State legislators mull proposals aimed at improving the state’s infrastructure, public record laws.
BY JACOB PALMER | OB DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
Ten lawmakers representing both sides of the aisle have started work on a transportation package.
A possible increase to the state’s gas tax is being considered along with other proposals, the Statesman Journal reports.
The group’s members: Senate President Peter Courtney, House Speaker Tina Kotek, Rep. Caddy McKeown, Rep. Tobias Read, Rep. Cliff Bentz, Rep. John Davis, Sen. Lee Beter, Sen. Betsy Johson, Sen. Doug Whitsett and Sen. Jeff Kruse.
The early fight about a transportation package has revolved around the Clean Fuels Program, which Republicans are calling a de facto gas tax.
From the SJ:
Early in the session, Republican leaders said Democrats could not have their support on a transportation bill if they pushed the low-carbon fuel standard issue. Democratic leaders insisted the two bills are not connected, but House Republican Leader Mike McLane said in January that both will raise the price of gasoline and will therefore be connected in the minds of voters.
“You can’t have everything you want,” said Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli at the time. He was very clear: Pass the carbon bill, and the GOP won’t play ball on raising the gas tax.
While lawmakers have to decide whether to pursue further methods of limiting climate-changing emissions, a research firm found that a slim majority of Oregonians support a carbon tax.
The Portland Tribune reports:
A February opinion survey by Portland-based DHM Research found 28 percent of Oregonians “strongly support” a carbon tax and another 23 percent “somewhat support” such a tax. While that’s a 51 percent majority, history shows any viable tax measure on an Oregon ballot should start with a higher level of support if it’s going to pass. That’s because an opposition campaign inevitably will whittle away some voters who are initially supportive.
“You wouldn’t want to go to the ballot with that,” said Adam Davis, founding principal of DHM Research and a veteran local pollster.
READ ON: In Portland, A combination of a grassroots environmental organization and a youth group is striving to build community and business support for carbon price legislation. Also, from the February issue of Oregon Business — carbon pricing is gaining momentum in Oregon, sparking concern for energy-intensive businesses — but also opportunity to expand a homespun green economy.
Lawmakers propose ethics bills
Responding to the scandal that cost Gov. John Kitzhaber his job, several lawmakers have proposed bills addressing ethics in government.
The Associated Press reports the scope of the proposals is varied — ranging from “strengthening public records laws to allowing the Legislature to impeach the governor.
From the AP:
Rep. Julie Parrish, R-West Linn, said a measure to strengthen the public records law would be among a litany of ethics bills she plans to introduce. She wants to speed up responses and limit the fees that government agencies can charge. “The notion that agencies are stonewalling with time and with fees is really problematic,” Parrish said.
Parrish also proposes giving the attorney general more power to investigate the governor with the permission of a supermajority of state lawmakers. Current law limits the attorney general’s investigative authority. Before he resigned, Kitzhaber and Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum disagreed over she had the authority to conduct a criminal investigation. Rosenblum says one is underway.
Parrish is also proposing a bill that would make the role of the governor’s spouse strictly for ceremonial purposes if he/she is employed elsewhere.
