Representatives have been gearing up for the 2012 Oregon Legislature, which is set to begin today, Feb. 1. They face many challenges, including a complicated state budget, nearly equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans and an election year. Leaders said they will call the session a success if they can get along, are out by March and manage to balance the budget. Gov. John Kitzhaber wants the legislature to approve his proposed critical health care reforms and changes with school district contracts.
Eugene’s U.S. District Court ruled that Sgt. Bill Solesbee arrested environmentalist Josh Schlossberg without probable cause and used excessive force in a 2009 protest. The court determined that Solesbee sergeant violated Schlossberg’s constitutional protections against illegal search and seizure during a demonstration outside a bank. The decision is unprecedented because it is the first time that a federal court in Oregon voted about seizures of digital devices without a warrant.
The race for the 1st Congressional seat continues between Democrat Suzanne Bonamici and Republican Rob Cornilles. They continue to raise money for the campaigns, with Bonamici recently passing the $1.5 million mark and Cornilles raising approximately $1.1 million.
Eugene high schools continue to struggle with funding, employing less teachers and leaving many students with free time and unable to take the classes they want. Budget cuts have reduced the district’s budget by more than $20 million over the past three years. These cuts make it harder and harder for students to get the classes they want. Superintendent Sheldon Berman said he is committed to making more classes available for students.