SalemWatch: The Time to Act is Now

With 921 bills already submitted, the pace of action in Salem is fast and furious. While this is an amazing number of bills to have been recorded this early into session, the bleak revenue forecast has given rise to a different kind of buzz around the capitol this week.

Budget, budget, budget. Revenue, revenue, revenue.
 

The figures are disheartening. As outlined by state economist Tom Potiowsky this past Friday, a growing recession in Oregon could mean a budget hole of $750 million for the year. Check out what the Oregonian had to say. Immediate threats include schools closing early, budget cuts, and job losses. As read from the Oregonian, "The budget situation has lawmakers scrambling to find the best way to shore up state services and bring economic relief to Oregonians."
 
Ahead of us is the impending threat of being nearly $2.2 billion short of the estimated $17 billion dollars need to maintain current state services throughout 2009-2011. The next state Economic Forecast will be released on February 20th.
 

Remember: to track bills, listen to hearings, track committee schedules and receive capital press releases, be sure to utilize the State Legislature website, updated daily.
  

Citizens and lobbyists representing OCN priorities are toiling hard, educating legislators and senators about the breadth of their issues, while their support teams are working to solidify grassroots activities and citizen involvement trainings. Don't miss out on making history - see below for ways you can be involved.
 

Each week we will update you on any of OCN’s priorities when there is news to report.  For the complete list and overview of all of the Priorities for a Healthy Oregon visit www.OregonPriorities.org.

Implement Global Warming Solutions

RePower Oregon 2009 Campaign Rollout - Tuesday, January 27th

Join the diverse and growing coalition of Oregonians calling for immediate action on Global Warming. Attendees will include Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, state legislators, and Oregonians from the business, faith, low-income, and environmental communities.
 

12-1, Press event in House Room 50. Stick around after the event to connect with campaign organizers and get involved.
 

3pm, Joint Committee for Environment and Natural Resources Legislative Hearing on Global Warming
 

RePower Oregon Lobby Day - Tuesday, February 10th
 

Take the opportunity to travel to Salem and learn how to most effectively lobby your legislator on fighting against global warming.
 

For more information contact Seth Moore at 503-278-1577.

Preserve Oregon's Coastal Legacy

Our Oceans Lobby Day - Tuesday, February 24th

The campaign to preserve Oregon's coastal legacy is gearing up.  Save the date for an Our Ocean Lobby Day.  More information to come soon! Contact Erin Anderson with any questions at eanderson@mrsspdx.com or (503) 221-7922 x 12.

Increase Transportation Options
 
1000 Friends Citizen Activist Training - this Tuesday, January 27th.

• Learn how to make your voice heard by your legislators
• Gain the skills and techniques you need to advance our shared policy priorities
• Discuss what we can do together to advance our common goals of creating and protecting livable communities, fighting climate change and investing in a greener transportation system for Oregon.
• Learn about way to get involved with the Bus, 1000 Friends, Focus the Nation and Healthy Climate Partnership during the legislative session.
   
  

Roots Organic Brewery,
1520 SE 7th Ave.
6-8 pm

Space is limited! Contact Tara@friends.org to reserve a spot.

1. Bottle Bill takes shape

This session there will be an effort to expand Oregon's Bottle Bill based on recommendations from the Bottle Bill Task Force that was assembled as a result of the passage of SB 707 in 2007. The Department of Environmental Quality, with support of a number of OCN groups, has filed HB 2184 which raises the deposit to 10 cents in 2011 and expands the covered containers to include almost all beverage containers, including liquor and wine bottles in 2013. It also gives the Oregon Liquor Control Commission more authority to establish standards for redemption facilities and it sets an 80% return rate goal for covered containers by 2015.

2. League of Women Voters of Oregon's Day at the Legislature - Tuesday, March 17th
 
More information to come; not to be missed. Watch for updates either in SalemWatch or on their website.
 
Also, to take advantage of their legislative update newsletter, sign up here.
 
3. Contribute to a fight to make PGE's Boardman Plant cleaner

As the leading source of haze and a dangerous source of air pollution in the Columbia River Gorge, it is time to require PGE to install modern pollution control devices on its Boardman Coal Fired Power Plant. The plant is outdated and, instead of producing clean power, is one of the biggest contributors to filthy air and acid rain in our state. It is a threat to our natural beauty and public health.

Groups such as Onward Oregon, Columbia Riverkeeper, and the Sierra Club are working tirelessly to rally the public to get involved. Join the fight - write to the Department of Environmental Quality, demanding that we clean up the Boardman Plant.

Comments will be accepted until January 30th - write today!

During the session, SalemWatch is sent out weekly to conservation advocates across the state. Have any submissions? Anything you would like to hear more about? Email Melissa@olcv.org or call at 503-224-4011.