TAKE THE INITIATIVE!

Drivers on both sides of the Columbia River are frustrated by growing traffic congestion. It's hurting our distribution-based economy, creating unsafe conditions, and increasing air pollution. As the situation gradually became a crisis, the State of Oregon and local jurisdictions invested billions elsewhere.

2 years ago the Legislature responded by passing HB-2017, increasing Vehicle Registration Fees, and raising the gas tax by 10 cents per gallon, exclusively for maintenance. Several large highway projects were funded, but money for widening I-205 and Hwy 217 was eliminated late in the process. Tolling was presented as a possible way to fund those projects.

Instead, the State authorized a study for "Value Pricing", a plan to toll existing freeways in which the millions collected won't be spent on increasing capacity, and the rates will be higher during heavy traffic times. Imagine the cost! Imagine how much traffic would be diverted into our neighborhoods! Fortunately, we have the power of the Initiative process, and are already taking action. IP-10, a state-wide petition, is being circulated to require a public vote before tolling can be imposed.

A second initiative, involving transportation spending, will soon be filed In Clackamas County. The opportunity to make a difference is here. We need energized volunteers and financial support to qualify the Initiatives for the ballot in 2020. Please join our movement to keep driving affordable!

Vehicle Transportation Alliance
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1) Washington State's positions on tolling affect Oregonians, too. You are invited to join in for John Ley's talk on Thursday, May 16 "For Whom the Government Tolls" at Clark County Republican Women's Club in Vancouver. Register by the 14th at Clark County Republican Women. During the social hour preceding the program, you may speak informally with an advocate for the Portland - Vancouver tunnel and Gladstone Planning Commissioner Les Poole who is a petitioner for Oregon's IP-10 being on the 2020 ballot.

2) We welcome you to the Clark County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Gala on Saturday, May 18 in Vancouver. The keynoter is Heidi St. John on "The Fight for Faith and Family in a New Age." Heidi is the author of seven books and has been speaking nationally on family and cultural issues for more than 15 years. Emcee for the evening is Jeff Kropf. Please register online by the 13th Clark County Republicans.

Read the May 2019 MHRW Newsletter

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From Aaron Withe (503-951-6208), Oregon Director of Freedom Foundation.

The Freedom Foundation is a regional think and action tank dedicated to removing government unions influence on the political cycle.

Last month we reported that SEIU 503 had lost 21% of it's membership since Janus. I'm happy to report the damages are even worse than we thought. Newly reported state numbers show that 26% of state workers have left the SEIU!

On top of that we've also found out that the average school district is reporting 31% of classified school employees are opting out of the AFT.

These losses show that on the west-coast, and in Oregon specifically, our campaign is having significant impact and the unions are feeling these losses. Perhaps that's why they've introduced several bills in the legislature to attempt to circumvent Janus. Most notably HB-2643, reported here by Fox News.

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From John Charles, of Cascade Policy Institute (503-242-0900)

Details of all Cascade events and publications are available at http://cascadepolicy.org/ and you can sign up for Cascade's free weekly Courier email list here.