Posts Tagged ‘Senator Richard Devlin’

HB 2020 asks agencies to take closer look at management-to-staff ratios; HB 3247 helps small businesses register with the Secretary of State

SALEM –Two pieces of legislation that improve government efficiency in the delivery of services to Oregonians received broad support in the Senate this afternoon.

Continue reading “Government efficiency bills move in Senate” »

SB 219 establishes the Oregon Business Retention and Expansion Program

SALEM – A legislative proposal that will encourage companies to locate or expand their high-wage, high-skilled workforce in Oregon passed off of the Senate floor this morning. Senate Bill 219, the Oregon Business Retention and Expansion Program, is a priority for the Senate Democrats, who have made job growth and economic revitalization a cornerstone of their 2011 Session Agenda.

Continue reading “Senate approves legislation to attract high wage jobs” »

Devlin and Bates point to major health care victories over last two days

SALEM – Creation of a heath care marketplace that will provide 350,000 Oregonians with access to affordable, quality health care took another major step forward Tuesday with an agreement to accept a federal grant that will give Oregon $48 million to fund the development of a state health insurance exchange.

Continue reading “Funding for health exchange moving forward in budget committee” »

Annual Sessions Creates Opportunity for Adjustments in 2012

(SALEM) – With a unanimous vote today, Oregon Senators gave approval to a $5.7 billion budget for K-12 schools for the 2011-13 biennium.

The appropriation to the State School Fund provides essentially the same level of funding for the next two years as Oregon public schools will receive in the current biennium.

“What you are seeing is the effect of annual sessions. We know we will be back in February. We know that if the economy improves we can boost school funding in 2012,” said Senate President Peter Courtney. “For now, we can work with the revenue we have available and provide certainty and stability for local school boards that are making plans for the coming year.”

The $5.7 billion K-12 budget taps $100 million from the Education Stability Fund and draws additional money from the Common School Fund. It represents a $146 million increase over what was proposed in the Governor’s Recommended Budget.

Continue reading “Senate OKs Budget for Schools” »

SB 935 allows debtors to keep up to $5,000 of business equipment to protect their livelihood

SALEM – The Oregon Senate voted this morning to increase the amount that Oregonians are allowed to exempt from bankruptcy to protect business equipment vital to their ability to earn a living. SB 935 raises the “tools of the trade” exemption from $3,000 to $5,000 dollars, helping thousands of Oregonians who own small businesses or work as independent contractors.

“This bill will help some struggling Oregonians get back on their feet and recover from the effects of the worst economic climate we’ve seen since the Great Depression,” said Senator Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin), who introduced the bill in response to issues raised by a constituent. “By passing SB 935 we will be able to help some Oregonians remain employed or restart their businesses, allowing them to be contributing members of our economy.”

Although bankruptcy is governed by federal law, each state is allowed to determine the type and value of property that may be exempted as “tools of the trade.” Oregon has taken advantage of this provision and established its own exemption amount, although it has not been updated since 1993.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many Oregonians lose everything in this recession,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “From construction workers to auto mechanics, this bill will help people who rely on their tools for their livelihood.”

SB 935 was voted off the Senate floor with a unanimous vote. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

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For more information on the Senate Majority Caucus, please visit www.orsenatemajority.org