Senate Democrats Release 2011 Legislative Agenda

Emphasis on helping Oregon families and small businesses get back on track

Oregon Capitol by Tim King

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Senate Democrats released their 2011 Legislative Agenda this morning during a press availability in the Senate Majority Office. Citing the need to create jobs, protect our children’s futures, and look out for the most vulnerable, Senate Democrats released an agenda that outlines their ideas for how to continue helping Oregonians during these challenging times while finding opportunities for transforming government and improving our economy.

“We recognize that our budget challenges are front and center this session, which makes it more important than ever to have a disciplined and pragmatic agenda that is focused on helping Oregon families and small business,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland).

“This agenda reflects our commitment to Oregonians. We want them to know that we are on their side, whether they are a parent, small business owner, senior, or one of the many still looking for work.”

The 2011 agenda focuses on three key areas:

• Rebuilding the economy by helping Oregon small businesses create jobs and by providing our children with a quality education.
• Supporting Oregon families and businesses that play by the rules by going after those who break the law, cheat consumers, and deceive investors.
• Improving government accountability and responsiveness so we can protect vital services for working families.

Specifically, the agenda includes proposals to expand capital to Oregon businesses, protect investments made in early childhood education, and take a critical look at tax credits to make sure they are creating jobs and stimulating the economy.

“We feel that this agenda really speaks to the concerns we’re hearing from everyday Oregonians,” said Deputy Majority Leader Alan Bates (D-Medford). “They want jobs, small businesses want help getting loans, families want to know someone is looking out for them, and everyone wants to see government work more efficiently. This agenda sets forth policies that will help us meet those goals.”

Both Rosenbaum and Bates stressed their commitment to work across the aisle and with the House and Governor to find solutions to problems that Oregonians care about.

“Our success this session will be in large part be determined by our ability to put partisan politics aside and focus on solutions that work for all Oregonians,” said Rosenbuam. “Our agenda focuses on priorities that I think we all can agree on – like paving the path for recovery, setting our children up for success, and making sure that our state government is getting the greatest value out of every dollar. We can accomplish these goals by working together. The people of Oregon expect nothing less from us.”

To view the complete Senate Democrats’ 2011 Agenda click here.