If you’re like me, you probably received a ballot over the weekend.  Charter changes, school board members, water districts and more are all up for a vote on May 15^th. 

Here are some resources, endorsements, and information on the issues to help get your research started. 
 
Willamette Week School Board, Charter Change endorsements
 
Portland City Club Charter Reform Recommendations
 
The Oregonian’s School Board Endorsements
 
The Oregonian on Measure 26-92
 
Amanda Fritz on Charter Change
 
Multnomah County Voter’s Pamphlet
 
Washington County Voter’s Pamphlet
 
Clackamas County Voter’s Pamphlet
 
Have you found other helpful links?  Send ‘em on over.

In a press release, Rural Senate Republicans react to the passage of SB 694, which makes it a crime to confine a pig.

“Where is the vision of hope and opportunity for our state? Oregonians are looking for more from Salem than just another piece of pork,” said Senator Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day). “The day we start regulating how a farmer can best go about his business should be the day pigs fly.”

Senate Bill 694 says that a pig must be able to “turn around freely” and “lie down with legs extended.” Violation of this statute carries a steep penalty of one year’s imprisonment and a $6,250 fine. All this for a practice not used in Oregon.

“Since when is Salem the expert on best farm practices?” said Senator Doug Whitsett (R-Klamath Falls), a veterinarian. “This is another example of over-regulation and unnecessary lawmaking. We should be doing the people’s business, which is Oregon classrooms, public safety, and healthy kids.”

Bjorn Lomborg, a Danish academic heads the Copenhagen Consensus, a group that focuses on “the international community’s effort to solve the world’s biggest challenges and how to do this in the most cost efficient manner.”

 Last month, Dr. Lomborg testified before congress, where he had this to say about global warming:

To put it very bluntly, the Kyoto Protocol would likely cost at least $180 billion a year and do little good. UNICEF estimates that just $70-80 billion a year could give all Third World inhabitants access to the basics like health, education, water, and sanitation. More important still is the fact that if we could muster such a massive investment in the present-day developing countries, this would also give them a much better future position in terms of resources and infrastructure from which to manage a future global warming.”

As you’ve heard, SB 2,which grants minority status protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity is now awaiting Governor Ted Kulongoski’s signature.
 
Here’s a brief timeline of Senate Bill 2, and the some of the action that the Oregon Family Council has taken:
 
March 5 – SB 2 introduced in the Senate at the request of the Governor’s Task Force on Equality.
 
March 12 – Over 120 Oregonians sign up to testify in opposition to SB 2 at its first public hearing.  Despite many requests to amend the bill to protect religious organizations, the Senate Judiciary committee sends the bill to the Senate floor.  One Senator questions need to ever exempt religious organizations from any regulations.
 
March 21 – Despite thousands of calls and emails from citizens, Senate passes bill 21-7.  Those opposing the bill express concerns about the weak religious exemption.
 
April 5 – Nearly 500 pastors and religious leaders from across the state gather in Salem to meet their State Representatives and Senators and ask that SB 2 be amended to protect the right of religious organizations to hire those who share their values.  Attendees are from 57 different House districts, and represent many church denominations and organizations including private schools, rescue missions, mission agencies, and youth outdoors programs.. 
 
April 9 – Public hearing on SB 2 in the House Rules committee. Over 700 Oregonians attend a rally at the capitol opposing SB 2.  Capitol hearing rooms are packed in what some legislators called the “largest turnout for any bill in recent memory.”
 
April 10 – House Rules committee amends bill with what some have termed an “ironclad” religious exemption.  Churches and religious organizations are free to hire clergy, religious instructors and support staff that share their values, and may continue to take employment action based on a bona fide religious belief about sexual orientation.
 
April 17 – House of Representatives passes SB 2 35-25.  Those in opposition express many concerns, including that cross-dressers will be able to use the locker room of their choice based on the bill’s inclusion of “gender identity,” and that schools will eventually be forced to alter their curriculum so that all sexual preferences are addressed in sex-ed classes.  Representatives acknowledge the thousands of calls, letters and emails they received opposing the bill.
 
April 19 – Senate concurs in House amendments to SB 2.

In a stunning 5-4 split, the US Supreme Court upheld the Federal ban on partial birth abortions. The bottom line: yesterday the procedure was legal; today, it is illegal. It is a great day for pro-lifers. More on this to come…

Rep. Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) points out an interesting conflict between the Common School Fund and the Sierra Club. 

Oregon has an investment fund called the Common School Fund (CSF).  This fund like any financial investment provides annual returns that are given to schools.  The state has a fiduciary responsibility to maximize its investments and when that investment is for the support of education it is critical that we be smart in how we manage money.  A significant piece of the CSF investment portfolio is the Elliot Sate Forest.  The Elliot State Forest is about 93,000 acres of timberland near Readsport.  Historically, this investment has returned approximately 3% annually. Well below the 8.7% return seen by the Oregon Investment Council. 

HB 3434 is a bill that would require the State Land Board to ensure that this investment provide a rate of return at or above that received by the Oregon Investment Council for the CSF.  If the rate of return is not sufficient then the State Land Board would be required to solicit bids to sell the Elliot State Forest and any proceeds would be placed in the CSF for other investments. 

During public testimony it was clear who is on the side of kids in this debate.  And it is not the Sierra Club.  I might suggest that the Sierra Club just buy the Elliot State Forest.  I will open the bidding at $2 Billion.