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Gary Leif State Representative HD2

12 hours ago

The new employment director promises to speed up the process and get answers for people who have not received their unemployment. This is great news! ... See MoreSee Less

Gary Leif State Representative HD2

2 days ago

DMV announced a re-opening around the state with their new online program. 40 of the 50 DMV offices were to open online. But again just like other failed attempts with OREGON’s leadership, it was shut down almost immediately. We need to fix this in November! ... See MoreSee Less

Gary Leif State Representative HD2

2 days ago

On the Radio today, listen to my podcast or read my notes, Please Like and Share...

Opening:
Thanks Kyle, I always look forward to being on the show. I just wish this were a more positive week for this conversation. I’m really distressed by the social unrest we have experienced along with the continued overreach by the Governor. Despite numerous calls for a special session, and many letters from various legislators to the Governor, we still have this ongoing state of emergency. We now have the district court in eastern Oregon and the state supreme court debating the constitutional validity of these extended executive orders.

Legislative Days:
The legislative days have started in a very strange virtual environment. We are holding committee meetings, but the ability of citizens to participate is challenged and as legislators we have limited time to question those testifying. We really don’t have to look beyond the recent firing of the Oregon Director of Unemployment as an example of these challenges. The legislature has very little ability in this virtual environment to hold the departments accountable, or to get real answers. Frankly, it was embarrassing to have the Governor deal with the unemployment department only after Senator Wyden called out the situation. Many elected legislators have been contacting the Governor’s office asking that the problems with the unemployment department be dealt with, but it seems that only a Federal Senator can get the Governor to act.
Finally, I’m really troubled by the impact on our local small business operations by the Governors over reach. I’m sure you are following the situation at Casey’s restaurant which is so similar to the challenges faced by the hair salon in Salem. When we reach the point that the Governor through only executive orders can shut down small business operations we have a real problem on our hands.

Impact on Small Businesses
I’m really troubled by the impact on our local small business operations by the Governors over reach. I’m sure you are following the situation at Casey’s restaurant which is so similar to the challenges faced by the hair salon in Salem. When we reach the point that the Governor through only executive orders can shut down small business operations we have a real problem on our hands.

My Legislative Day Committee Meetings:

Water Committee
Very interesting information about Cities that are having problems with water and sewer bills. All cities are down between 15 – 30% on their monthly bills. For example I got information about Canyonville and they are down 30%. So Canyonville borrowed $10m to upgrade their sewer plant. Their payments are $320k annual payments and they take in $420k in revenue. So that would mean that they would only take in under $300k which is not enough to make their payment and pay their staff. This is very troubling to cities and will affect their bonding which could raise their rates!

I understand that Water and Sewer is a must commodity. We need both and one doesn’t work without the other. The Gov has indicated a 17% decrease across the board for all agencies and we need to have a special session to discuss things like this. The Gov advisors are requesting an increase in funding because this is such an important part of our lives

Human Resources Committee
Services for Senior Citizens , Food Security, Child Care, Child Welfare, Disabilities, Youth Care Services
I was disappointed that we didn’t have time for our questions and we didn’t have any comments from our constituents. They could watch but not allowed for questions. So even during the meeting, people were texting me and emailing me with some very good questions which I had to send in to our Legislative staff to ask. Not a very good way to run a meeting. Plus having a meeting on video is not very good when you can’t see the faces of your committee members, except a few.

Regional Economic Response Team
Weekly meeting with City Managers, County Commissioners, Economic Advisors, Employment Dept, and many more give a weekly update. Very good meeting that is just for Southern Oregon to the Coast.

Policy Discussion with Governor Brown
Very informative meeting w her advisors who don’t all agree on the Governors executive orders. For example we had one of her Timber Advisors asking her to delay the Executive Order on Cap & Trade. Who gave excellent reason’s to delay. Ultimately it’s the Governor’s decision at this time.

Recent Protests:
I have to tell you Kyle, I’m really distressed by the violence which has broken out all across our country. This pandemic response and the forced shut down of our business community has increased the economic challenged faced by our citizens. But, we cannot and should not spin into violence and hatred aimed at random business owners and government institutions. We have an economic and political divide in this country that if not addressed is going to lead to extreme societal challenges. In so many ways I feel that we are creating the modern day version of the Civil War. ... See MoreSee Less