Now that the 2007 state legislature has adjourned, I hope you share my sense of accomplishment. By most accounts, this was one of the most productive and forward-thinking state legislative session in decades.
Working together, we passed a number of bipartisan bills that will improve life in our community. After years of cuts, we made significant investments in education at every level and in economic development; we increased funding for aggressive state audits and streamlined regulations to save taxpayers time and money; we reduced prescription drug prices and held the health insurance industry and hospitals accountable for rate hikes; we put 100 new state troopers on the roads, strengthened drunk driving laws and increased penalties on Internet predators who target our children; we expanded family medical leave so working families can use paid sick days to care for a loved one and gave women greater access to prescription contraceptives as part of their basic prescription drug coverage; we passed new biofuels and alternative energy legislation that will create new jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil; and created the state's first Rainy Day fund to support vital state services during economic downturns, among other things.
I am especially proud of securing a $7 million bond appropriation for our community that is projected to create over 1,200 jobs. As a small business owner, I believe government should be a catalyst for job and business creation. The appropriation is for a multi-modal parking facility critical to the construction of a health professions campus in downtown Hillsboro. The campus will be a joint project among Tuality Hospital, Pacific University and the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Clinic. This new campus will help revitalize our local economy and provide significant statewide benefits. In addition to helping our state address a severe shortage of nurses, nurse educations, pharmacists and other health professionals, the campus is projected to generate over $130 million of economic activity over ten years.
My experience this legislative session was deeply rewarding. I am humbled by and grateful for the chance to represent you in Salem. As someone who grew up in Hillsboro, I feel blessed to serve in this office. And I have worked hard to give you the kind of state government you deserve—an honest, responsive government dedicated to the common good. Above all, I will always remember that I am merely a temporary agent of the people, elected to represent your best long-term interests.
