Jackson County Democratic Party Newsletter - March 21rst, 2009
EVENTS
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Senator Alan Bates will hold mid-session town hall meetings in Medford Sun March 22nd and Ashland Mon March 23rd
Bates said, "Spending time in district during session provides me an opportunity to work directly with my constituents and hear their perspectives about the work we are doing in Salem." Times and locations of the town halls are as follows: Medford: March 22, 2009, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. at Ashland: March 23, 2009, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Senator Bates will provide a brief update about the current legislative session before opening the floor for questions from constituents. For more information visit Bates' website at http://www.alanbates.net/ contact his office at (503) 986-1703. |
TOWNHALL MEETINGS WITH SENATOR ALAN BATES This Sunday, March 22nd and This Monday, March 23rd |
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Celebrating a Community of Peace Join other folks marching for peace and justice on Saturday, March 21st, at 11:30 AM, in Alba Park, downtown Medford. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome. Sign and banner making will be conducted on Thursday, March 19th, 6:30 PM, Congregational United Church of Christ, 1801 E. Jackson Street, Medford. Bring your ideas and energy, make a sign, and join the march. You can even make a sign for your dog. Rallying for peace and justice is fun! More Info
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President Obama's budget (the critical bill that decides how the government will spend trillions of dollars) is being debated right now in Congress. And Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as a member of the budget committee, is one of just a few make-or-break votes. Call Senator Merkley and Wyden! Tell them to pass Obama's budget without stripping the crucial provisions that make sure polluters and other special interests pay their fair share.
Senator Jeff Merkley Senator Ron Wyden |
The budget President Obama has proposed isn't the same old document Washington has come to expect year after year. Right now, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to finally confront the systemic problems that have held America back for far too long in energy, health care, and education. But it's up to you to get involved and make it happen. Join a canvass this weekend and talk with everyone you know about the President's plan to secure long-term prosperity for our families. After watching the President's video, you can also look up your elected representatives and let them know you support this new foundation for economic growth. |
The Economy - Very Positive News
For the first 100 days of his administration, President Obama and the Congress are focusing on improving the economy. President Obama's priorities are the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Budget. ARRA will provide immediate economic relief with long-term benefits. The President's budget sets-up the country for long term economic growth. In this spirit, this week's newsletter contains articles and links that detail how the President's programs will provide immediate benefit for Oregonians. More articles are posted on the JCDP web site at http://www.jcdemocrats.org
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Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Oregon will receive about $334 million. AARA requires that 30% of funds go to local governments. In Oregon this will translate to about $100 million.
In addition to highway projects, funds may be used for environmentally friendly projects such as:
- Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
- Vehicles and facilities used to provide intercity bus passenger service.
- Carpool projects.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Oregon will receive about $334 million. AARA requires that 30% of funds go to local governments. In Oregon this will translate to about $100 million.
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On Wednesday, Oregon transportation officials voted to spend another $100 million from the federal stimulus package, boosting the number of construction jobs to be created this summer to 3,300. The state's quick actions are in the spirit of the President's desire for federal stimulus money to go to "shovel ready" projects that can quickly create jobs and get paychecks into the hands of workers. |
OREGON TRANSPORTATION OFFICE
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| Real Help for Small Businesses On Monday, President Obama announced his program to aid small businesses. The Treasury Department will directly purchase up to $15 billion in securities composed of loans backed by the Small Business Administration. In addition to buying securities, the administration is proceeding with plans to eliminate fees for borrowers and lower fees for lenders on its two signature small business lending programs and increasing the level of guarantees provided by the government. The program will improve the flow of credit from banks to small businesses and help create jobs. Said the President, "Today, too many entrepreneurs can't access the capital to start, operate or grow their business. Too many dreams are being deferred or denied by a form letter canceling a line of credit." More Information |
Joshua Roberts / Bloomberg News
President Obama talks to small-business owners and
community bankers in the East Room of the White House.
At right is Cynthia Blankenship, head of the Independent Community Bankers of America.
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Health Care Action on Two Fronts - JOIN ONE OF THE ACTION RESPONSE TEAMS to write letters to editor, call your Senator "Let there be no doubt: Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year."
… President Barack Obama
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VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED & APPRECIATED FOR OUR STANDING COMMITTEES |
THE JCDP
The JCDP is an entirely Volunteer Organization. We have many interesting committees and activities that you can be a part of. Please contact us to be part of Unity and Real Change in Jackson County.
About our JCDP Email Newsletter and Web Site
The JCDP web site is full of exciting information – Come see how we are involved with Jackson County and our greater community at http://www.jcdemocrats.org