Editor’s note: This is the second in a multi-part series on the Oregon Department of Forestry's Habitat Conservation Plan and how it impacts wildlife and communities

Not everyone is a fan of the 1,132 page Western Oregon State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan. According to Oregon Natural Resources Industries President Jen Hamaker this HCP invites the Federal Government, through NOAA and USFW, to guide management of our state forestlands. "We all know how the Fed’s manage their land. They don’t." said Hamaker.

Hamaker puts the changes in historical perspective. "Between 1952-1987, when forests were managed in Oregon, we experienced only one forest fire in excess of 10,000 acres. Since then, Oregon experiences on average 500,000 acres burned annually. Millions of acres have been set aside to protect wildlife, this strategy has proven to kill wildlife, fill our air with months of smoke, extend fire season, contribute to catastrophic fires -- fires over 100,000 acres -- pollute waterways, and devastate communities. This HCP shuts down 53% of our state forests for 70 years.

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"This HCP is not just a 70 year conservation plan, it's an economic and community plan too," continued Hamaker. "Over 220 public services that rely on timber harvest revenue will lose critical funding, such as local fire departments, emergency response services, 911 communications, libraries, schools, 4H, ports, transportation, etc. 512 special taxing districts are within this HCP, which almost entirely depend on property tax and timber harvest revenue to operate will be crippled beyond repair. The tax base within the 15 counties and taxing districts will feel the loss of thousands of family wage jobs which contribute to their local tax base. This HCP goes far beyond what is required by NOAA and USFW to obtain incidental take permits. This HCP is not necessary nor viable. ODF will lose critical funding to operate.

ODF generates its own revenue by timber harvest -- and if there's no harvest, there's no revenue. ODF will be operating in the red by $24 million or more every biennium. This means increased taxes and bonds levies on taxpayers to cover what was once generated by sustainably harvesting our timberland. Couple this loss of managed timberland with the Private Forest Accords HCP on private timberland, Oregon will have the most unmanaged timberland in Oregon’s history.

According to the Executive Summary of the Habitat Conservation Plan, the conservation strategy includes measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impact of the taking on covered species from covered activities. The conservation strategy relies on (1) implementing best management practices when conducting covered activities to minimize effects on covered species, (2) designating areas on the landscape that will be managed for the benefit of covered species, and (3) creating a Conservation Fund that would be used to implement species and habitat management activities that would directly benefit covered species during the permit term

Hamaker calls out the Oregon Department of Forestry on their science. "Models and projections rely on accurate numbers and criteria. ODF has failed to provide both. ODF’s timber harvest volumes are inaccurate as proven by the report released early this year that showed a 34% decrease in timber harvest than what was projected."

The projected impact on communities is also questioned by Hamaker. "Several of ODF’s socioeconomic projections are also inaccurate. They used 2-3 jobs per million board feet harvested when industry uses 11-13 jobs per million board feet harvested, when bidding for timber sales. ODF did not include 512 special taxing districts within the HCP area that rely almost entirely on timber harvest revenue and property taxes to operate. The economic ripple effects of this HCP are not captured within the EIS. AND the EIS has not been updated to reflect the report showing a 34% reduction in timber harvest levels."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-09-08 06:06:21

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:23:13

Editor’s note: This is the first in a multi-part series on the Oregon Department of Forestry's Habitat Conservation Plan and how it impacts wildlife and communities

The Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan has been developed by the Oregon Department of Forestry -- under the direction of State Forester Cal Mukumoto -- to support applications for federal Endangered Species Act incidental take permits from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This HCP describes potential effects on a suite of 17 federally listed species -- and at least 60 non-listed species -- potentially at-risk from ODF’s forest management activities, including timber harvest, stand management, habitat restoration, and construction and maintenance of recreation facilities over a 70-year permit term. The HCP also describes a conservation strategy to avoid, minimize, and mitigate any effects from those activities during that timeframe.

Of course, the list of species is not without controversy. Coho Salmon is at historic abundance levels in Tillamook and Clatsop counties, this is a benchmark for delisting in these areas. They are in such abundance they are issuing permits to fish for them. The Red Tree Vole was to be delisted until environmental groups stopped the delisting so they can use the Endangered Species Act to shut down habitat. On October 19, US Fish And Wildlife Service issued a notice that it will withdraw its December 19, 2019 “not warranted” finding for the red tree vole north Oregon coast district population segment, returning the species to the USFWS’s candidate species list.

The assumption behind all of this is that harvesting timber from a forest destroys the habitat of federally listed endangered species and that in order to harvest the timber, one would have to apply for an "incidental take permit" to be allowed to impact the species by harvesting the timber. The best known example of such a species is the northern spotted owl. Ironically -- or maybe by design -- the Spotted Owl’s population continues to decline, but not because of the lack of habitat. Its two greater threats are forest fire and the barred owl which is its cousin. The barred owl is more aggressive and competes for the same food and eats spotted owls. The HCP has no plan to mitigate either.

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The Public Draft of the Western Oregon State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan is a back-breaking 1,132 page document. Even the Executive Summary of the Habitat Conservation Plan is 14 pages. Not to be outdone, NOAA has published an 1,850 page Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-09-06 20:17:59

Last Update: 2023-09-06 20:59:45

Oregon State Economist Josh Lehner, one of the presenters of the September 2023 Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast, writes, “Right now we know the economy remains strong and the labor market is tight. But trying to gauge whether things are strengthening or slowing is a bit harder to do. The Federal Reserve (and most forecasters) are expecting the economy to slow down and inflation to cool.”

However, Lehner points out that data for a soft landing is also consistent for a hard landing. Despite his 50/50 outlook and emerging signs that the economy is reaccelerating, which means inflation could re-heat at some point in the quarters ahead, legislators have ignored the risk level and are broadcasting only the positive side.

At the forecast hearing, economists testified, "The stability over the past three months is not a guarantee of what’s to come. The numbers haven’t changed much showing stability, yet there is a high degree of uncertainty. The economic outlook is adhering to the soft landing the federal government is trying to engineer. The Federal Reserve has taken inflation out of its baseline, but they will keep rates higher for a little longer, which is a concern."

On the positive side, Lehner says, “[A]s inflation slows, income gains are once again outpacing price increases, leading to rising living standards. With the economy nearly at full employment, future growth will come from labor force gains driven by a return of positive net migration in the years ahead, along with productivity gains driven by capital investment.”

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Oregon’s growth rate was 1.22% compared to the national gross domestic product (GDP) at 2.1%. Inflation is at 3.2%, which still means if what we purchase doesn’t equal GDP, then the economy is still shrinking and inflation is still the driving force. Couple that with Forbes reporting that oil will go to $300 a barrel and gas prices will triple by the end of October.

The forecast report says the Oregon government will have plenty to spend on public services based on corporate tax collections projected from a negative $4 million this biennium to $321 million in the 2023-25 biennium. They credit it to increase in small businesses, more federal funding for construction of roads, broadband, and semiconductors that will boost productivity.

All expectations come from corporate taxes. Corporate taxes tracked with corporate profits until 2016 when taxes made a jump over profits and the gap has steadily increased until now when taxes are more than double the profits. Economists claim and blame this on federal tax policy making it more competitive to realize profits in the U.S., and Oregon uses the federal tax forms, which makes Oregon corporate taxes look extreme. The information on corporate profits comes from national data until they are actually filed and realized.

Lehner told Northwest Observer that the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) interplay could have an impact on corporate taxes, but they are based on sales and companies are able to subtract a portion. The CAT tax is currently at $3 million expected to go to $24 million in the 2025-27 biennium, and gradually return to $3 million in 2030.

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.7% in February to 3.40% July 31. Oregon is showing productivity growth, rather than population growth. Demographic data show deaths outnumber births and expect that to continue. Oregon ranks 44th highest (7th lowest) when it comes to the proportion of state population between the ages 0 and 17. This skews our state population older as a result. However, Oregon ranks higher in other generations and 8th largest in Millennial generation population. The population growth comes from migration, which remains consistent. Estimates on change of address shows people leaving Portland seems to have bottomed out, which supports stability.

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The seeding of projects takes time to hit the economy and we may not see results until 2026. Semiconductor manufacturing will create about 3,000 jobs and 1,000 temporary construction jobs. They project that Oregon has the available workforce as number 4 in the country. Oregon is overall 1.5% of the U.S., but possesses 17% of the tech jobs.

The total General Fund resources in 2023-25 reports an increase of $437 million that is slightly misleading since it includes a balance carryover of $148 million. Meanwhile, legislators are busy putting in their bid on what it should be spent on. And, after four kickers, there is still no talk of reducing taxes.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-09-06 18:09:57

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:23:58

Petitioner David Michelson (Portland) says they have 30,000 signatures for Initiative Petition 3, which criminalizes injuring or killing animals, including killing for food, hunting, fishing; criminalizes breeding practices, and removes domestic animal exceptions from Oregon laws. To get on the ballot, 120,413 signatures are required.

The petition is titled “Abuse, Neglect, and Assault Exemption Modification and Improvement Act.” It claims that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and fear; and that current exemptions to laws permit unnecessary and inhumane harm to animals. The laws governing animals permits abuse, animal neglect, and animal sexual assault. The purpose of this Act is to amend Oregon Statutes in order to remove the current exemptions that allows for the inhumane and unnecessary abuse, neglect, and assault of animals.

The proposal requires all animals should be cared for in ways that minimize their pain, stress, fear, and reduce the suffering of animals to improve their quality of life. The provisions of this Act shall be interpreted consistently with the findings, purposes and policy objectives stated and shall not be limited by any policy set forth in Oregon law that could conflict with or be interpreted to conflict with the purposes and policy objectives stated in the “Abuse, Neglect, and Assault Exemption Modification and Improvement Act.”

The proposal wants all animals to be treated as the law has previously reserved for domestic animals, including providing adequate bedding, shelter from weather, tethering, and prohibits dehorning and neutering or euthanasia.

A person commits the crime of animal abuse in the second degree if, except as necessary to defend against the threat of immediate harm to oneself, to other humans, or to other animals, the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes physical injury to an animal or fails to provide the care in the Act. All exemptions for mental health, acting unknowingly and restitution have been removed.

A person commits the crime of animal abuse in the first degree if, except as necessary to defend against the threat of immediate harm to oneself, to other humans, or to other animals, the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes physical injury or death of any animal.

This Act’s application is done by removing the following exemptions so all animals would be subject to the Act:

• Treatment of livestock being transported by owner or common carrier
• Animals involved in rodeos or similar exhibitions
• Commercially grown poultry
• Animals subject to good animal husbandry practices
• The killing of livestock according to the provisions of ORS 603.065 (Slaughter methods)
• Animals subject to good veterinary practices as described in ORS 686.030 (Acts constituting practice of veterinary medicine)
• Lawful fishing, hunting and trapping activities
• Wildlife management practices under color of law
• Lawful scientific or agricultural research or teaching that involves the use of animals
• Reasonable activities undertaken in connection with the control of vermin or pests
• Reasonable handling and training techniques

In other words, it puts the Department of Fish and Wildlife into an enforcement agency making fishing and hunting illegal, eliminates circuses, criminalizes kids participating in 4-H Clubs or Good Farmers of America, and will force restaurants and grocery stores to import meat making it unaffordable.

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When asked about why such a sweeping Act, Michelson likened it to women’s suffrage. “Did you know that it took 6 election cycles for women to win the right to vote in Oregon? They also did that by ballot initiative, and the first one was voted down handedly (it only got 28% support). They didn't see that as a waste, they saw that as the first step. Across the country, it took 54 ballot measures, most of which failed, before public support had shifted enough to pass the 19th amendment. We see our campaign as using the same tactic which history has shown to be effective. This would be the first time in history any state has held a vote on protecting an animal's right to life in law. This is how we mobilize a mass movement.”

Unity is no longer a question of being respectful of other people’s choices and life styles. Protein is a key part of any diet. The average person needs about 7 grams of protein every day for every 20 pounds of body weight. Red meat provides iron, zinc and B vitamins. Meat is also one of the main sources of vitamin B12 in the diet. As with all foods, too much meat has health drawback, but no medical physician suggests cutting meat protein out of your diet completely risking optimum health. A vegan diet isn't healthy for everyone.

Vegetarianism came from Indian and Greek philosophers arguing “the transmigration of souls, animal welfare, and the view that if humans deserve justice, then so do animals.” So the Vegan Society has progressed through the centuries with substitute proteins, and now they want everyone to give up backyard BBQ steaks and adopt their life style.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-09-04 18:08:38

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:24:24

September is National Preparedness Month. It is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is urging Oregonians to take steps to be prepared.

“Disasters can happen anywhere without warning, so it’s imperative Oregonians take active steps to prepare in advance,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM) Interim Director Matt Garrett. “Sit down with your household and talk about what you’d do if you lost electricity, water, internet and phone service for weeks – that’s how long it could take for help to reach you if transportation routes are blocked. Being prepared helps ensure you and your loved ones can survive.”

ODEM urges every Oregonian to practice preparedness by having an emergency plan and enough food, water and necessary supplies for everyone in the household, including pets, to survive for at least two weeks following any large-scale disaster. The Ready.gov website offers a few ideas.

Be Informed

• Visit the ODEM Emergency Alert website to sign up or update your contact information to receive local emergency alerts.
• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone.
• Understand Oregon's evacuation levels and know the evacuation routes in your area.
• Find the websites for your county emergency management, sheriff's office, or tribal police and follow them on social media to stay up to date during quickly changing emergencies.

Have a Plan

• Develop an emergency plan that covers sheltering, evacuating, communicating and reconnecting.
• Discuss the plan with your household, loved ones, friends and neighbors.
• Practice the plan so you'll be ready when a disaster occurs.
• Establish a list of important contacts and a safe place for everyone to meet if separated during an emergency.
• Identify multiple evacuation routes from home, work or school and plan for transportation needs.
• Plan for pets and livestock.
• Talk to your neighbors about sharing supplies and who might need extra help.

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Build a Kit

• Gather two weeks' worth of food, water and critical supplies for each person and pet, including food, water, medication, flashlights, extra batteries, phone chargers and more. Visit the Ready.gov website or the American Red Cross website for ideas.
• Make copies of important documents you’d need to get your life back on track after a disaster; scan or take photos of this information and store it in a password-protected online drive or on a flash drive in a waterproof container and keep it with your emergency kit.
• Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry backpack, bucket or bag that you can use at home or take with you in an emergency.
• Everyone's kit will look different. There’s no one correct way to put together two weeks' worth of supplies since everyone has different needs.

ODEM advises older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers to consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for emergencies and create a support network of people who can help during a disaster.

ODEM is partnering with several local, state and federal partners to message National Preparedness Month throughout September.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-09-03 15:16:43

Last Update: 2023-09-03 16:13:39

The Audits Division of the Oregon Secretary of State's office, under the leadership of Audit Director Kip Memmott has produced a report entitled, "An Advisory Report on how Increased Awareness and Training Could Enhance the Effectiveness of Oregon’s Extreme Risk Protection Order Law." Ordinarily, the Audits Division focuses on audits of state agencies, but according to the report, they "chose not to follow [their] traditional audit process because there is not a single state agency responsible for administering Oregon’s ERPO law."

Oregon’s extreme risk protection order law, commonly referred to as a “red flag” law, has been in effect since 2018. According to the report, "the law is intended to reduce incidents of gun violence and suicide through a civil court order that helps prevent individuals at risk from hurting themselves or others from having access to deadly weapons. ERPOs can be requested by family or household members or by law enforcement." The order is produced through an "ex parte" hearing in which the subject of the hearing is not present and may not even have knowledge of the hearing.

The report asks, then answers 5 questions about the law:

1. What is Oregon’s ERPO law and how does it work?
2. What state and local entities are involved in the process and what is their role?
3. How is Oregon’s ERPO law being used and is it working as intended?
4. How does Oregon’s ERPO law compare to best practices and similar laws in other states?
5. What resources are available to law enforcement and the public to learn more about Oregon’s ERPO law?

In 2017, the Oregon Legislature passed SB 719, which created the "Extreme Risk Protection Order" process. According to the report, In the first four and a half years the law was active, a total of 564 ERPOs were requested with 440, or 78%, being granted an ex parte order issued by a judge. Washington County has the most ERPO petitions with 94. Deschutes was second with 78 and Multnomah and Clackamas completed the top 4 with 70 and 60 respectively. Though it only had 8 ERPO petitions, tiny Lake County had the highest per-capita with 99.1 petitions per 100,000 residents. Josephine County's 45 petitions came in second with 52.0 per 100,000 residents.

Critics of the law cite its lack of due process. During legislative hearings on the bill in 2017,Philip Watson of the Firearms Policy Coalition described SB 719 as "a measure that would create a process for secretly obtaining 'extreme risk protection orders'. These orders will lead to the confiscation of firearms from unaware Oregonians who are not allowed to confront their accusers nor avail themselves of the protected right of due process."

Kevin Starrett, Executive Director of Oregon Firearms Federation, pointed out that among the justifications for an ERPO are the use of legal marijuana, or the recent legal purchase of a firearm. He also noted that when a person is the recipient of an ERPO they are presumed guilty and must prove their innocence at their own expense. "If a licensed mental health professional examines them and declares them mentally fit and not a danger, the are not allowed to use that assessment to defend themselves. Furthermore," he noted “a person who loses his rights and property under and ERPO has not only not been convicted of a crime, they have not even been accused of one.”

Starret concluded, "The “audit” was not even an official one since it did not meet the Secretary of State’s own qualifications."

The one reference in the report to due process almost treats due process as a stumbling block. The report says,

"While the time related difficulties associated with the ERPO process likely present a barrier for some people in Oregon, they are largely unavoidable because of due process rights. Due process is a fundamental right ensuring fairness and equal treatment in legal matters. For ERPOs this means ensuring that the accused have an opportunity to confront adverse witnesses, be heard before an impartial judge, know opposing evidence, and to present their own evidence at a hearing. Any effort to lessen the impact of the time tax on ERPO processes and proceedings will need to be implemented in a way that ensures the due process rights of ERPO respondents."

The report discusses the risks driving the petitions. "Of the 93 ERPO petitions examined, they found more than 70% of petitions involved respondents with a history of suicidality or reported risk of interpersonal violence, with more than half reported as having a history or risk of both. Researchers also found more than half of the cases were related to threats made within a week of filing the petition, indicating ERPOs were being used in times of immediate crisis. Researchers ultimately concluded ERPOs in Oregon were overwhelmingly being used as intended."

Civil libertarians are troubled by these statistics. One former legislator who voted against SB 719 asks, "If 78% of the petitions are granted and 70% are "at risk" of suicide or violence, why were the remaining 8% approved? What criteria was used for 'at risk'? One can only assume that the broadest possible criteria were used for 'at risk'"

"What's most troubling about the report is that it fails to acknowledge the rights of firearm owners," the former legislator continued. "It also makes the classic big-government mistake by assuming that all ERPOs are a good thing and that we need more of them. The report claims to have 'undergone the regular quality assurance process,' but it's hard to trust a report that was generated by cheerleaders."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-09-02 10:43:34

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:25:11

In the wake of President Trump’s fourth indictment on election interference, Mike Lindell hosted the Election Crime Bureau Summit to introduce a plan to help states get back to paper ballots and hand counting ballots. Lindell has data proving that in every state the voting machines are accessed by cell phone that connects to the tabulators. However, the courts have silenced him, so his new plan is a method for states to collect evidence of machine abnormalities in every county that the court can’t refuse. Every state was represented presenting what they are doing to accomplish the goal.

Over 20 Oregonians attended hoping to bring the Lindell plan to Oregon. Janice Dysinger, Oregonians for Fair Elections, and Marc Thielman, Oregon Battleground, presented for Oregon.

Dysinger explains that even though Oregon is low on accomplishments, we have a law that allows counties to choose to hand count ballots. ORS 254.485 (1) Ballots may be tallied by a vote tally system or by a counting board. A counting board may tally ballots at the precinct or in the office of the county clerk. In any event, the ballots shall be tallied and returned by precinct.

The Oregon Constitution supports precinct voting in Article II, Section 17. Place of voting. All qualified electors shall vote in the election precinct in the County where they may reside, for County Officers, and in any County in the State for State Officers, or in any County of a Congressional District in which such electors may reside, for Members of Congress.—

Oregon started with one day precinct voting requiring voter identification, which required a social security number as proof of citizenship and proof of Oregon residence. In 2020, The Election Law Journal published a study stating, “We learn that Oregon, which has one of the most progressive automatic voter registration processes and mail-in voting, maintains the first position as the easiest state in which to vote.” In ease of registration, Oregon and Alaska score zero “go[ing] out of their way to find and keep citizens registered when they change addresses.”

An onslaught of Oregon election “easy” laws demolished Oregon politically beginning in the 80s when Vote by Mail was experimental. Then in January 1996, Oregon became the first state to conduct a general election totally by mail.

Since that time, Dysinger says voters have hit the easy button forgoing accountability and choosing to hit the easy button for ease of registration, ease of voting, choosing not to clean voter rolls, and sadly ease of cheating.

On every national voting website, it states under Oregon – no document needed to vote. When registering to vote, voters must provide their driver's license number or state ID card number. If voters cannot provide this information, they can submit a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement, valid photo identification, or an acceptable government document.

Oregon hasn’t prosecuted an election fraud case since the 2016 election when the Secretary of State forwarded 56 cases to the Oregon Department of Justice. Most were involved in casting duplicate ballots. Ten pleaded guilty that represented a broad spectrum including four Democrats, one Republican, one Libertarian and four not affiliated with a political party. None resulted in jail time. The maximum penalty was $1,000. The remainder were referred back to the Oregon Secretary of State’s office that were not pursued for civil violations.

That same year, Maguel Robleto, Proprietor of the Department of Motor Education, was convicted for the biggest ID fraud case in history helping over 80,000 Illegal Aliens get a driver’s license. Eight of 12 suspects were convicted (some to be deported after time served) and Robleto let go of a $500,000 home and $400,000 in the bank. The Robleto Brothers' business helped undocumented establish new ID and get voter registration cards without any ID. This was done by purchasing an envelope with an address on it for proof of residence to get an ID card and voter registration.

The outcome was that the Secretary of State and 14 agencies traveled the state to issue government ID cards to legal immigrants before the Governor called a halt. But ORS 260.695 allows a person to return a ballot on behalf of another voter and may set out a collection box if marked unofficial. The Robleto case started a big easing in voter laws.

HB 2177 Oregon Legislature passed Automatic Voter registration through the DMV in 2015.

HB3464 prohibits public bodies from disclosing specified information concerning a person unless required by state or federal law. Passed in 2017 This was primarily about citizenship.

SB 802 allows16-year-olds to register to vote but they cannot vote until they are 18, passed June of 2017

SB 870 passed National Popular Vote Compact, passed May 2019.

HB 2681 prevents inactive voters from being removed from the voter rolls, passed June 2021.

HB 3291 allows late ballots by mail to be counted 7 days post-election day, passed July 2021.

HB 4133 allowed last 4 digits of Social Security number for online voter registration, passed March 2022.

HB 2107 expanded Oregon’s Automatic Voter Registration system to the Oregon Health Plan to register users of that system to be automatically registered as voter, passed June 2023.

SB 166 claims to protect voter privacy, but it prevents observers from getting the ballot images to discover fraud and could make the cast vote record cost up to $700,000 in some counties. The ballot is a public document and voters signing their ballot voluntarily disclose their identity.

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A Rasmussen poll shows that the results of these laws, people are losing confidence in our elections. That is the basis for Marc Thielman’s lawsuit, Thielman v. Fagan, to show that people are disenfranchised and have lost confidence in elections. His remedy is to go back to one-day voting, presenting ID, signature matching, and count ballots by hand.

In the days following Lindell’s summit, the Republican National Committee (RNC) passed 10 new resolutions calling for the protection of our elections, and the end of voting manipulation schemes! “This ‘Return to Excellence in American Voting’ is power-packed and we could not have asked for anything more,” Lindell stated.

A few RNC highlights:

• The RNC will support Paper Ballot, hand count, single day, precinct level, voter ID elections!
• No more expanded time periods for early or vote-by-mail -- which have turned Election Day into a never-ending election season.
• The RNC supports voter ID laws and calls on states to pass laws to ensure every voter is verified to be the actual voter!
• States and counties will be supported as they move away from easily manipulated electronic voting machines!
• No more unwatched, pop-up ballot drop boxes!
• No paid-for, ballot harvesting system.

If you’re interested in helping your county, contact Clean Voter Rolls, or sign a county declaration at Voter's Declaration of Independence From Voting Machines.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-09-02 01:02:21

Last Update: 2023-09-02 20:01:45

Former Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan is under investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for possible violations concerning her handling of expenditures and possible violations of ORS 244.040(1) and ORS 244.120(2).

On August 11, OGEC concluded a Preliminary Review and moved to do a full investigation. At issue is Fagan's use of state money used for travel and lodging for her romantic partner, children and pets. The preliminary report also questions whether, "On a number of occasions, Ms. Fagan submitted reimbursement requests to the Secretary of State's Office, but available information appears to show that she may have submitted the same or similar requests for reimbursement or payment by her campaign funds, or by sponsoring entities such as the National Lieutenant Governors Association."

The complaint was filed by former State Representative Julie Parrish on June 13, 2023. On July 1 -- just two and a half weeks later -- Fagan made a payment to her campaign PAC for $1,573.33 described as "reimbursement of personal expenditure funds," possibly in an attempt to do damage control.

Fagan is already facing an ethics investigation by OGEC that led to her resignation as Secretary of State on May 8 of this year.

The Oregon Secretary of State is paid $77,000 per year.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-09-01 10:37:50

Last Update: 2023-09-01 11:21:15

During Oregon’s 2023 Legislative Session, lawmakers made several key changes and investments that will make a positive impact for Oregon students, teachers, school faculty, and parents in the upcoming school year and beyond. These include record investments in school funding and early literacy programs, initiatives to support educators and solve the substitute teacher shortage, upgrades for healthier school ventilation systems, new school safety measures, protections for students with disabilities, and more.

“By investing in our schools and students, we’re investing in Oregon’s future,” said Representative Courtney Neron (D - Wilsonville, Sherwood, King City, Tigard/Bull Mountain & Parrett Mountain), chair of the House Education Committee. “From stable school funding and support for our educator workforces to school safety, the actions we took this session are going to set our students up for success for years to come.”

K-12 School Funding - HB 5015 makes a historic $10.2 billion investment in the K-12 State School Fund for the 2023-2025 biennium, nearly $1 billion higher than the current service level. When paired with local property tax revenues, total resources for K-12 schools for this biennium reach an unprecedented $15.3 billion. The State School Fund is the primary funding source for the general operations of school districts and education service districts, paying for a range of needs, including teacher salaries, textbooks, school supplies, desks, and building maintenance. These 197 districts serve more than 552,000 Oregon students in K-12 schools.

Cleaner Air, Heating and Cooling in School Buildings - HB 3031 helps Oregon schools receive federal funds to upgrade their HVAC systems, assess ventilation systems, place carbon dioxide monitors in each classroom, and submit a report on ventilation and carbon dioxide levels to a mechanical engineer for review. Districts will then implement any improvements recommended by the engineer.

Free or Reduced Cost School Meals for Low-Income Students - HB 5014 will help cover school meal costs for more students starting this fall, responding to food insecurity across the state and filling in the gap created after federal COVID school funds expired. Students who are on Medicaid will qualify for free or reduced cost meals. Oregon is one of 12 pilot states using Medicaid funds to cover meal costs.

Early Literacy Success Initiative - HB 3198 invests in culturally-responsive and research-aligned reading instruction in Oregon classrooms. The Initiative invests $144.3 million across three new grant programs: the Early Literacy Success School Grant, the Birth Through Five Literacy Plan, and the Early Literacy Success Community Grant. In-school funding for the initiative goes toward literacy coaching and professional development for educators, tutoring, curriculum implementation and adoption and summer learning programming. Being able to read is what makes all other learning possible. Investing in early literacy has been shown to have long-term positive impacts on state graduation rates, preventing dropouts and helping students succeed.

Strengthening Oregon’s Educator Workforce - SB 283 addresses Oregon’s K-12 educator workforce shortage. A key part of improving student success is making sure educators have good salaries, healthy working conditions, and the resources they need to help Oregon’s children learn. The bill establishes apprenticeship and mentorship grants, boost pay for teachers and classified staff who work in special education, pay for substitute teacher training, and directs ODE to study and plan for statewide minimum salaries for education workforces.

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Alyssa’s Law, HB 5014, in memory of Alyssa Alhadeff’s loss of life to gun violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2017, is $2.5 million included in the K-12 State School Fund. Funds schools to install mobile-based silent panic alarm systems that when activated, will send an immediate alert to law enforcement and Emergency Medical Services when there is a safety threat at a school building. States have also used this system in instances where a student or faculty was experiencing an allergic reaction, seizure, or heart issues.

School Emergency Notifications Act - HB 3584 directs school districts to electronically notify parents and guardians within 24 hours of students and school district employees experiencing a school emergency and keep them informed throughout the incident. The bill comes in response to the Lane Middle School shut down earlier this year that left many parents in the dark without concrete information or updates.

Abbreviated School Days - SB 819 requires ODE to enforce the current law by prohibiting school districts from offering students with disabilities fewer hours than non-disabled peers unless a parent provides written consent. Oregon has over 1,000 students with disabilities in shortened school day placements, denying them access to full-time school. Schools are struggling to find and afford staff needed to implement this bill, while ODE hires investigators.

ODE is currently recruiting investigators to enforce this new law and offers more than 50 hours of training for districts, schools, and families. Parents of students currently on a shortened school day schedule who want their children to attend full time should notify their school districts as soon as possible.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-31 10:11:34

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:25:45

The Oregon Department of Education(ODE) release the 2023 Summary of Enacted Education Legislation listing 111 legislative bills that impact education.

The bills passed in the 2023 session with ODE’s urging that they believe will have a positive impact for the agency, school districts, educators and students.

Zoe Larmer, ODE Government Relations Director, wrote, “Our legislative mission is driven by the core belief that equitable and anti-racist policies benefit all students, and the understanding that a system that works only for some is not a system that works at all. ODE is proud to have produced equity-minded legislation and to have collaborated with many partners to continue Oregon’s journey on the path toward equity and justice.”

The report summary picks eight bills they consider representative of their victories with the support of the Governor’s Office:

• HB 2280, which ensures the definition of consent that students learn in school will be the same definition used in school policies, aligning expectations of behavior and outcomes. What that means is the bill modifies provisions relating to sexual harassment in schools by standardizing the definition of "without consent" to mean acts performed without person's knowledge and agreement or when a person is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, unconscious, or pressured through force, coercion, or threats. Should a student be harassed, parents are only notified “if applicable.” Applies to acts on or after July 1, 2023.
  
  
• HB 2281, requires school districts to identify one or more Civil Rights Coordinators. It passed without a Republican vote and overwhelming testimony in opposition with concerns that it is a way to silence parents in opposition to CRT by sanctioning schools. The bill requires the civil rights coordinator to monitor, coordinate, and oversee district compliance with state and federal antidiscrimination laws, oversee investigations of complaints alleging discrimination, provide guidance and respond to questions on civil rights issues, and satisfy requirements prescribed by State Board of Education. Imposes sanctions, to be established by the State Board of Education, on public elementary or secondary schools found to be in noncompliance.
  
  
• HB 3144, develops the Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian Student Success Plan. The bill requires all statewide education plans to include strategies that provide for alignment with other statewide education plans. While this plan is the latest of many to address specific needs based on a specific minorities, reports are mixed with recommendations of providing more support to make postsecondary education feasible.
  
  
• SB 1050 passed unanimously, which implements standard for Holocaust, genocide and ethnic studies, and supports educators with professional development for the new social science standards. Effective July 1, 2023.
  
  
• HB 2275 was controversial. It requires applicants for Student Investment Account grants to take into consideration recommendations of advisory groups formed by Department of Education in relation to statewide education plans. Requires grants distributed from Student Investment Account to each site of Youth Corrections Education Program and Juvenile Detention Education Program to be equal to at least minimum amount distributed as grants to school districts. Expands authority of Department of Education to determine how to distribute moneys under statewide education plan related to students who are American Indian or Alaska Native. Grants discretion to Department of Education to determine how to distribute to specified programs appropriations made for accelerated college credit programs.

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• HB 3198 establishes the Early Literacy Success Initiative, the Birth Through Five Literacy Plan, and the Early Literacy Success Community Grant Program. Debates over how to teach reading continued throughout the late 20th century, with the "balanced literacy" approach favored by Dr. Lucy Calkins at Columbia Teachers College influencing reading instruction throughout the United States. This approach arose as a compromise between phonics and whole language. Dr. Calkins recently changed her published reading curriculum to include structured phonics. To date, 30 states have adopted legislation relating to the science of reading.
  
  
• SB 215 allows the Department of Education to adjust amounts charged related to distribution of agricultural products received from United States Department of Agriculture for school food programs. Increases the number of licensed speech-language pathologists and certified speech-language pathology assistants employed in education service districts and school districts. Authorizes the Department of Education to issue subpoenas related to certain investigations, and modifies notification and privacy requires when investigation is related to sexual conduct.
  
  
• SB 1002 eliminates State School Fund distributions for facility grants. Carves out $3 million each biennium from State School Fund to be used by Department of Education in supporting school districts, education service districts and public charter schools before, during or after threat or hazard to help improve safety and security of students and staff. The opposition didn’t like using school funds when smaller districts don’t have funds to provide special needs services.
  
  

Senator Michael Dembrow (D - Portland), chair of the Senate Education Committee comments, “We made tremendous progress this year for Oregon students, teachers, faculties, and families. The legislation we delivered will make our schools safer, healthier, and more effective for every Oregonian. I’m excited for our communities to start seeing and feeling a positive difference.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-30 10:32:20

Last Update: 2023-08-31 10:43:34

Since June of 2022, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), led by the statewide Health Education Panel and in collaboration with a diversity of internal and external partners, has been developing updated draft for the 2023 Oregon Health Education Standards. In September of 2023, the draft Oregon K-12 Health Education Standards will be presented to the State Board of Education for a first read.

The draft standards state that the standards were formed using the Oregon’s Student Health Survey from 6th, 8th and 11th graders asking about health and safety, mental and behavioral health, and climate and culture. They admit that survey data only tells part of the story. Data analysis often focuses on disparities and gaps. But data and statistics alone lack context and fail to capture the rich history and culture of many communities. Participatory analysis can provide community-led insight and context to better explain the whys of survey results.

That’s where you come in. ODE is requesting community participation by completing the 2023 Health Education Standards survey. All responses are anonymous and subject to public record. The survey window is from Wednesday, August 9 - September 1, 2023.

Health Education provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop health literacy, so they are able to access valid information, resources and services in order to develop, maintain and promote healthy behaviors.

Health education is built on the foundation of teaching to all dimensions of the whole child. The eight main standards in health education focus on the development of knowledge and skills that students will use throughout their lifetimes – understanding health content and concepts; analyzing influences; interpersonal communication; decision-making; goal setting; self-management; and advocacy.

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The draft outlines these standards:

• Wellness and Health Promotion (WHP) outlines the fundamental knowledge and skills students need to understand what social, familial and community factors influence the dimensions of health.
• Safety and First Aid (SFA) outlines the knowledge and skills students need to feel more prepared and confident to prevent, identify, and address safety and emergency situations at home, at school, and in the community.
• Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse (SUB) outlines the knowledge and skills students need to make decisions when faced with the pressures of using, misusing and abusing alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other substances.
• Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity outlines the knowledge and skills students need to understand where food comes from, what foods have high nutrient content, and how culture plays an important role in nutrition and food experiences.
• Social, Emotional, and Mental Health outlines the knowledge and skills students need to understand and express feelings, thoughts, and emotions; build healthy relationships with self and others; practice healthy decision-making skills; and support kindness, care, connection, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Healthy Relationships and Violence/Abuse Prevention outlines the knowledge and skills students need to develop self-awareness of personal boundaries and bodily autonomy; analyze influences in media and technology; identify characteristics of healthy and affirming interpersonal relationships.
• Growth and Development outlines the knowledge and skills students need to understand the changes that people can experience during puberty and adolescence that impact physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development; understand that sexuality is a normal and positive aspect of development; identify medically accurate, inclusive reproductive anatomy; and support students in developing positive identities and self-esteem across the lifespan.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health outlines the knowledge and skills students need to take care of their bodies and make informed decisions about their health, safety, relationships, and future. This includes decision-making around sexual behavior, pregnancy, and parenting; and the personal, relational, cultural, and historical factors that influence sexuality, sexual and reproductive health, and access to healthcare.

The last two standards have created pushback from parents when schools have allowed the instruction to go beyond age appropriateness and taken to points of illegal exposure. Quality health education requires time for students to develop and practice healthy age-appropriate behaviors.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-29 18:01:55

Last Update: 2023-08-29 18:36:03

Oregon Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) has introduced the No Tolls on Oregon Roads Act, which would rescind federal tolling authority granted to states specifically on Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 in Oregon. As a result, the legislation would prevent the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) from proceeding with any tolling projects along these two roadways – effectively blocking tolling from being implemented along these interstate highways in Oregon.

“Oregonians are understandably fed up with the state’s attempt to hastily implement tolling, and I want to give drivers peace of mind by making the current ‘pause’ permanent. By blocking tolling along I-5 and I-205, my No Tolls on Oregon Roads Act would protect our communities from traffic congestion, save families from paying a regressive tax, and support businesses by keeping transportation costs lower. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee, I’ll continue working closely with my colleagues to put a stop to this unfair interstate tax,” Chavez-DeRemer said.

The No Tolls on Oregon Roads Act prohibits the use of federal funds for tolling on I-5 and I-205 and prohibits the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) from approving I-5 and I-205 tolling projects.

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Full text of the bill is available here.

Recently, Chavez-DeRemer also introduced the Tolling Transparency Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to conduct an Economic Impact Study for any major tolling project and prevent the implementation of tolling until the study is complete. She also wrote to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Shailen Bhatt raising concerns that Oregon’s tolling proposal was out of compliance with federal law. Following the letter, Chavez-DeRemer and Bhatt held a call to discuss the impact the proposal could have on Oregon communities.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-29 15:54:23

Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:26:28