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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 15, 2018)
in other words february15 2018 3 Bonamici Bulletin By Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici The President talked about bipartisanship and unity during the State of the Union Address, but he failed to present meaningful propos- als to move our country in a positive direction. For months, Congress has not been able to agree on a long-term federal budget. This undermines the stability of the government – especially the military – and American businesses. Republicans have had control of the House, the Senate, and the White House for more than a year now, but their lead- ership has been marked by uncertainty and crisis after crisis. We must resolve one of the many issues that Congressio- nal leadership has neglected: protecting Dreamers from deportation. I’m also deeply concerned about Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee go- ing against the recommendations of top law enforcement to release the partisan Nunes Memo. Congress must do better. I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass good policies that will grow the economy and restore stability. Tackling the Opioid Crisis The opioid crisis is tearing fam- ilies apart across Oregon and the coun- try. To learn more about the crisis and how we can best address it, I convened discussions in Multnomah, Washing- ton, Columbia, Clatsop, and Yamhill counties. Health care providers, law en- forcement, treatment providers, people in recovery, and families affected by ad- diction have shared their stories, ideas, and experiences. Many of the stories I’ve heard are heart-wrenching, and I appreciate the courage it takes for peo- ple to speak out. We must recognize that addiction is a disease, not a moral fail- ing. After hearing many perspectives, it’s clear that there is no single solution. We must work together at the local, state, and federal levels to enact needed policy changes and to provide necessary resources to address this crisis. Newberg-Dundee Bypass Smart investments in infra- structure and transportation improve our lives and our communities. After years of hard work, planning, and co- ordination, Phase One of the Newberg- Dundee Bypass opened. This bypass will ease traffic congestion and make it safer for Yamhill County businesses to move goods to market. Additionally, it’s built to withstand a 9.0 earthquake. In Congress, I worked to designate the Newberg-Dundee Bypass as a high priority corridor eligible for additional funding and support. Members of Con- gress must work together to invest in infrastructure in Oregon and across the country, including roads, bridges, pub- lic buildings, electric grids, and broad- band internet. Protecting Consumers from Predatory Payday Lenders Under President Obama, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took strong action against unscrupulous payday lenders and stopped the worst abuses in the industry. Without strong protections, people facing financial crisis often turn to payday lenders and become trapped in a cycle of debt that is nearly impossible to escape. I am dis- appointed – but not surprised – that the Trump Administration plans to remove or relax these important consumer pro- tections. In the coming weeks, I will be reintroducing my Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic (SAFE) Lending Act to protect consumers from some of the worst predatory payday lending practices. The Will of the Voters I am deeply disappointed that the U.S. Department of Justice rescind- ed the Cole Memo, which discouraged prosecutors from charging individuals and businesses with federal marijuana- related crimes in states like Oregon where marijuana is legal, taxed, and regulated. More than 700 licensed small businesses in Oregon are threatened because of this misguided move by the Trump Administration. Voters in Or- egon have spoken, and their will must be respected. Attorney General Jeff Sessions should reverse this attack on states’ rights. You can find more updates about my work around NW Oregon and in Washington, D.C. on Facebook, Twit- ter, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also contact my Oregon and Washing- ton, D.C. offices with questions, com- ments, or for assistance with a federal agency. Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Contributors Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Chip Bubl Tobie Finzel Karen Kain Dr. Carol McIntyre Aaron Miller Shannon Romtvedt Photography Lily Buchanan Karen Kain Scott Laird One year subscription (24 issues) $35 Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Vernonia’s Voice, LLC PO Box 55 Vernonia, OR 97064 503-367-0098 Want to advertise? Have an article? Contact: scott@vernoniasvoice.com www.VernoniasVoice.com Affordable Homeownership Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity In February, Columbia County Habitat for Humanity (CCHFH) will open the application process to a new group of hopeful homeowners. The application process will kick off with two informational meetings on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30 pm and Saturday, February 24 at 10:00 am both at War- ren Community Fellowship. “Attending one of these meetings is a required part of the application because we want people to be fully aware of the process,” says Jennifer Anderson Executive Director, CCHFH. The new Habitat for Humanity house will be built on North 7th Street in St. Helens. Any low income family who has lived in Columbia County for at least one year is eligible to apply. “The process is designed to give people a hand up to make a better life for themselves. Housing is such a basic need it can affect health, education, and other aspects of a person’s life,” says Anderson. Debbie Ritthaler, the first Habitat Homeowner in Co- lumbia County, volunteers to extend this opportunity to other families. “When Habitat was working on my house, it was amazing to me to see all the total strangers come together to build a home for my family. Out of kindness of their hearts my children and I were able to have a place to call home.” Founded in 1999, Columbia County Habitat for Hu- manity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry that depends on donations from the community and volunteer labor to build homes for families in need. CCHFH is an equal housing opportunity lender that offers affordable mortgages to fami- lies that meet three requirements: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. For more information, call the affiliate office at (503) 366-1400 ext. 2 which is located in the ReStore on Hwy 30 in St. Helens. The information meetings will both take place off site at Warren Community Church, 56523 Co- lumbia River Hwy, Warren, Oregon. NEW LOCATION Fresh Roasted Coffee espresso • baked goods Open Every Day at 6:00 am Cedar Side Inn 825 Bridge Street 503-429-0214 FULL SPORTS PACKAGE! Karaoke with Donny Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7 9:00 pm Saturday, February 17 Open Mic Night with Donny 9:00 pm Saturday, February 24 LIVE MUSIC Taco Tuesday from opening until 9pm 3 hardshell or 1 softshell $4.25 Ladies’ Night every Thursday 6pm-close • Free Pool • Free WiFi • Specialty Pizzas iheck our Facebook page for daily specials and upcoming events 756 Bridge Street, Vernonia 503-429-5841 • Specialty hamburgers • 8 Draft beers & mixed drinks • 5 Craft beers on tap • Pool tables & satelite TV • Free Wi-fi • Beer & Kegs to go Sun - Thurs 11 AM - Midnight • 733 Bridge St, Vernonia Sat, Feb. 17 Thrill Ride Sat, Feb. 24 Sara McMahon “BIKER FRIENDLY” Fri - Sat 11 AM - 2:30 AM • 503-429-9999
