Posts Tagged ‘Senator Diane Rosenbaum’

HB 3631 protects victims from discrimination by insurers

Victims of sexual assault can be assured their experiences won’t prevent them from getting health care with legislation passed this evening in the Oregon Senate. HB 3631 prohibits insurers from discriminating against victims of sexual violence by treating that victimization, or physical or mental injuries sustained as a result of that victimization, as a preexisting condition that would exclude or limit coverage.

“Approximately one in six Oregon women will experience sexual assault in her lifetime. This bill corrects an injustice that adds insult to injury when victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are at risk of losing their health care coverage,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), who co-chairs the Oregon Women’s Health and Wellness Alliance. Read the rest of this entry »

HB 3640 will help four largest counties better allocate their time and resources

In a rare Saturday session, the Senate voted this morning to pass legislation that helps out some of the most low-income homeowners in the state. House Bill 3640 requires the four largest Oregon counties to cancel property taxes on manufactured homes valued at less than $12,500.

“The people living in these homes typically live at or below the poverty line,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “Small bills of a hundred dollars here and there can add up to an insurmountable obstacle. This bill offers relief for these low-income Oregonians.”

Rosenbaum explained that the cost of collecting outstanding taxes from these properties is often more expensive than forgiving the debt in the first place.

“In a time when so many people are struggling to get by and county services are already stretched thin, this bill gives low-income Oregonians a break and counties some flexibility,” said Senator Chris Edwards (D-Eugene), the chief Senate sponsor of the bill. Read the rest of this entry »

Nearly 19,000 Oregonians will get six weeks more help while they look for work

The Senate Democrats voted this morning to fulfill a major pledge of their February agenda by approving a six week extension in unemployment insurance benefits for out-of-work Oregonians. House Bill 3655 will help nearly 19,000 Oregonians make ends meet while they search for employment.

“The most important thing the Oregon Legislature can do right now is to provide meaningful help for hardworking Oregonians who are struggling to survive in this difficult economy,” said Senator Diane Rosenbuam (D-Portland), chair of the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee. “The emergency unemployment benefits in this bill will allow thousands of Oregon families to put food on the table and a roof over their heads while they continue to look for work.”

The unemployment extension in HB 3655 has the added benefit of providing dollars that go directly into local communities. Checks are often used to pay rent and buy groceries and other essentials.

“Most of these dollars stay in Oregon,” said Senator Rod Monroe (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “This is relief for both out-of-work Oregonians and the communities who will see these dollars put right back into their economies.”

HB 3655 will not affect current employer rates or the unemployment insurance trust fund balance. The extension is estimated to last until mid-April.

“Even with unprecedented unemployment numbers, we’ve been very deliberate and careful in how we use Oregon unemployment trust fund,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “Compared to many states that are looking to the Federal government for a bailout and are kicking people off the rolls, Oregon sets a national example.”

The bill will now go to the Governor’s desk for approval.

SB 1045 will restrict job related credit checks, make it easier for Oregonians to get back to work

The Senate gave approval today to legislation that would eliminate unreasonable barriers to employment for Oregon’s jobseekers.  SB 1045 will restrict job related credit checks, making it easier for qualified job applicants to get back to work.

“With massive and prolonged unemployment, thousands of Oregonians are struggling to find jobs and support their families,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), chair of the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee.  “Senate Bill 1045 will help Oregonians get back to work by allowing them to complete for jobs based on their qualifications, not their credit history.” Read the rest of this entry »

Senate Bill 990 allows six week extension for about 18,600 unemployed

An estimated 18,600 out-of-work Oregonians who were about to lose unemployment benefits will receive a six-week extension because of a bill passed this morning in the Oregon Senate. Senate Bill 990, a key part of the Oregon Senate Democrats’ agenda for the February session, passed the chamber by a unanimous vote.

“The most important thing the Oregon legislature can do right now is to provide meaningful help for hardworking Oregonians who are struggling to survive in this difficult economy,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “The emergency unemployment benefits in this bill will allow thousands of Oregon families to put food on the table and a roof over their heads while they continue to look for work.”

The unemployment extension in SB 990 has the added benefit of providing dollars that go directly into local communities. Checks are often used to pay rent and buy groceries and other essentials.

“The fact that this is the first bill to be voted on the Senate floor this session is an indication of our priorities – getting people back to work,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “During this short session, we will continue to focus on what matters most to Oregonians – creating jobs, helping families make ends meet, and supporting our struggling businesses.”

SB 990 will not affect current employer rates or the unemployment insurance trust fund balance. The extension is estimated to last until mid-April.

Senate committee will hold hearing Monday, move bill on Wednesday

This coming Monday, on the opening day of the February session, the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee will hold an informational hearing on extending unemployment insurance benefits to an estimated 18,600 out-of-work Oregonians.

“While job creation remains the number one priority in this building, we have a responsibility to make sure that those Oregonians who are struggling to find work are able to put food on the table and take care of their children said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), chair of the Committee.

A legislative proposal utilizes $19 million in the unemployment trust fund from a similar extension passed in the 2009 session. Federal stimulus dollars supplemented that extension, leaving a remaining balance for a new extension.

“The February session is about responding to emerging issues and looking out for the unemployed continues to be a priority of immense importance,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “Supporting Oregonians who are looking for work is a cornerstone of the Senate Democrats’ priorities for the February session.”

The Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee will meet Wednesday, February 3 at 3:30, to consider action on SB 990, a bill that extends unemployment benefits. The bill will not affect current employer rates or the unemployment insurance trust fund balance. The $19 million is estimated to last until mid-April with eligible claimants receiving no more than 6 weeks of additional benefits.

From Sunday’s Oregonian:

If a woman drinks too much at a party and is raped, under current Oregon law her attacker could be charged with second-degree sex abuse.

But if a drug is slipped into the woman’s nonalcoholic drink, the attacker could face first-degree rape or another serious charge carrying a mandatory prison sentence.

Oregon is one of 18 states that makes the distinction, allowing prosecutors to charge differently depending on whether a victim became incapacitated through her own actions or others.

House Bill 2343, which cleared its final legislative hurdle today, would change the law so that it wouldn’t matter how a rape victim became vulnerable to attack.

“The standard to prove rape is not going to change under this bill,” said Sen. Diane Rosenbaum, D-Portland.

You can read the entire article here.

SB 880 uses a carrot and stick approach to collect back taxes

SALEM – Oregon will give people and corporations who owe back taxes a time out from penalties with legislation passed this afternoon in the Senate. SB 880 establishes a personal, corporate and inheritance tax amnesty to run from October 1 through November 19, 2009. The Legislative Revenue Office estimates that SB 880 will net $16.2 million for the 2009-2011 biennium – money that will go to support schools, public safety, and essential services.

“We fully believe in holding people accountable for their responsibility to pay taxes,” said Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), chair of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee. “However, we recognize that it can be difficult for people to settle up in tough times. This bill gives them a good reason to take care of their outstanding debt while implementing higher penalties for those who continue to willingly disregard their tax obligation.”

SB 880 uses both rewards and penalties to encourage taxpayers to come forward and settle their tax debt. As an enticement, the Department of Revenue is directed to waive the penalties and half of the interest payments that would otherwise be due for delinquent taxpayers who come forward during the amnesty period. As punishment for not participating, SB 880 allows a post-amnesty penalty equal to 25% of the original penalty for those who could potentially have participated in the amnesty but chose not to.

“This legislation can really help people get on top of their debt,” said Senator Diane Rosenbuam (D-Portland). “We’ve made accommodations to ensure that people will know about the program and will be able to make payments in installments if that’s what they can afford at the time.”

To maximize public awareness of the amnesty opportunity, SB 880 requires creation of an outreach and media campaign. Participants may apply to pay the balance due in installments. The opportunity for amnesty is limited to participants who have not received a notice of deficiency from the Department of Revenue.

Tax amnesties are commonly employed by states seeking to bring in delinquent tax revenue. Forty-three states have conducted at least one amnesty in the past, including four that are currently ongoing and one that was recently completed. Oregon is 1 of the 7 states that have not had a tax amnesty, though proposals have been considered during past fiscal crises, including during the 2001-03 recession.

The bill will now go to the House for consideration.

HB 2191 lays ground rules for businesses operating in Oregon

SALEM – With more and more Oregon families struggling to stay afloat in tough economic times, the Senate passed House Bill 2191 this morning. The bill addresses problems raised by the proliferation of debt management providers in the state – some of which do not have the consumer’s best interest at heart.

“Many of these companies are making a profit off of people who are already struggling in this challenging economy,” said Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-Beaverton), chair of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee. “We need to set strong standards for these companies to ensure no more Oregonians are harmed by their misleading tactics.”

Some companies operating under the guise of debt management require high fees before delivering services and they usually advise consumers not to communicate with their creditors – which is often the worst advice. While the debt management company negotiates with creditors on a consumer’s behalf, late fees and penalties can continue to add up, sometimes resulting in legal action against the debtor.

“These are people who are trying to get out of debt and some companies out there are only making the problem worse,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “The ads on the radio and signs you see on the road promise help, but there are sometimes really underhanded operations behind the promises.”

Specifically, HB 2191 requires that consumers be provided with specified disclosures and written contracts, including a three-day right of cancellation. The bill also prohibits misleading advertising. Costs for setup and counseling will both be capped at $50 and the charge for any negotiated reduction in debt is limited to 7.5 percent.

“Some of these companies are legitimate and some are not, but Oregonians shouldn’t have to figure that out through trial and error,” said Senator Margaret Carter (D-Portland). “The consequences of ending up with a bad actor can put a person into a worse situation than when they started.” Read the rest of this entry »

HB 2470 passes final legislative vote, on its way to Governor

SALEM – Coming on the heels of yet another high-profile puppy mill bust in the Northwest, the Senate voted this morning in support of House Bill 2470, a bill that limits breeders to owning no more that 50 sexually intact dogs 2 years or older.

“Passing this bill will create one of the most effective and comprehensive puppy mill laws in the nation,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “We’ve seen story after story describing deplorable conditions in these puppy mills. This legislation will give us the ability to crack down on the inhumane treatment of animals.”

HB 2470 also specifies conditions under which pet dealers must provide refunds, replacement, or reimbursement if a dog is found to suffer from certain diseases or birth defects. This will offer recourse to purchasers who learn that their puppy has serious emotional or health problems. In many cases owners find themselves overwhelmed and the distressed dogs are given up to local humane societies.

“By targeting both large-scale breeding facilities and unscrupulous retail pet stores, this bill will end the cruel cycle of events that leads to the abuse and neglect we see repeatedly in Oregon and around the country,” said Senator Vicki Walker (D-Eugene), a chief sponsor in the Senate. “Nationwide, approximately 25 percent of dogs entering shelters are purebred dogs. Given that number, it seems clear that puppy mill dogs are a significant contributor to the overpopulation of animals.” Read the rest of this entry »