Aloha! House passes ethics reform
In a blow to travel agents, the Portland Trailblazers and the finer steakhouses across the state, the Democratic-led House of Representatives passed a comprehensive travel and gift ban and sent it over to the Senate wrapped in bow of overwhelming support. Republican members can read the writing on the wall that reads: "The Democrats are serious about getting back to basics, rejecting special interests, and doing the people's business. Join us or get left behind." The bill passed 56 to 4.  

"This is an important first step toward changing the way business is done in the Legislature," Speaker Jeff Merkley said after the gift ban package. "Adopting these rules right off the bat sends a message that gifts serve no public purpose, and really shouldn’t be a part of the lawmaking culture or process."

The ban prohibits lawmakers from accepting vacations, tickets to sporting or entertainment, private dinners or gifts valued over $10. The bill will now go to the Senate, which is also working on a reform package.

How low will they go?

Poor Rep. Wayne Scott. Last session when he was in charge, the Republican House passed a bill to expand lobbyist largesse and endow junket expenses for not only the lawmakers, but their family members. Now, in the face of real ethics reform, the former House Republican Majority Leader, aka "Partisan Attack Dog," made an embarassing misstep on Monday in trying to block passage of the gift ban he had already begrudgingly approved. His fellow Republicans didn't stick with him, however, and ultimately he was left snarling in the corner while 21 members of his caucus voted for the Democratic ethics reform package. That's gotta hurt and we guess he had to take it out on someone. That someone turned out to be Rep. Mitch Greenlick.

Rep. Greenlick  is laid up after a bad accident. The ethics vote was so important to him though, that he made it to Salem in an ambulance for the floor vote on Monday. Word in Salem is that even after Scott knew he was going to lose the fight, he kept Rep. Greenlick waiting in a wheelchair all day by refusing to allow a courtesy vote on the bill.

That's low.

If not now, when? It's time for health care for kids.

Last Sunday's Oregonian laid it on the line for Governor Ted Kulongoski and the legislature. Using the heartbreaking example of an 8-year-old boy, the paper told the story of Oregon's health care crisis better than a mountain of reports, charts or graphs. It's this simple: a little kid got really sick because he didn't have health insurance and his parents couldn't afford $200 to fill the prescription that would have prevented it. Here's the story.

That's not our Oregon. In our Oregon, every one of the 117,000 kids who don't have health care would have insurance. These kids and their families do not deserve to be at risk for preventable illness or extreme financial difficulties.

The good news is that as a state we now have the ability and desire to solve this problem. The Oregon Senate has been working on crafting a package that won't leave any child without coverage.  Governor Kulongoski and Democratic lawmakers have pledged to pass legislation to guarantee health care for all kids.

When that happens, there will be a lot of families sleeping easier when the session ends in June. Until then, we'll keep you posted on how you can get involved in this landmark legislation. 

On the street for 2008

The Oregon ballot measure machine churns on. Both Bill Sizemore and Kevin Mannix are paying to put a swath of proposals on the ballot. Paid signature gatherers are already carrying clipboards laden with bad ideas. We've got the list, along with speculation about who is footing the bill. (Hint: "You're getting very sleepy.") Click here for more. 

From the horse's mouth

Getting on the email list of your local legislator is one of the best ways to find out what they are up to. The new email update system of the Oregon legislature allows you to easily choose whose email you would like receive. You can even sign-up for your favorite committee updates! It doesn't get any better than that, friends. Sign up here. If you aren't sure who represents your interests in the House and Senate, click here. The handy look-up feature will tell you all you need to know.