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GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Legislative issues are cause for concern in 2016 session Comment By Mike McLane MailTribune.com By Mike McLane Posted Jan. 31, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Mike McLane Posted Jan. 31, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News As the state representative for House District 55, which includes Crook County and portions of Jackson, Klamath, Lake and Deschutes counties, issues relating to rural Oregon are critical to me. After seeing the bills that were introduced and made public on Jan. 22, I have serious concerns about this upcoming legislative session. Instead of using this short five-week session as intended — for budgetary adjustments and needed fixes to recent legislation — the majority party is seeking to enact fundamental changes to our state like a massive increase in the minimum wage and a new carbon tax. Politically motivated legislation and the excesses of one-party rule will not solve the looming problems in this state: PERS is a massive problem for our local governments, roads and infrastructure are in need of repair, rural communities need business growth, and our public education system is failing too many of our kids. The issues of greatest concern this short legislative session for our district include minimum wage, carbon tax (also known as cap and trade), and gun bills. First, a 60 percent increase in minimum wage would have direct negative impacts on small businesses in rural Oregon that are already struggling. Second, the proposed carbon tax bill’s unknown reduction in emissions is not worth the enormous cost to taxpayers, especially in rural communities. I will not support a carbon tax. Finally, members of the majority party have introduced a number of troubling gun-related measures. I will not support an infringement on our Second Amendment rights. As the 2016 short session begins, I want to introduce you to my two bills: HB 4109 and HB 4139. In the wake of a loss in trust in state government due to conflicts of interest, HB 4109 adds an additional layer of transparency to state agencies. HB 4109 expands the scope of those who serve in state agencies who are required to file a statement of economic interest. I introduced this bill because we have seen the alarming results of a lack of transparency in government, including state agencies, the last couple of years and that must change. HB 4139 would serve as a fix to SB 454, the paid sick leave mandate passed last session. As it stands now, it is very difficult for employers to follow the sick leave law as it was written and implemented by BOLI. As a fix to recently passed bad legislation, HB 4139 is exactly the type of bill the short session was designed to address. Please do not hesitate to contact me at my Salem Office if you have any questions about the session, or to share a comment. Our phone number is 503-986-1400 or you can send me an email at [email protected] . State Rep. Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, is minority leader of the Oregon House of Representatives. By Mike McLane MailTribune.com By Mike McLane Posted Jan. 31, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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