ODFW Fee Increase Not a "Slam Dunk"

[The Fishing Geek]

Read it here at KATU.

[skein]

They'll okay it, if for no other reason than they'll look really stupid if they don't. And they know there are at least 3,500 organized ifishers who'll be glad to point it out.

Might be a good time for some follow-up letters to let them know we're going to stay actively involved until 2260 is passed.

Skein

[The Fishing Geek]

The way that they put it in the article is that adding a fee to the tags and such, even though those folks who buy the things seem to be overwhelmingly for it, would still look like the legislature upping taxes in times of need.

Essentially, they are worried that this would be a bad PR move. Sure, not doing it would tick off the anglers, but they're thinking of a larger audience here.

Politics...

[Straydog]

You make a good point Geek!

Maybe we can get it added to our insurance along with the State Police ta........uuuhh, donation! [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]

[Cool Texan]

I never ceased to be amazed at how poorly run this state is at times. :depressed:

[RogueFishr]

When is the vote on this bill? A local radio station in Medford just said the bill was rejected in spite of overwhelming support from sportsmen. Our local media down here leaves a lot to be desired. I wouldn't house break a dog with our local paper and the radio here is not much better.

RF

[Rubber Robin]

Representative Donna Nelson's comment about not wanting to increase the fees because of seniors on a fixed income caused me to chuckle.

While I can sympathize with people living on a fixed income I have to wonder if she raised this same concern when the state was trying to force Measure 28 down our throats? This measure had a far greater impact on seniors than raising our fishing and hunting fees.

[lost_sailor]

It hasn't been "rejected" because they haven't held a work session yet.

This is unbelievable ... if they don't raise some fees or taxes, they need to just shut down the government. Why bother anymore? That will save some cash, we can start our own Fish and Wildlife organization. That oughtta be a HOOT.

[ 02-05-2003, 09:58 AM: Message edited by: lost_sailor ]

[RogueFishr]

Originally posted by lost_sailor:
It hasn't been "rejected" because they haven't held a work session yet.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">any idea when the work session/vote is supposed to take place?

RF

[GutshotApe]

Originally posted by skein:
They'll okay it, if for no other reason than they'll look really stupid if they don't. And they know there are at least 3,500 organized ifishers who'll be glad to point it out.
Skein

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Skein - Unfortunately, looking stupid doesn't seem to concern many of our legislators in Salem. And, Ifishers comprise less than 1% of fishing license buyers.........the pols may look stupid [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] but most of 'em can add & subtract .

[lost_sailor]

work session is not scheduled yet. The next committee meeting is probably tomorrow (2/5). I think they still have to hear from lobbyists (read: wild fish extremists?) and they have more questions for Lindsey Ball.

Thanks, Grand Old Party! Reality? What is this ... reality ?

[BrionLutz]

Geek,

Good catch on the KATU interview with Knopp.

I just sent him an email suggesing the bar had been met since 99% of those paying the fee are for it and 100% of the state benefits from it.

A visit from some of the iFish Bend members and businesses would probably help.

Brion

[Rubber Robin]

I sent emails today to Knopp and Nelson. I also emailed the representative for my district, Mitch Greenlick.

There is an easy website to use that enables you to email your representative. It even figures out who your rep is by using your address.

I encourage everyone to send an email. Additional positive reinforcement can't hurt!!
House Bill 2260

[Rubber Robin]

Whoops!!!!!!!!

I forgot to list the site. It is................................www.leg.state.or.us/writelegsltr/writeset.htm

[Trick]

Thanks Robin for the adress.

Sent my emails of support in.