Salary increase would improve legislature
As an outgoing member of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, I am choosing to address a controversial issue: Are…
New year, new laws, while legislature poised to draft more bills
The Oregon Legislature may have convened back in the first half of 2019, but the results of the…
Voters should have final say on Measure 11 changes
During the 2019 legislative session, the Oregon Legislature passed sweeping changes to sentencing rules for youth offenders during…
Problem-solving a frequent, favorite task
Probably my favorite, and certainly most frequent, request for help is problem solving for constituents. This involves anything…
Facilitation can solve local problems
I am often invited to solve problems in communities. This past week was no exception. I was asked…
Local relationships still trump all else after dozen years in legislature
Fair warning! In the first column I wrote for this newspaper, I said if you don’t find my…
End of long session means time to reconnect
The 2019 legislative session has adjourned. Both the House and Senate dropped the final gavels June 30, the…
Constituents’ opinion outweigh representative’s
The first week of June, most likely, marked a first for me in the 11½ years I have…
Republican walkout an effort to get supermajority to listen
Recently, I have received a few messages and questions about the Senate Republicans walking out of the building…
Legislative session nearly non-stop activity
Tuesday, April 9, was a significant deadline for House bills. Yes, some of my bills I have sponsored…
Super majority could mean new taxes
Many of you have been contacting me with concerns regarding the super majority that exists here at the…
Just like the first day of school
It feels like the first day of school. I have all my new supplies laid out. I have…
‘Governor’s Budget’ really a group effort, involving many interests
There has been a lot of talk lately about the proposed governor’s budget. I have it sitting on…
Voting records often twist in campaigns
I’m going to get a little political on you this time around! I intentionally keep these articles about…
Joint committees can help pave way to progress in the capitol
I am writing this article while waiting for a business round table meeting to start at Marshfield High…
Balance of power key to fair redistricting
If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me why Portland has so many more legislators…
Bringing in new assistant provides opportunity to review what job’s about
I want to welcome Susan, my new legislative assistant. Susan is picking up the rhythm of my office…
Kicker can be bonanza for taxpayers, challenge for state budgeters
Many of you have heard that there is a strong likelihood that many Oregonians will be receiving a…
One-on-one time with constituents important for legislator
I speak often to students, of ages ranging from elementary to high school. I love hanging out with…
Voters should consider key factors when casting ballots
This is the time of year that I’m asked the question daily: “Whom should I vote for, Sherrie?”…
Governor’s call for special session raises variety of questions
As of the writing of this article, Governor Brown has indicated she is going to sign Senate Bill…
Column: Committee work integral to how state government spends money
New two-year budgets for the state of Oregon are voted on during the long session in odd-numbered years…
Column: Short Session means intense day-long schedule
Well, we are back in Salem for the 2018 Short Session! The session convened on Feb. 5, and…
Sherrie Sprenger: ‘Short’ legislative session gains significance in recent years
I’m frequently asked questions like, “Are you off today?” “So are you on a break now?” “How often…
Regular column will aim to unveil goings-on in state capital
Editor’s note: State Rep. Sherrie Sprenger, R-Scio, has agreed to write a regular column for Lebanon Local as…