OCRA
President's Message
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Most of us had the opportunity to slip, slide and be jostled over roads and highways this winter. Thankfully, better weather will arrive soon with the coming spring; 2009 holds the promise of abundant opportunities.
Oregon’s legislative session began January 12, 2009. The focus of our Legislative Committee and lobbyist this year will be to monitor upcoming legislation affecting court reporters and to promote a pilot project that establishes court reporters as the official record for aggravated murder trials in Oregon State courts.
I attended the 2009 Legislative Tips Workshop in January, co-sponsored by the Oregon State Bar and Barrows and Associates. The panel of political experts and leaders from the Legislature’s Judiciary committees, staff, and counsel presented helpful information on how to successfully lobby. Panelists emphasized that passage of legislation requires a two-year plan of research and coalition building. The primary goal of the legislative session will be to provide resolutions to the state’s budget challenges. The current State budget has a deficit of $400 million, and the projected shortfall for the 2009 – 2011 State budget of 1.2 – 1.4 billion will be challenging for us all.
A friend told me recently that in tough economic times the best attitude to take is an outlook of optimism, positivity and confidence. Fortitude and courage sure beats other options.
On January 24 approximately half of OCRA’s Board of Directors attended the 5th Annual Nonprofit Organization Board Training, an all-day event at Oregon State University. Nearly 20 statewide nonprofit professionals provided training offered annually on board service, changes in financial and IRS aspects of Oregon nonprofit associations, and many other important and relevant topics.
The opportunity for OCRA volunteer leaders to advance their knowledge to better serve our members was suggested by research sleuth Deb Solheim. She filled our VP position as a result of the resignation of Robin Nodland.
Robin, a talented court reporter, firm owner, and dedicated OCRA volunteer, has brought many good things to OCRA in her sojourn as VP and Public Relations Committee Chair, and on behalf of the members of OCRA, thank you for your continued support of OCRA!
NCRA’s Legislative Boot Camp in Washington D.C., February 22 – 24, trains state leaders in the “DOs and DON’Ts” of lobbying. This year attendees will advocate on “The Hill” for the Choice Act, the Shop Act, legislation to promote access to internet communications for individuals with disabilities, and additional IRS deductions for self employed individuals. The Shop and Choice Act bills deal with establishing statewide and nationwide insurance purchasing pools through trade and professional organizations for small businesses and the self employed, with the objective to make health coverage more affordable, predictable, and accessible. Success with these bills would help us all.
OCRA’s June 13, 2009, Spring Conference will be held at Chemeketa Community College. The focus will be on court reporting software training, a professional/student exchange, and a special membership meeting. Thank you, Mary Fagan, this year’s Spring Conference Chair, for your ever constant dedication in support of all court reporters in Oregon.
Also, please mark your calendars now for our Annual Fall Convention, October 2 – 4, 2009, at Hood River Inn. Our annual event is chaired by Charlotte Powers and Roger Flygare, President Elect of the Washington Court Reporters Association. The good news is that at least two state court reporting associations will participate in our joint convention! As we welcome this new year, embrace the strength of America, a land of diversity, a country whose people turn challenges into opportunities.