TAPE/#

Speaker

Comments

TAPE 91, A

002

Chair Nelson

Opens the meeting at 8:36 a.m. Opens the work session on HB 2737.

HB 2737 - WORK SESSION

036

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 2737, which creates Oregon Military Family Relief Program in Oregon Military Department. Submits and summarizes -3 amendments (EXHIBIT A).

065

Rep. Barnhart

Explains -3 amendments.

098

Chair Nelson

Comments on the importance of providing equity to all chartable organizations who participate in the Chartable Check-Off Program.

105

Debra Buchanan

Legislative Coordinator, Department of Revenue. Explains the administrative procedures of the Chartable Check-Off Programs tax form rotation system, as prescribed by -3 amendments.   

136

Chair Nelson

Asks if the charities required by statute to be on the front of tax forms have to meet any additional requirements.

140

Buchanan

States that those organizations statutorily required to appear on tax cover do not have to meet any additional requirements.

150

Rep. Barnhart

Questions if the language granting the Department of Revenue the authority to establish a system for rotating eligible charities is “too limiting.”

156

Buchanan

States that the language “appears alright” and clarifies the three year eligibility restriction.

186

Buchanan

Questions if the Oregon Military Relief Fund would be subject to three year participation restriction.

198

Chair Nelson

Comments how the three year participation restriction needs to be removed.

204

Rep. Barnhart

Comments on ability to further amend the bill in House Revenue.

212

Rep. Boquist

Explains why HB 2737 has a subsequent referral to House Revenue.

241

Chair Nelson

Asks if the Oregon Military Department (OMD) has the personnel and administrative resources to administrate the fund.

248

Colonel Mike Caldwell

Deputy Director, OMD. Points out that OMD already have established procedures and regulations that govern the distribution of relief funds.

269

Caldwell

Clarifies that the Oregon Military Relief Fund is a new fund in the OMD budget and will be appropriated on an ongoing basis.

279

Chair Nelson

Asks if OMD charges a fee to administer the fund.

289

Caldwell

Explains how OMD already has personnel and budget capabilities to administer fund for Oregon National Guard soldiers, noting, however that the inclusion of Reservist soldiers would have a fiscal impact for OMD.

350

Rep. Boquist

Explains why it is the responsibility of a Reservist soldier’s chain-of-command to provide OMD the necessary information to attain monies from the relief fund.

379

Rep. Hunt

Asks whether it is a “fair assumption” that rotating an organization off the front of the tax form would result in a decrease in donations.

397

Buchanan

Expresses uncertainty that revenue would decrease because an entity has never been rotated off the form.

TAPE 92, A

005

Rep. Boquist

Verifies the three organizations that are statutorily required to be on the form.  

015

Mac MacDonald

Representative, Veterans’ Organizations. Testifies in support of HB 2737.

030

Rep. Barnhart

MOTION:  Moves to AMEND HB 2737 on page 2, in line 21, after ""(b)," delete "An eligible entity shall be placed into the rotation schedule beginning with its third year of eligibility.", and on page 2, in line 15, after ""(3)(a)," delete “The department shall maximize the number of eligible entities shown on the income tax form., consistent with readability and format. If there is insufficient space on the form to show all eligible entities, the department by rule shall establish a system for rotating eligible entities for inclusion either on the tax form or in the department instructions.".

VOTE:  7-0-0

Chair Nelson

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

039

Rep. Barnhart

MOTION:  Moves to ADOPT HB 2737-3 amendments dated 05/05/05.

044

Rep. Hunt

States objection to the motion.

053

VOTE:  6-1-0

AYE:               6 - Barnhart, Boquist, Bruun, Farr, Komp, Nelson

NAY:               1 - Hunt

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

057

Rep. Barnhart

MOTION:  Moves HB 2737 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Revenue by prior reference.

068

VOTE:  6-1-0

AYE:               6 - Barnhart, Boquist, Bruun, Farr, Komp, Nelson

NAY:               1 - Hunt

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

HB 2847/HB 3333 – WORK SESSION

079

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 2847, which requires that Oregon Veterans’ Home Account be permanently listed on individual tax return form for charitable contribution purposes.  Submits and summarizes -2 amendments for HB 2847 (EXHIBIT B). Explains HB 3333, which creates Wounded Soldier Relief Program in Oregon Military Department. Submits and summarizes -2 amendments for HB 3333 (EXHIBIT C). Submits and summarizes -3 amendment for HB 3333 (EXHIBIT D).

126

Rep. Barnhart

MOTION:  Moves to AMEND HB  3333 on page 2, in line 5, after ""(b)," delete "An eligible entity shall be placed into the rotation schedule beginning with its third year of eligibility.", and on page 1, in line 23, after ""(3)(a)," delete "The department shall maximize the number of eligible entities, the department by rule shall establish a system for rotating eligible entities for inclusion on either the tax form or in the department instructions.".

VOTE:  7-0-0

Chair Nelson

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

139

Rep. Hunt

MOTION:  Moves to ADOPT HB 3333-3 amendments dated 05/04/05.

144

Rep. Hunt

States objection to motion.

149

VOTE:  6-1-0

AYE:               6 - Barnhart, Boquist, Bruun, Farr, Komp, Nelson

NAY:               1 - Hunt

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

151

Rep. Barnhart

MOTION:  Moves HB 3333 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Revenue by prior reference.

VOTE:  6-1-0

AYE:               6 - Barnhart, Boquist, Bruun, Farr, Komp, Nelson

NAY:               1 - Hunt

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

164

Irv Fletcher

Representative, United Steelworkers Local Union 9170. Testifies in support of HB 2847.

171

Chair Nelson

Summarizes -2 amendments.

226

Mac MacDonald

Representative, Veterans’ Organizations. Testifies in support of HB 2847.

238

Stembridge

Asks how the Oregon Veterans’ Home qualified to be in the Charitable Check-Off Program. 

240

MacDonald

Explains how the Oregon Veterans’ Home qualified to be in the Charitable Check-Off Program.  

252

Rep. Hunt

Clarifies the meaning of “permanently listed on the form.”

272

Rep. Barnhart

States that if the Department of Revenue establishes a rotational system for the Charitable Check-Off Program, HB 2847 is not necessary. 

282

Stembridge

Asks if the Oregon Veterans’ Home is a permanent entity within the Charitable Check-Off Program.

288

MacDonald

Affirms that the Oregon Veterans’ Home is required to get 10,000 signatures to remain on the cover of the tax form.

295

Rep. Farr

MOTION:  Moves to AMEND HB 2847 on page 2, in line 3, after ""(b)," delete "An eligible entity shall be placed into the rotation schedule beginning with its third year of eligibility.", and on page 1, in line 21, after ""(3)(a)," insert "The department shall maximize the number of eligible entities shown on the income tax form, consistent with readability and format. If there is insufficient space on the form to show all eligible entities, the department by rule shall establish a system for rotating eligible entities for inclusion on either the tax form or in the department instructions".

318

VOTE:  7-0-0

Chair Nelson

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

320

Rep. Farr

MOTION:  Moves to ADOPT HB 2847-2 amendments dated 05/02/05.

340

Rep. Hunt

States objection to the motion.

347

VOTE:  6-1-0

AYE:               6 - Barnhart, Boquist, Bruun, Farr, Komp, Nelson

NAY:               1 - Hunt

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

350

Rep. Farr

MOTION:  Moves HB 2847 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Revenue by prior reference.

366

VOTE:  6-1-0

AYE:               6 - Barnhart, Boquist, Bruun, Farr, Komp, Nelson

NAY:               1 - Hunt

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

371

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HB 3333 and HB 2847. Opens the work session on HB 2864.

HB 2864 – WORK SESSION

378

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 2864, which creates Veterans’ Discharge Stipend Program to provide temporary income to veterans when discharged from active federal service. Submits and summarizes  -2 amendments (EXHIBIT E).

TAPE 91, B

011

Rep. Hunt

Questions whether the new definition of veteran does cover all soldiers.

016

Rep. Boquist

Speaks to the accuracy of the definition of veteran in -2 amendments.  

029

Chair Nelson

Addresses the completeness of the bill and how everything “we want protected is there.”

047

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HB 2864.

053

Chair Nelson

Opens the work session on HB 2844.

HB 2844 - WORK SESSION

057

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 2844, which limits interest that may be charged on delinquent property taxes imposed on property of members of organized militia called into active service.

069

Rep.  Komp

MOTION:  Moves HB 2844 to the floor with a DO PASS recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Revenue by prior reference.

082

VOTE:  7-0-0

AYE:            In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

084

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HB 2844. Opens the work session on HB 2846.

HB 2846 – WORK SESSION

088

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 2846, which permits veteran who is eligible for veterans homestead property tax partial exemption and who is at least 70 percent disabled to defer property taxes on portion of homestead that is not exempt.

092

Chair Nelson

Speaks to why there are amendments that still need to be addressed.

104

Rep. Barnhart

Points out that all concerns with the bill were resolved by HB 2945.

116

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HB 2846. Opens the work session on HJM 13.

HJM 13 – WORK SESSION

125

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HJM 13, which urges President and Congress to exempt veterans’ disability and pension income from federal income taxation. Submits and summarizes -1 amendments (EXHIBIT F).

132

Rep. Hunt

MOTION:  Moves to ADOPT HJM 13-1 amendments dated 04/28/05.

VOTE:  7-0-0

Chair Nelson

Hearing no objection, declares the motion CARRIED.

138

Rep. Hunt

MOTION:  Moves HJM 13 be sent to the floor with a BE ADOPTED AS AMENDED recommendation.

157

VOTE:  7-0-0

AYE:            In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

REP. KOMP will lead discussion on the floor.

169

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HJM 13. Opens the work session on HCR 14.

HCR 14 – WORK SESSION

171

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HCR 14, which recognizes June 14, 2005, as “Honor Our Oregon National Guard Day.”

180

Colonel Mike Caldwell

Deputy Director, Oregon Military Department (OMD).

182

Chair Nelson

Asks if there is a more appropriate date to honor Oregon National Guard other then June 14.

186

Caldwell

Identifies the birthday of the Oregon National Guard as a better day.

194

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HCR 14. Opens the work session on HB 3413.

HB 3413 – WORK SESSION

200

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 3413, which allows members of specified branches of military to take 15-day leaves of absence from employment for any purpose if member is ordered to federal or state active duty.  Submits and summarizes -1 amendments (EXHIBIT G).

229

Rep. Boquist

Asks for verification of the effect of the bill, -1 amendments, and fiscal impact.

242

Stembridge

States that the bill would have a substantial fiscal impact.

258

Rep. Farr

Verifies that 15-days of paid leave are provided.

267

Colonel Mike Caldwell

Deputy Director, Oregon Military Department (OMD). Point out that the purpose is for the 15-days of leave to be utilized for only annual training.

320

Caldwell

Explains how the 15-days of leave have historically been paid by employers.  

346

Chair Nelson

Questions the necessity of the 15-day leave.

349

Caldwell

Explains the necessity for the 15-days of annual training.

373

Rep. Barnhart

Asks if there are always 15-days of annual training.

375

Caldwell

Verifies that there are always 15-days paid leave, noting instances when annual training has been longer.

390

Rep. Barnhart

Confirms that HB 3143 removes the burden from human resource departments to determine when leave is utilized.

399

Caldwell

Explains how soldiers utilize annual training leave.

401

Rep. Barnhart

Clarifies why there is no fiscal impact.

TAPE 92, B

007

Rep. Barnhart

Confirms that HB 3143 is really just “getting rid of obsolete language in the statute” and simplifying human resource procedures.

033

Chair Nelson

Comments that there is nothing in statute that would prevent an employer from requiring a soldier to use vacation time for annual training.

038

Rep. Barnhart

Questions whether human resource departments are following the current law regarding annual training requirements.

042

Caldwell

Speaks to the status of current law and how employers often define annual training.

079

Rep. Boquist

MOTION:  Moves to ADOPT HB 3413-1 amendments dated 04/26/05.

VOTE:  6-0-1

AYE:            In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

EXCUSED:  1 - Farr

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

083

Rep. Boquist

MOTION:  Moves HB 3143 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Ways and Means by prior reference.

092

VOTE:  6-0-1

AYE:            In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

EXCUSED:  1 - Farr

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

095

Chair nelson

Closes the work session on HB 3413. Opens a work session on HJM 15, HJM 16, and HJM 21.

HJM 15/HJM16/HJM21 – WORK SESSION

105

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administer. Explains HJM 15, which urges Congress to allow returning combat veterans up to 21 days to make transition to civilian life and workplace. Explains HJM 16, which urges Congress to establish grants for veterans starting new businesses. Explains HJM 21, which urges United States Department of Veterans Affairs to demand excellence, promptness and accountability from contracted private providers of health care for active duty and retired members of United States Armed Forces, their families and their survivors.

117

Rep. Barnhart

MOTION:  Moves HJM 15 be sent to the floor with a BE ADOPTED recommendation.

127

VOTE:  6-0-1

AYE:            In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

EXCUSED:  1 - Farr

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

REP. HUNT will lead discussion on the floor.

145

Rep. Bruun

MOTION:  Moves HJM 16 be sent to the floor with a BE ADOPTED recommendation.

VOTE:  5-0-2

AYE:            In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

EXCUSED:  2 - Boquist, Farr

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

REP. BRUUN will lead discussion on the floor.

168

Rep. Komp

MOTION:  Moves HJM 21 be sent to the floor with a BE ADOPTED recommendation.

178

VOTE:  6-0-1

AYE:            In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

EXCUSED:  1 - Farr

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

REP. BOQUIST will lead discussion on the floor.

181

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HJM 15, HJM 16, and HJM 21. Opens a work session on HJM 32, HJM 33, and HJM 34.

HJM 32/HJM 33/HJM 34 – WORK SESSION

189

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HJM 32, which urges Congress to adopt National Guard and Reserve Retirement Act that provides for National Guard and Reserve members who reach 30 years of service or 55 years of age to immediately receive military retiree pay.

197

Rep. Bruun

MOTION:  Moves HJM 32 be sent to the floor with a BE ADOPTED recommendation.

VOTE:  6-0-1

AYE:            In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

EXCUSED:  1 - Farr

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

REP. FARR will lead discussion on the floor.

211

Stembridge

Explains HJM 33, which urges Congress to direct Department of Defense to minimize amount of time members of National Guard are away from home and to ensure that National Guard and Reserve Components remain capable of accomplishing state missions.

216

Rep. Boquist

MOTION:  Moves HJM 33 be sent to the floor with a BE ADOPTED recommendation.

224

Rep. Bruun

Expresses hesitance to tell Congress how to make training and military deployment decisions.

237

Rep. Boquist

Speaks to importance of HJM 33.

254

Rep. Bruun

Comments on the “high level of professionalism” of National Guard soldiers, but questions telling Congress how to make battlefield decisions.

272

Colonel Mike Caldwell

Deputy Director, Oregon Military Department (OMD). Testifies in support of HJM 33.

316

Rep. Farr

Comment on the level of training for Oregon National Guard soldiers at Camp Rilea.

324

Caldwell

Summarizes the type and complexity of training that occurs at Camp Rilea

338

Rep. Bruun

Agrees with the content of HJM 33, but disagrees with relating to clause.

358

Rep. Boquist

Summarizes what “the heart” of HJM 33.

393

Rep. Barnhart

Confirms that a unit commander would insist on additional training of soldiers were not ready for deployment.

TAPE 93, A

024

VOTE:  7-0-0

AYE:            In a roll call vote, all members present vote Aye.

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

REP. BOQUIST will lead discussion on the floor.

032

Stembridge

Explains HJM 34, which urges Congress to pass National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2005 giving reservists right to quality, affordable health care. Submits and summarizes -1 amendments (EXHIBIT H).

051

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HJM 32, HJM 33, and HJM 34. Opens the work session on HB 3331.

HB 3331 – WORK SESSION

060

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 3331, which increases pay and allowances of Adjutant General and Assistant Adjutants General. Submits and summarizes -1 amendments (EXHIBIT I).

080

Colonel Mike Caldwell

Deputy Director, Oregon Military Department (OMD). Submits and summarizes Oregon National Guard Salary Survey chart (EXHIBIT J).

100

Rep. Boquist

Explains why salary increases are not a financial reality.

112

Rep. Farr

Agrees that salary increases are not a fiscal reality, stating intent to vote against measure.   

118

Rep. Hunt

Concurs and intends to vote no.

122

Caldwell

Comments on need to provide comparable salaries and benefits to individuals who manage state agencies.

137

Rep. Hunt

Supports pay equity amongst state employees, but current fiscal conditions cannot support this action.

150

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HB 3331. Opens the work session on HB 2700.

HB 2700 – WORK SESSION

162

Jim Stembridge

Committee Administrator. Explains HB 2700, which directs Director of Veterans Affairs to establish Veterans’ Service Officer Expansion Program.

171

Rep. Barnhart

MOTION:  Moves to ADOPT HB  2700-3 amendments dated 05/02/05.

173

Rep. Barnhart

Addresses the importance of establishing the County Veterans’ Service Officers Expansion Program.

210

Chair Nelson

Speaks to the importance of County Veterans’ Service Officers Expansion Program.

287

Rep. Hunt

Explains opposition to -3 amendments.

320

Chair Nelson

States that $5 million dollar budget figure is not a set number.

336

Rep. Barnhart

Questions what the budget estimate was for SB 10.

354

Rep. Barnhart

Withdraws motion to adopt -3 amendments.

367

Rep. Farr

MOTION:  Moves to ADOPT HB 2700-3 amendments dated 05/02/05.

VOTE:  4-3-0

AYE:               4 - Boquist, Farr, Komp, Nelson

NAY:               3 - Barnhart, Bruun, Hunt

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

376

Rep. Farr

MOTION:  Moves HB 2700 to the floor with a DO PASS AS AMENDED recommendation and BE REFERRED to the committee on Ways and Means by prior reference.

VOTE:  6-1-0

AYE:               6 - Barnhart, Boquist, Bruun, Farr, Komp, Nelson

NAY:               1 - Hunt

Chair Nelson

The motion CARRIES.

391

Chair Nelson

Closes the work session on HB 2700. Adjourns the meeting at 10:51 a.m.