Posts Tagged ‘Senator Ginny Burdick’

Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), a long-time advocate for eliminating distractions on the roads, praised the Governor’s signature of HB 2377 today. As of January 1, 2010 Oregon will join six states, numerous municipalities, and the District of Columbia by prohibiting use of a hand-held cellular telephone while driving.

“This is a common sense safety issue,” said Burdick, who has introduced similar road safety legislation in previous sessions. “Particularly as a cyclist, I see this as a step in the right direction for helping everyone on the road develop safer habits.”

Exceptions to the new law are provided for public safety and emergency personnel, persons operating a vehicle within the scope of employment, persons engaged in certain one-way communications, and FCC-licensed amateur radio and two-way radio operators. HB 2377 designates a violation as a primary offense punishable as a Class D traffic violation with maximum fine of $90.

HB 2377 was introduced in the House by Representatives Carolyn Tomei (D-Milwaukie) and Sal Esquivel (R-Medford). Senator Bill Morrisette (D-Springfield) was also a chief Senate sponsor.

SB 628 outlines process to help prevent foreclosures

With Oregon foreclosure rates soaring, the Senate voted today to pass an assistance package that aims at helping Oregonians who are at risk of losing their homes. SB 628 establishes a process to bring lenders and borrowers together to review the viability of a modified loan with a goal of preventing foreclosures.

“This legislation creates the opportunity for homeowners to have a conversation with their lender about modifying their loans,” said Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-NW Portland/Washington Co.), chief sponsor of the bill. “Many times when borrowers fall behind on their mortgage payments they don’t know who to call, and when they do, they find that there isn’t anyone on the other end of the line to help them navigate this complicated system.”

SB 628 requires that any Notice of Default sent to Oregon homeowners outline the following:

• Information about the possibility of loan modification;
• A “Modification Request Form (Form);” and
• Contact information for referral to a Housing Counselor.

Continue reading “Foreclosure assistance package passed in Senate” »

SB 880 uses a carrot and stick approach to collect back taxes

SALEM – Oregon will give people and corporations who owe back taxes a time out from penalties with legislation passed this afternoon in the Senate. SB 880 establishes a personal, corporate and inheritance tax amnesty to run from October 1 through November 19, 2009. The Legislative Revenue Office estimates that SB 880 will net $16.2 million for the 2009-2011 biennium – money that will go to support schools, public safety, and essential services.

“We fully believe in holding people accountable for their responsibility to pay taxes,” said Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), chair of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee. “However, we recognize that it can be difficult for people to settle up in tough times. This bill gives them a good reason to take care of their outstanding debt while implementing higher penalties for those who continue to willingly disregard their tax obligation.”

SB 880 uses both rewards and penalties to encourage taxpayers to come forward and settle their tax debt. As an enticement, the Department of Revenue is directed to waive the penalties and half of the interest payments that would otherwise be due for delinquent taxpayers who come forward during the amnesty period. As punishment for not participating, SB 880 allows a post-amnesty penalty equal to 25% of the original penalty for those who could potentially have participated in the amnesty but chose not to.

“This legislation can really help people get on top of their debt,” said Senator Diane Rosenbuam (D-Portland). “We’ve made accommodations to ensure that people will know about the program and will be able to make payments in installments if that’s what they can afford at the time.”

To maximize public awareness of the amnesty opportunity, SB 880 requires creation of an outreach and media campaign. Participants may apply to pay the balance due in installments. The opportunity for amnesty is limited to participants who have not received a notice of deficiency from the Department of Revenue.

Tax amnesties are commonly employed by states seeking to bring in delinquent tax revenue. Forty-three states have conducted at least one amnesty in the past, including four that are currently ongoing and one that was recently completed. Oregon is 1 of the 7 states that have not had a tax amnesty, though proposals have been considered during past fiscal crises, including during the 2001-03 recession.

The bill will now go to the House for consideration.

HB 2377 now goes to the House for a concurrence vote

SALEM – The Oregon Senate approved legislation this afternoon that requires drivers to use hands-free devices with their cell phones when operating a motor vehicle. House Bill 2377 will take effect on January 1, 2010.

“This is a common sense safety issue,” said Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “A ban on handheld cell phones will reduce traffic accidents, fatalities, and protect Oregonians.”

With final passage of HB 2377 Oregon will join six states, numerous municipalities, and the District of Columbia by prohibiting use of a hand-held cellular telephone while driving. Exceptions are provided for public safety and emergency personnel, persons operating a vehicle within the scope of employment, persons engaged in certain one-way communications, and FCC-licensed amateur radio and two-way radio operators. HB 2377 designates a violation as a primary offense punishable as a Class D traffic violation with maximum fine of $90.

“As  a cyclist, this is a really important step toward safe roads for everyone,” said Senator Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland), a chief Senate sponsor of the bill. “Keeping both hands on the wheel may seem like a minor request, but there are already too many sad stories about drivers, passengers, and bicyclists being injured or killed because someone was distracted by a cell phone.”

HB 2377 was introduced in the House by Representatives Carolyn Tomei (D-Milwaukie) and Sal Esquivel (R-Medford). Senator Bill Morrisette (D-Springfield) was also a chief Senate sponsor.

HB 2005 expands on landmark reforms passed last legislative session

SALEM – During this morning’s floor session, the Senate voted to approve updates and improvements to 2007’s Initiative Reform and Modernization Act (IRMA). HB 2005 expands on the restructuring implemented in 2007 by clarifying requirements and standards for paid signature gathering.

“The initiative system has become a key piece of Oregon’s history and identity over the last hundred years,” said Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “Oregonians value the initiative process yet it is obvious that the system has been abused in recent decades. These reforms will help preserve the integrity that Oregonians expect in the initiative system.

Specifically, HB 2005 gives the Secretary of State better tools to prevent forgery and fraudulent activity by:

• Requiring comprehensive background checks of paid signature gatherers;
• Allowing concurrent civil and criminal enforcement of election violations;
• Making chief petitioners liable when they “should have known” that a circulator has broken the law.

“Those who abuse the system need to know that there are repercussions,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “The initiative was created as a tool for the people of Oregon, not as a for-profit venture for bad actors who abuse the system. HB 2005 will help ensure that the intent of the system is respected.”

The bill will now go to the Governor for his approval.