April 29, 2009

Salem, Oregon—Today, the Senate unanimously approved a bill to protect servicemembers from violations of their rights under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). HB 2303 will allow servicemembers to effectively fight civil abuses by creditors. The bill, which was drafted by members of the Oregon Bar Association, will make creditors responsible for damages and attorney fees to veterans if they violate the SCRA.

“Congress did not create the protections as something akin to a veterans benefit,” said Jesse Barton, Attorney at Law. “Congress created the protections for the primary purpose of providing for, strengthening, and expediting the national defense. The provisions enable servicemembers to devote their entire energy to the defense needs of the nation without worrying about predator collectors. Passing HB 2303 is a step in the right direction.”

Earlier this week, the Senate Committee on Education and General Government held a work session on Senate Bill 633, which urges the state government to withdraw funds invested in Iran. Oregon seeks to be one of the first states to divest from this unstable country. The bill gained strong support from both the committee and the State Treasurer, Ben Westlund. The bill is expected to pass on the Senate Floor shortly.

“It’s time our state took a stance on Iran’s killing of our soldiers,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of the Oregon War Veterans Association. “SB 633 is not the legislation we sought out to pass, but it is a step that relieves some of the public pressure about doing the right thing for our combat troops.”

During the same committee meeting, Senate Bill 920, a bill that allows the Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program (OYCP) to receive State School Fund distribution, gained unanimous support and is now headed to the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue for further review.

The OYCP is a mentor active, cost free, drug free, coed, residential/post-residential program conducted at the Central Oregon Training and Education Facility (COTEF) in Bend, Oregon. It is an “at-risk” youth program that targets unemployed and underemployed male and female teens ages 16 to 18 who have dropped out or are struggling with school. The program’s mission is to provide work skills and alternative learning opportunities to meet the unique individual needs of students in order to increase positive behavioral and academic skills.

“SB 920 enjoyed unanimous support by the committee, and we are thankful to the members and Chair Hass for their insight on how great a program OYCP actually is,” said Greg Warnock, OWVA. “This has been an exciting week and OWVA is thankful for its support from the legislature.”