On this day, November 22, 1992, A Washington Post story 1st revealed claims by several women that Sen. Bob Packwood, liberal Oregon Republican, had accosted them with unwanted touching and kisses.
Intended to fund debit cards to the homeless
Oregonians have voted down a sales tax six times, but it has not
deterred the Democrat leadership. Over the years this leadership has
successfully disguised sales taxes to hit almost every aspect of our lives.
From energy to phones to grocery bags, and they keep looking. The
biggest impact has been the passing of the Corporate Activities Tax
(CAT) that initially hit most supply chains, but is hidden from customers.
Representative Brad Witt (D), isn’t so deceitful in introducing
HB 4079,
which will create Oregon's first ever identifiable sales tax. The purpose
of the sales tax is to fund $750 monthly debit cards to the homeless
and people under the poverty level. This tax will not go to making our
communities safer, our elections more secure or improving our
education system. It also comes at a time when the state has record
revenues.
Proponents of HB 4079 say the tax is a “luxury†sales tax because at
first it only applies to particular products over a certain price. But once
passed into law, which requires a 60% vote in both Houses, it only
requires a 50% vote to lower the price caps and add more goods and
services. It creates a “bait and switch,†which is a scam on Oregonians.
The Oregon Freedom Pilot Program, offering monthly $750 debit cards,
isn’t really a pilot once the program is implemented. The $750 debit
cards go to homeless and below poverty people, attracting people from
out of state, just like other welfare benefits have done. The Atlantic
Magazine called Oregon a “Welfare Utopiaâ€. We are famous
nationwide for our welfare benefits. This is overwhelming our social
services, charities, and local governments and is forcing government to raise taxes even higher. HB 4079 will not reduce or help pay for these
welfare benefits, and has no limitation on what it can be spent on.
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Oregon State Government is already the 4th fattest and 4th biggest
state spending state government in America as measured by per-
person spending. Why now when the state has record revenues of
billions in surplus stashed into a slush fund last year that could be used?
The House Committee Members on Human Services need to hear YOUR
VOICE on whether a sales tax is a good idea for Oregon. A public
hearing on HB 4079 is scheduled for this Tuesday (Feb. 8th) starting at
1:00pm. You can sign up to
testify remotely. Most likely each person
will get 2-3 minutes to testify. Or,
submit written testimony using OLIS.
--Donna BleilerPost Date: 2022-02-07 15:04:40 | Last Update: 2022-02-07 15:14:01 |
Summer Food Service Program to expand
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is seeking more schools, community organizations and tribes to participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) this summer to ensure children 18 and younger, who benefit from meal programs during the school year, continue to have that same access to nutritious meals when schools are closed, or students are unable to attend school in person.
“Access to summer meals is an important way to ensure that children continue to receive the nutrition they need, to learn and grow, when school is not in session,†ODE Summer Meals Outreach Coordinator Cathy Brock said. "It is important to expand the program and close the hunger gap in all areas of the state, and ODE’s Child Nutrition Program is reaching out to ensure that children continue to receive meals throughout the summer."
Some observers are questioning if this path is appropriate for the Oregon Department of Education to be pursuing. When schools were completely shut down by Kate Brown, citing Coronavirus restrictions, school bus drivers were ordered to continue to deliver school lunches via their normal bus routes. Property taxes were still due while the schools were closed.
For information about how to apply for the Summer Food Service Program, you can
email them. The deadline to submit an application to become a Summer Food Service Sponsor is May 13, 2022.
ODE has state grant funds available up to $20,000 per sponsor to expand or start up summer meal programs. For more information on grant funds, please
email Kaitlin Skreen or call (503) 947-5901.
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Organizations must enter into an agreement with ODE to operate the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Schools, non-profit community organizations, local government agencies, camps and faith-based organizations that have the ability to manage a food service program may be SFSP sponsors. Sponsors are reimbursed for serving healthy meals and snacks to children at approved sites.
Sites are places in the community where children receive meals in a safe and supervised environment including schools, parks, community centers, health clinics, hospitals, libraries, migrant centers, apartment complexes and faith-based locations. Sponsors may be approved to operate and/or have oversight of multiple sites.
--Bruce ArmstrongPost Date: 2022-02-06 16:47:19 | Last Update: 2022-02-06 17:06:15 |
Here’s your chance to get involved
Deschutes County is
seeking residents who are interested in serving on the Deschutes County Budget Committee.
Applications will be accepted through Feb. 14.
Budget committee members hear directly from department directors, staff and organizations about the county’s programs and services. The committee makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners about how Deschutes County can best use its resources to serve the community.
Residents who have an interest in the programs and budget process of the County are encouraged to apply. Meetings are focused on the bigger picture - understanding the County's programs and services, discussing challenges and opportunities that departments are considering in their budget process and providing input on key budget decisions for the next year.
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“We encourage residents of diverse backgrounds to consider applying to serve on the Budget Committee,†said Nick Lelack, County Administrator. “This is an important position that has a meaningful impact on the County’s programs and service delivery.â€
There is one vacancy on the Budget Committee to complete an existing term through Dec. 31, 2022. This position may be reappointed for a full three-year term from Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2025.
Committee volunteers typically attend five to seven meetings between December and the end of June, including up to four days of meetings in late May/early June.
Additional meetings may be called if necessary. Members are responsible for reviewing documents on their own time to prepare for sessions, which are held during business hours. Committee members are not paid for their time.
Those interested in serving are invited to
submit a complete application that includes a letter of interest and resume, describing their interest in County finances and budget planning and ability to serve collaboratively on a committee.
Deschutes County says they strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. Residents are encouraged to apply even if their experience does not precisely match the position description—the County welcomes diverse perspectives and experiences.
--Bruce ArmstrongPost Date: 2022-02-06 16:22:40 | Last Update: 2022-02-06 16:39:50 |
Challenging times in Oregon’s history
Oregon's Governor Kate Brown has delivered her State of the State address.
The Governor's speech highlighted what she would like to spend more taxpayer money on, including workforce development and career training, affordable housing, and child care.
"I stand here today at a pivotal moment for Oregon. Since I took office seven years ago, the world has fundamentally changed,†said Governor Brown. “Oregon has undoubtedly faced some of the most challenging times in our state’s history.
"However, even with all we’ve lost, we can see a path forward," Brown continued. "We have an opportunity before us. Our economy is strong, and we must keep it humming. Most importantly, we have to make sure that every Oregonian feels it. In order to make transformational change in our state, we need to lift up the communities that have been left behind."
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She went on, "In my last year as Governor, I view every day, every moment, as one more opportunity to focus on the big and bold work we still have to do for Oregon’s working families. I am dedicated to building a strong workforce for Oregon. I will bolster that workforce by providing access to child care so that parents can go to work knowing their kids are cared for. And I will marshal my colleagues to once again make a significant investment in affordable housing. These three investments work together to ensure every working family can thrive."
Governor Brown's speech highlighted key spending that she wants to make happen, including:
- Future Ready Oregon: a $200 million investment in job training with a focus on key Oregon industries in need of skilled workers
- A $400 million investment in affordable housing
- A $100 million investment in child care
- Spending for climate-related disasters
The Republicans are saying that the speech ignored the public safety crisis sweeping across Oregon communities.
“Crime is at record levels here in Oregon, but you wouldn’t know that by listening to the Governor’s speech,†said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “People don’t feel safe and Republicans share their frustration and anger. The lack of urgency Democrats have brought to this crisis is shocking. The Governor’s workforce package won’t do anything for our economy if people don’t feel safe to work or do business here. Oregonians are desperate for real leadership and solutions on public safety.â€
“Safer communities should be a priority this session,†said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “Any proposals from the Governor that misses this crucial element does not fully serve Oregonians. Instead, we’ve seen the Governor commute the sentences of killers, Democrats have proposed legislation to retry potentially thousands of cases of violent criminals, law enforcement budgets are lower than ever, and current law makes it harder for police to stop riots. Oregonians deserve safer neighborhoods. House Republicans demand better.â€
--Bruce ArmstrongPost Date: 2022-02-03 13:11:46 | Last Update: 2022-02-03 16:42:08 |
Bill is proposed in the legislature
The Coalition of School Administrators have decided to
double down on critical race theory (CRT) and CSE indoctrination.
This has created an uproar in a number of districts. The firing of five
superintendents over the past year has not set well with COSA or the
Oregon Department of Education (ODE).
Parents are increasingly making public records requests to get to the core of issues, and COSA
says it is an immoral violation on personal privacy, even though all
government workers are subject to public records requests.
The Senate Interim Committee on Education, Chaired by Senator Michael Dembrow (D-Portland) have sponsored
SB 1521, which has a public hearing this week. The bill limits the ability of the district school
board from terminating the superintendent if they are acting in
compliance with state and federal law and refuse to follow the board’s
policies.
A superintendent’s contract may have a mutually agreed upon
clause to terminate without cause, but it can’t include actions if
following state and federal law, and is required to give a
superintendent a 12-month notice.
The school superintendent is hired by the district school board to carry
out what the school board approves: school budgets, approved
curriculum, and policies in schools. If a superintendent is not going to
be supportive of the board and the district, then they are hindering
what the district deems important in their schools.
The board sets policy according to their district and parents’ input.
SB 1521 sets state and federal law over local school boards, including
executive orders, orders of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, declarations, directives or other state or federal authorization, policy, statement, guidance, rule or regulation.
In other words, local control and parents’ voices aren’t to be considered.
COSA and ODE are pushing this bill to override parents that are flooding
board meetings demanding to terminate the CRT and sexual identity
agendas.
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They are upset with the firing of the Newberg superintendent
for not following the board’s policy stating that only American and
Oregon State flags can fly in classrooms.
Recently, Director Colt Gill, ODE, threatened Superintendent Marc
Thielman and the Alsea School District to withhold COVID relief funds if
they didn’t withdraw their resolution on no mask mandates in their
school district.
He may have stirred the pot. There are more than a few
school boards looking to follow Alsea’s lead, and as many considering
withdrawing from COSA and their radical agenda.
--Donna BleilerPost Date: 2022-02-02 15:53:33 | Last Update: 2022-02-02 23:31:43 |
Representative Boshart Davis introduces the legislation
Oregon State Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) and Representative Sheri Schouten (D-Beaverton) are re-introducing legislation to expand stronger employee protections to include hospital workers.
HB 4142 expands the crime of assault in the third degree for someone who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes physical injury to a person working in a hospital while performing their official duties.
This legislation introduces consequences to create a safer environment in hospitals.
Some observers have expressed that the current law is neither strong enough, nor provides justice for hospital workers if they are physically injured.
Hospital workers have been overwhelmed by staffing shortages recently, some due to the mandating of the controversial COVID vaccine.
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These added tensions can result in a physically hostile work environment as they attempt to provide care to patients under increased stress.
“Our overworked hospital workers deserve stronger protection and justice while they put themselves in harm’s way to care for patients,†said Representative Boshart Davis. “Current consequences for assaulting a hospital worker are simply too weak and do not fit the seriousness of the crime. Health care workers should not have to worry about physical danger while taking care of patients. Assaulting a hospital worker trying to save lives should be a serious offense. This is not just about protecting the health care community. This is also about guaranteeing exceptional care and attention for Oregonians in need by making our hospitals a safer place.â€
--Bruce ArmstrongPost Date: 2022-02-01 17:01:12 | Last Update: 2022-02-01 17:10:34 |
OHA mandates made permanent
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) marches forward with four permanent
rules on mandates for masking and vaccinations.
After an
overwhelming number of Oregonians voiced opposition, OHA still filed
the first rule with the Secretary of State’s office.
This first rule makes permanent what was a temporary rule for masking
indoors at K-12 schools and that school staff be fully vaccinated.
The
second rule, expected to be filed this week makes permanent
requirements that health care workers wear masks and, in most health
care settings, be fully vaccinated.
The temporary rules could not be renewed as temporary, giving an
excuse to make them permanent.
Why would OHA pursue permanent
rule after the Supreme Court blocked Biden’s vaccine mandates for
large employers causing Biden administration to withdraw its Covid
vaccination and testing requirements?
Does OHA not think our teachers
and health care workers deserve the same liberties as corporation
employees? The New York State Supreme Court said it’s an
unconstitutional overstep to mandate wearing masks.
Is OHA playing a
bluff that no one will challenge their authority?
The Covid vaccinations are still under an emergency use authorization
and have never been approved. As more and more questionable
information is released over the safety of vaccines, more people are
questioning that information. England announced they will no longer
require masks nor vaccine certifications and are scheduled to drop
booster requirements. Some speculate that this is to get the voter base back. If true, why isn’t Governor Brown concerned about her party’s
voter base? Are Oregon voters too brainwashed to connect the dots?
One parent, Katrina Cole, speaking out against discriminatory practice
between the vaccinated and unvaccinated, says, “they are requiring
teachers who do not get the booster shot to quarantine for 10 days,
while the boosted teachers only need to quarantine for 5 days. I cannot find any scientific data or studies that support this. The same is true for
unvaccinated students.â€
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The 'test to stay' policy was removed that was scheduled to start in
January. It allowed unvaccinated students who were exposed to a
confirmed or speculative case, to 'test out' of quarantine while
vaccinated students do not have to test if they are not showing
symptoms. However, the policy was cancelled with the current
outbreak and the current policy automatically quarantines
unvaccinated students who are contact trace to positive cases in the
classroom, even if they are not showing any symptoms and test
negative.
Cole says, “some of my lowest students have lost many
unnecessary days of instruction due to this policy, and I have
documentation from the district on all of this information.â€
It does seem the Oregon is testing the waters on all fronts. Are we
ready to join the truckers in Canada and say enough?
--Donna BleilerPost Date: 2022-01-30 13:56:06 | Last Update: 2022-01-30 15:48:02 |
The federal government extended the open enrollment period
The
Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace has announced that during the 2022 open enrollment period, 146,602 Oregonians enrolled in health insurance coverage, representing about 3.4% of all Oregonians.
The federal government extended the open enrollment period for 2022 health coverage from 45 to 76 days (Nov. 1, 2021, to Jan. 15, 2022). This extra window of time enabled more Oregonians to enroll in health coverage than either of the past two years (141,089 people in 2021 and 145,264 people in 2020).
In addition, the American Rescue Plan Act (2021) has made health insurance purchased through the Marketplace more affordable than ever. Individuals and families will pay less for health insurance thanks to financial help available through
OregonHealthCare.gov.
“I am elated to see more Oregonians taking advantage of the tremendous savings available on health coverage through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace,†says Chiqui Flowers, administrator of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “Health coverage is essential to helping Oregonians seek the care they need to stay healthy. We are encouraged to see the benefits the American Rescue Plan Act and extended open enrollment period will have on the ability for people to seek the care they need.â€
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People who missed the open enrollment deadline may still have an opportunity to get health coverage through the Marketplace if they experienced a qualifying life event such as moving, involuntarily losing health coverage, having or adopting a child, marriage, a change in citizenship, and being released from incarceration. Enrolled tribal members and Alaska natives can enroll in health coverage at any time throughout the year.
The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to
HealthCare.gov.
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2022-01-30 13:09:07 | Last Update: 2022-01-30 14:01:53 |
What authorization was used to make the change?
The State of Oregon’s independent advocate to help injured workers
navigate the workers’ compensation system is changing its name from
Ombudsman for Injured Workers to the Ombuds Office for Oregon
Workers.
The 1987 Legislature created the
Office of the Ombudsman
for Injured Workers as an independent advocate for injured workers
under
ORS 656.709.
That statute authorizes the Director of the
Department of Consumer and Business Services to terminate the
ombudsman, but there is no authorization to change the focus adding
workplace safety and health for all workers, nor does it authorize a
name change without legislation.
The statute directs the ombudsman to “act as an advocate for injured
workers by accepting, investigating, and attempting to resolve
complaints concerning matters related to workers’ compensation".
The work proved valuable and the Legislature increased the staff in 1990.
Legislation passed in 2003 clarified the supervision and control of
ombudsman services and required that quarterly reports be submitted
to the governor.
The office consists of the ombudsman and five staff
members. Since 2003, the office has helped from 7,500 to 9,000 injured workers per
year.
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It is now the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers. It has expanded its
role to help Oregon workers with workplace safety and health issues,
and help workers protect their rights under Oregon OSHA’s laws and
rules. Are these the same rules the Governor called for with COVID and
vaccine mandates?
“We are continuing to serve injured workers in the workers’
compensation system,†said Ombuds for Oregon Workers Jennifer
Flood. “We are just expanding to include all Oregon workers.†Since they were working at capacity, will this be another agency in the news for failure to serve and looking to the legislature to bail them out with more staff?
What Oregonians should be asking is what authorization was used to
make a change against the laws they operate under.
--Donna BleilerPost Date: 2022-01-30 11:07:33 | Last Update: 2022-01-30 11:26:48 |
$135,000 fine reversed
Aaron and Melissa Klein were forced to close their Sweet Cakes bakery
in 2016 after the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) determined
they violated Oregon’s 2007 law prohibiting discrimination based on
sexual orientation by refusing to make a wedding cake.
The couple was
fined $60,000 in noneconomic damages to Laurel Bowman-Cryer and
$75,000 to Rachel Bowman-Cryer.
That assessment when against the
national trend when other states were assessing fines of $5,000-
$15,000.
The Kleins lost in the court of appeals and appealed to the Oregon
Supreme Court only to be declined. They then appealed to the U.S.
Supreme Court with hopes that a recent ruling in a similar case would
benefit them. The Supreme Court ruled that the Colorado Commission
on Civil Rights did not employ “religious neutrality†and reversed that
state’s decision against the bakery owner. Even though it had
applications, the Supreme Court sent the Klein case back to the Oregon
Court of Appeals for reconsideration.
The court of appeals was charged with applying the Supreme Court
ruling to the Klein case.
Justice Lagesen wrote in the case
Klein v BOLI,
“We reverse and remand the order’s damages award … BOLI’s handling
of the damages portion of the case does not reflect the neutrality
toward religion required by the free-exercise (of religion) clause. We
therefore set aside the damages portion of the order and remand for
further proceedings related to remedy.â€
Even though the Court of Appeal reversed the $135,000 fine, they stuck
to the charge of discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Judge
Lagesen wrote, “Neither the state constitution nor the federal
constitution precludes the enforcement of the statute against Aaron
(Klein), even though the enforcement of the statute burdens Aaron’s
practice of his faith. In so doing, we conclude that (the 2021 federal
decision) does not displace our previous conclusion that it is a
genuinely applicable and neutral law.†In so doing they do not provide
for the First Amendment as the authority over state laws.
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Counsel Stephanie Taub said, “Oregon is trying to have its cake and eat
it, too.†The court admitted that BOLI acted with hostility against the
Kleins’ religious beliefs.
It will become apparent in how BOLI handles
the penalties against the Kleins for living out their faith. Whatever BOLI
imposes, the Kleins intend to appeal to the Oregon and U.S. Supreme
Court on behalf of millions of faith-based small business owners.
--Donna BleilerPost Date: 2022-01-29 07:26:20 | Last Update: 2022-01-28 21:44:43 |
Why isn’t fresh thinking finding its way into public transit?
If you could choose only one, would you choose the right to keep and bear arms or the right to mobility? You do need a car more often than a gun. The Second Amendment that protects the Right to Bear Arms is under assault every day by groups seeking to limit the use of guns. The arguments and methods of attacking gun owners rights are an accumulation of the latest crises de jour. Opponents of the Second Amendment don’t appear to support any of the Bill of Rights or even the Constitution itself. It is all lumped into one category of contempt for America and its founding principles.
We hear that the F.B.I. estimates 2.5 million crimes are not committed each year because people are armed. The vast majority of these attempts at crime go unreported hence the word ‘estimate’ used by the F.B.I. Ignoring those statistics and focusing on emotional stories of whoa citizens are constantly encouraged to give up their freedom for perceived security in many ways. The arguments calling for limits to gun ownership are just a fraction of the attacks on freedom.
Another attack on freedom is one that seeks to limit the mobility of citizens. Unlike the attacks on gun ownership this threat is administered in a Fabian method. That means the change comes so slowly the victim doesn’t realize they have been trapped until it is to late to resist. Fabians argue that giving up free mobility is a tradeoff for other benefits. The problem is those benefits are phantom in which operatives sample false arguments. Those that find acceptance in focus groups get test cases. Those that attract sympathetic audiences are repeated, for generations if necessary, to break down resistance.
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80% of Americans live in urban locations. Public Mass transit is essential in only the most densely populated urban centers. Dependency on mass transit is the goal of those who are the equivalent of the gun control advocates seeking to limit the Second Amendment. Promotion of mass transit has required huge subsidies. Over time, most citizens unconsciously accept the necessity of subsidies. The reasoning is that we must care for those unable to move about without public transportation. How many times do you see mass transit sparsely occupied? How many times do you see high utilization? Could the goal of accommodating the less fortunate be served more efficiently?
We saw Uber and Lyft revolutionize cars for hire. Why isn’t fresh thinking finding its way into public transit? Could it be that Fabian methods don’t allow fresh thinking? Those less well-off receive food stamps. In Oregon that amounts to 21% of the population. What if they got transportation vouchers for Uber and Lyft and mass transit was displaced? Has anyone run the numbers on such an idea? How would that change the OVERALL cost of transportation that is paid for by taxpayers?
Literally hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars has been consumed in building an electric car industry and infrastructure. Only 1% of Americans have purchased electric vehicles even though their cost is taxpayer subsidized $7500. To accelerated electric car sales we have seen America abandon its energy independence and in just one year gasoline costs rose 40%. If you can’t subsidize Americans into electric cars maybe you can punish them sufficiently at the pump to bring that change about. Ratepayers have been forced to pay for wind and solar farms and now they are paying to build car charging stations.
The thing about electricity that is different from petroleum is who controls the source. America’s gas and oil industry is still privately owned and privately directed. America’s electric utilities are privately owned but are state regulated monopolies. Government can deny electricity to those it finds out of favor. When a citizen threw a maskless backyard party in L.A. last year Governor Newsome had his electricity cut off. Newsome was just protecting the public from party goers spreading COVID. What a convenient excuse for asserting unchecked power. Good thing that homeowner had a vehicle that ran on petroleum.
--Tom HammerPost Date: 2022-01-29 06:27:34 | Last Update: 2022-01-28 21:09:07 |
Angela Plowhead is running for Oregon’s new district
Voters in the Newberg School District decided on January 18 to oppose the attempted recall of two of its board members.
Board Chair Dave Brown and Vice Chair Brian Shannon were targeted for recall by special interest groups that have grown used to getting their way far too often. Some of them even organized phone banks and neighborhood canvasses to try and sway the vote. Hollywood elites also became involved and chipped in financially to help fund the effort.
The voters recognized that outsiders with undue influence were involving themselves in a local matter primarily affecting parents and students and rejected the recall. Brown and Shannon will continue to serve in the positions that these same voters elected to put them in.
"In the weeks before the recall election, I publicly stated my support for those board members. I went to Newberg several times to physically stand alongside those who campaigned against the recall and was the only top Congressional District 6 candidate to do so," Said Dr. Angela Plowhead.
"This election is a good example of how school board races are being politicized in Oregon and nationally," Plowhead explained. "What we’ve seen in Oregon, for years, is the strong political power of the teachers union over state politics. It routinely donates millions of dollars every election cycle to candidates pledging to raise taxes to maintain the status quo of academic failure. The recipients of those donations include at least two Democratic lawmakers who have announced their candidacies for Congressional District 6, who have been more than happy to carry out the union’s wishes throughout their legislative careers."
Nationally, parents are growing increasingly concerned about what their children are being taught in these taxpayer-funded public schools. This has caused many of them to get involved and pay attention to what’s going on at their local school board meetings. Some, like Brown and Shannon, have run for school board positions, gotten elected and worked to bring accountability back to the classroom.
But the same teachers unions are now funding candidates in local school board elections, much as they’ve done so successfully at the state level in Oregon for decades. Although this is undoubtedly a conflict of interest, it is still allowed.
The same people and groups who tried to recall Brown and Shannon were hoping to make examples of them. They wanted to show that if you’re a school board member who doesn’t do what the teachers union wants, you will be forced out of office.
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"Education is always a top issue for candidates and voters every election," Dr. Plowhead continued. "But when some candidates talk about it, what they mean is that they will raise taxes to increase funding for a system that we all know is broken. That’s why I’m taking a different approach with this race. Academic excellence is critical. But what’s becoming increasingly obvious is that funding isn’t the issue—it’s the lack of accountability for the actual results, or lack thereof."
"I’m running on a platform of educational accountability, in which the voices of parents, students and community members are not drowned out or silenced by special interest groups," declared Dr. Plowhead. "What took place in Newberg was indeed a victory, but it’s just the beginning. As a candidate and as your next member of Congress, I will continue to stand with parents and school board members who most certainly should have a say in what students are being taught in schools. We must have true accountability in our education system."
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2022-01-28 12:09:38 | Last Update: 2022-01-31 14:02:28 |
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