ato r
D a v id N
elso n
W orking F o r You
utor
Dear Friends and Neighbors
The 72 nd Legislature was a long and often
complicated session with many issues addressed. It
was called following five special sessions in which the
legislature worked tirelessly to align our state's budget
with continuously declining revenues. Oregon was
not alone in its budgetary troubles. Many states have
experienced similar problems and are or have been in
the process of special sessions, budget rebalancing and
program reductions.
This was an unusual legislative session at an extraordinary time in Oregon's
history. While the House remained under Republican control, the Senate was
split 15-15 and Oregon had a new Democratic Governor. Republicans and
Democrats worked together for a more efficient government, finding solutions
for many state problems and placing procedures in order to address others.
Although the length of our session was record breaking, our accomplishments
can be viewed as a model for efficiency and progress. We considered the needs,
concerns and well-being of all Oregonians and worked on core principals of
accountability and efficiency to build a legislative foundation on which
northeastern Oregonians can be proud, f
Thank you for your e-mails, letters, and phone calls. Once again, I was
pleasantly surprised by how many of you were able to visit me in Salem. It is
always great to hear from folks at home; your commitment and thoughtful
consideration of issues is always appreciated.
Enclosed you will find information on the progress and accomplishments made
this legislative session. I invite you to share your views with me and contact
me when I can he of assistance to you or come to visit your group to address
issues important to you.
Please call me at 541-278-2332, or e-mail sen.davidnelson@state.or.us.
Warm Regards,
David
IN TH IS ISSUE
• J obs & E conomy
• PERS R eform
• E ducation & T echnouxjy
• N atural R esources & W ater
RUCTURING THE OHP
¡ et S ummary
LEGISLATIVE INTERIM
OCTOBER 2003