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By Oregonians for Food and Shelter [7]
Meet Senator Bill Hansell
Senator Hansell was elected last fall after the incumbent Senator, Dave Nelson, decided to retire.
Senator Bill Hansell (R-Athena), who is beginning his first session in the Oregon legislature, announced this week he will focus on the creation of family wage jobs and developing our natural resources.
“One of the reasons I came to the state legislature is because I believe families need more opportunity in Eastern Oregon,” said Hansell. “My goal is to pass legislation that will support new and growing economies in our part of the state. My dream is a supply of lasting, stable family-wage jobs that can be a foundation for the future.”
To help achieve these goals, Hansell’s legislative priorities include bills to:
– Allow Oregon farmers to access their fair share of excess Columbia River water.
– Authorize the Governor to grant tax certainty to companies of any size willing to make an investment in Oregon.
– Help small businesses maintain and grow.
“I want to pass legislation that empowers Oregon entrepreneurs,” said Hansell. “For example, giving farmers their share of Columbia River water would help create an agricultural oasis in Eastern Oregon. This type of job-creating legislation can help position Oregon for success.”
Hansell will fight for these priorities from his positions on the budget writing Ways and Means Committee and the Transportation and Economic Development Ways and Means Subcommittee. Session began on February 4th and is scheduled to be finished by June 28th.
Hansell has been a campus minister, a rancher, a farmer and a county commissioner. He is a graduate of Athena Public Schools, the University of Oregon, and the Harvard University JFK School of Government.