E-UPDATE, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Dear Friends, I haven't stopped smiling since election night. In addition to putting Democrats in the control of the Oregon House for the first time in years, voters defeated the anti-government Measures 48 and 41; voters supported expanding the Oregon Prescription Drug Pool to give more citizens access to low-cost medications; and they re-elected Governor Ted Kulongoski who will work for adequacy and stability in education funding, health care for all kids, and strong renewable energy standards. With these changes at hand, we have been extremely busy this last week. House Democrats have selected Rep. Jeff Merkley (Portland) as their choice for Speaker of the House. Other leadership positions have gone to Rep. Diane Rosenbaum (Portland), Rep. Dave Hunt (Milwaukie), Rep. Phil Barnhart (Eugene), Rep. Arnie Roblans (Coos Bay), Rep. Sara Gelser (Corvallis), and Rep. Peter Buckley (Ashland). I am pleased to see representation from throughout the state in our leadership team. We all remain committed to working across party lines to bridge the so-called urban/rural divide.

Dear Friends,

Summer is upon us and much is happening.

Now is the time to lay the groundwork for new bills for the 2007 legislative session.
I continue to be a Co-Chair of the Women's Health and Wellness Alliance, and we have already held our first meeting to develop legislation to address the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of women.
There are ballot measures being proposed for the November election that need study, both for the impact on the state budget if passed, and also for the implications if not passed.
And, on a personal note, I've finally finished suffering through the hammering and racket of the getting of a new roof!

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I hope your holiday season was full of peace and joy. I spent relaxing time with family and friends and am gearing up again for the new year. January promises to be full of activity, with the Transportation Committee beginning its interim work and meetings also scheduled for the Nurses Workplace Violence Task Force and the Economic Development Committee. I