in other words
february20
2020
3
Salem Report
By Representative Brad Witt
The 2020 Legislative
Session has begun and
since this is the short ses-
sion, things will be mov-
ing at a rapid pace. Over
the next 35 days, we will
consider legislation dealing with a wide
variety of topics.
Many Legislative proposals
have been introduced this short session,
but one that has captured much attention
is SB 1530, commonly referred to as the
Cap and Trade bill, a plan to reduce Or-
egon’s greenhouse emissions.
SB 1530 is similar to the Cap
and Trade bill that was introduced in
2019 (HB 2020) and relates to reducing
greenhouse gas emission in the transpor-
tation, manufacturing, and utilities sec-
tors. Large polluters would need to ob-
tain credits for each ton of gas they emit,
and there would be an overall statewide
cap on emissions reducing over time.
I believe that we need to deal
with climate change, and arrest the spec-
trum of greenhouse gas emissions, to
ensure that the earth remains inhabitable
for us and every other living species.
However, I think SB 1530 is a flawed
model, and while there are many other
Oregon jurisdictions who have a higher
carbon output, portions of House District
31 would be treated adversely. That’s
why many of my constituents joined the
Timber Unity rally at the Capitol.
We have the opportunity to get
this legislation right, but perhaps not
during a short five-week session. Gov-
ernment works when we have buy-in
from those who are governed. Finding
legislative consensus is not simple, but it
is achievable when we listen and incor-
porate the needs of all our stakeholders.
Clean air, clean water, and carbon reduc-
tion are achievable goals but we need
to work together and not just penalize
those rural Oregonians who are work-
ing hard to maintain a good standard of
living. The legislative process includes
amending legislation to get it right, and
I have ideas that would improve this bill
by working across party lines to build
consensus. I will continue to advocate
for changes that make carbon reduc-
tion implementation fair across the state.
Oregon has tackled many difficult chal-
lenges and I am confident that we can
find a workable solution that neither
singles out rural Oregon in general, or
my district in particular, for unequal or
adverse treatment.
Given the time frame of the
short session, bills are moving quickly
through the legislative process. In order
to have livable communities, citizens
enjoying fulfilling lives, building and
maintaining a robust economy, people
need satisfying employment. Some of
the legislation I’m working on this ses-
sion will benefit and support Oregon’s
workforce.
I was proud to jointly carry HB
4052 with Rep. Sherrie Sprenger, (R-
17). HB 4052 is a bill from my House
Natural Resources Committee and was
unanimously approved by House mem-
bers. This legislation amends residency
requirements for wildlife license, tag,
and permit applications. In order to claim
residency, a person must have resided in
Oregon at least six months before apply-
ing for tags, licenses, or permits. Merely
owning property or paying property tax-
es, while claiming residency in another
state or country will not qualify. This
measure will provide Oregon State Po-
lice and prosecutors another tool to deal
with individuals arrested for wildlife
poaching who have claimed out-of-state
residency. HB 4052 now moves to the
Senate for consideration.
State economists delivered their
quarterly revenue forecast which shows
a $183.4 million increase in the general
fund and lottery resources over Decem-
ber’s predictions. These increases are
driven by higher-than-estimated per-
sonal income and estate tax collections.
Oregon’s economy is strong and we con-
tinue to see high employment rates. We
need to continue to look ahead and seek
equity in our economic growth for all
Oregonians.
I am pleased to join Rep. Nan-
cy Nathanson (D-13) in sponsoring HB
4143 to Protect Oregon Apprenticeship
Programs. Currently apprenticeship pro-
grams can be registered at either the state
or federal level. The Oregon Bureau of
Labor and Industries (BOLI) then over-
sees registered programs to ensure their
curriculum, instruction, and overall pro-
gram quality. This legislation is being
introduced because of proposed changes
at the federal level which would create
a new, parallel, unregulated system of
apprenticeship programs without quality
standards. The more lenient federal re-
quirements would undermine the estab-
lished quality assurance mechanisms in
the current, proven apprenticeship mod-
el. HB 4143 is designed to safeguard
worker protections and high-quality in-
struction in registered apprenticeship
programs, by ensuring that any public
funds will only be spent on apprentice-
ship programs that are approved using
the current registration and oversight
model.
While apprenticeship programs
help younger, inexperienced workers,
age discrimination in Oregon has be-
come a major employment barrier to
older adults. That’s why I’ve signed on
with Rep. Carla Piluso (D-50) to spon-
sor HB 4076 which establishes a Task
Force on Age Discrimination. In a study
conducted by AARP, 62% of older Or-
egonians have seen or experienced age
discrimination on the job. In the past
decade more than 2,500 Oregonians
have filed age discrimination claims
with BOLI. Unlike workplace discrimi-
nation based on race, religion, ethnicity,
national origin, and sex, the legal stan-
dard for proving age discrimination is
far more difficult and rarely successful.
Studies have shown that an engaged,
multigenerational workforce fosters a
strong economy, vibrant communities,
and older adults who are self-sufficient.
The Task Force will be charged with
identifying and evaluating the impacts
of age discrimination in the workplace
and establishing policy recommenda-
tions to prevent it.
For youth and young people, the
Northwest Youth Corps has just opened
their online enrollment in the summer
school/work program. The Northwest
Youth Corps offers a challenging edu-
cation and job-training opportunity so
participants can learn, grow, and expe-
rience success. Their programs focus on
education, challenges, community, lead-
ership, and empowerment, giving youth
critical life skills and confidence. The
Northwest Youth Corps was modeled
after the historic Civilian Conservation
Corps of the 1930s and has been offer-
ing local teenagers an education-based,
work experience since 1984. Their pro-
grams include residential conservation
crews for both youth and young adults,
local community crews, an internship
program for college aged participants, a
fully accredited high school, and a two-
acre organic farm. Whether looking for
an amazing summer work experience or
looking to gain specific skills for a fu-
ture career with land management agen-
cies, through the Northwest Youth Corps
participants can work on meaningful
conservation projects, learn new skills,
meet new people, and discover new op-
Publisher and Managing Editor
Scott Laird
503-367-0098
scott@vernoniasvoice.com
Contributors
Chip Bubl
Robert Davis
Tobie Finzel
Jessica Kutz
Karen Miller
Shannon Romtvedt
Captain Will Steinweg
Representative Brad Witt
Photography
Alexandra Knauer
Scott Laird
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In order to best represent the
people of House District 31, I’d like to
hear from you as measures are taken up
for consideration. It is my privilege to
represent your interests, so if you have
an issue or concern regarding a state
agency, please contact my office.
If you are planning to come to
Salem this month and would like to meet
with me, please call in advance so we
can schedule an appointment. I always
enjoy seeing constituents when they vis-
it the Capitol.
Email:
Rep.BradWitt@oregonlegislature.gov
Phone: 503-986-1431
Address: 900 Court St NE, H-382,
Salem, OR, 97301
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.
gov/witt
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