2021 LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION RECEPTION
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Experienced CPA’s & Accountants Serving the Portland Area Fordham & Co, LLP relise on over 50 years of consistent service providing professional services to businesses and individuals.
INLINE Commercial Construction is a full service, general contractor. From concept to closeout and tenant improvements to new construction, their diverse project experience provides a comprehensive construction and safety knowledge. As a true Oregon grown company, INLINE Commercial Construction’s roots run deep across multiple generations with community contributions and participation at its core.
AGENDA THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 4:00 p.m. Welcome Remarks Jayne Bond, Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce Mark Spiegelberg, Beaverton Chamber of Commerce 4:05 p.m. Sponsor Appreciation & Recognition Katie Eyre, Fordham & Co. Brandon Flint, Inline Commercial Construction 4:10 p.m. Introduction of Emcees & Outline of Program Josh Tompkins, Hillsboro PPC Steve Smelley, Beaverton BAC 4:15 p.m. Remarks from Legislators Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward Senator Betsy Johnson Senator Chuck Riley Representative Susan McLain Representative Janeen Sollman Representative Sheri Schouten Representative Ron Noble Representative Courtney Neron 5:10 p.m. Presentation of Chambers’ 2021 Legislative Agendas Josh Tompkins Steve Smelley 5:20 p.m.
Questions from Audience
5:30 p.m.
Conclusion
A MESSAGE FROM THE HILLSBORO CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thank you for joining us for the 2021 Legislative Delegation Reception. This special event is an opportunity for us to share our priorities with our elected leaders and for our legislative delegation to directly share their priorities with the business community.
legislative process.
We are very excited to welcome the participation of the Beaverton Chamber in this year’s Legislative Delegation Reception. Our partnership is a symbol of our strength in advocacy, bringing Washington County’s two largest cities together to provide a robust business voice to the
We thank the elected officials who have generously taken time out of their very busy schedule to participate in this reception, their willingness to better understand priorities that benefit the business community and our economy, and for sharing their vision and aspirations for the 2021 Legislative Session. The business community plays an important role in our communities and we value our elected official’s appreciation of that role through their willingness to learn and understand our priorities. The Hillsboro Chamber Public Policy Committee deserves appreciation and acknowledgement for their hard work in compiling the Hillsboro Chamber 2021 Legislative Priorities. The Public Policy Committee meets on a monthly basis and weighs in on issues impacting the business community. Finally, a special thanks to the Presenting Sponsors of our Legislative Reception: Fordham & Co. LLC and Inline Commercial Construction. We truly appreciate their continued support and investment in the Hillsboro Chamber and our advocacy efforts that provide a clear opportunity to represent our interests with government. Thank you for taking time to join us! Warmest regards, Jayne Bond Chair of the Board Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
Where Business Happens
A MESSAGE FROM THE BEAVERTON CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS As a member driven organization, the Beaverton Chamber of Commerce represents over 6,000 businesses with over 80,000 jobs. Our chamber is often the only source for legislative advocacy for our local businesses. That being said, it is imperative we are able to have events like our Legislative Delegation Reception where we will be able to collaborate with our local Representatives on key issues facing our communities. We are grateful to partner with the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce this year. Our members share many of the same obstacles and it is great that we are able to come together to serve both of our memberships. Thank you to Senator Elizabeth Hayward Steiner, Senator Betsy Johnson, Senator Chuck Riley, Representative Susan McLain, Representative Janeen Sollman, Representative Sheri Schouten, Representative Ron Noble, and Representative Courtney Neron, for their willingness to collaborate and spend time with our local business community. We consider ourselves lucky to have State Leaders who care deeply about their local communities and the engines that drive them. Finally, a special thanks to the Presenting Sponsors of our Legislative Reception: Fordham & Co. LLC and Inline Commercial Construction. We wish a fruitful and blessed 2021 to all, thank you for joining us! Best, Mark Spiegelberg Board Chair – Elect Beaverton Chamber of Commerce
Hillsboro Chamber 2021 Legislative Priorities Economic Growth | Inclusivity | Collaboration | Fiscal Responsibility
The Hillsboro Chamber urges the Oregon State Legislature to consider our Guiding Principles and engage our members in policy conversations and decisions in the 2021 Legislative Session.
WHO WE ARE The Hillsboro Chamber is the independent, significant voice of the Hillsboro area’s thriving business community, which is considered the economic engine of Oregon. We are a member-driven organization, proud to represent more than 800 small businesses, large employers and nonprofits operating in the Hillsboro area, ranging from local restaurants and auto repair shops to high-tech manufacturers. The businesses we represent are integral to making the Hillsboro area an economically prosperous, safe, healthy, inclusive and innovative place to live, work and play.
OUR LEGISLATIVE FOCUS This year, our focus is on firmly on how the pandemic has ravaged our small business community and the actions the Legislature will be taking to support and assist our businesses. We simply ask the Oregon State Legislature to do no harm. We are asking the Legislature to contemplate very seriously any action, be it regulatory enactment or fee increases, and to view any action through the lens of a Main Street business owner who has for nearly a year been battling to keep their doors open, to keep their employees, to maintain strict adherence to the Governor’s guidance, all the while keeping their customers and employees safe. CARES funding has run out and no new Federal funding package has been approved. Grant funding is no longer available, and no new sources of support has been forthcoming. Any additional burden on our beleaguered businesses will result in a catastrophic loss of businesses throughout our communities, who will be unable to continue absorbing additional costs with reduced capacity and severe curtailment in their customer base.
OUR VALUES Our mission is to promote business prosperity and a healthy, equitable, inclusive and diverse community in greater Hillsboro by providing information, services and advocacy for our members. http://www.hillsborochamberor.com/.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES Economic Health Promote policies that enable businesses of all sizes to thrive and grow. Inclusivity Engage and listen to business stakeholders on policies that impact how employers operate. Collaboration Develop policies collaboratively with a willingness to consider alternative paths and compromise agreements. Fiscal Responsibility Prioritize State spending based on intended outcomes and results to create a more balanced, stable budget.
CONTACT Please contact us for context to our legislative positions and to engage the Chamber and our members in policy discussions. Deanna Palm, President: e| deannap@hillchamber.org c | 503-473-4486
Advocacy & Policy Development Sponsors
Hillsboro Chamber 2021 Legislative Priorities Economic Growth | Inclusivity | Collaboration | Fiscal Responsibility Small Business Support Save our Small and Main Street Businesses throughout Oregon.
Support: Providing tax relief for small businesses receiving local and/or state grants. Providing for tax relief for grant income would be appropriate under the circumstances. Support: Prioritizing funding for small businesses that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 especially businesses that have had to sharply curtail business operations.
Liability Protections for Businesses Businesses need temporary and targeted COVID-19 liability relief to prevent further financial jeopardy as Oregon starts to reopen. Support: Businesses progressing through the re-opening stages will be making a good-faith effort to implement safety measures as suggested by the State of Oregon and should be protected from unwarranted or opportunistic litigation from employees claiming to have contracted Covid-19 on the job. Employers need to know that by taking steps to implement guidance from state and federal public health officials, they will be protected from potentially predatory legal action.
Tax Relief for Property Owners While there have been appropriate actions impacting residential and commercial property tenants in the form of eviction protections, property owners have not received any relief. Support: Allow property owners to waive debt accrued via missed rent payments and make said debt taxdeductible for the extent of the State of Emergency Executive Order and for a period after for at least as long as the State of Emergency was in place.
Commercial Activities Tax Support
Relief on implementation of Commercial Activities Tax for the duration of the State of Emergency with additional recovery time at least equal to overall time of closure.
Tax Policies & Economic Development Tax policies must consider research, data and the voices of the business community and show a direct result in Oregon’s recovery. Economic development tools, tax increases and tax credits have a direct impact on employers their ability to stay in business, hire new employees and expand. Priority: Any tax increase, added burdens, or adjustments to an economic development incentive must be developed in collaboration, and in consensus with, a broad-based business community. Support: Legislation that preserves and supports State and local tools to help businesses expand and hire new employees, including the strategic investment program, urban renewal and enterprise zones. Oppose: Any changes to economic development tools, such as the SIP or enterprise zones that are not developed in consensus with a broad base of the business community.
Transportation & Infrastructure Investments Strategic investments in transportation and vital infrastructure will spur job and economic development growth throughout Oregon. Legislators Priority: The State Legislators should seek out opportunities to fund transportation system upgrades, maintenance and roadway project development. Funding vital infrastructure projects will infuse Oregon communities with badly needed investments resulting in an increase in local spending.
Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce 2021 Legislative and Local Priorities Economic Growth | Inclusivity | Collaboration | Fiscal Responsibility | Transparency The Beaverton Chamber urges the Oregon State Legislature, Metro, Washington County and the City of Beaverton to consider our Guiding Principles and engage our members in policy conversations and decisions in the 2021 Legislative Session.
WHO WE ARE
The Beaverton Chamber is the independent, significant voice of the Beaverton area’s business community, which is considered a significant part of the economic engine of Oregon. We are a member-driven organization, proud to represent more than 6,000 small businesses, large employers and nonprofits operating in the Beaverton area, ranging from local restaurants and auto repair shops to the world leader of sports apparel. The businesses we represent are integral to making the Beaverton area an economically prosperous, safe, healthy, inclusive and innovative place to live, work and play.
OUR LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FOCUS
This year, our focus is on firmly on how the pandemic has ravaged our small business community and the actions the Legislature will be taking to support and assist our businesses. We are simply asking the Oregon State Legislature to do no harm. We are asking the Legislature and other elected officials to contemplate very seriously any action, be it regulatory enactment or fee increases, and to view any action through the lens of a Main Street business owner who has for nearly a year been battling to keep their doors open, to keep their employees, to maintain strict adherence to the Governor’s guidance, all the while keeping their customers and employees safe. CARES funding has run out and no new Federal funding package has been approved. Grant funding is no longer available, and no new sources of support has been forthcoming. Any additional burden on our beleaguered businesses will result in a catastrophic loss of businesses throughout our communities, who will be unable to continue absorbing additional costs with reduced capacity and severe curtailment in their customer base. During this pandemic our businesses have yet to absorb all of the new taxes already passed so we would respectfully ask for a pause on new taxes and fees while we all collectively recover.
OUR VALUES
Our mission is to promote business prosperity and a healthy, equitable, inclusive and diverse community in greater Beaverton area by providing information, services and advocacy for our members.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES Economic Health Promote policies that enable businesses of all sizes to thrive and grow. Inclusivity Engage and listen to business stakeholders on policies that impact how employers operate.
Collaboration Develop policies collaboratively with a willingness to consider alternative paths and compromise agreements.
Fiscal Responsibility Prioritize State and local spending based on intended outcomes and results to create a more balanced, stable budget.
Transparency Encourage frank, open and transparent communication between all stakeholders to create an environment of trust and collaboration in working toward the common good of our community.
CONTACT
Please contact us for context to our legislative positions and to engage the Chamber and our members in policy discussions. Stephen Smelley, Interim Executive Director/CEO
e-mail| Stephen@Beaverton.org cell | 503-708.1244
Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce 2021 Legislative and Local Priorities Economic Growth | Inclusivity | Collaboration | Fiscal Responsibility | Transparency Small Business Support Many small businesses have received support through local grant programs due to COVID-19, but many have not and are struggling with requirements imposed by Oregon’s Governor.
Support: Providing tax relief for small businesses receiving local and/or state grants. Providing for tax relief for grant income would be appropriate under the circumstances.
Liability Protections for Businesses Businesses need temporary and targeted COVID-19 liability relief to prevent further financial jeopardy as Oregon starts to reopen. Support: Businesses progressing through the re-opening stages will be making a good-faith effort to implement safety measures as suggested by the State of Oregon and should be protected from unwarranted or opportunistic litigation from employees claiming to have contracted Covid-19 on the job. Employers need to know that by taking steps to implement guidance from state and federal public health officials, they will be protected from potentially predatory legal action.
Tax Relief for Property Owners While there have been appropriate actions impacting residential and commercial property tenants in the form of eviction protections, property owners have not received any relief. Support: Allow property owners to waive debt accrued via missed rent payments and make said debt taxdeductible for the extent of the State of Emergency Executive Order and for a period after for at least as long as the State of Emergency was in place.
Commercial Activities Tax Support
Relief on implementation of Commercial Activities Tax for the duration of the State of Emergency with additional recovery time at least equal to overall time of closure.
Local Government Flexibility Support:
Providing local jurisdictions temporary flexibility with non-discretionary funds.
Tax Policies and Economic Development Tax policies must consider research, data and the voices of the business community and show a direct result in Oregon’s recovery. Economic development tools, tax increases and tax credits have a direct impact on employers their ability to stay in business, hire new employees and expand. Priority: Any tax increase, added burdens, or adjustments to an economic development incentive must be developed in collaboration, and in consensus with, a broad-based business community. Support: Legislation that preserves and supports State and local tools to help businesses expand and hire new employees, including the strategic investment program, urban renewal and enterprise zones. Oppose: Any changes to economic development tools, such as the SIP or enterprise zones that are not developed in consensus with a broad base of the business community.
Transportation and Infrastructure Investments Strategic investments in transportation and vital infrastructure will spur job and economic development growth throughout Oregon. It is imperative that we prioritize projects in the most effective and efficient way possible. Priority: The State Legislators should seek out opportunities to fund transportation system upgrades, maintenance and roadway project development. Funding vital infrastructure projects will infuse Oregon communities with badly needed investments resulting in an increase in local spending.
City of Beaverton Specific focus for 2021 Priority:
To effectively support the transition to our new form of City Government and support and enhance our partnership with the City of Beaverton.
Priority:
To collaborate with the new Interim and then Permanent City Manager, Mayor, City Council and City Staff to provide support to the economic engine of our local economy, local business owners and their employees so that we can continue to afford the investments in improving our community.
Washington County Specific Focus for 2021 Priority Review and/or Activate:
Work with Washington County and other governmental entities to support the effective business development priorities of the County. BRC is an example. To effectively monitor/review and, as deemed appropriate, respond to current/potential Washington County proposals that may impact Beaverton businesses and residents. Field requests from BACC members and/or external parties and review.
Metro Specific Focus for 2021 Priority
Review and/or Activate:
Work with METRO to encourage transparency, transparency and accountability for projects proposed and already funded. Including but not limited to Homeless Services, Transportation and other METRO Services that support our businesses and citizens. To effectively monitor/review and, as deemed appropriate, respond to current/potential METRO proposals that may impact Washington County and Beaverton businesses and residents
Federal and Regional Activation Review and/or Activate:
To effectively monitor/review and, as deemed appropriate, respond to current/potential congressional proposals that may impact Washington County and Beaverton businesses and residents. Field requests from BACC members and/or external parties and review.
WASHINGTON COUNTY LEGISLATORS STATE SENATORS Senator Brian Boquist State Senate District 12 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1712 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-311, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: Sen.BrianBoquist@ oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Chuck Riley State Senate District 15 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-303, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: Sen.ChuckRiley@ oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Ginny Burdick State Senate District 18 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1700 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-223, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: Sen.GinnyBurdick@ oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Kim Thatcher State Senate District 13 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1713 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-307, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: Sen.KimThatcher@ oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Betsy Johnson State Senate District 16 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-209, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: Sen.BetsyJohnson@ oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Rob Wagner State Senate District: 19 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1719 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-215, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: Sen.RobWagner@ oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Kate Lieber State Senate District 14 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: Sen.KateLieber@ oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward State Senate District 17 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1717 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-215, Salem, OR, 97301 Email: Sen. ElizabethSteinerHayward@ oregonlegislature.gov
STATE REPRESENTATIVES Representative Ron Noble State Representative District 24 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.RonNoble@ oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Susan McLain State Representative District 29 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1429 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-477, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.SusanMclain@ oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Maxine Dexter State Representative District: 33 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1433 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-283, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.MaxineDexter@ oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Courtney Neron State Representative District: 26 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1426 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-281, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.CourtneyNeron@ oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Janeen A. Sollman State Representative District 30 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-487, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@ oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Ken Helm State Representative District 34 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1434 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-490, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.KenHelm@ oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Sheri Schouten State Representative District 27 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1427 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-280, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.SheriSchouten@ oregonlegislature.gov Representative Wlnsvey Campos State Representative District 28 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.WlnsveyCampos@ oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Brad Witt State Representative District 31 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1431 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-374, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov Representative Suzanne Weber State Representative District: 32 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.SuzanneWeber@ oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Dacia Grayber State Representative District 35 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.DaciaGrayber@ oregonlegislature.gov Representative Rachel Prusak State Representative District: 37 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1437 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-489, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.RachelPrusak@ oregonlegislature.gov