Dear Neighbor, I've recently introduced two pieces of legislation that will make a big difference to Oregonians. Read on to learn more about bills that would protect Mt. Hood and bring our National Guard home. Mt. Hood Stewardship Legacy Bill More than 4 million people a year visit Mt. Hood, one of Oregon's most beloved icons. To prevent increasing pressure from those who love to ski, hike, bicycle, and fish in Mt. Hood's magnificent forests from conflicting with the preservation of our pristine watersheds, important wildlife habitat, and the health of our forests, Representative Greg Walden and I introduced a bi-partisan Mt. Hood Stewardship Legacy Bill this week to promote long-term stewardship for this natural treasure. The bill adds important Wilderness and Wild and Scenic designations to the mountain and some of its waterways, increases funding and expands opportunities for recreational uses, authorizes a Mt Hood Transportation Plan, and directs the US Forest Service to develop a 10-year Forest Stewardship Plan for the mountain. Click here for more information.

March 17, 2006

1. On the kicker, the special session, and looking ahead to the 2007 legislative session
2. "No Human Being is Illegal"
3. Emergency Preparedness

I encourage all Democrats to contact Oregon's Senior Senator, Ron Wyden, to thank him for his commitment to supporting a filibuster on Samuel Alito.

As Chair of the Multnomah County Democrats, I appreciate Senator Wyden for his willingness to take a stand against judges who cannot separate their personal beliefs from their consideration of legal matters.

Thank you, Ron Wyden, for upholding the highest standards for the Supreme Court of the United States.

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