State Representative

Mike
Powers

Democrat (DEM)

Occupation: Natural Resource Specialist, Water Quality Program, Oregon Department of Agriculture

Occupational Background: Firefighter, Peace Corps Volunteer (Guatemala), Public service in agriculture and natural resources

Educational Background: Bachelors degree, Environmental Policy Analysis, University of California, Davis; Masters degree, Forestry (Agroforestry), Michigan State University

Prior Governmental Experience: None

Community Involvement: First Congregational United Church of Christ of Salem, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 503

Endorsements: SEIU Local 503

The Oregon Legislature needs a working family voice. I live as many Oregonians live today. My wife and I wonder if we’ll have jobs next year. We worry about the impact to our child’s future as we watch districts cut school days and programs. We look over our family budget to see how we can cut expenses. I will bring these everyday concerns and family common sense to the legislature.

I will also bring these priorities to the legislature:

Promote Oregon Agriculture and Its Success

support Oregon agriculture locally and globally
make sure regulations are common sense
protect agriculture’s land base

Restore Oregon as an Education Leader

stabilize funding
improve graduation rates
promote both trade and professional career tracks
Balance the Budget and Create Jobs

use technology and program flexibility to cut government costs
strengthen transparency and accountability
consider alternative state tax structures to stabilize funding ups and downs
make sure existing tax breaks provide a good return on investment
Protect Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens

maintain staff levels for emergency responders (police, fire, medical)
protect home care for our seniors and people living with disabilities
provide basic health care that protects our most vulnerable and minimizes long term costs
Stabilize Health Care Costs

use new federal funds to scrutinize insurance company rate increases
focus on prevention health services to bring down long term costs

(This information furnished by Mike Powers for House District 20.)

State Representative

Mike Powers

Mike
Powers