Item 2C: Ratif. of IGR Actions - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Bettman, seconded by Ms. Taylor, moved to change the status of the HJR 35 to Prior- ityl. Responding to a question from Mr. Pap6, Ms. Boyle said the resolution would establish a basic level of education and require it be funded for all students. Local governments could decide on an enhanced level of education and request property tax increases for local purposes. The bill restored local control to school districts and removed the Ballot Measure 5 cap for schools. It would have no effect on cities in regard to the cap. Ms. Boyle noted that typically, the City assigned Priority 2 support to school-related bills unless the districts requested support. Mr. Heuser said those opposing the bill argued that it would benefit wealthier communities and create an increasing funding divide between poor and wealthy school districts. Ms. Bettman supported the bill because it gave communities the choice to invest in schools as an economic development strategy. It removed an existing disincentive. She believed the local school option levy demonstrated the community's support for its schools and hence, the bill. Responding to a question from Mr. Pap6, Mr. Heuser indicated he did not think the bill was going to make any progress in the House of Representatives. The motion passed unanimously. SB 0993 Ms. Taylor questioned whether the bill, which related to trafficking of persons, is needed. Mr. Cushman said staff was not aware that it was an issue in Eugene, but he understood it was a problem in Portland and other parts of the country. Given the egregious nature of the crime, he believed it was good to have a law directed at it. Mr. Pap6 noted the changed staff recommendation for HB 2428, reflected in a memorandum provided to the CCIGR. The committee indicated acceptance of the staff recommendation. Priority 3 Bills HB 2617 Ms. Bettman, seconded by Ms. Taylor, moved to change the status of the bill to Priority 2. Mr. Yeiter noted the staff normally did not assign above a Priority 3 to bills that addressed land outside the urban growth boundary. The bill in question was directed at counties. Ms. Bettman acknowledged that but pointed out the bill was counterproductive to the City's efforts to density within the urban growth boundary to preserve farm and forestland outside the boundary. Mr. Heuser indicated the bill had opposition from the Farm Bureau and was likely dead. The motion passed, 2:1; Mr. Pap6 voting no. HB 2618 MINUTES--Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations April 7, 2005 Page 6