A truly sad story today: Oregon's last WW I veteran, possibly the oldest living combat veteran in the world, passed away.
There are now 6 known WW I veterans still alive in the entire United States. A year ago, there were 50. Soon, there will be no one left alive from the War to End All Wars.
When they are gone, how will History remember them? If we do not honor our veterans and remember their deeds, their history will die with them.
Never forget!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
News release
SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) will chair a new work group organized to ensure state government can function in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Members of the work group include Senators Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) and Gary George (R-McMinnville); Representatives Jean Cowan (D-Newport), Wayne Krieger (R-Gold Beach), and Brian Boquist (R-Dallas); Director of Oregon Emergency Management Ken Murphy; and Governor’s Policy Advisor Daniel Santos.
Senator Joanne Verger (D-Coos Bay) and Representative Deborah Boone (D-Cannon Beach), the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Ocean Policy, chartered the work group to produce a solution to problems that could hamstring government in a disaster.
“As a State Representative and a member of the Committee on Emergency Preparedness, my top priority is keeping Oregonians safe,” said Representative Nelson. “If an earthquake devastated the region and made it impossible for the legislature and governor to meet as directed by our Constitution, it would be impossible for government to perform such tasks as funding emergency services.”
The work group will produce a resolution to amend the state Constitution, in order to allow government to continue to function in an emergency. Because the resolution would amend the Constitution, it would have to be approved by voters on the ballot—and voters can be skeptical, believing such measures may give the government too much power. “It won’t do any good for us to produce something that the people would reject,” explained Representative Nelson. “Our goal is to provide for a functional government, while at the same time assuring the people their rights will be preserved.”
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Senator Joanne Verger (D-Coos Bay) and Representative Deborah Boone (D-Cannon Beach), the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Ocean Policy, chartered the work group to produce a solution to problems that could hamstring government in a disaster.
“As a State Representative and a member of the Committee on Emergency Preparedness, my top priority is keeping Oregonians safe,” said Representative Nelson. “If an earthquake devastated the region and made it impossible for the legislature and governor to meet as directed by our Constitution, it would be impossible for government to perform such tasks as funding emergency services.”
The work group will produce a resolution to amend the state Constitution, in order to allow government to continue to function in an emergency. Because the resolution would amend the Constitution, it would have to be approved by voters on the ballot—and voters can be skeptical, believing such measures may give the government too much power. “It won’t do any good for us to produce something that the people would reject,” explained Representative Nelson. “Our goal is to provide for a functional government, while at the same time assuring the people their rights will be preserved.”
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Monday, February 5, 2007
Thank a Veteran
SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) proposes a number of new programs to help veterans in Oregon.
“We owe everything we take for granted in our society to the hard work and sacrifices of our veterans,” said Representative Nelson. “That’s why, this week, we started work on a number of drafts to give back what we can.”
One bill introduced this week builds on one of last session’s successes, the Troops to Teachers program. House Bill 2577, which will receive its first reading on the House floor next week, would expand the program in order to allow veterans attending private colleges and universities to receive tuition assistance as if they were at a state-funded school. Another proposal would help ensure veterans are sufficiently represented in graduate and professional schools.
Education is not the only veterans issue for Representative Nelson. Other proposals include incentives to bring more health care providers into the Tricare system, tax credits for long term care costs incurred by veterans, and funding for funeral services for veterans killed in service.
Representative Nelson previously served as the Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in 2005, and continues to make veterans a top legislative priority.
“If you can read this, thank a teacher,” Representative Nelson stated. “If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.”
“We owe everything we take for granted in our society to the hard work and sacrifices of our veterans,” said Representative Nelson. “That’s why, this week, we started work on a number of drafts to give back what we can.”
One bill introduced this week builds on one of last session’s successes, the Troops to Teachers program. House Bill 2577, which will receive its first reading on the House floor next week, would expand the program in order to allow veterans attending private colleges and universities to receive tuition assistance as if they were at a state-funded school. Another proposal would help ensure veterans are sufficiently represented in graduate and professional schools.
Education is not the only veterans issue for Representative Nelson. Other proposals include incentives to bring more health care providers into the Tricare system, tax credits for long term care costs incurred by veterans, and funding for funeral services for veterans killed in service.
Representative Nelson previously served as the Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in 2005, and continues to make veterans a top legislative priority.
“If you can read this, thank a teacher,” Representative Nelson stated. “If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.”
Friday, February 2, 2007
A Fallen Hero
I just came back from a ceremony honoring PFC Ryan Hill, Oregon's latest casualty in the War on Terror. His funeral procession stopped at the Capitol, where the Governor offered his condolences to the Hill family. I joined my colleagues and most of the Capitol staff in honoring our Fallen Hero.
I just want to offer my heartfelt condolences to PFC Hill's family. He will not be forgotten: he died serving his country, and his legacy will live on in the freedom of those he died to protect. I'd also like to thank all the members of our Armed Forces: your service and sacrifice make everything we take for granted in America possible.
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