SALEM— Rep. Bill Kennemer (R-Oregon City) rose on the House Floor to express his concerns about alleged retribution being directed against opponents of Measures 66 and 67. He made a procedural motion today to reconsider the House’s vote on HB 3706 to expand regulation on Oregon banks, which actively opposed the income and corporate tax increases.

“After a painful battle with myself, I could not vote in good conscience on HB 3706,” Rep. Kennemer told the House. “Why? Because this is Oregon, and retribution is something that we’re not publicly talking about. There is a dark cloud hovering in and about this chamber.”

Rep. Kennemer said HB 3706 is included in a memo, distributed by 22 business organizations, that details legislation that has been introduced as alleged retribution this session to retaliate against groups that opposed Measures 66 and 67.

“I see us all as credible public officials, loving Oregon and honoring our service in this chamber,” Rep. Kennemer said. “But those alleging retribution have credibility, too. These issues- alleged retribution and limited public discussion- hardly reflect Oregon values.”

Rep. Kennemer said HB 3706 was introduced by House leadership one day after a bipartisan coalition of legislators rejected a similar bill in the House Consumer Protection Committee. He said the quick advance of HB 3706, which received little public vetting, reflects poorly on the Oregon Legislature.

“Public trust and protection of our public process certainly are worth our time and the wait,” Rep. Kennemer said. “While the motion received bipartisan support, sadly a majority of the House voted against reconsidering the bill.”

The 2010 Oregon Special Legislative Session began on Monday morning with a series of ceremonies and procedural motions.

We will be covering a broad swath of issues: protecting and creating family wage jobs; trying to improve the economy and business outlook; retaining employees; emergency funding for high unemployment; improving education; controlling health care costs; enhancing the environment and sustainability; providing for extra services during this severe recession, and holding government accountable.

Clearly, while this is a brief one month session, as the old expression goes: “No one is safe while the legislature is in session.”  I’ll be watching and doing my best for you and the Oregon we all love!

For those wondering about the injury, I recently fractured my shoulder in a ladder accident over the interim, but I’m doing alright now!

As the Legislature today convenes for a month-long special session, Rep. Bill Kennemer said he will focus on helping families survive by putting Oregonians back to work.

“In addition to job creation and retention, my priorities will include helping the over

one in five Oregonians who can’t find a job, are working fewer hours or simply given up looking for work,” Rep. Kennemer said. “I’ll work hard to pass solutions that create family-wage jobs and help our small businesses succeed and retain their employees.”

“Over 130,000 private-sector jobs have been lost over the past year, so we must improve the business environment so that more employers will hire and locate here, especially in Clackamas County,” said Kennemer.

While serving on the House Health Care Committee, Rep. Kennemer will also focus on making health care more affordable and accessible by allowing individuals and families who purchase their own health insurance to deduct the costs of their premium from their overall tax liability. Holding state legislators and government more accountable through ethics, spending and budget reforms will also be a main concern for Rep Kennemer.

“My commitment to the citizens of Canby, Beavercreek, Oregon City and the surrounding areas is to work hard to address the state’s highest priorities: jobs, health care and government accountability while being available to listen to your concerns and represent your best interests,” Rep. Kennemer said.

SALEM— Rep. Bill Kennemer (R-Oregon City) will host town halls in Canby and Oregon City on Saturday, February 6. House District 29 residents are encouraged to attend a town hall to share their concerns, ask questions, and learn more about Rep. Kennemer’s priorities for the upcoming February session.

“Now that the special election is over, it’s time for the Legislature to focus on putting Oregonians back to work,” Rep. Kennemer said. “In addition to addressing the economy, I’ll share my ideas for making health care more affordable and holding state government accountable. A representative from the new Oregon Health Authority will also be on hand to answer questions about health care in Oregon.”

The Canby town hall will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Canby Adult Center at 1250 S. Ivy Street.

The Oregon City town hall will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Oregon City Pioneer Community Center at 615 5th Street.

Both town halls are open to the public. For more information, contact Rep. Kennemer’s district office at 503-263-4798.

Click here for directions to the Oregon City Pioneer Community Center Town Hall

Click here for directions to the Canby Adult Center Town Hall

Rep. Bill Kennemer (R-Oregon City) received the 2009 Children’s Champion award from the Oregon Alliance of Children’s Programs at a special gathering in Salem.

Local representatives from The Inn Home for Youth and Parrott Creek Child & Family Services joined the Association speakers in recognizing Rep. Kennemer for his longstanding efforts on improving the lives of children in Clackamas County.  They also acknowledged his work on legislation to encourage state agencies to streamline their oversight of children’s programs and to avoid duplication of efforts.

“While this Award is a great honor and I am humbled by it, the real recognition goes to those advocates and volunteers who work directly with the children to help them achieve the best possible outcomes in their lives,” Rep. Kennemer said.  “There is much work left to be done and I am excited about helping.  Here is another window to make Oregon a little better.”

The Oregon Alliance was first founded in 1917 by a group of Oregon orphanages to assist and advocate for orphans.  Over the years the focus has expanded to work toward the highest level of quality in programs for children, youth and families.  Today the Alliance is a statewide association with 34 member agencies that provide over 250 programs, touching the lives of over 78,000 children and youth each year.   These programs address the effects of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, substance abuse, homelessness, developmental disabilities, and mental health issues.  Almost 5000 volunteers contribute their time and energy each year.

What a surprise snow storm we had on December 29th!

It was pretty tough on our Campaign Kick-Off Party. About 30 hearty souls braved the snow and ice, less than a fourth of those who had RSVPed. Several parked in lower Oregon City and took the famous elevator or walked up the hill. Others of us had 4 wheelers. But a lot of folks stayed safely home; it was dangerous out there.

Blane Meier provided his great background music throughout the evening. Weatherford’s provided delicious food, especially the crab stuffed mushrooms! Three brave candidates made it, David Newell (for State Representative in West Linn/Tualatin), Patrick Sheehan (for State Representative in Clackamas/Damascus/ Boring/Estacada), and Molalla City Councilor Jim Needham (for Clackamas County Commissioner). I gave a few brief remarks, and Blane accompanied me on two of our trademark parody songs including Auld Lang Syne.

Many of you called to say you couldn’t safely make it. And many said they’d still be sending a check to help kick off our Re-election Campaign. Thank you. We had a lot of fun, a small but mighty group. For those who weren’t able to make it, you can still contribute online by clicking here. We’ll have to see about raising a lot of money.

I am excited about the election and campaign! While the weather threw in unexpected complications, we’re excited that so many of you see the importance of returning me to the House. Cherie and I are getting adjusted to getting another campaign rolling just one year after the election.

With your help and support, 2010 will find the Kennemer Team, again, in the win column!

Two Town Hall Meetings are scheduled for Saturday, Feb 6th in Canby and Oregon City. You can find details by clicking the links. We’ll be in touch as the special session in February unfolds and as the campaign progresses.

May 2010 be a great year for all of us!

God bless you,

Bill (and Cherie) Kennemer

Rep Kennemer was recently named “Rising Star for Nursing” for 2009 by the Oregon Nurses. Rep. Kennemer thanks the nurses for this early campaign endorsement

Although Rep Kennemer has been a teacher and a professor, he was never a school principal. That is, until this month when he participated in the “Principal for a Day” at the Springwater Environmental School (a part of the Oregon City School District ).

“It was exciting to see the work and accomplishments of the students at this school that focuses on environmental stewardship and a science-based education. The community is a better place because of facilities like this and the commitment of the teachers, parents and students,” said Rep Kennemer. “There are many innovations at Springwater, including students, teachers, principal and parents using first names.”

Although the Legislature is not in session, Rep. Kennemer spends many hours in our Community, listening and discussing issues with our citizens. The following is a partial list of Rep. Kennemer’s activities in the past few months.

• Welcomed Cinema 8 to Canby with a grand opening attended by over 200 folks from Canby
• Joined Rep Mitch Greenlick at Portland State University to discuss Health Care with Rep Greenlick’s students
• Participated in discussions on the implementation of HB2702 regardig prescriptive privileges for psychologists
• Enjoyed the Canby High School Choir at the Canby Chamber Christmas Luncheon
• Attended Good Morning Oregon City at the Oregon City Evangelical Church
• Celebrated the Parrott Creek Open House with Board members and supporters
• Toured the Oregon Institute of Technology Renewable Energy Engineering Program at the Harmony Campus
• Enjoyed Downtown Oregon City “First Friday” art walk
• Attended the Northwest Sportsfishing Dinner and was thanked for working on preserving our fish runs
• Supported “Fill a Stocking, Fill a Heart” taste of Clackamas County
• Fundraiser to raise money for Christmas gifts for low income children
• Met with Clackamas Community College President, Joanne Trusdell to discuss Workforce and Economic Development issues
• Attended the McLoughlin Chapter of the Northwest Steelheaders Annual Christmas Potluck – keep up the good work!
• Met with School District Superintendents, Jeff Rose and Roger Rada to discuss the strengthening of education in Oregon City and Canby
• Discussed possible development at the North End of Oregon City with an Oregon City Commissioner
• Joined the Governor and others to celebrate the success of the ocean buoy energy project at Oregon Iron Works – this will create many new jobs in Clackamas County

On a very wet Saturday morning in November, Rep Kennemer joined the Mayor of Oregon City and Chamber in welcoming shoppers to the first Winter Farmers’ Market in downtown Oregon City at the base of Singer Falls.

Although the morning began with a downpour, the skies cleared mid-morning and many shoppers took advantage of the opportunity to shop locally for vegetables, local meats, seafood, flowers, Christmas decorations and crafts.

The next Market is scheduled for December 19th for last minute holiday shopping.

“Downtown Oregon City is re-energized and alive. It is great to see so many citizens shopping locally and supporting our local merchants and farmers,” said Rep Kennemer who enjoyed visiting with the vendors and purchasing local goods.