Capitol June 3
As the 35-day "short" legislative session continues to grind its way toward Sine Die, which Constitutionally must end no later than March 11th, temperatures are rising between the House and Senate, as well as Democrats and Republicans. Originally created to deal with lingering budget issues and technical fixes to previously  ...» 
Policy Updates
Omnibus Property Tax Exemption Bill Advances - Includes Gigabit Repeal
The House Revenue Committee, chaired by Representative Phil Barnhart (D-Eugene), adopted the -12 amendments to HB 4027 and unanimously approved the property tax exemption bill Wednesday, February 21st. The amendment  ...»

With strong bipartisan support, the House passed a transient lodging intermediary fix bill on Thursday, February 22nd. The bill moved out of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee, chaired by Senator Mark Hass (D-Beaverton)  ...»

Congratulations to Baker County Commissioner Mark Bennett on his appointment to the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Commission (OAHP). AOC thanks you for stepping up and serving Oregon's agriculture families.  Oregon's diverse farm and ranch  ...»

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 establishes a new federal tax incentive to encourage long-term investments in certain low-income communities. The "Opportunity Zone" designation allows private investment in these communities  ...»

Last week in the House Rules Committee, House Democrats unveiled a new amendment to the House-version of the controversial Cap and Trade bill (HB 4001) that would allow the Legislature to delay voting on certain components of the  ...»

Led by House Health Care Committee chair, the Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) Reform Bill (HB 4018) passed the House with a vote of 32-26-2. The bill headed to Senate Health Care Committee on February 26th. HB 4018 would ...»

On Friday, February 23, the Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology, led by co-chair Nancy Nathanson (D-Eugene), passed HB 4023 -A with the -13 amendment: "(b) Subject to section 6 of this 2018 Act and  ...»

The recently passed federal tax reform act provides for up to 86 Opportunity Zones (OZs) in Oregon. The Governor must designate these zones by March 21, 2018. Persons (or corporations) could sell assets and defer for several years  ...»

With the passage of Measure 96 in November 2016, Oregonians approved a new and higher level of commitment to veterans' and military families. The Legislature is in the early stages of identifying some of the areas of focus for these new resources  ...»
For a complete list of news and information visit oregoncounties.org
News
Oregon Pushes for Net Neutrality

Save-the-Date: PERS Side Account Workshops on Bonds

Drug Courts Provide Alternative to Jail

Wood Products Industry Shows Job Growth, Industry Still Shrinking Despite Gains

Oregon Lawmakers Move Toward Repealing Tax Break Worth Millions to Comcast, Frontier
For a complete list of news and information visit oregoncounties.org
Events
AOC Logo Vertica Transparent
AOC Day
March 12, 2018 | 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Salem, Oregon

For a complete list of events visit oregoncounties.org
NACo News
REPORT: Building Trust - Performance Metrics in Counties

REPORT: Counties Build - Join Us in Building America's Future

Changing the Odds: How Stable Employment Stops Recidivism

Army Corps Proposes New Guidance on Modifications of Current Corps Projects

APPLY NOW! Grants to Support People with Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorders

White House Unveils $1.5 Trillion Infrastructure Plan
For a complete list of news and information visit naco.org
Partner Spotlight
Live Healthy U.S. Counties
More than $600 million in residents' savings!

The NACo Prescription - Health - Dental Discount Program provides relief to uninsured and underinsured Americans who face high prescription, health and dental costs. The program is free to NACo member counties and it has been offering real savings to county residents across the country since 2004. The program, which is administered by CVS Caremark, includes discounts on prescriptions, vision care, LASIK & PRK vision procedures, hearing aids & screenings, prepaid lab work, prepaid diagnostic imaging, diabetic supplies and dental care.

Learn more...
Employment Announcements
Veterinarian (Clackamas County)

Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) Coordinator (AOC)

Senior Planner (Curry County)

Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Metro)

Assistant Director of Energy Planning and Innovation (Oregon Department of Energy)

County Administrator (Yamhill County)
For a complete list of openings visit oregoncounties.org
The Last Word
Q: Why can't a nose be 12 inches long? A: Because then it'll be a foot!

And, a s always, please feel free to submit your story ideas, announcements, recipes, events, photos and job changes to your  Oregon  Trails  staff for inclusion in the next riveting edition. 
 
Your  Oregon Trails staff,
 
Laura Cleland & Mckenzie Farrell
Association of  Oregon  Counties

Representing Oregon counties since 1906, the Association of Oregon Counties unites counties to advocate, communicate, and educate through information sharing and consensus development.