Entries Tagged as 'Press Releases'

REP. FRED GIROD RECEIVES HIGHEST OREGON FARM BUREAU GRADE IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:   Lori Caston
November 8, 2007

503-986-1417

 

REP. FRED GIROD RECEIVES HIGHEST OREGON FARM BUREAU GRADE IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Earns “A” for Votes on Farm Bureau Priorities
 

SALEM – Rep. Fred Girod (R-Lyons) received an “A” grade from the Oregon Farm Bureau for the 2007 legislative session.  By scoring a 94 percent on votes considered important to farmers, Rep. Girod was among three members with the highest score in the House of Representatives.

 

“When I campaigned for State Representative, I promised to be a strong voice for agriculture in House District 17,” Rep. Girod said.  “My Oregon Farm Bureau score shows that I delivered for farmers and their families in 2007.”

 

During the session, Rep. Girod supported legislation to boost Oregon’s biofuels production, to combat metal, theft and to secure inheritance tax relief for farm and ranch operations.  At the same time, Rep. Girod consistently opposed new regulations and mandates on farmers and agricultural practices.

 

“While there were a few positive accomplishments for agriculture, the 2007 session was not good for rural Oregon,” Rep. Girod said.  “It is clear that our rural communities deserve a level playing field, and I will continue to be their advocate in Salem.”

 

 The Oregon Farm Bureau is a voluntary, grassroots, nonprofit organization representing the interests of the state’s farmers and ranchers in the public and policymaking arenas. OFB represents over 1,200 farm and ranch families in Linn and Marion Counties.

 

###

 

 

Rep. Girod Introduces Tort Reform Legislation to Protect Religious, Nonprofit Organizations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2007

CONTACT: Lori Caston 503-986-1417

Proposes constitutional amendments to limit non-economic damage awards

SALEM – Rep. Fred Girod (R-Lyons) today introduced two constitutional amendments to protect religious and nonprofit organizations from excessive non-economic damage awards. The proposed amendments, HJR 16 and HJR 17, limit the awards to $1 million for both types of organizations.

“This legislation is in response to the recent wave of multi-million dollar judgments that have historically have largely served to benefit lawyers, not victims,” Rep. Girod said.

The proposed limits apply only to non-economic judgements, such as findings of personal inconvenience and interference with usual activities not related to employment. Awards for economic damages would not be affected.

“My goal is to protect nonprofit and religious entities from catastrophic judgments, yet allow fair settlements to victims. This is the first step to comprehensive tort reform policy,” Rep. Girod said.

If approved by the Legislature, the amendments would be referred to Oregon voters at the next regular general election.

###