A Note from our Lobbyist in Salem

We want to introduce you to Jonathan Manton, our lobbyist representing Central Oregon LandWatch at the Oregon State Capitol.

Happy New Year to Central Oregon LandWatch!

I’m Jonathan Manton and I couldn’t be more excited, nor more grateful for the opportunity to again be advocating for Central Oregon LandWatch.  We will be educating lawmakers and actively influencing legislation in Salem over the several next months, and we will be asking for you to join us.   

As the 2021 Oregon Legislative Session approaches, COVID related challenges abound.  The first few months of the session will look very different from past regular sessions. The Capitol, which has been closed to the public since March, will remain so until the virus activity in Marion County recedes to a safe level.  And while that is a bummer on many levels, the most crucial parts of lawmaking happen in committees. For the time being, committees will be held remotely with public testimony and input allowed via zoom.  Folks in Central Oregon will be on a level playing field with all other Oregonians.    

Newly elected legislators, including Bend’s own soon-to-be Representative Jason Kropf, will be officially sworn in on January 11th.  The next floor sessions will take place on January 19th, when the session officially begins.  This is when ‘Pre-Session’ filed bills will be first-read, making them available to the public.  The Senate President and Speaker of the House will also assign nearly 3000 individual bills to legislative committees.  The days after January 19th will be heavy reading days for our team, as we get a first look at the myriad of bills that could impact the quality of life in Central Oregon.  Thank you in advance Nathan! 

This is also when the work of Capitol lobbyists will enter a new stage.   It’s game on from this day forward and there’s no let up until the session is adjourned, by order of Oregon’s Constitution Sine Die no later than June 27th.

I hope you will stay tuned for more, as Oregon needs your voices, intellect, experiences, and guidance more than ever.  I’m so excited to again be working for you. 

Best wishes,

Jonathan Manton