It's been nearly two weeks since I left my teaching job to take office as State Representative for Oregon's House District 46. Starting the legislative session has reminded me of starting a school year: shiny new supplies, lofty aspirations, and a small knot in the stomach. As one of the "new kids" in Salem, I've spent quite a bit of time getting to know other members, Republicans and Democrats. They have been a welcoming bunch.
You can watch a television piece that KATU produced on some of the new young legislators:
I will be emailing occasional updates on my work in the session. Should you prefer not to receive them, unsubscribe at the link below. My hope, however, is that you will forward this to friends and neighbors, encouraging them to subscribe! My two wonderful aides, Christy Splitt and Leon Lindstrom, will help me return your e-mails, letters, and phone calls. As always, get in touch at rep.bencannon@state.or.us or 503-986-1446 to tell me your thoughts, ask questions, or set up a chance to talk in person.
Capitol Update
The session began on January 8 with pomp and ceremony, and the House got immediately to work that afternoon. We adopted rules that close ethics loopholes and promote bipartisan cooperation in the House. This past Wednesday, on a 46-11 vote, the House joined the Senate in passing SCR 1, which sets strict deadlines on legislative business and calls for a one-month legislative session in February 2008.
Committee work is also underway. I have been appointed to the following committees:
Energy and Environment (vice chair)
Health Care
Education Subcommittee on Innovation
Health Care Subcommittee on Access (vice chair)
Public participation is at the core of committee work. If you are interested in coming to Salem to participate in a hearing, please call my office and we will help you get oriented. You can also find committee agendas online, and follow all committee work and floor sessions live at the Oregon Channel.
Take action!
I will be using this section of these updates to let you know how to make a difference around a few key issues. Your backing can help them succeed in the Legislature. Please let my office know if you are able to attend a hearing or would like to submit written testimony on a bill. If you are unable to travel to Salem, you can express your support for legislation by e-mailing me. Please also share your views with majority leader Dave Hunt and minority leader Wayne Scott.
Healthy Kids: This week, the House Committee on Health Care will hold hearings on HB 2201, which would extend health insurance to all Oregon children, funded by a cigarette-tax increase. The hearings are Monday and Wednesday at 10:00am; public testimony will be Wednesday.
Biofuels: The House is considering legislation (HB 2210) to grow the biofuel sector through new incentives and standards for blending ethanol and biodiesel. Hearings are Wednesday and Friday at 1:00pm; public testimony will be Friday.
Measure 37: I support an immediate suspension of Measure 37, including claims in process, in order to give the Legislature time to restore fairness to the land use system. Please contact Senators Floyd Prozanski and Larry George, chair and vice-chair of the Committee on Land Use Fairness, to weigh in on this timely issue.
Apart from asking for your help advancing strong legislation in Salem, from time to time we'll invite you to volunteer in the district. Next week we'll be distributing info on my upcoming neighborhood visits. Email Leon if you'd like to volunteer this coming week.
Community Events
In the coming months I'll be holding some events in neighborhoods around the district. I hope you can come. Here is the schedule for the next few:
Saturday, January 27
Community Conversation at the Bipartisan Café (SE Stark and 79th), 7:30-9:30am.
Laurelhurst streetcorner meetup: intersection of NE 41st and Laurelhurst Pl, 10:00-10:30am.
Holgate streetcorner meetup: intersection of SE Holgate & 79th, 11:00-11:30am.
Saturday, February 3
Town Hall with Rep. Jackie Dingfelder (HD 47) at the Hollywood Senior Center (NE 40th & Hancock), 10:00am-12:00pm.
Best regards, and I wish you good wintry cheer!
State Representative Ben Cannon
900 Court St. NE, H-487
Salem, OR 97301 rep.bencannon@state.or.us
(503) 986-1446
Representative Ben Cannon
900 Court St. NE H-484, Salem, OR 97301 (503) 986-1446 rep.bencannon@state.or.us
