day. As a main support and family member, I will be heavily involved in his recovery when at home as well. I only wish to sit next to him, advocate for him when my mother cannot, and support the recovery of his wellbeing. I don’t believe my father should be denied a visit from his daughter in the particular circumstances that resulted in his stay.


--A Daughter

Post Date: 2021-02-06 07:25:38Last Update: 2021-02-05 21:30:52



Oregon Senate Leader Calls for Rep. Hernandez to Resign
He’s had calls for his own resignation

In response to the findings of the House Committee on Conduct that Representative Diego Hernandez (D-Portland) violated the Legislature’s anti-harassment policy multiple times, Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) released the following statement:

“I join many of my colleagues, community leaders, advocates, organizations and individuals in the call for Representative Hernandez to resign. The House Conduct Committee found clear evidence that he created a hostile workplace and committed acts of sexual harassment and unwanted sexual contact. He abused his place of power and his office, violating a position entrusted to him by his community.

“We must believe survivors. I commend the bravery of those who came forward in this investigation as well as the resilience of all survivors of harassment and abuse. We must be unequivocal in our stance against abusive behavior, and I take seriously my role in maintaining the Capitol as a safe and supportive work environment.

“In the statement made by Representative Hernandez, which was shared on social media, he wrote, ‘These rifts in the legislature are distracting us from important work that must be done.’ Representative Hernandez must take responsibility to remove this ‘distraction’ by resigning immediately. If he refuses to resign, the House of Representatives should vote to expel him.”

Senator Wagner recently had a volley of calls for his resignation, while as chair fo the Lake Oswego School Board, he failed to act on racist activity directed at a student of color that was happening in his own school district.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-02-05 15:37:08Last Update: 2021-02-05 16:25:38



No Excuses for the Governor on School Reopenings
President Biden’s CDC director says schools are safe to open without vaccinating teachers

Several weeks ago, Governor Kate Brown promised Oregonians that schools would reopen by February 15. She even jumped vulnerable seniors in the vaccine line to make it happen. Since making that decision, she has taken no responsibility to deliver on that promise. Oregon families and students are suffering from school closures, but now she has no reason to ignore their pleas for help.

This week, President Biden’s CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, announced that the “vaccination of teachers is not a prerequisite to the safe reopening of schools.”

“The science is coming into focus. Schools can safely reopen without teachers getting vaccinated,” said Senate Republican Leader, Fred Girod (R-Lyons). “The Governor needs to deliver on her promise to reopen schools. This will help us begin a truly equitable distribution of vaccines by inoculating our seniors who are most vulnerable to this virus. She has 10 days to deliver on her promise to kids and families. It is not enough for her to talk about schools reopening and then sit back to watch school districts handle it. They need the state’s support. It's time for her to bring the teacher's unions to the table and deliver on that promise. She is the Superintendent of Oregon Schools – she should act like it.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-02-05 15:36:02Last Update: 2021-02-05 15:37:08



Kate Brown Calls on Fellow Democrat to Resign
Hernandez created a hostile work environment

During a press availability conference on the morning of February 5th, 2021 Oregon's Governor Kate Brown was heard calling on Democrat state legislator Diego Hernandez to give his resignation immediately after the House Committee on Conduct found him guilty of creating a hostile work environment for women at the capitol building.

Kate Brown expressed disappointment.

"I want to address the hearings that have taken place this week regarding Representative Diego Hernandez and the investigator’s findings that he created an intimidating and hostile work environment."

"The women who came forward and shared their stories are courageous and brave."

"Let me be very clear: If this were any other work place, Rep. Hernandez would have already been shown the door."

"While the legislative process will proceed to address their findings, quite simply, his behavior is unacceptable for anyone, never-mind an elected official."

"He should resign immediately."

There is no word yet on when the Representative from Oregon House District 47 will be turning in his resignation. Check back with the Northwest Observer for future updates.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-02-05 14:56:59Last Update: 2021-02-05 15:13:28



Local Trail Project Exposed, Cancelled
Have a look at the deep state in Yamhill County

The Yamhill County Board of Commissioners discussed the Yamhelas Westsider trail project. The application for the Yamhelas-Westsider Trail was withdrawn on a 2 to 1 vote.

A 33-page letter was presented by the attorney representing opponents of the trail, Wendie Kellington chronicling years of malpractice by County officials. Finally, justice was served. The deep state at little old Yamhill County includes former and current Administrators Laura Tschabold and Ken Hufer, legal staff Todd Sadlo and Christensen Boenish, planning director Ken Friday and his assistants plus grants coordinator Carrie Martin. All lied, deceived and knowingly betrayed the public trust by pursuing a “bureaucrat power trip project” knowing the project could never qualify for the required permits. On five occasions the Land Use Board of Appeals told them so.

Government centric misinformation was featured by the local paper while dutifully censoring the true facts. The deep state was aided in this misdeed by former one term commissioners Stan Primozich and Rick Olson. First term Commissioner, Casey Kulla, is a third elected accomplice and remains unrepentant believing a bike path is needed to save the planet from automobile emissions. It is doubtful that any of them will acknowledge their mistakes or face any consequences. Officials from ODOT, armed with state and federal grant dollars, made it all possible. Skills acquired at posturing will save them from direct personal responsibility for misspent grant money.

Yamhill County may be on the hook for up to $2 million. They can sell land to recover near half of that and will have up to 20 years to absorb the remaining financial impact. It appears that the proponents hoped to have the county in so deep financially that public pressure would cause an outcry “to finish what was started”. That outcry was made but the ruse didn’t work.

Where do public officials get these utopian dreams and the gall to promote them? From the Association of Oregon Counties? Why do these public officials think the laws don’t apply to them? Is it because they are never held accountable? Why is the public treasury so easily plundered? Is it because government institutions are rewarded for spending and not for thrift? The real tragedy is that thousands of Yamhill citizens believe the lies and will never get the truth. They are told Commissioners Starrett and Berschauer, who acted to protect individual property rights, are agents of an evil special interest group. The Yamhill County deep state and it’s legacy media mouthpiece sow the seeds of divisiveness while remaining immune from accountability safe in their salaried positions.


--Tom Hammer

Post Date: 2021-02-05 10:05:50Last Update: 2021-02-05 11:11:19



Expansion of Residential Development Discussed
Land use laws get scrutiny

The Oregon House Committee on Housing heard three bills this week aimed at offering another solution to the housing crisis.

Oregon has approximately 750,000 acres zoned Rural Residential. Oregon’s land is currently governed by Oregon's land use system, which first appeared in the form of SB 100, The Oregon Land Use Act, passed by the Oregon in 1973. Individual Counties develop Comprehensive plans that follow the overarching rules within the Land Use Act. Rob Bovette, Legal Counsel, Legislative Director, with Association of Oregon Counties summed it up well. “If you have seen one Oregon county’s land use plan, you have seen one Oregon County’s land use plan”. Meaning that no two Oregon counties plans are identical because no two counties in Oregon are the same.

HB 2705 would allow for construction of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in an area zoned for Rural Residential with specific parameters: Representative Pam Marsh (D-Ashland) raised concerns that the legislation could allow for the ADUs to be used as vacation rentals if the county approves it and that does not solve the housing crisis Oregon is facing. It was also noted by Mary McCurdy, Deputy Director of 1,000 friends of Oregon that “The short-term rental use poses two challenges: it increases the transitory population of those not accustomed to farming practices in farm areas, which we have seen poses conflicts and problems for farmers...”

HB 2778 looks to change the date associated with the definition of “historic home”. Currently it is defined as dwelling built between “1850 to 1945”. This changed would define “historic home” as a dwelling built “before 1974”. This simple change would then allow for rural residential properties to add ADUs to properties where the house was built before 1974 thus potentially increasing housing availability in rural areas. Emma Land, Legislative Coordinator, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, testified that “As this expanded definition of “historic home” would lead to increased density, we will likely see an impact on existing infrastructure, including roads and a county’s ability to respond to public safety emergencies. Higher densities near our rural working lands will likely create more conflicts between farmers and ranchers and the people living nearby. Additionally, the department is concerned that HB 2778 would put more people and property at risk from wildfires”.

HB 2655 prohibits counties from establishing minimum lot size of more than 1 acre for residential zoned land. The current lot size minimum is 2 acres. Two of the bill sponsors, Representative Brock-Smith and Representative Zika testified that the intent is simply to allow for more development on existing RR land to help rural Oregon Counties with their housing crisis. They went on to express that land use changes to assist with the housing crisis in the Oregon have already been addressed within the urban growth boundaries, this just looks outside of that area for an additional solution of the housing crisis.

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

Carol Macbeth with Central Oregon Land Watch, stated that the organization “strongly opposes decreasing minimum lot sizes in rural residential areas. A one-acre minimum lot size will result in sprawling rural residential development that directly conflicts with neighboring farms and ranches. According to the American Farmland Trust, low-density residential development poses the greatest risk to Oregon's working farmlands.

In addition, there is still some confusion surrounding the intent of the bill as was expressed by Multnomah County Department of community Services land use Planning Division. “It is not clear whether the amendment is intended to be limited to specific circumstances involving ADUs in rural residential zones, as regulated by ORS 215.501, or if it is intended to apply broadly to all rural residential zones independent of whether an ADU is proposed”.

It will be up to the committee if these bills receive a work session and move forward “as is” or in some amended form. However, several things are clear. Oregon is in the midst of a housing crisis, one single solution will not solve the problem, and Oregonians are passionate about land use laws.


--Terese Humboldt

Post Date: 2021-02-05 08:46:53Last Update: 2021-02-05 09:36:02



Private School Registry Proposed
Are teachers’ unions afraid of the competition?

The Senate Interim Committee on Education, Chaired by Senator Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), has proposed SB 223, which would restrict public schools from participating in interscholastic sports or activities with any private schools that are not registered with the Oregon Department of Education. Currently, ODE policy states that “non-public education is recognized as a vital part of Oregon’s educational system. Private schools do not have to register with the State of Oregon, unless they are contracting with public school district for services.”

If enacted, SB 223 would change this and would: If private schools are required to have ODE approval for all plans and procedures, they will become de facto public schools. This is a grave threat to the future of private schools, religious freedom, parental rights and school choice. SB 223 would undermine the broad educational goals of private education as well as essentially eliminate private schools’ jurisdiction over their own schools.

The Senate Committee on Education has provided no justification for creating these requirements. The Committee’s fall meeting focused on the shortcomings of public education, not private. There was no mention of private school issues or the need for more oversight. But anti-choice sentiment was expressed by meeting presenters. For example, a “Reimagine Oregon” representative stated that “I don’t think the answer is having lots of choice.” Teachers' unions have been very defensive of the gains made by alternative education during COVID-19 shutdowns.

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

The Supreme Court has upheld parents’ First and Fourteenth Amendment rights as they relate to education. The First Amendment grants parents the right to choose education for their children that doesn’t interfere with their religious beliefs. The Fourteenth Amendment protects parents’ rights to direct the education of their children and ensures that differences between public and private school cannot be eradicated. State regulation of private education must be reasonable and not without limits.

The families of over 50,000 Oregon schoolchildren choose private schools for a reason. Many parents have religious or conscientious objections to public schooling for their children. This bill is a threat to parents’ First Amendment right to religious freedom and Fourteenth Amendment right to liberty, which includes the right to choose private education for their children. This bill effectively puts a state committee in charge of all Oregon private schools. Private schools would become de facto public schools, putting ODE in charge of curriculum, schedule, facilities, policies, and staffing.

Neither OSAA nor any private schools have requested this change. This creates another layer of government bureaucracy and more regulations on private schools which will take money, time, and attention away from actually educating kids. Oregon’s state budget is already strained due to the impact of COVID-19.


--Mary Miller 'Oregonians for Liberty in Education

Post Date: 2021-02-05 07:57:26Last Update: 2021-02-05 21:37:34



Money for Toilet Paper
Is that really good government?

Senators Deb Patterson (D-Salem), Sara Gelser (D-Albany) and Representative Paul Evans (D-Monmouth) introduced SB 717, which provides an additional $10 per month to recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase personal hygiene items.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program operated through the Department of Human Services (DHS) that helps low-income families buy healthy foods from qualifying, participating sellers. It does not cover hygiene items. SNAP benefits help more than half-a-million Oregonians, and more than 3,000 sellers participate. In order to receive SNAP, a person must meet work requirements unless you are physically or mentally limited, in treatment, in training/school, pregnant or have young children.

The fiscal impact is estimated at $50 million just for the benefit. But what wasn’t discussed in the hearing was the logistics and cost of administering $10. Governor Brown drug her feet when President Trump told states to supplement unemployment with $300 claiming it cost more than that to administer. It was an obvious exaggeration, but how much will that $10 cost and what will it buy that nonprofits aren’t providing?

Senator Gelser relayed a human-interest story during the hearing where she talked to a 15-year-old girl who had to shop-lift tampons. When that was addressed last year for girls and women in custody, in some cases these girls had to hand over used tampons and sometimes to a male person to get a new one. No one bothered to ask what that has to do with this bill, but it seems to be the way to stir up emotion for a bill.

This bill is a prime example of insufficient information to make a good decision. Writing a bill involves details for administration according to Notre Dame Law Review, which this bill lacks. We are seeing more of these laws being passed that leaves regulatory details to some unelected group to do as they please. This entire bill reads:

SECTION 1. (1) As used in this section:
(a) “Recipient” has the meaning given that term in ORS 411.806.
(b) "Supplemental nutrition assistance" means benefits issued under ORS 411.825
(2) In addition to supplemental nutrition assistance, the Department of Human Services shall issue to each recipient $10 per month to purchase personal hygiene items.
(3) The payments under subsection (2) of this section shall be made from General Fund appropriations by the Legislative Assembly that are paid into the Department of Human Services Account.

It isn’t an issue of handing a needy person $10 for toilet paper, but when that $9.95 24-pack of toilet paper costs taxpayers $25, is that really good government?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2021-02-05 07:51:42Last Update: 2021-02-02 21:58:36



Kate Brown Announces More Staffing Additions
Including “equity and racial justice director”

Governor Kate Brown has announced several staffing changes, including the appointment of See Eun (pronounced "she-in") Kim as executive appointments director, effective February 9.

In this role, she will engage with a variety of stakeholder groups across the state to identify qualified candidates to serve on Oregon’s more than 250 boards and commissions, while balancing their needs and goals with demographic considerations such as geography, race, ethnicity, age, gender, military status, and experience.

"I am pleased that See Eun is joining my office as executive appointments director, especially as we work to build diversity among our state boards and commissions," said Governor Brown.

Kim comes to the Governor's Office from the Coalition of Communities of Color (CCC). In this role, she established pipelines in county and state government, business, and non-profit industries in Oregon and worked to position CCC as the resource hub for BIPOC leaders in Oregon. Prior to this, her professional experience includes positions with the New Leaders Council and Medical Teams International. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon.

Kim fills the vacancy created by the departure of Mary Moller.

In addition to Kim's appointment, the Governor announced the following changes to her policy staff.

Shannon Singleton has been named as director of equity and racial justice, filling the vacancy created by the departure of Sophorn Cheang.

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

Singleton currently serves as the Governor's housing policy advisor and co-coordinator of the Governor's Racial Justice Council.

Prior to joining the Governor's Office, she was the executive director at JOIN, a nonprofit organization in Portland. She has a background in social and racial justice work and has served on boards of community organizations and nonprofits.

Singleton received her degree from Portland State University, where she teaches Social Work. This appointment is effective February 22.

Linda Roman will serve as policy advisor for the Racial Justice Council.

Roman currently serves as the Governor's health policy advisor and previously served as the deputy health policy advisor and deputy legislative director. Prior to her work in the Governor’s Office, Roman held roles with the Oregon Latino Health Coalition and the Oregon Health Equity Alliance. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University. This appointment is effective February 22.

Kristin Sheeran, the Governor's climate and energy policy advisor, will add transportation to her portfolio, effective immediately. Sheeran joined the Governor's Office in 2017. Her career includes positions in government affairs and academia.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-02-04 23:12:55Last Update: 2021-02-04 23:33:19



Bill Proposes to Shield Drivers’ Licenses
Bill supports illegal aliens

Ganging up on employers, Senators Deb Patterson (D-Salem) and Sara Gelser (D-Albany) introduced SB 569. Their idea of fair employment practices is to make it unlawful for an employer to require an employee or prospective employee to possess or present a valid driver's license as a condition of employment or continuation of employment.

It’s a short bill with a big punch at the free market

It is an unlawful employment practice for an employer to: (a) Require, as a condition for employment or continuation of employment, an employee or prospective employee to possess or present a valid driver’s license unless the ability to legally drive is an essential function of the job or is related to a legitimate business purpose.
(b) Refuse to accept from an employee or prospective employee, as an alternative to a driver’s license, any other identification documents that are deemed acceptable for the purpose of forms prescribed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services that are used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.

The pandemic has left unemployment high and employers need options to recover in the free market. Both Senators Patterson and Gelser’s Districts have a 31 to 33% non-white population, which makes up 94% of their unemployed. Patterson’s district has 17,900 unemployed and Gelser’s district has 5,404 unemployed. The best and most credible ID a person has is their driver’s license. What do law enforcement ask for at a traffic stop?

The bill is driven by a desire to help illegal aliens compete in the employment market.

SB 569 attacks an employer's ability to run their business efficiently using the DMV’s work for an eligible employee. DMV records are used by auto insurance companies for rating the cost of car insurance, and as a source for voter registration. So why isn’t it good enough for a business owner?

 
--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2021-02-04 20:36:37Last Update: 2021-02-05 08:46:53



Read More Articles