Faith Hope And Politics

Herman Cain 2012 Bumper Sticker

2011-10-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Check Out Our New Herman Cain For President 2012 Bumper Sticker.

Available At Our Zazzle Shop Faith Hope And Politics .

Herman Cain 2012 Bumper Sticker from Zazzle.com

Oregon GOP Contact Information

2011-10-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

This is the current 2011 Oregon GOP contact information. If your County is not on this list please go to the GOP Website.

Baker County: Contact Phone: (541) 523-7927
Send us an email!

Office Location: 17996 Old Auburn, Baker City, Oregon 97814

Benton County: Office Location: 1760 SW Third St, Corvallis, OR 97333

Mailing-address: PO Box 808, Corvallis, OR 97339

Send us an email! Visit their website: bentongop.blogspot.com

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Clackamas County: Contact Phone:(503) 345-9440

Mailing-address: PO Box 1002, Clackamas, OR 97015

Visit their website

Clatsop County: Contact Phone: (503) 758-3928

Mailing address: P.O. Box 805, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
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Columbia County: Contact Phone: (503) 366-9180 Mailing address: PO box 512; Columbia City, OR 97018-0512

Send us an email! Visit us on Facebook

Visit their website

Coos County: Contact Phone: (541) 756-5615
Office Location: 2541 Sheridan Avenue, North Bend, OR 97459

Mailing Address: 2541 Sheridan Avenue, North Bend, OR 97459

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Crook County:Contact Phone: (541) 280-5800

Mailing Address: 2200 NW Century Drive, Prineville, OR 97018

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Curry County:Contact Phone: (541) 469-4243

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7942, Brookings, OR 97415

Visit our website Send us an email!

Deschutes County: Contact Phone: (541) 385-0456

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5265, Bend, OR 97708

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Visis our website

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Douglas County: Contact Phone: (541) 673-5057

Office Location: 640 SE Jackson, Roseburg, OR 97470

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2392 Roseburg, OR 97470

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Gilliam County:Contact Phone: (541) 980-7405

Mailing Address: PO Box 643, Condon, OR 97823

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Grant County: Contact Phone: (541) 820-4483Office Location: 30597 N. River Road, Prairie City, OR 97869

Mailing Address: 61995 Dog Patch Lane, John Day, OR 97845

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Harney County: Contact Phone: (541) 573-3801

Mailing Address: PO Box 1326, Hines, OR 97738

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Hood River County: Contact Phone: (541) 386-4496

Mailing Address: 3700 Westcliff Drive, Hood River, OR 97031

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Jackson County: Contact Phone: (541) 770-5277

Office Location: 311 E Main, Medford, OR 97501

Mailing Address: PO Box 1801, Medford, OR 97501

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Jefferson County: Contact Phone: (541) 504-0721

Mailing Address: PO Box 179, Madras, OR 97741

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Josephine County: Contact Phone: (541) 244-2608

Office location: 1867 Williams Hwy, Suite 258, Grants Pass, OR 97527

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Klamath County: Contact Phone: (541) 892-3714

Mailing Address: PO Box 1645, Klamath Falls, OR 97603

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Visit our website

Lake County: Contact Phone: (541) 947-2590

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Lane County: Contact Phone: (541) 342-4166

Office Location: 2225 Coburg Road, Eugene, OR 97401

Mailing Address: PO Box 10247, Eugene, OR 97440

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Visit their website

Lincoln County: Phone: (541) 547-3143

Mailing Address: PO Box 419, Yachats, OR 97498

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Visit the website

Linn County: Contact Phone: (541) 928-6077

Office Location: 228 SW 5th Avenue, Albany, OR 97321

Mailing Address: 1033 SW Maple Street, Albany, OR 97321

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Visit our website

Malheur County: Contact Phone: (541) 372-3526

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2643, Nyssa, OR 97913

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Marion County: Contact Phone: (503) 364-0746

Mailing Address: 4065 SE Mandy Avenue, Salem, OR 97302

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Morrow County: Contact Phone: (541) 922-4705

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Multnomah County: Contact Phone: (503) 522-4844

Mailing Address:

PO Box 2241, Portland, OR 97208

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Polk County: Contact Phone: (503) 623-2764

Mailing Address: 3380 Mistletoe Road, Dallas, OR 97338

Send us an email!

Sherman County: Contact Phone: (541) 565-3202

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Tillamook County: Contact Phone: (503) 440-7899

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 185, Manzanita, OR 97130

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Umatilla County: Contact Phone: (541) 567-2525

Mailing Address: 1889 E. Highland Avenue, Hermiston, OR 97838

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Union County: Contact Phone: (541) 963-7930

Mailing Address: 1615 4th Street, La Grande, OR 97850

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Wallowa County: Contact Phone: (541) 432-5305

Office Location: 65264 Steen Road, Joseph, OR 97846

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Wasco County: Contact Phone: (541) 296-2448

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 688, The Dalles, OR 97058

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Washington County: Contact Phone: (503) 922-1678

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 122, Beaverton, OR 97075-0122

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Yamhill County: Contact Phone: (503) 474-3906

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 610, Lafayette, OR 97127

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Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations On Life With John F. Kennedy

2011-10-04T17:21:00.001-07:00

Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy

In 1964, Jacqueline Kennedy recorded seven historic interviews about her life with John F. Kennedy. Now, for the first time, they can be heard and read in this deluxe, illustrated book and 8-CD set.

Shortly after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, with a nation deep in mourning and the world looking on in stunned disbelief, Jacqueline Kennedy found the strength to set aside her own personal grief for the sake of posterity and begin the task of documenting and preserving her husband's legacy. In January of 1964, she and Robert F. Kennedy approved a planned oral-history project that would capture their first-hand accounts of the late President as well as the recollections of those closest to him throughout his extraordinary political career. For the rest of her life, the famously private Jacqueline Kennedy steadfastly refused to discuss her memories of those years, but beginning that March, she fulfilled her obligation to future generations of Americans by sitting down with historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and recording an astonishingly detailed and unvarnished account of her experiences and impressions as the wife and confidante of John F. Kennedy. The tapes of those sessions were then sealed and later deposited in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum upon its completion, in accordance with Mrs. Kennedy's wishes.

The resulting eight and a half hours of material comprises a unique and compelling record of a tumultuous era, providing fresh insights on the many significant people and events that shaped JFK's presidency but also shedding new light on the man behind the momentous decisions. Here are JFK's unscripted opinions on a host of revealing subjects, including his thoughts and feelings about his brothers Robert and Ted, and his take on world leaders past and present, giving us perhaps the most informed, genuine, and immediate portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy we shall ever have. Mrs. Kennedy's urbane perspective, her candor, and her flashes of wit also give us our clearest glimpse into the active mind of a remarkable First Lady.

In conjunction with the fiftieth anniversary of President Kennedy's Inauguration, Caroline Kennedy and the Kennedy family are now releasing these beautifully restored recordings on CDs with accompanying transcripts. Introduced and annotated by renowned presidential historian Michael Beschloss, these interviews will add an exciting new dimension to our understanding and appreciation of President Kennedy and his time and make the past come alive through the words and voice of an eloquent eyewitness to history.

My opinion of this book:

I purchased this book after I seen it on Good Morning America and on several other television programs.

The book/audio collection is a great history of Jacqueline Kennedy at the time her husband was alive and after his sudden death. The audio was slightly choppy, but that lent well to her overall mystery and the transcripts covered the missing details.

Overall I give this book/audio a five star rating.

How To Organize A Local Event

2011-10-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Local events can have a significant impact on the democratic process. By hosting local events you are ensuring that the issue that matter most to Americans are being heard and talked about. Your event will foster a national dialogue that will educate your peers, community and fellow activists. The following steps will help you in planning your event no matter how large or small your budget is.

Steps

Planning

Good team members with different skills are a necessity. They can help with everything from preparing schedules and budgets, to making invites and posters. They can help you get things done.
Make sure to gather volunteers. If they have good connections, the job of finding important guests is easier.
Prepare a Budget. All possible expenses, incomes, sponsors, and contingent expenses should be included.
Prepare a draft poster. The draft should include the tentative date, time, venue (place), chief guest, name of the event, and a theme or tag-line for the event.
Prepare a draft schedule of the activities in the event.
Prepare a time line (with deadlines) for each activity.
Make sure to keep team members and supervisors 'up to speed' with your plans. Collaboration can make your job easier.

Take Action

Fix the date, venue, (chief guest), name of the event and tag-line.
Get approval for your budget, schedule, and etc. from team members as well as supervisors.
Once again, meet with team members and volunteers to brain storm any problems that might arise. This is also the perfect time to create an action plan.
Delegate work to different people and let an experienced person coordinate all activities. If the event is a mega-event, appoint several coordinators for different activities. All of the coordinators should be under the supervision of one person a "team leader." The team leader should be trusted by all of the team members.
Make sure to update any websites connected to the event.
Collect sponsors and other sources of money from delegates.
Market the event. Prepare brochure, release advertisement, inform the media, send mailings, make phone calls, send messages to e-groups, and visit potential participants or sponsors.
It is important to make sure administrative actions are being taken care of as well. Things like poor accounting, and lack of correspondence can create problems for any event.
Make sure the team does not have any internal problems. Stay in touch with all team leaders as well as team members and volunteers.
Gather items needed for the event. These items might include medals, games, mementos, prizes, or certificates.
Make arrangements for Photos, videos , etc.
Make arrangements for food and refreshments. This is also a good time to prepare for special accommodation such as for those who have disabilities etc
Make arrangements for chairs, tables, backdrops, microphones, speakers, computers, LCD projectors, podiums to be set up at the venue.
Prepare a list with all relevant mobile, phone numbers, emails ids of team members. Also, make a similar contact list for VIP, and supplier of any goods or services.
Visit the venue with your team members, look around the place including parking, toilets, green rooms, contact person, arrangements, various entrances and exits. Look for nearby places where you can take photocopy, make phone calls, buy any things in case of emergency.
Give proper instructions to the team members on how to handle every situation.
Make sure you communicate with every one on how to reach the venue and the time.

Work to be done 24 hours to 36 hours before the event

Check whether all invitations have been sent and responded to. Create a list of invitees.
Remind VIPs about the events.
Check whether all activities are going on schedule.
Check travel arrangements/maps/directions for participants.
Go to the venue and check whether all things are ready.
Collect enough money/cash for the event expenses from concerned persons.
Check whether participants kit is ready. This kit might include a bottle of water, snack bar, note paper, pen, brochure and any information they may need. It is also a good idea to include small mementos.
Prepare minute to minute agenda for important activities.
Make a checklist of the things to be taken to the venue.
Check whether enough people are there for the event, otherwise make sure you get some more people to help you.

On the Day of Event

Arrive early to the venue with your team members and volunteers. Check for the electric reading and that all electronic equipment is in working order.
Make sure the organizers are wearing a distinct badge or some other noticeable implement so that participants can find help if needed.
Put the Welcome Banners and other info in front of the building.
Make a reception and registration counter.
Inform the sponsors on where to put the stalls. (Make allocation for spaces earlier.)
Keep the microphones, and speakers ready. Put on music for an informal event.
Make sure the host speaker has the schedule and resume of the chief guest ready. He/She should be well prepared. Make sure the host/anchor/Master of Ceremony is aware of the purpose of the event as well as the people who are organizing it.
Make sure that speakers are aware of any time constraints.
Welcome the delegates and others.
Take care of any special requests, especially those of the outstations and chief guest.
Have a separate person to look after the needs of General Delegates (Non-VIPs) and for PR (Public Relations).
Give directions to those who need them.
Take photos of all important things especially sponsors banners, your banner, entrance, receptions , etc.
Ensure all resources (food, water etc) are sufficient, otherwise work out your contingency plan.
Thank the delegates after the event.
Take the feedback from participants.
Clean up the place, check the electric meter etc, remove the banners, etc. Check to make sure nothing valuable has been left behind, and then, leave the venue.

After the Event

Thank the all team members, especially sponsors and volunteers.
Finalize and settle the accounts.
Have a Thank You party for those who helped.
Distribute any souvenirs or other publications to relevant people.
Deliver the receipts to sponsors and others.
Distribute the photos to those who require it (after developing the photos) and post the photos in your event website.
Evaluate the feedback forms (or feedback from your website)
Have a post-review meeting to perform better next time.

Tips

Coordination

Before the event have person/committee -in-charge of
- Sponsors
- Local Participants
- Outstation Participants
- International Participants
- Chief Guest, Speakers,
- Accounts
- Special Events, Host Show
- Documentation, Correspondence
- Designing, Printing, Collection of Articles and evaluation the same
- Prizes, Mementos, Gifts, Banners, Certificates, Souvenirs
- Transportation, Caterers, Venue Arrangement, Decorations, Backdrop, Parking
- Media, PR, Marketing
On the Day of Event have person(s) in charge of
- Overall Coordination
- Local Participants
- Outstation Participants
- Pick up and down at Airport, Stations, Hotels,
- Green Room
- Food
- On Stage Activities
- Master of Ceremony
- Special Events
- Computer, LCD projector,
- Photographer
- Reception
- Crowd Management and PR with Crowd
- Parking Area
- Security
- Distribution of Various things (Gifts, Certificates to selected people as well as all the Participants)

Documents

List of Documents (etc) to be prepared
- Budget
- Event Schedule (Timing of each program in the Event)
- Invitations
- List of people to be invited
- Action Plan
- Time-line (Work completion schedule)
- Accounts
- Communication Letters
- Work Register
- Designing Brochures etc
- Preparing various articles for Souvenir
- Materials for Press Conference
- Speech
- Participants List
- Comparing Notes (along with Resume of Speakers)
- Agenda
- Minute to Minute Schedule
- List of Prize Winning
- Work Allocation List
- Networking List (Mobile numbers of organizers)
- Checklist of Things to be Taken
- Checklist of Work to be Done
- Report of the Event (for media and others)
- Final statements of Accounts

Venue

Factors to be considered while selecting a venue and negotiating the price
- Capacity of the Hall (No. of Delegates --excluding floating delegates)
- Provision for Food (if meals are served)
- Provision for stalls, demo, Games, mini-conference etc
- Flexibility (if case of informal event)
- Timing (When does the event can start and end at the venue)
- Lighting arrangement (in case for night events)
- Air-conditioned or not
- Required Equipment are provided (Mikes, Speakers, etc)
- Furniture for dais (Tables, Chairs, Table Clothes)
- Whether Music, Entertainment is allowed or not (for informal programs)
- Power Backup
- Accessibility -- whether the venue is center of city (Whether Delegates can arrive without any difficulty)
- Penalty, in case of cancellation of venue
- Provision for people with disability
- Special Rooms for Organizers, Dressing up etc
- Total Cost

Date
Factors to be considered while deciding the date

Whether the Chief Guest and other VIPs are available on the particular date(s)
Venue is free on a particular date(s)
Most of the Delegates do not have any other engagement on those date(s)
Holidays -- Whether the program should be held on weekdays, weekends or other holiday
Whether any major exams, strike, other special event is taking place in the city or around it
Time need to prepared for the event
Time required for the outstation delegates to make arrangement and come the event

Instructions

Some instructions for working in a team successfully
- Do not criticize anyone, unless you have a suggestion or solution.
- Do not sub-delegate the work and responsibilities given to you at any time.
- Be punctual in all your work. If you are late, give prompt proper info to the person you report to.
- Smile a lot. Have courtesy for everyone, in and out of your team.
- When someone offer help (including money), respond immediately, and thank them sincerely.
- When there is a problem, do not blame others neither put it on your head and create tension but try to solve it...
- Do not panic/get tensed. A cool mind will produce better results at the right time.
- If you borrow anything, take responsibility to return it at the said time.
- Do not repeat any mistakes.
- Planning is necessary. Planning ‘what to do’ (important things) is done in team meetings. Stick to it.
- But planning in smaller groups ‘how to do’, ‘how it should be done’ etc., is also equally important.
- Proper Implementation is critical for an idea, Plan to be successful till the last...
- Be slow and steady. Do not make haste while communicating. It would only waste time.
- Always have a good morale & positive attitude with everyone. Please do not beg to anyone.
- Be responsible for your work.
- Report back voluntarily to the person, who had given you the task, whether the task is successful or not. But at the said time.
Instructions (given to team members especially to first time volunteers or young people) for work to be done before the event.
- Also, try to be in formals and behave professionally
- Keep a scribing pad and a pen always besides/with you.
- Be firm in what you speak. Maintain eye contact with everyone you see. Be self-confident.
- Ensure the receipts are delivered on time
- Keep proper/correct record of all things that you handle, including cheques, banners, bills, expenses etc.,
- After the program, thank everyone, including individual sponsors and the participants
General Instructions to given for the Event.
- One(Two) organizer(s) will be coordinating the Event for the day.
- Co-operate with him/her. No announcements should be made without his/her knowledge.
- Have Good formal & informal Interaction with the crowd (when ever possible)
- Note Down all important details.
- Follow the exact instructions given by the coordinator(s)
- Be in full formals for the full day, especially at inauguration and valediction.
- Be responsible for your work.
- Do not sit with the audience or your friends in the hall. Lots of work will be pending...
- Be ready to do any type of work…[Be it picking up papers on floor or sitting on the dais with the chief guest…]
- Take initiative, walk around and find pending jobs that can be done by you, complete it on seeing it. Do not delegate to others…
- Be very cheerful, especially when you are amongst the crowd.
- Do not leave the counter/seat where you are seated/assigned.
- Last but not the least, ENJOY THE SHOW.

Other Tips

Decide which things should be outsourced and which work should be done by team member. Outsourcing depends on Budget, Time, Quality, Importance of job etc.
Different work for organizing is like various functions. Budget and accounts is like Finance, informing the delegates and making them participate is like Marketing Job, Team Management is Like HR, transportation is like logistics, Event is like Operations, having good relations with media and others is like PR.

Warnings

Be prepared for any situation. Sometimes, things go out of control. If you are a team member don't get angry if someone shouts at you, (the person may be tense). If you are a coordinator, do not get tense or panic. Do things coolly. Try to figure out what situation will happen, and what you can do when it happened.

How to Organise an Event

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit and by FaithHopeAndPolitics 2011
Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Organise an Event. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
Photo; Get out the vote, Source: Google-search. Used for educational purposes only.

What Does The GOP Need To Do To Attract Young Voters?

2011-10-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

In 2008 young voters came out in full force to support Barack Obama's run for Presidency. The Democrats had snazzy websites, Facebook pages, twitter and MySpace campaigns and the 80% of 18-29 year olds online responded with votes. There was not much that the Republican's could do to compete with such a charismatic tech-savvy crooner. McCain was old, and he could die, and we would have been left with Sarah Palin to run the country. But now, unemployment has hit the youth the hardest, and young voters are not happy.

According to a Rock the Vote poll twenty-nine percent of young voters are independent, thirty-five percent are Democrat and twenty-six percent consider themselves a Republican. And according to the Census there are 44-million young Americans ages 18-29. Combine this with the new findings from Generation Opportunity's poll suggesting that 61% of these young Americans will vote on a candidates record and not on charisma. And over half of the respondents say they will learn more about the candidates policy positions as compared to 2008. Okay, do the math and you get.... An opportunity for a new President.

Generation Opportunity’s poll commissioned by the polling company inc./WomanTrend (April 16-22, 2011) suggests that young voters are not happy with the following issues:

Only 24% of participants felt America was on the right track.
56% believed that the wrong leadership was in Washington.
Only 31% approved of Obama's handling of the youth's unemployment.
27% felt that their children will have less opportunity than their parents.
71% of 18-29 year-olds are deeply concerned with the deficit.
66% believe that their Social Security is safer under their pillow than in the US Treasury.
69% say Political Leaders do NOT reflect the interests of young Americans.
77% of 18-29 year-old respondents are delaying major life changes due to economic restraints.
80% view China as a danger.
62% of respondents say that National Debt is our greatest threat to National Security.

So how can the GOP attract the young voters? Well, for starters take a look at the new polls. Young voters need jobs and feel that the President needs to do more to address this. Unemployment among young Americans is at a stifling 17.3% compared to the National average of 9.3%. Forty-four percent of the respondents in the poll also put off purchasing a home and 23% put off starting a family. What it comes down to is that young Americans want good jobs, affordable healthcare and a reliable economy. If the Republican candidate for President can address these issues and others, they might have a chance at winning the oval office.

Resources:
Generation Opportunity Poll
Rock the Vote Poll
Posted by FaithHopeAndPolitics 2011

Register To Vote

2011-10-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

I am going to be encouraging young and old potential voters in Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho to register to vote. I know most of you are thinking "why now the Presidential election is Next year?". I am encouraging you to not only register now, but to learn, as well as educate yourself about the new candidates. There happened to be few voters during the past couple of elections who where swayed and swooned on charisma and not by leadership. I am not saying that a candidate for re-election may not have learned a thing or two during the past three years. What I am saying however is to investigate and see what candidate is best for the job.

Oregon Register to vote [here]
Washington Register to vote [here]
California Register to vote [here]
Idaho Register to vote [here]
Posted by faithhopeandpolitics 2011

Michele Bachmann Website

2011-09-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Michele Bachmann's website is up and running. How does Michele feel about ObamaCare? What are her feelings on the debt ceiling? Here is a link to Michele Bachmann's website.

Find it here (michelebachmann.com)

Senate Bill 99

2011-06-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

What is Senate Bill 99?

Senate Bill 99 was introduced in January of 2011. Since it's introduction it has been swept up in a whirlwind of controversy and buzz. Senate Bill 99 is said to create a "Health Insurance Exchange" and it will create one. This "Health Insurance Exchange" is to be created by Oregon or one will be created for us by the Federal-Government for us by 2014. When Oregon passed SB99 we received a Federal grant consisting of 48- million dollars to create the "Exchange." The "Exchange" will not be funded by the Federal-Government; it will be funded by "participating insurance company fees." The Exchange could create a marketplace where carriers could compete for your business based on quality and value. The Exchange would allow businesses and individuals (including some of the 150,000 uninsured Oregonians) to gain access to health care coverage.

Governor Kitzhaber will choose a seven to nine member board to govern. These members he will choose will be confirmed by the senate. Oregon's Health Authority and the Department of Consumer and Business Services will also have representatives to help with confirmation. The exchange will then establish an Individual and Employer Consumer Advisory Committee. This committee will be granted the ability to create any technical or advisory committee's needed.

Keep in mind the Health Insurance Exchange will be exempt from laws that would regulate statutes governing public financial administration, some public contracting laws and the administration of public funds. Also under Senate Bill 99 the Exchange is currently prohibited from negotiating for better prices.

References:

Letter to Health Care, Human Services and Rural Health Policy Committee"; John Kitzhaber; April 13, 2011

"Senate Bill 99"; Oregon Live; 2011

"A-Engrossed Senate Bill 99"; Oregon Legislative Assembly; April 20, 2011

Gun Laws

2011-06-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Important information from the NRA-ILA

As introduced by state Representatives Kim Thatcher (R-25) and Greg Smith (R-57), House Bill 2797 B-Engrossed was intended to correct an error from the last legislative session and would clarify the definition of “readily accessible” for the purpose of prohibition on possessing a readily accessible, concealed handgun within a vehicle, when that vehicle is a snowmobile, motorcycle, or all-terrain vehicle.

However, on May 26, HB 2797 passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 3 to 2 vote bearing no resemblance to the original bill. Ignoring your requests to pass the bill unamended, state Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-4) and the two Democratic state Senators on the Judiciary Committee amended it with language unacceptable to the NRA. One of the Democratic amendments prohibits concealed handgun license holders from exercising their right to carry on all school grounds, including college campuses.

In response, state Senators Jeff Kruse (R-1) and Doug Whitsett (R-28) have prepared a Minority Report that includes language very supportive of our Second Amendment rights. This bill has been stalled but should up for a vote on the Senate floor soon.

Please continue to contact your state Senator and ask him or her to support the pro-gun Senate Minority Report amendments to HB 2797. Also, ask your Senator to be sure to oppose HB 2797 B-Eng, should the Minority Report fail to be adopted. For help identifying your state Senator, and for their contact information, please click here.

Amnesty Week At The Library

2011-01-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Josephine Community Library Patrons it is Fine Amnesty Week. During the week of January 11-15 outstanding fines for overdue books, videos, cassettes and dvds will be waived.

Bring non-perishable food items for the Josephine County Food Bank or pet food, dog chewys, catnip toys, or blankets for the Josephine County Animal Shelter. The library will waive fines returned this week. For every donation, $5 of accrued fines will be waived.

Fine Amnesty Week applies to all four Josephine Library branches. All overdue items returned must be in good condition in order to qualify for the amnesty program.

Patrons bring your donated items to the Circulation Desk to have a librarian credit their account.

Fees for lost or damaged items will not be waived. However, please note that the Grants Pass Library can now take credit card payments for fees, as well as for fines and membership contributions.

For more information about Fine Amnesty Week call the Grants Pass Library at 541-476-0571

Traveling Exhibit At The Grants Pass Library

2010-07-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

Josephine Community Library is hosting “Oregon is Indian Country” . It is a traveling exhibit showing throughout the Northwest. The panel entitled "The Land" is at the Grants Pass Library until July 13th 2010. “The Land” examines the ways in which the physical environment influences tribal cultures.

Gun Restrictions

2010-07-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

I found this information on the NRA-ILA site. I thought that I would share this with you. We need to contact our Senators and legislation to do something about this. There was no Republican support for this bill.

AB1810 was passed by a 42-29 vote. In short, this bill would establish a registration system, similar to the one currently in place for handguns, for all newly-acquired long guns. Under AB1810, the make, model and serial number of the firearm as well as the identifying information of the purchaser would be recorded and kept on file by the California Attorney General’s office.

If AB1810 were enacted, violent criminals would continue doing what they do now – obtain firearms through illegal means. This bill would not decrease crime but will rather have disastrous effects on the already financially unstable Golden State. AB1810 would impose additional burdens on California’s taxpayers to maintain the registration system as well as on the state’s licensed firearms dealers, small businesses who already deal with extensive business requirements.

One simply needs to look at Canada, a nation with draconian firearms registration, to see the results – billions in cumulative administrative costs, annual cost overruns, no clear substantiation of public safety benefits, unjust prosecution, and a bureaucratic complexity that daunts those willing to comply. Ironically, California is considering a new registration scheme as

Canada

is considering doing away with its system.

News Release

2010-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE PRESS RELEASE :

LA GRANDE - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the La Grande Gun Club will host a workshop teaching basic shotgun skills on Saturday, July 24 in La Grande.

The workshop is designed for beginners and will teach basic shotgun skills, firearm safety and handling, shooting techniques and marksmanship. Participants will have the opportunity to shoot sporting clays in a number of patterns under supervision by expert instructors and range safety officers from the La Grande Gun Club.

The workshop is open to all interested shooters 9 years of age and older and is not just for kids. Adults are welcome, whether they are novice or experienced shooters who want to hone their skills. Minors (under age 18) must be accompanied by an adult during the entire workshop.

ODFW will provide the firearms (20 and 12 gauge shotguns) to use, ammunition, hearing and eye protection, clay targets and lunch.

Pre-registration is required as the workshop is limited to 40 participants. The cost to attend the workshop is $10 for ages 9-17 and $15 for adults. Non-shooters will be charged $5 for lunch only.

Registrations will be taken at the event only if there are spaces available, according to Mary Hoverson, ODFW’s education coordinator. For more information about the event or to find out if there are spaces available, contact Hoverson at (541) 962-1826 or Mark Newell at (503) 947-6018.

Registration forms are available at ODFW’s Region Office at 107 20th Street in La Grande, by calling Hoverson or can downloaded from www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/workshops.asp.

This workshop is one of many scheduled throughout the state through the ODFW Outdoors Program. The program offers training in a variety of outdoor recreational skills including fly fishing, fly tying, crabbing, clamming, basic fishing, archery, rifle, muzzleloader and shotgun, pheasant hunting, and turkey hunting. Some events are for families, some are for adults and others are Becoming an Outdoors Woman events. A Becoming an Outdoors Woman pheasant hunt is scheduled at Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area on October 2 and 3, 2010. For more information contact Hoverson or visit ODFW’s website.

2010-03-30T12:28:00.001-07:00

Josephine County Commissioner Seat #1

2010-03-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Voting for Commissioner Position #1 is going to be a little confusing Tuesday, May 18 there are now ten men and one woman up for that one seat . You will notice is that a lot of the same names are giving it another go-round. Dale Matthews, Ed Bowers, Jonathan Lesh, Eric Gade, Jadd Horban, Tony Paulson, Simon Hare , Mark Seligman,Dave Toler,Jack Brown and Rycke Brown. Yes the last name is very familiar with Grants Pass residents and local police or maybe you know her as the pot cookie lady and pro-marijuana protester on the corner of G and 6th who would like to see a sale tax on everything except medicine and food . Then Dave Toler who is running for re-election , Jadd Horban former police officer ,Jack Brown career candidate and Auto Doc, Dale Mathews who ran unsuccessful for treasurer and has been a friendly and familiar face at city council meetings . The next scheduled debate is April 20 at the Anne Basker Auditorium in Grants Pass.
Link for mailing addresses and phone numbers

Oregon Gubentorial Election

2010-03-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Republican Candidates For Oregon Governor

Wow there is a real list of Republicans lining up for the Governors seat here in Oregon . The following have all filed by the deadline and are actively campaigning ,

Allen Alley: Businessman, Gubernatorial Aide and 2008 State Treasurer Nominee,

Chris Dudley: Former Pro basketball player,

John Lim : Businessman and Former State Senator,Former State Representative ,

Bill Sizemore:1998 gubernatorial candidate and tax activist,

Rex Watkins:Owner of Northwest Investment Management Inc.,

Darrin Karr: Small business owner,

Bob Forthan:Three time gubernatorial candidate,

Clark Colvin: CSC Capital Group & '84-'86 lobbyist,

William Curtright :Vietnam Veteran, CEO of Ames Research Laboratories

Keep in mind these are just the Republicans.

2010-02-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

ODFW Press Release

2010-02-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

New Commissioner for Fish and Wildlife Commission

February 9, 2010

SALEM, Ore. –The Oregon Senate confirmed yesterday the appointment of Robert “Bob” Webber to represent Oregon’s 4th congressional district on the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Webber, of Port Orford, will replace Zane Smith who has served on the Commission since 2002. Webber will begin his duties at the Commission's March 12 meeting in Salem.

“Bob Webber will be a great fit for the Fish and Wildlife Commission,” said Marla Rae, chair, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. “As an avid hunter and angler, I know he will work hard to protect Oregon’s fishing and hunting heritage and natural resources.”

Webber is an attorney and partner with a law firm in Medford. However, since 2009, he has been working as a special deputy with the Curry County District Attorney office prosecuting wildlife cases. He is a member of several hunting and fishing organizations and has previously participated on various Department of Fish and Wildlife task forces and committees.

Webber believes he will bring a passionate hunter’s and fisherman’s perspective to the Commission, and having lived in southwestern Oregon for more than 30 years, understands landowner concerns.

“I look forward to working with stakeholders, fellow commissioners and the hard working staff of ODFW on the complex and important issues facing the Commission,” said Webber.

The seven-member Commission sets fish and wildlife policies for Oregon and oversees the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Press release from Oregon Department Of Fish And Wildlife

Oregon House Lifts Ban On Religious Attire

2010-02-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

Feb 10th 2010
House Bill 3686 passed the Oregon house 51-8 four Republicans and four Democrats opposed the bill. It now goes to Oregon Senate for their vote. This would lift the ban on teachers wearing and working in religious clothing at school.Oregon is only one of three states that ban religious clothing. Oregon's ban, was enacted in 1923, it was originally designed to ban Catholic nuns from teaching in public schools.If approved, the Oregon law would take effect in 2011.Christian ,Muslims ,and anyone of faith should find this liberating at least.For so long we have been held back and shut up all because we believe in a higher power and a greater being. Regardless of personal religion , we should all rejoice. Finally we are moving in the right direction.I have been selling bumper sticker for a long time that read " as long as there are tests in school, there will be prayer in schools" I will finish on that note.

Cindy and Meghan Pose For NOH8 Campaign

2010-01-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

Cindy McCain wife of John McCain ,has joined her daughter Meghan McCain in support of NOH8 a gay rights campaign ( silent protest) to overturn Prop 8 in California . Both feel that Gay marriage is a Human right and posed for Adam Bouska , beautifully for this campaign . Meghan McCain is trying to redefine Republican and has already shown her support for this campaign, and for Gay marriage . With high-profile GOP celebs supporting Gay rights can we grow or party? Well I am not sure that we can grow our party on this issue, but being open minded might . I support the Constitution and not big Government and my view will not be swayed . I do not want Judges, Governors Senators, or Presidents making a decision for the people, it should be voted on by the people for the people definitely not behind a official's closed door. I do agree with Gays and Lesbians that marriage between one man and one woman has never been challenged nor voted on it is a God given right given to anyone straight who wants it. So many American men and women exploit this God given right and end up in marriage court and that- is what is sad . Meghan is scheduled to speak at George Washington University's "Marriage Equality Week," at the Jack Morton Auditorium she is scheduled for February 9th 2010.
Meghan 's book Dirty Sexy Politics: A True Story, is expected to be released in August.
Photo of Meghan and Cindy can be found at the NOH8 website

Help For Healthcare Premiums

2010-01-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

Ron Maurer( R ) has sponsored House Bill 3611, This will create a subtraction from federal taxable income for health insurance premium payments made during tax year by individual taxpayer for health benefit coverage of taxpayer, taxpayer’s spouse or dependents. Click on the red link to be taken to a PDF file of the bill.The Oregon Legislature is scheduled to meet for a month, beginning February 1st 2010. Representatives are allowed to introduce one bill that will be considered for this Legislation meeting .
Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
Email Ron Maurer at this (EMAIL LINK)

Back To Basics Budget

2010-01-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across the Back To basics Budget today and I thought that I would pass the link along . Everyone who knows us , knows that our family is not for any new taxes but we can not bear to cut crucial services to seniors and to children. Education and health care for the needy are the most basic of necessities, and we feel that it is our Christian duty to help provide this to them. When I seen this site on the web it was a real answer to what I had asked , offer something in place of this huge tax increase _ yet still provide as much care to the needy seniors. This budget would reduce Government but not services to Oregonians. Some of the highlights are ask Government employees to help pay for their insurance like teachers do-Suspend part of the BETC credit-Eliminate state funding to the Portland Art Museum- Roll back the pay raises granted to state employees . Please check this site out and pass it on to your friends and email a link to all Oregon Government even if it ticks them off. If we don't have to pay higher taxes on personal incomes and businesses we shouldn't .

BACK TO BASICS BUDGET LINK

City Council Update

2010-01-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

Grants Pass residents are starting to file for the vacant seats of the five city council members that were recalled this last fall. The election will be this March and so far Lily Morgan ,Jack Greenberg ,Ron Schwartz,Derek Graden, Darin Fowler ,Kris Woodburn,Roy Lindsay,Alan Koebrick & Rick Riker have filed paper-work showing interest in the positions .

In related news Dwight Ellis and Dave Toler decided to pass Sandi Cassanelli over as Chairman/woman of the County Board of Commissioners and have decided that the position should go to Dwight for a second year .

City Council Meetings : 1/06/2010 - 1/20/2010 @ 6:00 PM Location: City Council Chambers 101 NW A Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526

Ashland Oregon Nudity Ban

2010-01-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

Tuesday January 5th 2009

The Ashland Oregon city council has decided to amend municipal Code 10.44.012 and 10.44.020. This will ban public nudity, making it unlawful for any person over the age of eight years to intently show their private areas while being in a public area. Ashland is no stranger to public nudity residents often ride bicycles downtown NUDE ,and old men walk around near schools flashing children , Ashland has even attracted out of towners to visit and "show off". Before this ban on nudity Ashland residents and visitors only had to avoid showing their hoo-ha in public parks . The ACLU threatens to sue saying this ban violates Oregonians right to freedom of expression . Oregon Law states in Article I, Section 8 of the Oregon Constitution :
No law shall be passed restraining the free expression of opinion, or restricting the right to speak, write, or print freely on any subject whatever, but every person shall be responsible for the abuse of this right.
How they voted Russ Silbiger Greg Lemhouse ,Kate Jackson & David Chapman voted for the ban
Eric Navickas & Carol Voisin voted against the ban .

Posted by Faith Hope and Politics January 2010

Photo Gen (Jen) Moss Ashland Nude Bicyclist

New Disabled Parking Permit Rules

2009-12-29T16:47:00.000-08:00

Starting January 1st 2010, Oregonians that use disabled parking permits must provide the DMV with certification signed and dated within six months preceding the date of application,of their disability by a licensed physician, a certified nurse practitioner or a licensed physician assistant, each time they renew their licenses.

Drivers previously needed medical confirmation only when they first applied for a permit. Some drivers continued using the placards after their disabilities ended even though stiff penalties and fines up to $450.00 exist .

Senate Bill 937 passed legislation early this year and will amend ORS 811.604

Grants Pass City Council Meeting

2009-12-29T16:42:00.000-08:00

City Council Meeting Scheduled

Date: 01/06/2010
@ 6:00 PM

{Location: City Council Chambers 101 NW A Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526}

Literacy and the Unemployed

2009-12-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

Josephine Counties unemployment is at 14% and 16% of residents are below the poverty level not to mention 25% of our children living in poverty. Josephine County has also traditionally had one of the lowest average incomes in Oregon, despite income levels having grown over the past decade.
I strongly believe that if we want jobs in Oregon we need too work on literacy and education it is shown that adults who have not received high school diplomas are unemployed at nearly three times the rate of their peers with high school diplomas. More than 20% of adults read at or below a fifth-grade level, which prevents them from working at jobs with a living wage,and hinders their ability to vote.
Living wage jobs in Jackson County and Josephine Counties are scarce I resently visited a living wage calculator site , The difference between a minimum wage job and a living wage job is shocking a single person would need to make $8.88, a couple would need to make $13.91 not $8.40 , and a single parent needs to make $17.73 not $8.40 . It is hard to imagine that someone can live on minimum wage here in Oregon without assistance from the State ,even when Oregon's minimum wage is one of the highest in America.
Lets stop Oregon's lack of accountability – specifically, by providing BETC benefits to businesses that have done little or anything to create jobs or improve the environment. Stop giving W*#mart and other big businesses breaks when they have made absolutely no attempt to promote the credit’s environmental goals let alone create high paying jobs. Kulungoski has given millions of dollars to failed companies .The state has even granted $33 million in tax credits to Klondike Wind Power for three projects in Wasco County and another $40 million to Oregon Windfarms a California company,all while voters are being asked to raise income taxes because the state budget doesn't have enough to pay for schools and other programs.
Without schools and other necessary programs in the budget Oregon will lose again . We need to educate Oregonians to attract jobs to the area. Education is the key to creating jobs and creating a real future for us all .If you think I am kidding then look at the figures areas with the least amount of college educated and high school graduates are the areas with the least amount of high paying jobs .We can no longer rely on lumber and fishing in Oregon we have to create jobs that are sustainable and viable in this economy .Tell Kulongoski and Merkley to stop spending our money on frivolous tax breaks to big business and trips for political officials to Asia, Israel,Iraq ,Afghanistan . Lets work on creating living wage jobs and tax breaks for the hard working - unemployed man.

Give Books Give Smiles

2009-12-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

I found out about Give Books Give Smiles at Bloggers Unite . This sounds like a fantastic and great thing to do . I love to read and have been reading since I was 3. I cannot imagine not having a book in my hands .Mission of "Give Books Give Smiles" is to bring books to poor and unprivileged children in India. These children never have gotten an opportunity to go to school. They probably have never seen or touched a book which made them smile. "Give Books Give Smiles" wants to bring smiles to these children by giving them books which they can look at and feel the joy that they deserve.
Contact Give Books Give Smiles { HERE } to donate books or help financially !

IRS Slashes Mileage Rates

2009-12-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

Beginning Jan. 1,2010 The new IRS optional standard mileage rates will be slightly lower than previous years . The mileage rates will be used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. This will be the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, as well as vans, pickups or panel trucks :
* 50 cents per mile for business
miles driven.
* 16.5 cents per mile driven
for medical or moving purposes.
* 14 cents per mile driven
in service of charitable organizations.
find out more at WWW.IRS.GOV
Posted and Written by Faith Hope and Politics 2009

Pledge Of Allegiance

2009-12-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy however,The Pledge only received official recognition by Congress as an Act approved on June 22, 1942 ,and it wasn't adopted as the national pledge by Congress until December 28, 1945 . The pledge has went through several changes since the pledge was written in 1892. The Original was "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" this pledge was published in a children's magazine {The Youths Companion}on September 8th 1892 in observation of the 400th anniversary of Columbus discovering America . The pledge was first recited by public school children on October 12,1892 . In 1942 Official sanction was given to theses great words that had been recited each day by children for close to fifty years.In 1943 one year after receiving this Official sanction, the United States Supreme Court ruled that school children could not be forced to recite the Pledge as part of their daily routines.The words My Flag were changed to The Flag Of The United States in 1923 and in 1924 of America was added .The words "under God" were added to the Pledge in 1954 . Louis A. Bowman Chaplain of the Illinois Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was fist to initiate the addition. The current version is as follows" I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all".

* Written & Posted by Faith Hope and Politics December 2009

Going Rogue

2009-12-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

I found Sarah Palins Book to be so inspiring, especially for young conservatives . I was not the biggest fan of Palin when McCain announced her as his running mate (I was hopping for Romney) . After reading her book I found her to be rather charming and far more intelligent then our campaign led her to be. I recommend this book to all my readers would make a great gift I have a link so you can get the book for a better price at Amazon .

Buy Sarah Palin's Book

Important Information January Measures

2009-11-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

The following is the last date to register , the approximate date you should receive ballot- and the election day.

January 5 : Last day for new voters to register.
January 8-10 : Ballots mailed to voters.
January 26 : ELECTION DAY

Download Voter Registration Card { LINK HERE}
Or pick one up at the DMV , post office, or county clerk

Give plenty of time to mail your ballot in > or drop it at a designated drop off location

Measure 66 and 67

2009-11-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

Measure 66 and 67

Oregon’s current tax structure relies heavily on an unstable income tax in these uncertain times Oregon is attempting to switch to a more progressive approach taxing the wealthy by raising revenue from households making over $250,000 (and single people making over $125,000) {A couple making $260,000 in taxable income will pay an extra $180} this still creates a problem with wealthy earners reporting loses in income as well. Oregon also plans on increasing Corporate taxes .The modest increase still leaves Oregon with the lowest corporate taxes on the west coast, and among the lowest in the nation .Currently, two-thirds of corporations doing business in Oregon pay just $10 a year in state income taxes. 88% of Oregon Businesses will only pay $150.00 "excluding sole proprietors ,who pay no business taxes" .This will also increase the marginal tax rate on corporate profits above $250,000 by 1.3% (above $10 million in 2013) " A corporation making $260,000 in profit will pay an extra $130 in taxes "At the same time, the average Oregon family of four already pays $3100 in state taxes each year , 97.5% of Oregonians will NOT see a tax increase if measure 66 and 67 pass .

The Oregon Corporate Minimum tax has not been increased since 1931.$10 in 1931 would be equal to $140 in 2008 . A “Yes” vote will raise the Corporate Minimum tax to $150, preserving funds for social programs. A “NO” vote will keep it at $10.

Measures 66 & 67 will pay for teachers ,bus drivers, desperately needed health care for seniors children and families, student assistance - higher education ,public safety and other services .Provides a estimated $472 million to maintain current services . I personally do not want any new taxes but it it unfair for a business not to pay their share. This is a very minimal tax this will not cause businesses to fold or job loss.Why do I say this? because $150.00 is fair $500.00 is fair. I am not on the Oregon health Plan nor do I have children in school ,and I am not currently attending higher education. There is a huge need for this tax, at this time there is no other option to pay for these crucial services . This is why we need Republicans to do something and not just sit and complain .

* C corps Businesses making (GROSS) under 500k tax will be $150.00

Businesses making (GROSS) 500k to 1 million tax will be $500.00

Businesses making (GROSS)1 million to 2 million tax will be $1,000.00

Businesses making (GROSS)2 to 3 million tax will be $2,000.00

This is how the benefits will help or preserve our Jackson- Josephine- and Klamath counties

JACKSON COUNTY

Children in public schools: 28,367

People on the Oregon Health Plan: 23,480

Seniors and people with disabilities receiving long-term care (in-home, assisted living, nursing homes): 1,408

People who received an initial unemployment check in 2009: 12,704

Released criminal offenders under supervision: 684

Tax filers who make $250,000 or more (households) or $125,000 or more (individual filers): 1,728

JOSEPHINE COUNTY

Children in public schools: 11,136

People on the Oregon Health Plan: 12,017

Seniors and people with disabilities receiving long-term care (in-home, assisted living, nursing homes): 882

People who received an initial unemployment check in 2009: 4,486

Released criminal offenders under supervision: 319

Tax filers who make $250,000 or more (households) or $125,000 or more (individual filers): 447

KLAMATH COUNTY

Children in public schools: 10,094

People on the Oregon Health Plan: 9,238

Seniors and people with disabilities receiving long-term care (in-home, assisted living, nursing homes): 468

People who received an initial unemployment check in 2009: 3,921

Released criminal offenders under supervision: 280

Tax filers who make $250,000 or more (households) or $125,000 or more (individual filers): 348

Important details

House Bill 3405 would>
Increase the minimum tax for corporations from $10 to $150.
Base the minimum tax for a business on its revenue, up to a $100,000 minimum for a business grossing $100 million or more.
Increase the tax rate by .3% for income over $250,000.
Increases filing fees by $50 for Oregon businesses, by $225 for out of the state business

House Bill 2649 would >
Raise marginal taxes to 10.8% on those making more than $125,000 as an individual (or $250,000 as a couple).
Raise to 11% the tax rate for those making more than $250,000 as an individual (or $500,000 as a couple).
This tax would end in 2013.

Help The Gospel Mission Reach It's Goal

2009-11-29T10:53:00.000-08:00

UPDATE the Gospel Rescue Mission has reached its goal and raised $200,000 dollars to build the shelter Thank You !

Christmas is just around the corner and I know the people of Josephine County are always willing to give a helping hand. The Grants Pass Gospel Mission is in its final phase on its new mens shelter at SW Foundry ST. The shelter is looking to raise 140,000 dollars needed by this December 15th 2009 at 4:00pm . If you can not help financially with this goal there is still plenty of ways to help the Gospel Mission runs The 2nd Chance Thrift Store, Recycling, a GED program and the Fikso Family Center or help out in the office .

For opportunities at the 2nd Chance Thrift call 659-8470.
For opportunities at the Fikso Family Center call 541-474-7774
GED program to teach basic Computer Literacy call 479-8869
For Opportunities in the Office call 476-0082.

Guidestar Non-Profit Data GRM

Oregon Stimulus Saved Created 9,365 jobs

2009-11-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

Oregon has received so far $1,853,057,283 of stimulus money , 9,365 jobs created or saved in the process. Just over 2,000 awards were given over 1,800 were grants given to the state and only 4 loans . With only 9,365 jobs saved/created and over one billion spent were is the money. Education received 175,000,000, Health and Human Services received 441,000,000, Public Safety has received over 4 million . Most of the almost 2 billion stimulus received has went to Government Programs,welfare and unemployment, and to save jobs for public workers. Governor Kulongoski has spent very little stimulus on the public sector with fewer than 2,000 jobs created/saved.

Is the stimulus package growing the government to large by creating jobs that are unsustainable when the federal money is no longer flowing.Yes, Oregon has not addressed the long term issue of creating local work in local communities.When the stimulus funds run out, Oregon will have to create new taxes to pay for the new Government workers- there is no other way ,other than to fire them .Oregon needs to find a way to create jobs in the private sector with small business tax cuts or grants.Small business is the American backbone, with anywhere from 51 to 83% of businesses being defined as small business. All of Oregon's eight largest industry sectors recorded job declines this year . Without small businesses Oregon's future looks meek .Oregon's unemployment numbers are at the highest since the mid-nineteen eighties ,and creating unsustainable jobs will not make this better it is just a band-aid and when it gets pulled off devastating pain .

Oregon Cell Phone Texting Ban

2009-11-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

Ted Kulongoski (D) ( Oregon's Governor) signed HB 2377 into law on July 28 2009.

Beginning Jan. 01,2010 the law becomes effective drivers here in Oregon will be banned from all text messaging and their cell phone use will be limited to using a hands-free attachment ,all use of hand held cell phones are banned .Drivers under the age of 18 with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones ,regardless of whether a hands-free device is employed and text messaging while driving is banned .

This law is a primary enforcement and will allow police to pull someone over just because they were using their phone for texting or while using it without a handsfree device . Fines will be given and will be around $90.00 each offense and violations could lead to suspension of your licence.

2009 legislation:
HB 2377:

HB 2038:

December 1st Oregon Fishing Licences On Sale

2009-11-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

Hunting and fishing licenses for 2010 go on sale Dec. 1— just in time for holidays. They are sold on the ODFW Web site, at ODFW license agents and at ODFW offices that sell licenses.

*NEW : Juvenile Resident Sports Pac allows 12 to 17 year olds to fish, hunt, crab and clam all year for only $55.00. The package includes one of each of the following: Combination angling/hunting/shellfish license; combined angling harvest tag; upland game bird and Oregon waterfowl validation; and tags (general or controlled) for buck deer, elk, bear, cougar and spring turkey.

* Adult anglers and hunters ,reduced pricing in a Sports Pac for $164.75. Senior citizens 70 and over who have been Oregon residents for five years get a fishing license for $15 and a hunting license for $13.75. Raffle tickets start at $4.50 for any hunter who wants an additional chance to hunt big game during an extended season and in an expanded hunt area.

Oregon/Washington Swine Flu Info

2009-11-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

The following links are for swine flu and seasonal flu information for Washington and Oregon State. I also posted the State Hotlines for more information.

Oregon Influenza Page

Oregon Department Of Human Services

1-800-978-3040 Oregon State Flu Hotline

Washington State Flu Page

Washington State Department Of Health

Washington State Flu Shot Locator

888-703-4364 Washington State Flu Hotline