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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 19, 2018)
in other words april19 2018 3 Bonamici Bulletin By Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici There’s been a lot of news lately, and I want to highlight a few actions Congress has taken that will help Oregon. First, Congress put an end to the harmful practice of fire borrowing, which forced the Forest Service to spend wildfire prevention funds to fight wild- fires, leaving less money for forest man- agement. Second, Congress funded the Secure Rural Schools program, which helps rural Oregon counties pay for edu- cation, public safety, and other vital ser- vices. I was proud to contribute to these victories for Oregon and will keep fight- ing back on congressional gridlock and working hard to support all of our com- munities. Here’s what else I’ve been working on: Town Hall Meetings Representative democracy thrives when people participate fully and make their voices heard. I appreciate everyone who joined my six town hall meetings this spring in Portland, Beaverton, McMin- nville, St. Helens, Forest Grove, and Astoria. We discussed a wide range of issues, including gun violence preven- tion, the opioid crisis, holding the Trump administration accountable, safeguard- ing our environment, and strengthening public education. It was especially in- spiring to hear from students in McMin- nville and Astoria who are working to make their schools safe and raise their voices about gun violence prevention. Gaining Work Experience in School Work study helps students earn money while in college, and it should also be an opportunity to gain valuable experience that will lead to good jobs after gradu- ation. I worked my way through com- munity college with help from the Fed- eral Work Study program, which opened doors and created opportunities for me. I want students in Oregon and around the country to have the same chance to suc- ceed and to reach for a better future, so I’ve introduced legislation to modernize the Federal Work Study program. My bill, the Opportunities for Success Act, will help make college more affordable and will also promote programs that focus on career readiness so students graduate with relevant work experience in their field of study. There are many steps we can take to make college more affordable and accessible, and updating the Federal Work Study program is one key step. Preventing Gun Violence Many Oregonians have told me that they want Congress to pass legislation that will help prevent gun violence and keep their communities safe. I’ve been in- spired by the courage and leadership of students from Florida, Oregon, and around the country who are speaking out and demanding change. Congress recently lifted the ban that prevented the CDC from studying gun violence as a public health issue. It’s an important step, but as a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force I know we can do more. In the coming months, I’ll continue to work with my colleagues to strengthen universal background checks, get military-style weapons off our streets, ban bump stocks, and keep guns out of the hands of dangerous indi- viduals. Congress needs to take action. The American people and future genera- tions are counting on us to debate and pass gun violence prevention legislation. Protecting Dreamers President Trump is again playing games with the lives of hard-working Dream- ers. A few months ago he said he wanted to protect Dreamers, but now he’s turn- ing his back on them. Dreamers have pursued an education and are working to make our communities better places to live; I won’t stand idly by as this heart- less Administration tries to deport them. I think about Miriam, my constituent who was brought to this country when she was less than a year old, and I can’t imagine her being taken away from her husband, son, and the only home she has ever known. Congressional leaders must stand up to the President and pass the bi- partisan DREAM Act. Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Contributors Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Chip Bubl Tobie Finzel Karen Kain Aaron Miller Karen Miller Shannon Romtvedt Robert Schattschneider Photography Karen Kain Scott Laird One year subscription (24 issues) $35 Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. You can find more updates about my work around NW Oregon and in Wash- ington, DC on Facebook, Twitter, Insta- gram, and YouTube. You can also contact my Oregon and Washington, DC offices with questions, comments, or for assis- tance with a federal agency. 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 Citizens Invited to Represent Neighborhoods, Contribute to County Decision-making Process Citizen Planning Advisory Committees advise Columbia County leaders on land use matters Columbia County residents are urged to become more involved in repre- senting their neighborhoods by running for election to Citizen Planning Advi- sory Committees (CPAC). CPACs are volunteer organi- zations led by people who live or own property in their communities. Commit- tee members are elected by their neigh- bors. The committees provide advice and recommendations to the Columbia County Land Use Planning program on land use matters being considered by the Planning Department, the Planning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners. Land use topics can in- clude applications, comprehensive plan amendments, zoning changes, design review, home business occupations, can- nabis operating permits, and land divi- sions. Columbia County has seven CPACs; each CPAC with the excep- tion of the Mist-Birkenfeld committee, is divided into seven neighborhoods, with one committee member represent- ing each neighborhood. To be elected to a seat on a CPAC a candidate must re- ceive five votes from the neighborhood in which they live. Elections take place in April for the communities of Scappoose-Spitzen- berg, St. Helens-Columbia City, Tide Creek, Rainier-Fernhill, Clatskanie- Quincy, and Upper Nehalem. The Mist- Birkenfeld election will take place at a later date to be determined. “Being involved in a CPAC al- lows people to come together to learn about and discuss issues important to their neighborhoods,” said Columbia County Chair Margaret Magruder. “This is an excellent way to interact with de- cision-makers and have an impact on community activities and interests.” To be eligible to vote residents must show photo identification proving they are at least 18 years old and that they live in the CPAC neighborhood where they will cast their ballot. Neigh- borhood property owners who don’t re- side at their property must show a tax statement proving they own property within the neighborhood where they are voting. NEW LOCATION Fresh Roasted Coffee espresso • baked goods Open Every Day at 6:00 am continued on page 16 Cedar Side Inn 825 Bridge Street 503-429-0214 FULL SPORTS PACKAGE! 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