Basin Business for May 2019

KLAMATH BASIN

May 2019

Basin Business

Thursday, May 30, 2019, Herald and News

Chamber director named to national foundation for workforce development — Page 2

Business

It’s all about Downtown

Inside

The Klamath Falls Downtown Association moves its operation into the Chamber Building off Riverside Drive. Page 3.

Change of command coming to Kingsley — Page 3

FINANCIAL FOCUS Planning for vacations — Page 5

Tech offers cyber-security degree — Page 7

A publication of the Herald & News Chamber: www.klamath.org

Submitted photo

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Thursday, May 30, 2019, Herald and News

Basin Business

n National jobs perspective

Tramp selected for U.S. Chamber program Klamath’s Heather Tramp selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation recently announced that Heather Tramp, executive director of the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, has been selected to participate in the third cohort of its premiere business leadership program.

The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce with resources, access to experts and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.

“I’m honored to have been selected for this program and have an opportunity to gain information and resources to help our business community with workforce challenges,” Tramp said.

“We know that workforce challenges affect our local businesses. Last year, when we surveyed our membership, workforce issues were the top concern among business owners. I’m hoping to come away from the program with some new ideas and resources to help.”

“... Last year, when we surveyed our membership, workforce issues were the top concern among business owners. I’m hoping to come away from the program with some new ideas and resources to help.”

— Heather Tramp

Heather Tramp, executive director of the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce “We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” said Cheryl Oldham, senior vice president of the center for education and workforce.

“They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic

development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”

Following a competitive application and selection process, Tramp was selected along with 33 other state and local chamber executives to participate in the third

class of this program.

The four-month program, which concludes in September 2019, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, higher education and workforce development.

Upon completion, Business Leads fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of 200 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.

For a full list of participants in the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the U.S. Chamber Foundation website.

It’s the putting ’80s all over again come July 18 Travel back in time at this year’s ’80s Palooza Putting Challenge

Hop into your DeLorean and get ready to go back in time to the decade of big hair, neon and great music at the ’80s Palooza Putting Challenge on July 18.

Hosted by the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, this event will be held at the Running Y Ranch and Resort’s Executive Golf Course. Registration begins at 3 p.m. and the tournament begins at 4 p.m. with a shotgun start, and a reception to follow after the challenge.

The ’80s Palooza is ... you guessed it: all about the ’80s. Dress like the decade, prepare for ’80s-themed challenges, music and atmosphere.

Have fun on the green while golfing

and networking with fellow businesspeople. Register individually or put together a team, and enjoy the fun of mini golf, with reception including appetizers and drinks.

The cost to play is $37.50 per person, and $150 for a team of four. Treat your team or clients to a fun, relaxing afternoon out on the green.

Tickets are on sale now, and you can pick them up at bit.ly/80sPhome or by calling 541-884-5193 Join the fun at the ’80s Palooza Putting Challenge. Sponsorships are available through the Chamber office. Those interested in sponsoring the event can contact the Chamber at 541-884-5193 for information or go to bit.ly/80sPspons to learn more.

Basin Business

Thursday, May 30, 2019, Herald and News

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Kingsley cuts ribbon mon new fire station There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, May 31, at 12:30 p.m. for the new Kingsley Field Fire Station.

However, the event is not open to the general public.

Constructed over the last winter, the new facility boasts nearly double the square-footage and utilizes some of the most current technology to protect

firefighters.

The fire station is designed to effectively support the current mission, as well as future mission growth.

Speakers for the event include U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Donna Prigmore, the commander of the Oregon Air National Guard, and Klamath Falls Mayor Carol Westfall.

Downtown Association Change of command opens in new location coming to Kingsley The Klamath Falls Downtown Association celebrated the opening of its brand-new office at 205 Riverside Dr., Suite F, recently.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce assisted in hosting a ribbon-cutting for the occasion.

“It [the ribbon cutting] was a time of celebration and networking as several local business members gathered together to support the achievement of KFDA,” said Chamber of Commerce Membership Outreach coordinator Marissa Davidson.

The Chamber of Commerce congratulates KFDA on its new office and a successful ribbon-cutting, according to a press release.

Quilt guild offers Lagniappe Featherweights workshop Heart of the Basin Quilt Guild is sponsoring Lagniappe Featherweights.

They will be in Klamath Falls to give a maintenance clinic for your Singer Featherweight machine.

This full-day, comprehensive workshop teaches you how to service and maintain your own little machine on a regular basis.

This is a long and intensive class with a great deal of hands on time required.

Supplies will be available for purchase for your at-home care.

The class will be held in the Coldwell Banker Building at 3815 South 6th Street, No. 110.

The one-day class fee is $125 and will be on your choice of June 22 or 31 with Victoria Hermansen-Ivey, the “Featherweight Lady.”

June 5 will be the last opportunity to sign up. If you are interested in signing up for a class, please email heartofthebasin@

outlook.com for information.

Heart of the Basin Quilt Guild is open to all who are interested in the quilting arts. Our members are involved in a variety of fabric arts; from traditional, modern and actual art quilts to sewing purses for school girls in Africa. The Guild is now meeting at the Scottish Rite Temple, 632 Walnut Ave., in Klamath Falls.

The next meeting is June 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will also be a sew day, with a salad and desert potluck.

The biennial quilt show will be held July 27 and 28 at the Sacred Heart Gym and Parish Hall, located at the corner of 8th and High Street. Hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The call for quilt entries will begin the end of June, and all quilters are encouraged to submit their quilts for the show.

Applications and information are available online at www.heartofthebasin.com.

A change of command will take place Saturday, June 1, at 1 p.m. at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls.

Colonel Jeffrey Edwards, who has more than 20 years of military experience, will take command of the 173rd Fighter Wing during an official change of command ceremony.

Edwards has a wide range of experience to include nine years with the active-duty component, and has been a member of the Oregon Air National Guard since 2004.

He is currently serving as the 173rd FW Vice Commander, and has previously held numerous positions including the 173rd Operations Group Commander, Oregon ANG Director of Operations, and the 114th Fighter Squadron Commander.

“Col. Jeff Edwards is the perfect choice

to succeed Col. Jeff Smith as the 173rd Fighter Wing Commander,” said Brig.

Gen. Donna Prigmore, Oregon Air National Guard commander.

“He’s an Air Force Academy graduate, and a highly accomCol. Jeff Edwards plished F-15 pilot with more than 3,300 flight hours, including 52 combat sorties. He understands our mission and has the vision to take us successfully into the future.”

Edwards will replace Col. Jeff Smith, who has commanded the wing since April 2016.

Editor’s note: This event is not open to the general public.

Upcoming chamber happenings Blooming Sol Ribbon Cutting May 30, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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Greeters hosted by the Klamath Basin Senior Center, 2045 Arthur St. Jun 13, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

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Greeters hosted by Craft3 Jun 27, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

2972 Washburn Way

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Thursday, May 30, 2019, Herald and News

Basin Business

20 years later, still going strong

Farmers Market ready to roll out the goodies

By FANKIE BENITEZ H&N Staff reporter

F

or two decades the Klamath Falls farmers market has brightened downtown Saturdays.

This year will be the 20th year of farmers markets in Klamath Falls. It’s an opportunity for people off all ages to come to downtown Klamath Falls and purchase local fruits and veggies, as well as wares from local vendors.

It’s also an opportunity to enjoy live music and food from local food carts.

This year there will be new vendors, more opportunities for children and adults to enjoy the market and learn about agriculture, healthy eating and food storage while supporting local farmers and vendors.

“One of the most important things is access for the public to local healthy food.

They are not just investing in their health with good local fruits and veggies but it also benefits the local farmers,” said Charlie Wyckoff, Klamath Falls farmers market manager.

Wyckoff said the market will kick off for fruit and veggie sales on June 1, a co-op event for farmers. The rest of the festivities will begin at the next market on June 8 and run for the next 22 Saturdays on 9th Street between Main & Klamath Ave. The EBT match program has also been

H&N file photo

The Saturday morning farmers market kicks off this weekend. approved for renewal this year. When people use food stamps, they can get $8 matched in “veggie bucks” to use at the market. The program is funded by the fresh-squeezed lemonade stand at the market.

Wyckoff said the kids activities will be ramping up this year. Children can par-

ticipate in crafting sessions for free. The first craft will be egg carton gardens.

“We bring all the supplies and they get to go home with an egg carton full of vegetable or flower starts that they can nurture to grow,” Wyckoff said.

Another craft that will be made this year is pinecone bird feeders.

Wyckoff said children can also enjoy children’s book readings this year.

This year’s market will also provide “food demos.” Volunteers will demonstrate how to prepare recipes using ingredients from the market, as well as how to store goods from the market year-round.

Wyckoff said the storage aspect was introduced because, “People ask if there’s a good way to freeze or store fruits and veggies so they can have farmers market fruits and veggies in the winter,” he said.

Marketgoers will also have a wider variety of ready-to-eat food options this year, from mac and cheese to Thai to Guatemalan, as well as baked goods and various treats.

Wyckoff said not only is the market a fun event for the community, it also helps small farmers businesses take off and brings people downtown to support the businesses there.

“The economic impact in downtown stimulates close to half a million dollars worth of revenue downtown,” he said.

Klamath Falls downtown promises to be an exciting place to be this summer, with the farmers market every Saturday, Third Thursday street fair events, and the imminent opening of the new downtown park, Klamath Commons, which is slated to open July 1.

Morehouse Property Management opens new office From a press release

On April 25, Morehouse Property Management celebrated the grand opening of their new office space located at 2795 Anderson Ave., Suite 101, as part of the Southtowne Commerce Center.

They celebrated this milestone by hosting a ribbon-cutting.

“We want to thank everyone who joined us in supporting this local business. It’s really great to see them grow and expand,” said Chamber of Commerce Membership Outreach Coordinator, Marissa Davidson.

The Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Morehouse on a fun and successful ribbon-cutting.

Morehouse Property Management Inc. exists to care for client-owned real estate, to include residential and commercial space for lease. They manage all aspects of property: advertising, tenant screening, maintenance management, upkeep and repairs.

They are now proud to represent Southtowne Commerce Center, Klamath Falls’ premier space to lease, light industrial/business park.

Come see them in their new location at Southtowne Commerce Center, 2795 Anderson Ave, Suite 101 Klamath Falls, OR 97603, or go online at: www.morehousepm.com

Submitted photo

Moorehouse Property management celebrated a milestone by hosting a ribbon-cutting at its new location, 2795 Anderson Ave., Suite 101.

Basin Business

Thursday, May 30, 2019, Herald and News

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— FINANCIAL FOCUS —

Vacation, retirement: Goals can differ for investments To achieve any of your financial objectives, you need to save and invest — that much is clear. But just how you save and invest may differ from goal to goal. Let’s look at two common goals to see the differences in your savings and investment strategies.

The first goal we’ll consider is a dream vacation — one lasting a couple of weeks or more, possibly to an exotic locale. So, for the investments you’ve designated to fund this vacation, you need two key attributes: liquidity and low risk. The liquidity requirement is pretty self-explanatory — you want to be able to get to your vacation funds exactly when you need them, and you don’t want to be slapped with some type of early withdrawal or tax penalty.

The low-risk part of your vacation strategy means you want investments that won’t drop in value just when you need to sell them to use the proceeds for your trip. However, you need to be aware that those types of stable-value investment vehicles likely will not offer much growth potential. As you may know, the investments with the greatest possible rewards are also those that carry the highest degrees of risk. Yet, by starting to invest early enough in more conservative investments, and putting away money regularly, you may be able to compensate for the lack of growth opportunities.

Now, let’s turn to your other goal — retirement. When you are saving for retirement, your primary objective is pretty simple: to accumulate as much money as you can. Consequently, you will need a reasonable percentage of your portfolio devoted to growthoriented investments. But what’s a reasonable percentage? There’s no onesize-fits-all solution — the amount of growth investments in your portfolio should be based on several factors, including your age, risk tolerance and projected retirement lifestyle.

Furthermore, this percentage may need to change over time. When you’re just starting out in your career, you

may be able to afford to take on the greater risk that comes with having a higher percentage of your portfolio in growth investments. But as you get closer to retirement, you might want to begin shifting some dollars toward more conservative vehicles — you don’t want to be over-exposed to the volatility of the financial markets just when you need to start selling investments to help fund your retirement.

Nonetheless, you won’t want to give up all growth investments, even during your retirement years. You could spend two or three decades as a retiree, and over that time, inflation could take a big toll on your purchasing power. To counter this effect, you will need to own some investments that have the potential at least to equal, and ideally outpace, the cost of living.

The examples of taking that extensive vacation and enjoying a long retirement illustrate the importance of recognizing that you will have many goals in life — and you’ll need to prioritize and plan for them, sometimes following significantly different investment strategies. When you do, you’ll give yourself a better chance of reaching your destinations.

Submitted by: Meredith Hoffman Financial Advisor-Edward Jones 1307 S Alameda Ave, Suite B Klamath Falls, OR 97603 541-273-2483

Little change found in unemployment numbers The employment situation remains little changed in both Klamath and Lake Counties. Recent revisions revealed that job losses in Klamath County had been overstated and total nonfarm employment is largely unchanged from this time last year.

Klamath County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.9 percent in April, essentially unchanged from 7.0 percent in March. The rate was 6.2 percent last April.

Klamath County added 300 jobs in April, typical hiring for this time of year.

Recent revisions revealed that employment losses were not as severe as initially estimated. Total nonfarm employment is essentially unchanged from this time last

year (-0.3%). Strong hiring in both health care and retail trade was barely enough to overcome losses in professional and business services and manufacturing.

Lake County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged in April at 6.5 percent. The rate is up from this time last year when it was 5.4 percent.

Lake County added 70 jobs in April, which is stronger seasonal hiring than typically expected this time of year. Employment levels are little changed over the past year, with the county adding just 20 jobs from last April. The only notable industry employment changes over the past year were in leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs), federal government (-30 jobs), and retail trade (+20 jobs).

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Basin Business

Thursday, May 30, 2019, Herald and News

DECA honors

The making of national business finalists

By NAT ELLIS Klamath Union High School

Last month, the team of Kannah Greer and Jacob Schlottmann-McGonigle placed in the top 10 at DECA International Competition in the Hospitality Marketing Team Decision event.

Klamath Union DECA sent four students to Orlando, Florida, to compete with more than 15,000 other DECA members.

“Getting on stage after we felt we did really bad, was the most shocking experience ever. I thought I was going to cry. The fact that we beat that many teams was shocking.”

Greer is a junior at KU and is currently the Oregon DECA VP of Career Development. She teamed with senior Schlottmann to put themselves in elite company.

“To know that you are in the top 10 is crazy when you thought you couldn’t even make the top 20,” Schlottmann said. “Getting there was tough enough. If you consider that we are the second decision team from KU to place in the top 10, that is one of the coolest feelings.”

How do you make the stage? You have to hit dingers, Schlottmann said, “We hit dingers. We are the most creative team in the competition.”

Greer added, “I think it is our confidence and charisma. I bring the serious, and Jacob brings the charm.

By ourselves we are alright, but together we are a team.

We both have good creative ideas. When we compete, we believe 100 percent in what we say.

This year, former KU DECA standout Jeff Barker (Hilton Hotels VP of Global Risk Management) spent time training this team.

Greer added “after winning state; Barker taught us the details of the hotel industry. On our first role play, we were able to use much of the terminology he taught us. I believe this is what set us apart. As much as I hate prepping role plays, our prep system allowed us to incorporate the information from the hotel industry into our role play.

“Our prep system creates a seamless flow and allows us to connect with the judge. We usually cover the problem, conduct a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats) analysis, and create a budget, return on invest-

Submitted photo

Kannah Greer and Jacob Schlottmann-McGonigle placed in the top 10 at DECA. ment and timeline.

Schlottmann agreed. “First impression and the last impression are the most important. They will remember the first thing you say and the last thing you say. We did what the role play asked of us, and we added on to everything, that is what sets us apart.

The other key to success is team unity. Greer said, “As partners, we are perfect together. The way we do DECA role plays is just unique. We know where everything fits in. What we learned is that all the training helps, but it’s the people that bring it all together. You have to have the right personality and the ability to think on your feet.

Schlottmann’s view on team success.

“With Kenna’s work experience and my leadership experience we were able to combine both to make a great team. Kannah’s experience is in customer service, and mine is in problems solving. This allows us to bring two completely different backgrounds to the table and create

Oregon approves temporary ban on ‘fracking’ SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The controversial oil exploration tactic known as fracking will be temporarily banned in Oregon until 2025 under a bill on its way to the governor.

The Senate voted 17-11 Wednesday to prohibit hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking,’ which injects highpressure liquids into underground rock to extract oil and gas. Environmental advocates say that process can contaminate groundwater and pose other

environmental risks.

The bill previously banned fracking for 10 years but the Senate cut that timespan roughly in half, something that must now be approved by the House before heading to the governor’s desk. There are currently no fracking operations in Oregon and there are only a handful of ongoing exploration activities. The measure will still permit the more common methods of oil and gas exploration already used in the state.

unique solutions. We are competitors. I wouldn’t have worked with anyone else. We were just special together.”

Greer recalled, “At the end of the day when you hear your event called you get nervous. Then when you hear your name called, there is nothing else like it. Hearing your name is hard to explain the feeling as you run to the stage.”

Schlottmann added, “That was one of the most humbling and blessed experiences in my high school career.

Knowing you are top 10 in the nation that only comes around once in a while. There is a little bit of luck, a lot of skill and it not many can say that period.

“I am thankful it happened. I encourage others to join DECA. DECA teaches confidence. If you are confident, people will believe you. If you don’t join DECA, you will never get the experience.

For more information contact Nat Ellis, KU DECA Advisor. 541-331-6197, EllisN@kfalls.k12.or.us

KLAMATH BASIN

Business

Basin Business

Thursday, May 30, 2019, Herald and News

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OIT announces new cybersecurity degree From a press release

This coming fall marks the introduction of Oregon’s first Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity, offered

by Oregon Institute of Technology.

First announced in January, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) approved the degree for fall 2019 enrollment at both Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses.

As “industry’s university,” and one of the top polytechnic universities in the Pacific Northwest, the program aligns with Oregon Tech’s mission to provide applicable, hands-on experience for students in the changing workforce environment.

Cybersecurity experts, Professors Dan Carrere and Tracey Coon, along with Information Technology Professors, Jeff Dickson and Lindy Stewart, teamed up to develop the cybersecurity degree for Oregon Tech to meet the significant need facing Oregon and the country.

The program allows students to venture into this highly sought-after and exciting field, confident that security professionals are essential in today’s data driven society.

“It is up to future generations of cybersecurity professionals to protect our most critical infrastructures,” said Coon.

The curriculum is holistic in its approach, as students are taught how to think as an “ethical hacker,” learn to protect business information systems, and are introduced

to cyber operations and analysis.

This three-tiered approach integrates core business coursework, as well as generating skilled graduates ready to transition seamlessly from the classroom to the workforce.

According to Professor Coon, “We’re creating business-savvy cybersecurity professionals who not only protect organizations and their information systems, but also serve as key business partners.

“In other words, the days of information technology and cyber folks sitting in the dark basement are gone.

Oregon Tech’s cybersecurity graduates will be critical to business success and will be trained to understand business just as much as cyber.”

As technologies advance and businesses strive to keep current with the most advanced safety and security stan-

dards, it stands that students in possession of a cybersecurity degree will have abundant job opportunities.

Graduates of this program can go on to work as security analysts, security engineers, cryptographers, security architects, security administrators, cryptanalysts, security software developers, and security consultants to name a few.

Security professionals are needed in all industries including public and private businesses, as well as across a multitude of government agencies.

The Global Information Security Workforce Study finds that the cybersecurity workforce gap is on pace to hit 1.8 million by 2022 – a 20% increase since 2015.

Oregon Tech will start accepting applications for cybersecurity immediately with the online degree expected to launch in the fall of 2020, as well as partnership opportunities with community colleges and others that would be part of the program.

The program is part of the Business Management department, which provides students with technologyinfused business skills, giving graduates the edge in today’s data-driven global marketplace.

Current programs within the department include Accounting, Business Management, Cybersecurity, Health Informatics, Healthcare Management, Information Technology, Operations Management, Marketing, and Technology & Management.

Walmart reaches milestone in veteran hirings Walmart at 6th anniversary of Veterans Welcome Home Commitment; announces 1,974 veteran hires in Oregon Walmart recently celebrated the sixth anniversary of its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment with the announcement of more than 226,000 veteran hires since its launch in 2013, including 1,974 in Oregon. The Veterans Welcome Home Commitment guarantees a job offer to any eligible, honorably discharged U.S. veteran.

“Veterans bring their strong value systems and capable leadership to our business,” said Retired Brigadier General Gary Profit, senior director of military programs for Walmart. “Our military veteran associates are talented and dedicated, and they make us better. As a veteran myself, I am proud that Walmart offers career programs for veterans and military families: If you serve and sacrifice for your country, you shouldn’t have to fight for a job at home.”

“The spouses of our service members are the unsung heroes of our military,” said Travis Bailey, Walmart regional general manager for Oregon. “In November of last year, we prioritized the hiring of military spouses, and we’re proud to be able to provide these brave men and women with quality jobs as they make so many sacrifices while their loved ones serve our country. Combine this great news with the latest report of Walmart hiring 1,974 veterans here in Oregon, and there’s no doubt we

can achieve any goal we set our minds to. In 2013, this company pledged to hire 250,000 veterans by 2020, and we’re proud to see that we’re moving closer to meeting that number.”

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have a long history of supporting service members, veterans and their families. In addition to the celebration of more than 226,000 veteran hires nationwide, Walmart is also celebrating the first milestone in its Military Spouse Career

Klamath County Chamber of Commerce 205 Riverside Drive, Ste. A Klamath Falls, OR 97603 Office: 541-884-5193 Fax: 541-884-5195

Executive director:

Heather Tramp

Email: heathert@klamath.org www.klamath.org www.facebook.com/Klamath Chamber

Connection, a new hiring initiative announced in 2018 aimed at military spouses. To date, Walmart has hired nearly 6,000 military spouses.

These milestones are underscored by the additional announcement by the Walmart Foundation of a $1 million grant to Hire Heroes USA to support their efforts to expand their own programs, improve data collection and reporting. A portion of the funding will support a program manager for Hire Heroes’ Serving Spouses.

twitter.com/AccessKlamath

Executive Board President: George Ormsbee First Vice President: Richard Schuster Jr. Second Vice President: Jennifer Scanlan

Treasurer/Secretary: Janet Buckalew Members: Jenine Stuedli, Pam Greene, Kim Buller, Dan Peterson, Mika Blain, Joe Spendolini Immediate Past President: Rachael Spoon

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Basin Business

Thursday, May 30, 2019, Herald and News

May 2019 Newsletter

Paid Advertisement

Ore gon State Senator Dennis Linthicum – District 28 I represent the citizens of Senate District 28, which includes all, or part of Þve rural, mostly-eastern Oregon counties: Jackson, Klamath, Lake, Deschutes and Crook.

Senator Dennis Linthicum OR Senate District 28

As Senator of one of the largest Senate districts in our state, it Capitol Phone: is extremely important that my constituents remain in contact Capitol Address: with me about the issues and concerns that affect their lives.

I encourage you to use the information here as a resource and to contact my ofÞce by either phone or e-mail so that I can know how to best serve you. I am honored to be here in Salem Þghting for your freedom and liberty.

Pu Public blic P Policy olicy T Trap rap

In the summer of 2007, Oregon’s PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) fund was fully funded. However, the great Þnancial crises spilled the goodies in our collective apple-cart across the roadway and into the ditch. Today, that roadside wreckage still haunts public employees and taxpayers alike, namely, an unfunded actuarially accrued liability of $27 billion.

OregonÕs PERS problem is a mirror reßection of widespread systemic issues that have ensnared most municipal, county and state governments across the US. The issue is whether taxpayers can continue to fund the long-term incentives and rewards promised in government contracts during periods of volatile market conditions for ÔdeÞned beneÞtÕ pension plans.

On the eve of the Þnancial crisis in late 2007, total business debt, across the US, stood at $11.5 trillion.

Today, the problem is worse, with business debt totaling more than $14.6 trillion.

Not only are the corporate numbers staggering, but households are losing ground. A recent study tells us that Americans have $1 trillion of credit-card debt, $1.5 trillion of student debt, $1.5 trillion of auto loan debt, and in excess of $13.5 trillion in mortgage debt.

Total debt---business, household, government and Þnance---is up by nearly $20 trillion or 40%, since 2007. In fact, total debt grew from barely $10 trillion in 1987 to $53 trillion on the eve of the Þnancial crisis in late 2007, all the way to $72 trillion today.

Has any state or nation borrowed itself to prosperity? What are the odds that all of this debt can payback the original principal, the interest owed, plus enough of a proÞt for the continuance of all these personal or public projects? Remember, debt must provide economic returns, or the situation only gets worse because borrowing today means foregoing other purchases in the future.

Now, you might be thinking, “Gee, that’s interesting, but what does this have to do with Oregon, in general, and PERS, in particular?”

503-986-1728 900 Court St. NE, S-305 Salem, Oregon 97301

E-Mail: sen.DennisLinthicum@OregonLegislature.gov W Website ebsite:

For PERS, in these uncertain economic conditions, the market must earn back the losses that created the $27 billion hole in the Þrst place. Yet, this can only be accomplished with real returns on actual investments.

If the returns arenÕt sufÞcient to cover the deÞned beneÞts, i.e., the speciÞed rate of return, then taxpayers will be called upon to cover the shortfall.

Think of this as another obligation piled onto the mountains of debt highlighted previously.

With regards to Oregon, those living here today are not guaranteed to be living here when the bill comes due. Businesses, beneÞciaries, and burghers all have the ability to simply move to another region where the stateÕs heavy hand is less burdensome. Meaning, they can face personal debt obligations without having to deal with the state’s mismanaged PERS liabilities.

For todayÕs beneÞciaries, the Þnal years of employment are the most valuable for generating retirement rewards. For an employee approaching retirement, their wages, healthcare and un-paid vacation time carry the highest value and become part of their calculation for retirement beneÞts.

Nearly, 31 percent of active and inactive PERS members have reached the age and time-in-service requirements for retirement. This means that onethird of our teachers, troopers, human service employees, road-builders, ofÞce staff, and corrections ofÞcers will probably retire within the next Þve years.

In consequence, because of the outlandish growth in government “services,” the taxpayer will be on the hook for Þlling these positions while back-Þlling the massive unfunded liabilities of the PERS system.

Oregon must abandon its allegiance to the 3-tier program of ÔdeÞned beneÞtsÕ contained within PERS. The recently passed PERS bill, SB 1049, had a Dash -5 amendment which would have created a fourth tier as a ÔdeÞned contributionÕ plan for new hires. This reasonable solution was never heard. Instead, the Senate Democrats passed a band-aid bill that continues to kick the can down the road. I voted against SB 1049, on the Senate ßoor, because it did

http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/linthicum not include the Dash -5 amendment. The amendment would not impact existing employees; their beneÞts would remain intact. Yet, new hires could participate in alternative retirement vehicles, like 401-K savings plans. The House still has the opportunity to address this amendment and the time to act is now.

Additionally, we must stop the Oregon statistsÕ neverending war against businesses. The HB 2020 plan to collect billions of carbon tax dollars from the unsuspecting public must be stopped. The political class engineering this scheme know perfectly well that the plan won’t work, or provide any material beneÞt to Oregon, or the world. They know it is merely Oregon’s proprietary version of a virtue-signaling Green New Deal, complete with all of the destructive and inane ideas that are incapsulated in the federal boondoggle.

Finally, Oregonians must reject the super-majority’s desire to control every thought, decision and choice made by individuals and families. Whether the choice is regarding medical freedom, vaccines, gun ownership, free-speech, educational opportunities, or driving a diesel truck or tractor that was built prior to 2010.

These choices properly belong to private individuals operating in free and open markets.

Oregon has fallen into the public policy trap where confusion about the role of government is jeopardizing our freedom. The term “policy," denotes a course of action adopted and pursued by government. Implied with policy comes the power to police or regulate, license, prosecute, force, coerce and control the citizenry.

While lying in the Gulag, on a bed of rotting straw, the famous Russian thinker Alexander Solzhenitsyn realized this danger of unbounded power. He wrote, “the line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either–but right through every human, through all human hearts.”

In Oregon, our spirit of freedom has a natural environment wherein to ßourish. Join me in diligently protecting individual liberty and personal responsibility along with defending our neighbors’ rights to the same.

If we don’t stand for rural Oregon values and common-sense – no one will!