Statewide Roundtable Takes Public Policy Discussion Online

A statewide effort to engage the public in crafting state policy kicked off this week with a series of meetings from Portland to Eugene to Bend. Now the effort turns to getting a wide variety of Oregonians to sign up for online participation at www.oregonskitchentable.org. The goal of “Oregon’s Kitchen Table” is “to connect all Oregonians to real decisions in Salem,” according to a release from Rural Development Initiatives of Eugene, one of the sponsors. “Oregon’s Kitchen Table gives Oregonians the chance to weigh in on our state’s most urgent public policy issues. Your involvement in this experiment will help inform the tough decisions ahead that affect us all.” the release said. Phil Keisling, Director of the Center for Public Service at Portland State University said “The essence of the Kitchen Table project is that it’s neither left-wing, nor right wing. Rather, it’s fundamentally “Oregonian” — a sincere effort to engage as many diverse voices as we have in this state to share their thoughts and opinions on issues important to all of us.” Ron Saxton, Executive Vice-President at Jeld-Wen Foundation said “Oregonians who might have believed they didn’t have a place at the table are certainly welcome at this one.”

The initial conversation is about Oregon’s 10-year plan – Governor John Kitzhaber’s initiative to set long-term goals for the state and then create two-year budgets to implement them, according to Wendy Willis, Director of the Policy Consensus Initiative. People signing up to participate online will receive periodic emails on issues of statewide significance. Willis said policy makers are definitely interested in what the public is thinking, and in hearing ideas from across the state. As for the discussion on Kitzhaber’s 10-year plan, “He’ll consider your advice, pass it on to the folks who are working on his proposed budget, and let you know how they’ve used what you’ve had to say,” Willis said. Three kickoff meetings were held this week. There is one more at the Medford School District Education Canter Thursday May 24 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Publicity for the event notes, “
Our state has been slow to recover from economic crisis, rural counties are dramatically cutting services, and trust in government is at an all-time low. But there are new opportunities for engagement, and our public officials know that during these critical times, input from all of us is more important than ever.”

 

 Report an error

Statewide Roundtable Tries to Engage More Oregonians in Public Policy

A statewide effort called “Oregon’s Kitchen Table” kicks off this month in an attempt to get more Oregonians involved in crafting public policy. It is being billed as “an experiment to connect all Oregonians to real decisions in Salem.” An email sent by Rural Development Initiatives of Eugene said “
Our state has been slow to recover from economic crisis, rural counties are dramatically cutting services, and trust in government is at an all-time low. But there are new opportunities for engagement, and our public officials know that during these critical times, input from all of us is more important than ever.” RDI, along with several other groups, are hosting four public meetings and a statewide online forum. The initial conversation centers on Governor John Kitzhaber’s “10-year plan” to set long term goals for the state and craft budgets to meet them. Meetings next week are being held Monday, May 14 at Portland State University, 6:00 – 7:30 pm., at the Downtown Bend Library Tuesday May 15 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., at the Eugene Public Library Wednesday May 16 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and at the Medford School District Education Canter Thursday May 24 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

 

 Report an error

Tax Day Protests Come to County

reporting by Claire McGee

Across the nation, groups gathered in protest on Tuesday, also known as Tax Day. Members of Occupy Newport gathered at City Hall to protest the low or non-existent taxes paid by some corporations. Event organizer Rennie Ferris bemoaned Kurt Schrader’s stance on taxation. Ferris said, “We’re here to protest the unfairness of America’s tax system.” Signs referred to the so-called “Buffet Rule” in the news lately. The U.S. Senate Tuesday blocked President Obama’s call for imposing the “Rule,” which would have raised the minimum income tax rate on Americans earning more than $1 million per year. The idea emerged from a now-famous quip by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who noted that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary. After the vote, the White House issued a statement saying Obama would continue to pressure Congress on the issue. “It’s just plain wrong that millions of middle-class Americans pay a higher share of their income in taxes than some millionaires and billionaires,” Obama said.

Despite steady rain, tax protesters gathered at all four corners of the intersection of Hwy 101 and Hwy 20, as well as in front of Newport City Hall.In Portland, according to Oregonian reporter Anne Saker, the nonprofit advocacy group We Are Oregon organized a rousing lunch-hour bracket of Tax Dodger Ball at Terry Schrunk Federal Plaza. The point, said spokesman Angus Maguire, was “to deliver a pointed message about corporate tax dodgers.” Read the entire story from our Oregon News Network partner Oregonlive.com here:

Sometimes, dodge ball is a game. Tuesday, it also served as a piece of Tax Day political theater in downtown Portland.

 Report an error

2011 Drug-Related Deaths Highest in Decade

Figures from Oregon State Medical Examiner Dr. Karen Gunson show 2011 was the worst year for drug-related deaths since 2000. “The sharp rise in illicit drug deaths in just one year is alarming. Of great concern is the rise in heroin deaths, probably indicating an increase in the availability of the drug,” Gunson said. There were increases in all four categories tracked by the State Medical Examiner’s office. Drug-related death statistics released for 2011 show a 20 percent increase, 240 total drug-related deaths, up from 200 deaths in 2010. Deaths tabulated came from the use of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or a combination use of those drugs. Statewide prescription drug overdose deaths were close to the number of deaths during the previous year. “The unacceptable level of the number of prescription drug deaths remained steady. We must continue to educate patients on the safe use of these medications and continue to warn those who abuse these drugs of how dangerous and fatal misuse may be,” said Gunson.

Heroin was the leading cause of death with 143 deaths; a 59 percent increase and the highest number of recorded deaths for this category since the start of 2000. Cocaine-related deaths saw the highest percentage increase (63%) for the year but were the third lowest total number since 2000. 33 deaths in 2011 were cocaine-related, up from 20 deaths in 2010. There was one additional methamphetamine-related death in 2011 compared to 2010, but the 107 total was still the highest number for this category since the start of 2000. Deaths from a combination of drugs jumped 115 percent in 2011 with 39 deaths.

 Report an error

Environmental Quality Commission Meets in Newport

The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission holds its next regular meeting April 25-27 in Newport. Th meeting includes a joint discussion with the Oregon Board of Forestry to talk about water quality roles and responsibilities between the two agencies. The meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday April 25 at the Best Western Agate Beach and continues from 8:30 – 3:45 Thursday and 8:00 – 4:00 Friday at the same location. The public forum portion of the meeting runs from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Comments are taken on any DEQ rulemakings for which the comment period is still open. There is another public comment period at 1:30 Thursday afternoon during the joint session with the Board of Forestry. Also Thursday, the commission will take action on Oregon’s proposed Water Resource Strategy, which outlines a series of actions and plans to protect and improve Oregon’s water quality and quantity. The strategy is linked to a 2009 legislative proposal calling for more coordinated state action on water resource issues.

 Report an error