60 Democrats (and counting) are not attending the Trump inauguration

(snip) Oregon

Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Kurt Schrader, told Oregon Public Radio that they will attend anti-Trump events instead of going to the inauguration. Blumenauer, who claims to have attended every inauguration since he took office two decades ago, said this one was “not a productive use of my time.”

Rep. Peter DeFazio said he usually avoids inaugurations and Friday will be no exception.

See full list at USA Today

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Yes, There Are Non-Weird People in Oregon — Like This Cowboy (Video)

Radio show host, Tami Jackson writes, "Every week I report on more depressingly weird stuff in my native state of Oregon." Her lead up to the non-weird part is a must read for conservatives in Oregon, who are in the mood for a laugh, a shoulder shrug, or an eye-role regarding... Portland. But then, she gets to the Cowboy, the hero in the promised video. If you haven't seen it, you're going to love it!

Read more at Saving the Future
(Hat tip: Carolyn Webb)

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Climate change doubts? Burn ’em!

Although no one mentioned this, it seems to me that the Portland schools now face a problem: What to do with books and other material doubting that mankind's use of fossil fuels is mainly responsible for climate change. I suggest a solution in the spirit of the Portland School Board's decision last week to ban such material from the schools: Have students pile up the offending books in a great big heap and set them on fire. Read more by Hasso Herring... Read More......

Climate Change and a Few Simple Questions

(Hat tip: KimR) - I’m running for re-election to the statehouse, and I was at a League of Women’s Voters candidate forum the other night. One of their questions was, “What environmental programs would you implement to help Oregon do its part to stem the local impacts and the increasing pace of climate change?” Read more at the Oregon Catalyst Read More......

Oregon lays out sweeping protections for transgender students

(Hat tip: KimR) - Transgender students across Oregon should be able to use the bathrooms, names and pronouns they want, according to unprecedented guidelines released Thursday by the Oregon Department of Education. Read more at the Oregonian Read More......

TSJ: Why is state selling a forest without competitive bids?

In August 2015, the Oregon Land Board — Gov. Kate Brown, Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins and Treasurer Ted Wheeler — voted to sell roughly 82,450 acres of “Common School Trust Lands” within the Elliott State Forest because the state was losing money on those lands. --Under Oregon law, School Trust Lands are supposed to make money for schools. --Given the ongoing losses, the board reached the correct decision. Unfortunately, the sale protocol adopted by the Board is bizarre. The board will establish a price for the land based on appraisals, and that will be the only price accepted. If you dare to offer $1 more, your offer will be declared “non-responsive.” Read more at The Statesman Journal

Related:
In late 2014, Cascade Policy Institute questioned the Oregon Land Board's management of the Elliott State Forest. Read More......

The System Can Work as Intended

According to Oregon Senator Doug Whitsett (R-Klamath Falls), "One of the most important duties of the members of the Legislative Assembly is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent to best benefit the public. This often involves making difficult choices regarding what our true spending priorities should be." He adds, "Sometimes those decisions are not so difficult and actually are extremely easy to make." Geologists have warned of the high probability that a very destructive earthquake will hit Oregon. So, for a case-in-point, Sen. Whitsett discusses the need to seismically retrofit the Oregon Capitol (including an extensive remodel) and at-risk schools throughout Oregon. Between the capitol and schools, what would your first priority be? See how our legislative Republicans have argued this issue... Read more at News from Doug Whitsett Read More......

Oregon Governor Signs Law That Will Wipe Out Coal-Generated Energy in Phases Through 2030

(Hat tip: KimR) - With the stroke of Gov. Kate Brown's signature Friday, Oregon became the first state to eradicate coal from its power supply through legislation and now boasts some of the most stringent demands for renewable energy among its state peers. The new law will wipe out coal-generated energy in phases through 2030 and requires utilities to provide half of customers' power with renewable sources by 2040, doubling the state's previous standard. Read more at CNS News Read More......

Kitzhaber culture of corruption continues 1 year later

Bill Currier, Chairman of the Oregon Republican Party asks, "Do we turn a blind eye to endless dirty government or do we end this culture of corruption and replace it with open, honest and accountable government?" Read more at the Statesman Journal... Read More......

The Hidden Agenda in Oregon

The stand off in Burns, Oregon just ended. A couple of weeks ago, one of the protestors, rancher Lavoy Finicum, was shot nine times by federal agents as he attempted to travel to a public meeting to discuss their purpose. Two others, brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy, were arrested and put in solitary confinement. The Main Stream Media has painted the occupiers as armed militia, even using terms like “unhinged.” These labels are untrue and unfair descriptions. The truth is this is a story with a long history of abuse by the federal government... Read more at American Policy Center Read More......

Statement from Senator Ted Ferrioli Urging Lawmakers to Thoroughly Vet All Major Policy Bills during February Session

Press Release - February 3, 2016
Salem, Ore. - Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli released the following statement urging lawmakers to thoroughly vet all major changes to Oregon policy, avoiding unintended negative consequences from the 2016 legislative session:

"Yesterday's assertion by Linn County Commissioner Roger Nyquist that the Oregon Constitution allows counties to not comply with a proposed minimum wage mandate shocked policymakers convinced Oregon needs a higher minimum wage. This major hitch in the minimum wage plan left supporters stunned and scrambling to determine if their plan is enforceable, and if not, how they can compensate local governments for the unfunded mandate.

This sudden hiccup in the majority party's plans is a symptom of a pervasive disease in the Oregon legislature: Democrat leaders have ambitious goals to pass major new policies in just 35 short days. 35 days is not enough time to consider sweeping changes to the way Oregonians live and do business, from a $5 billion gross receipts tax to a cap and trade model for energy policy.

Senate Republicans are doing everything we can to slow the process down, provide Oregon citizens the chance to be engaged, and prevent unintended consequences resulting from a flawed legislative process. Lack of forethought and limited public involvement produced the failed "Cover Oregon" debacle, harming Oregon families and small businesses. We hope our colleagues will get the message thoroughly vet major changes to Oregon's key policies until the regular session. Otherwise, we'll be fixing new messes in 2017."

###

900 State Street NE Salem, OR 97301
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ferrioli
Sen.TedFerrioli@state.or.us

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Kate Brown: Oregon will keep accepting Syrian refugees

Gov. Kate Brown broke her silence on the controversy over resettling Syrian refugees Tuesday, saying that Oregon will "open the doors of opportunity" for displaced people. --"Clearly, Oregon will continue to accept refugees," Brown tweeted. "They seek safe haven and we will continue to open the doors of opportunity for them."

Read more at Oregon Live
(Hat tip: KimR) Read More......

Oregon's land use system contributes to housing crisis (OPINION)

...The current affordable housing crisis is devastating families in the Portland metro region, in vibrant regional cities like Bend and even some rural areas. The cause? On a macro level: an economy that is not producing enough good-paying jobs. On a micro level: a dysfunctional land-use planning system.

Read more at Oregonlive.com
(Hat tip: KimR) Read More......

'One size fits all' minimum wage proposal is 'catastrophic,' restaurant owner says

Restaurant owners are calling Gov. Kate Brown's minimum wage hike proposal a one size fits all plan, and one that could actually hurt Oregon's local businesses as well as its employees. --"We wanted to make sure that families, working families, single parents that are making minimum wage, could meet their housing and food costs in the Portland-metro area," Brown said.

Read more at KATU
(Hat tip: KimR) Read More......

What's Really Going on in Oregon! Taking Back the Narrative ! KrisAnne Hall

KrisAnne Hall - "Let's talk about Oregon. Because it's not about the Hammond's. It's not about the Bundy's. And it's time to take back the narrative. It's time to stop being directed and led by the media. It is time to stop being directed and led by the federal government's whims. It's time to know the facts."

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Oregon Senate Dems pursuing ‘Dirty Dozen’ partisan proposals

In the aftermath of a contentious legislative session defined by partisan politics, the majority party is determined to abuse the short February session by once again advancing a partisan, polarizing agenda backed by special interests. What was originally sold to Oregonians as a chance to adjust the budget and correct legislative mistakes and omissions has turned into a strategy for advancing ideological, controversial political issues that lack transparency and pay off wealthy campaign donors.

Read more at the Oregon Catalyst
(Hat tip: KimR) Read More......

Full Story on What’s Going on In Oregon – Militia Take Over Malheur National Wildlife Refuge In Protest to Hammond Family Persecution…

Many people will awaken today to the news of approximately 100 to 150 armed militia taking control of a closed Wildlife Park Headquarters, and not know the full back-story – so here it is:

Read more at Conservative Treehouse
(Hat tip: KimR)
Also see S. Thomas Lewis's video playlist Town Hall Meeting - Harney County Fairgrounds - Burns, OR. Tom is a local videographer. Read More......

New laws effective Jan 2016: ‘Lumps of coal’ for Oregon’s economy

With the end of a tumultuous year in Oregon government drawing to a close, Senate Republicans highlighted a number of new laws that will harm working families and small businesses in the New Year. --Bills passed by the Democrat majority absent bipartisan support during the 2015 legislative session going into effect January 1, 2016 include:

Read more at the Oregon Catalyst
(Hat tip: KimR) Read More......

Oregon: Band of Brothers Friend Needs Christmas Miracle

Leftists will do anything to stop Christian conscience, even harm Veterans. Judge Vance Day, a friend of many Veterans, is under attack because of his religious beliefs. Vance Day, former chairman of the Oregon Republican Party, is a sitting Circuit Court Judge in his home state [of Oregon]. Vance and I first met in 2009, where he was a guest speaker at Regent University. His calm, caring demeanor as well as his intellectual and spiritual depth were plainly evident.

Read more at Townhall.com
(Hat tip: KimR) Read More......

State agency rulemakers ignore their own rules

Senator Doug Whitsett - In past newsletters, I have warned how the controversial Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) threatens to increase costs of energy for poor and working Oregonians, under the guise of protecting the environment. --The LCFS was originally enacted by House Bill 2186 in 2009, but included a “sunset” provision that required the Legislature to reauthorize the law before the program could be implemented. The sunset was lifted by SB 324, passed during the 2015 regular session on largely party-line votes, with unanimous opposition from Republicans and a few Democrats.

Read more at the Oregon Catalyst
(Hat tip: KimR) Read More......