Leadership for tough times

Welcome to my legislative website! I am honored to serve the residents of District 42 and look forward to working with you to improve the state of Oregon. District 42 is located in the heart of Inner Eastside Portland. It includes most of inner Southeast and parts of close in Northeast Portland.

We need to get our economy back on track and create good jobs here in Oregon. That means a sustainable 21st century economy for Oregon that creates family wage jobs, prepares our children to succeed, provides health care for all, and confronts our global environmental challenges. I have a track record of bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and interests to find consensus solutions. As your State Representative, I am fighting to protect what makes Oregon special and preserve our quality of life for all Oregonians.

Like the rest of the nation, Oregon is hurting, and like families across the state, government will have to tighten its belt. But as we work to protect small businesses, public safety, education, and health care, we have to ensure corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share. We can do this while bringing relief to working families by reducing the cost of health care, educating all our children, and protecting services. We can reduce our reliance on foreign oil and build walkable, bikeable neighborhoods. And we can prepare for an economy that rewards innovation and Oregon industries.

As a native of SE Portland, I'm honored to represent the place I call home. Over the many years I've lived here, I've seen the changes that this community has gone through. Many have been for the better, but some have created more challenges. I believe that this session we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Oregon a national model for a sustainable economy. But to do it, we need leadership that isn't afraid to stand up to the special interests that want to hold back progress. I have met with community groups in each of Oregon's 36 counties to discuss how we can bring urban neighborhoods and rural areas together to create consensus solutions. And I understand that having a sustainable economy won't work unless everyone can be a part of it.

This year, Oregon faced a $4.2 billion budget shortfall. While both spending cuts and revenue increases were necessary, it is vital that Oregon maintains adequate levels of vital services, particularly those that target children, seniors and those with disabilities. Nonetheless, strategic cuts must be made to every area of the state budget. But we can also find some efficiencies in government without cutting. I have worked to streamline the Business Energy Tax Credit to make sure it achieves the goals of the program without bankrupting the general fund. I have also worked closely with stakeholders to facilitate the first major reform of urban renewal this state has seen in years, ensuring that government uses this tool wisely. I also crafted HB 2067, a bill that creates the first-ever regular review and sunset of all tax credits. Especially now, when families are hurting, we can't throw our money away without first ensuring it is spent wisely. Moreover HB 3195 would require the Department of Revenue to prepare and mail to taxpayers an "Oregon Annual Review" that would detail state use of tax revenue. This increases the accountability of Oregon's government by plainly laying out state spending.

Even as we tighten our belt, I worked this session on important pieces of legislation that will improve access to healthcare for Oregonians, allow for innovative new research, and give Oregonians the tools to make positive choices for the health of their families. In addition to supporting HB 2009, our comprehensive health care reform package, I chief sponsored HB 3418 to create integrated health homes, and co-sponsored HB 2598 to promote stem cell research, HB 2924 and HB 2800 to connect low income communities and schools with nutritious food and local agriculture, and SB 891/892 to provide increased screening for breast and cervical cancer. I also recognize that in times of crisis, we need to allow people to care for their families. That's why I'm co-sponsored SB 966 to create paid family leave benefits and HB 2624 to strengthen retraining and protections for economically distressed workers.

As we look to the future, it is more important than ever that we provide for our children. I'm worked this session to protect our commitment to education, and to provide opportunities to advance curriculum beyond the minimum. I chief sponsored HB 2756, which gives students resources to become proficient in foreign languages, and I've worked to equalize access to higher education. But not only must we educate our children, we have to protect them, too. I co-sponsored HB 596, which bans decaDBE, a known carcinogen, and HB 2385, which protects children from second-hand smoke in cars. These are small but important steps as we look not only to rebuild our economy today, but to help it thrive tomorrow.

Finally, I am proud to have written bi-partisan legislation that will put Oregonians back to work. My signature legislation, HB 2626, the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technology (EEAST) Act, not only creates jobs, it lowers heating bills and is the single biggest thing this state can do to confront climate change. It allows property owners to install energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy and pay it back over a long period of time on their utility bill. It is supported by not only environmental groups, but also organized labor, homebuilders, ratepayer advocates, utilities, and business organizations. To get the workers necessary for this legislation, I am co-sponsoring HB 3300, which creates a training program for green jobs and helps give Oregonians the skills they need to compete.

Partisanship will not move Oregon forward, but working together to solve our problems will. As we move forward, I want to hear what matters to you. And please sign up for my e-newsletter to receive occasional email updates from me. I look forward to being in touch!

My best,

Jules Bailey

Representative Jules L.K. Bailey
Salem: (503) 986-1442
Portland: (503) 236-3681

Capitol Address:
900 Court St. NE H-488, Salem, OR 97301

Mailing Address:
PO Box 42429, Portland, OR 97242
rep.juleskopelbailey@state.or.us
campaign@julesfororegon.com

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