Updates:

     Some call them resolutions; I prefer to set goals for the new year. First of all, I will strive to update this page on a far more frequent basis. Now, if you are reading this you have come back to this page to see if there was any new content. Sadly, there hasn’t been over the last several years. I could say that I have been too busy, but that is disingenuous so I won’t say it. Keeping up with new technology as it relates to communication has been a struggle but this year the goal is to use that technology to communicate with you all much better.

     I hope to update the entire website to make it more “user important.” It is very “user friendly” now, but I want the content to provide the information that you want. Your input is important and welcome. What links would you like to see that aren’t there now?

     My second goal is to ensure “News & Opinion” is updated every day. We here at JWA, are stretching our resources to make sure that happens. Utilizing Facebook is the next step and thanks to the Medford/Jackson County Chamber and Facebook for the seminar they had in Medford recently, hopefully we can make that happen.

     Enough about JWA and goals, what will 2012 bring in Oregon politics?

     Oregon voters told the state legislature that they wanted to see them meet on a more frequent basis and so the first regular short session of the legislature will convene the first of February. On the agenda will be budget issues. It comes as no surprise to anyone that working to emerge from the so-called Great Recession poses challenges for budget writers in Salem. Revenue has not gone up in the state for the last few years and that means that the amount of money the state has to spend is less so the budget must be trimmed or taxes need to go up. From the view of my clients and many Oregonians new and/or higher taxes are just not acceptable. Trying to balance a budget by just raising taxes on the “rich” is a fool’s errand. One of the most critical areas a policy maker has to learn are the definitions of terms often taken for granted. What is the definition of “rich"? We all have different opinions of certain terms and words. In this particular case, legislators and congressman for that matter, should spend a little more time determining what that definition should be. Many businesses I work with don’t have a lot of money left after they pay the overhead to keep their business open, payroll, taxes, gifts to charities (non-profits) and their own personal obligations. That is money they have earned by taking the risk to start the business in the first place.

     As of January 28, 262 bills have been introduced to be heard in 30 days in addition to the budget issues that must be dealt with to keep Oregon’s budget in balance. Some of these bills are concepts that will keep government working seamlessly and more efficiently, some increase taxes, some lower taxes, others raise existing fees, while still others ask for new regulations to keep agencies busy. In 30 days, it is unlikely a lot of new laws will come from the short session of the 2012 legislature. Let’s hope that the Governor and legislators will remember the will of the people they serve. Be smart, be attentive, be done.

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