LEGISLATIVE  NEWS

In addition to our previously endorsed candidates for the State Legislature (Lew Frederick, Jules Bailey and Mike Dembrow) the local endorsed John Kitzhaber for Governor. This is going to be a tight race so we need to roll up our sleeves and work for him. Dr. Kitzhaber has tirelessly worked for Oregonians, on health care and other issues, since he was governor.  He supports unions.  We cannot cede control of the state to an anti worker candidate like Chris Dudley who will attack wages, benefits and social programs to maintain the favor of the wealthy people he worked for prior to his candidacy.  

Due to the Supreme Court’s ruling on corporate personhood the media and elections are certain to be more corrupted than ever.  We can take an important first step here in Portland by defending Voter Owned Elections and then expanding them.  The local renewed it’s support for Voter Owned Elections and we will work to defend the concept.

The local also voted to support Karol Collymore for Multnomah County Commissioner.

Washington State ballot measures and candidates that Local 7901 supports (also approved by CWA Washington and Washington State Labor Councils):

Denny Heck for US Congress District 3 (His mom was a CWA member, and he is an experienced legislator.)

Dennis Kampe for State House District 18

No on 1082 that would allow private insurers to compete with public workers compensation system.

Yes on R52 to allow state to sell bonds to fund energy saving retrofits to school.

No on 1053 to require a 67% vote of legislature to raise taxes.

No on 1107 to repeal the temporary tax on soda bottled water candy and gum to protect core public services.

No on 1100/1105 to privatize state liquor control system. It would result in 1000 state jobs lost at state outlets and give profits to companies like Walmart and Costco instead of going to state for core public services.

Yes on 1098 tax reform reduces some small business taxes and reduces state property tax levy by 20% and increases tax on the wealthiest 3% to generate funds for health care and education.

More on Dennis Kampe and Karol Collymore next month