Unanimous Passage of Bills provides Help to local Hospital and Schools

Salem, Ore. - HB 2847 and HB 2867 passed unanimously in the House and Senate during the last week of legislative session. Both bills were chief-sponsored by Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls).

"It was a big win to chief sponsor and advocate for this rural medical provider tax credit this session", said Rep. Reschke. “HB 2847 puts Medical providers at Sky Lakes Medical Center on equal footing compared to other rural hospitals. This is an important tool to help Sky Lakes recruit and retain quality medical talent. Moreover it helps keep dollars local, which will benefit local businesses, restaurants and charities, instead of being sent to Salem in the form of taxes.”

HB 2847 expands a list of hospitals whose medical staff may qualify for specified income tax credit, which applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2020. Governor Brown signed the bill on June 25th.

HB 2867 modifies requirements for schools to qualify as a small high school for purposes of State School Fund distributions.

“This bill helps our small schools continue to succeed,” said Rep. Reschke. It changes the maximum number of students a school district can have, from 8,500 to 9,500 while still qualifying for funding from the state's small high school program. This change was necessary as Klamath County School District was in jeopardy of exceeding the 8,500 cap and losing funding for Bonanza, Chiloquin, Gilchrist and Lost River high schools. I enjoyed working together with Superintendent Glen Szymoniak, the KCSD Board and several students on making this bill a reality.”

After passing unanimously in the House and Senate, HB 2867 awaits Governor Brown's signature, in which she has up to 30 days to sign bills after session sine die.

Press release provided from the Office of Oregon Representative E. Werner Reschke.