Archive for the 'Secretary Brown' Category

Oregon Receives “A” for Campaign Finance Reporting

Published on May 16, 2013 in Elections, Press Releases and Secretary Brown. 0 Comments Tags: .

The National Institute on Money in State Politics and the Center for Public Integrity gave Oregon a perfect score

SALEM — Secretary of State Kate Brown today announced that Oregon received an “A” in a national scorecard of state campaign finance disclosure requirements for independent expenditure groups.

“I’m proud that Oregon continues to lead the nation in campaign finance transparency,” said Secretary Brown. “At the same time, we need to take additional action to bring special interest groups and their anonymous, last-minute attack ads out of the shadows.”

An audit clip of Secretary Brown is available online. Right-click and chose “save as” to download the audio file.

The National Institute on Money in State Politics and the Center For Public Integrity co-released a new report and scorecard Thursday on the status of independent spending reporting requirements in the 50 states. Oregon was one of just 9 states to receive a perfect score.

Secretary Brown urged the Legislature to further improve campaign finance transparency in Oregon by enacting House Bill 3523, co-sponsored by Rep. Alissa Keny-Guyer, D-Portland, Rep. Greg Matthews, D-Gresham, Rep. Julie Parrish, R-West Linn, and Rep. Bob Jenson, R-Pendleton. HB 3523 would require all contributions over $1,000 to be reported within 48 hours in the 14 days prior to the election; require independent expenditure campaigns to file electronic campaign finance reports in Oregon’s online campaign finance reporting database; and improve reporting of in-kind contributions.

“The U.S. Supreme Court unleashed unlimited independent expenditure campaigns when it overturned the bi-partisan campaign finance law passed by Congress,” said Rep. Keny-Guyer. “HB 3523 includes an important fix that will shed more sunlight on independent expenditures. Giving Oregonians greater access to see the money being spent in their elections will keep the public policy process public.”

“It’s great to be recognized for our efforts and we’re committed to seeking improvements in the area surrounding campaign finance reform,” said. Rep. Matthews.

For more information, contact:

Tony Green
Director of Communications
Oregon Secretary of State
503-507-0082
tony.green@state.or.us

Audit Recommends Changes to Public Assistance System

Published on May 8, 2013 in Audits, Press Releases and Secretary Brown. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Agencies agree to make changes to improve eligibility criteria and monitoring

SALEM — Secretary of State Kate Brown today released a new audit that recommends Oregon consider changes to the eligibility criteria used in public assistance programs to ensure that these important programs serve those Oregonians most in need.

“Public assistance has helped struggling families through the worst economic recession in generations by making sure they have food and health care,” said Secretary of State Brown. “It is critically important to maintain public faith in the integrity of the system and to continue to help struggling Oregon families.”

Secretary Brown commended the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Human Services for agreeing to make certain changes, including seeking federal waivers to allow the agencies to take into consideration lottery winnings and lump sum retirement pay-outs.

A video clip of Secretary Brown is in available online. An audio clip of Secretary Brown is  also available online. To download, right-click and choose “save as” to download file.

The purpose of the audit was to compare public assistance records with various other data sets to identify potentially ineligible recipients and recommend ways to prevent improper payments. We found recipient matches among:

  • Social Security Administration (SSA) death records;
  • Oregon lottery winners;
  • State prisoners;
  • Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirees;
  • Department of Human Services (DHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) employees.

During our review of these matches, we identified some ineligible recipients and improper payments, but we also learned that many individuals were allowed benefits under Oregon’s expansive eligibility criteria.

We recommend Oregon consider changes to client eligibility and reporting requirements in state public assistance programs, balancing accessibility for the neediest with the most prudent use of public resources. We also recommend DHS and OHA improve Social Security Number verification policies and procedures, continue reviewing data matches we provided to them, and enhance efforts to recover any overpayments through collection efforts.

A copy of the audit is available online.

The audit team consisted of Deputy Director William K. Garber, MPA, CGFM; Audit Manager Sandra K. Hilton, CPA; Principal Auditor Jamie N. Ralls, CFE, ACDA; Senior Auditor Kyle A. Rossi; Staff Auditor Michelle A. Short; and Staff Auditor Clint J. Fella, MBA, CFE.

For more information, contact:

Tony Green
Director of Communications
Oregon Secretary of State
503-507-0082
tony.green@state.or.us

Audit Recommends Greater Accountability at Oregon University System

Published on April 10, 2013 in Audits, Press Releases and Secretary Brown. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Tuition, student debt and faculty workload all need better tracking

Secretary of State Kate Brown today released a performance audit that recommends significant changes to increase accountability in the Oregon University System and its seven universities.

Oregon leaders agree that a college education is a key to the state’s future and are working to strengthen the Oregon University System. The audit report found several areas that can help accomplish the shared goal of a university system that meets the needs of Oregon students.

“We need to know how much it costs to educate an Oregon university student,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “We need greater accountability. Improving our higher education system is critical to Oregon’s economic growth.”

This performance audit is available online.

Listen to an audio statement by Secretary Brown. (Right-click and choose “Save link as” to download audio.)

The audit highlights several areas to address, including:

Governance. Oregon’s current structure risks creating confusion and a lack of accountability. Governance and authority over higher education needs to be clarified.

Tuition and Fees. Residential tuition and fees increased faster than inflation and increased more than the loss of state funding between 2001 and 2012. Despite increased tuition rates and higher spending by universities, educational spending per student has declined. OUS’s current financial tracking and reporting makes it difficult to understand how many resources are devoted to educational activities. Better tracking of education spending is needed.

Student Debt. Student debt for OUS graduates was on average 9% higher than the national average for the classes of 2005 to 2010. In addition, the heaviest cost burden falls on those with the lowest incomes. However, OUS does not report on the 35% of students who fail to graduate with a bachelor’s degree within six years or started at another institution. OUS should determine and track the unmet need and debt for all students and align programs to provide access and reduce student debt for those most in need.

Research Costs. Tenured and tenure-track faculty at OSU, PSU, and UO are expected to conduct research and non-sponsored costs are absorbed within the department budget. Universities do not track the amount of time that faculty spend on research, teaching, advising, or other duties. OUS and its research universities should account for all research related costs.

Financial Accountability. Oregon universities have taken some steps to control costs but the efforts and results are varied. Budget reports and analyses are not presented to decision-makers in a way that aids evaluation and financial management. OUS universities need to track, report, and evaluate costs across all levels of higher education in order to prioritize spending and improve financial decision making.

Personnel Costs. Personnel costs (salary and benefits) are OUS’s largest expenditure. The Chancellor’s Office cannot analyze actual personnel cost trends in detail without working closely with individual universities. OUS cannot control most of the costs related to health and retirement, which are driven by PERS and the state. However, OUS can control personnel costs in terms of the number and type of employees as well as their job functions. OUS and its universities should closely monitor and routinely report on all personnel costs.

Costs and Enrollment. OUS universities are relying on increased enrollment to help balance their budgets, especially from non-resident students. However, OUS universities do not know the full cost of increasing enrollment. OUS universities calculate the average cost to educate a student; however, they do not include costs associated with increased capacity, such as debt service or capital construction. In addition, admittance of non-resident students has increased while admittance of resident students has slowed and in some cases decreased. OUS and its universities should create a comprehensive enrollment and financial management strategy.

Graduation Rate. Oregon universities admit applicants that are less prepared for college and less likely to graduate. Performance metrics do not represent the entire student body. For those it tracks, OUS has steadily improved the number of degrees granted each year. Apart from the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, the 6-year OUS graduation rate is below the national average for similar institutions. Oregon is less likely to achieve its 40-40-20 educational goal if OUS universities do not increase graduation rates. OUS needs to better assess the effectiveness of student assistance programs and report performance metrics for all students.

Media Contact:

Tony Green   (503) 507-0082   |   tony.green@state.or.us

Sec of State Kate Brown to Sign Copies of New Oregon Blue Book at State Capitol

Published on March 13, 2013 in Archives, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 1 Comment Tags: , , , .

MEDIA ADVISORY

What: Secretary of State Kate Brown will sign copies of the 2013-2014 Oregon Blue Book with cover photographer John Pedersen, of Aloha, Oregon.

Where: Outside the Oregon State Capitol Gift Shop in Salem.

When: Thursday, March 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Note: The paperback edition of the Blue Book sells for $18. The Capitol Gift Shop will charge $15 for copies purchased on March 14th. The Blue Book order form is available online. Only 3,500 copies will be available.

Background: The Oregon Blue Book has been published every other year since 1911. It contains up-to-date listings and descriptions of government agencies and educational institutions. It includes an almanac, maps and facts about Oregon history and elections as well as information about the arts, media and other cultural institutions in Oregon. It also provides a concise analysis of Oregon’s economy, government finance and education strategy. About 2,500 copies will be distributed free to public schools, community colleges, public universities, public libraries, judges, elected officials, cities, counties, state agencies, boards and commissions, public ports and Oregon’s consuls.

Secretary Brown to Present Community Groups with National Award for Program to Register New Citizens to Vote

Published on March 5, 2013 in Press Releases, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Press Release
March 5, 2013

New American Voters Project has registered more than 5,500 new citizens to vote in the year since the program started

PORTLAND – Secretary of State Kate Brown today will present a national elections award to four Oregon community groups that pioneered a program to increase the voter registration rate of newly naturalized citizens.

The Center for Intercultural Organizing, CAUSA, the Asian Pacific Network of Oregon and Oregon Voice will be presented with an award from the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

“This is a great example of community groups working with their state and federal partners to tackle a signficant problem,” said Secretary Brown. “I am very proud to be presenting this award today.”

The award will be presented at 11 a.m. in Portland City Hall. Also in attendance will be Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, Commissioner Nick Fish and Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller, who is president of NASS. In addition, the Washington County Voter Assistance Team will receive a NASS award for piloting the use of tablet technology to assist voters with disabilities.

This afternoon at 2 p.m., Secretary Brown and Secretary Miller will attend a naturalization ceremony to observe the New American Voters Project in action. Miller is interested in the program to see how it can be utilized more widely in his state, and to share with other NASS members.The New American Voters Project is a cooperative effort between non-partisan community groups, the Oregon Secretary of State’s office and the Portland Field Office of the United States Citzenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Starting February 28, 2012, the Center for Intercultural Organizing, CAUSA, Asian Pacific Network of Oregon, and Oregon Voice have provided multilingual volunteers at naturalization ceremonies. At the tail end of the process, new citizens are given the opportunity to register to vote.

The results have been stellar. In the first year of the project, 5,633 out of 6,194 newly naturalized citizens were registered to vote. That’s a rate of 90%. By contrast, just 1 in 2 naturalized citizens were registered to vote on election day in 2010.

This collaborative partnership will go a long way towards turning around the historically low trends of voter engagement in immigrant and refugee communities.

The media is invited to attend both the City Hall awards presentation and the naturalization ceremony.

Portland City Hall: 1221 SW 4th Ave., Portland, OR, 97204

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: 1455 NW Overton St., Portland, OR 97209

USCIS Contact: Sharon Rummery (415) 987-0191 Sharon.Rummery@uscis.dhs.gov

Audit Proposes Improvements to Provide Greater Accuracy and Transparency in State Agency Budget Forecasting

Published on February 8, 2013 in Audits, Press Releases, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2013

The audit was first requested by Sen. Richard Devlin.

SALEM – Increased independence could improve the confidence of client caseload forecasting that is the basis for two of the largest state agency budgets in Oregon, according to an audit released today.

“Legislators need accurate information to put together the state budget,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “The audit released today is an excellent example of this office working with the Legislature to improve the integrity of the budgeting process.”

The Office of Forecasting, Research, and Analysis is a shared service of the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The unit’s client caseload forecasts are used to estimate expenditures for the two agencies’ budgets.

Accurate forecasting is critical to the budgeting process. Over-forecasting means less money for legislative priorities in the initially adopted budget. Under-forecasting results in a shortfall.

The audit determined that the forecasting unit has generally been accurate and getting better in recent years. Auditors found one instance in which senior management influenced the client caseload estimate for the Aid to the Blind and Disabled program, resulting in approximately $4 million more than the program needed. Since the Spring 2011 forecast, DHS and OHA have taken steps to address independence concerns. However, the current governance and oversight structures may not sufficiently protect the unit’s independence.

As part of the normal budget monitoring process, the Legislative Emergency Board learned of the over-allocation in 2012, and re-allocated the money, mostly to other OHA programs. General concerns regarding the independence and accuracy of forecasting prompted Sen. Richard Devlin to request this audit. Dr. Bruce Goldberg, Director of the Oregon Health Authority, and Michael Jordan, State of Oregon Chief Operating Officer, later requested the audit as well.

“Overall, client forecasting for OHA and DHS have been good and getting better,” said Audits Director Gary Blackmer. “We recommend some safeguards to consider to increase confidence in the forecasting.”

The audit makes recommendations to improve the unit’s transparency and the independence of its forecasting. One alternative is to create a policy oversight committee for the unit. Another alternative is to place the forecasting unit under the administrative oversight of an external agency. The Legislature made a similar move several years ago when it transferred prison inmate forecasting from the Department of Corrections to the Office of Economic Analysis.

“The integrity of the budget process is critical to making sure Oregon’s tax dollars reflect the priorities of the Legislature and the Governor,” said Sen. Richard Devlin. “I appreciate Secretary of State Brown’s quick responsiveness to concerns that I raised.”

The audit was conducted by William K. Garber, CGFM, MPA, Deputy Director; Sandra K. Hilton, CPA, Audit Manager; Shanda L. Miller, CIA, MPA, Principal Auditor; and Ian M. Green, MS, Staff Auditor.

The audit report, including the agency response, can be found at www.sos.state.or.us/audits.

The Audits Division of the Secretary of State’s office promotes the wise use of tax dollars, sound management and government accountability.

For more information, contact:

Tony Green
Director of Communications
Oregon Secretary of State
503-507-0082
tony.green@state.or.us

SCAM ALERT: Deceptive Business Mailing

Published on February 7, 2013 in business fraud, business scam, Corporation, Headlines, Press Releases, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 2 Comments Tags: , , , .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 7, 2013

SALEM – Secretary of State Kate Brown is warning Oregon companies to be on the alert for a mailing that deceptively looks like it is from the Oregon Corporation Division.

A number of businesses have reported receiving an official-looking invoice entitled, “Compliance Filings Center – Annual Minutes Compliance Notice.” The mailing requests detailed information about the business and a $150 “Certificate of Minutes” preparation fee. The invoice lists a return address of 4676 Commercial Street SE, #169, Salem, OR 97302.

An example of the scam is posted on the Secretary of State website.

Despite its appearance, this invoice was NOT sent by the Secretary of State’s Corporation Division and is not authorized by the State of Oregon. While the invoice contains references to Oregon business law, businesses receiving this mailing are advised that they can prepare annual minutes and corporate records themselves without paying this fee.

Secretary of State Brown recommends carefully reading solicitations to determine if they are actually from a government agency and require a response. Some deceptive solicitations from private organizations are difficult to distinguish from government correspondence at first glance. Only a careful reading reveals a disclaimer noting that the organization is not government affiliated.

The Oregon Business Corporations Act requirements for Annual Meetings and Corporate Records are available on the Corporation Division’s website at: www.FilingInOregon.com. Corporations needing legal advice on corporate records requirements should contact a licensed attorney.

For more information, contact:

Tony Green
Director of Communications
Oregon Secretary of State
503-507-0082
tony.green@state.or.us

Audit Finds Opportunities to Increase Adult GEDs

Published on February 6, 2013 in Audits, Press Releases, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Press Release
February 6, 2013

SALEM – An audit released today recommends opportunities to increase the number of adults who earn General Education Development (GED) credentials to help achieve the state’s goal of ensuring that all adult Oregonians earn at least a high school diploma or equivalent by 2025.

“The GED certification provides adults the chance to be more competitive in Oregon’s changing workforce and to continue on to higher education,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “It is critical that we do all that we can to assist Oregonians in obtaining the education they need to thrive in today’s economy.”

Making Oregon more competitive in an increasingly service- and information-based economy led business leaders and policymakers to institute a statewide educational goal that emphasizes preparing students to succeed in post-secondary education. In 2011, the Oregon Legislative Assembly set the following goals to be achieved by 2025:

  • At least 40% of adult Oregonians have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • At least 40% of adult Oregonians have earned an associate’s degree or post-secondary credential as their highest level of educational attainment.
  • The remaining 20% of all adult Oregonians have earned a high school diploma, an extended or modified high school diploma, or the equivalent of a high school diploma as their highest level of education attainment.

Census numbers show that Oregonians without a high school diploma or equivalent have an unemployment rate of 15.6%, well more than double the 6.3% rate of Oregonians with a bachelor’s degree or greater. Auditors found that current strategies aimed at implementing Oregon’s 40-40-20 education goal do not sufficiently address the needs of the nearly 340,000 adult Oregonians who are currently without a high school diploma or equivalent. High schools do not routinely share with Oregon’s 17 community colleges or other organizations any information about students who recently dropped out. With this information, community colleges could attempt to contact former students about GED preparatory programs and the exam. Instead, many community colleges largely rely on traditional marketing and outreach efforts such as distributing flyers or including GED class information in course catalogs and college websites. There also is little statewide marketing effort to publicize the value of adults obtaining a GED credential.

Additional marketing and outreach practices could increase public awareness about the value of a GED.

In addition, better collaboration with other agencies and organizations can help ensure clients needing a GED credential are referred to local programs. Auditors also noted that funding to community colleges for GED preparation has been curtailed in recent years.

“We see the valuable role that community colleges play in helping adults obtain a GED,” said Gary Blackmer, the Oregon Audits Division Director. “We also found a number of strategies that could address this gap in our education system.”

The report can be found at www.sos.state.or.us/audits.

The audit team included William Garber, CGFM, MPA, Deputy Director; Sheronne Blasi, MPA, Audit Manager; and Nicole Pexton, MPP, Staff Auditor.

The Audits Division of the Oregon Secretary of State’s office promotes the wise use of tax dollars, sound management and government accountability.

For more information, contact

Tony Green, Director of Communications
Oregon Secretary of State
503-507-0082
tony.green@state.or.us

Secretary of State Kate Brown Sworn in as Secretary of State

Published on January 4, 2013 in Elections, Headlines, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

January 4, 2013

Salem – Secretary Brown gave brief remarks after her swearing in, thanking Gov. Roberts, Gov. Kulongoski, Gov. Kitzhaber and her family for their support. She also detailed key accomplishments and her plans for the next four years.

“In 2008, I told Oregonians that I would be their watchdog; find savings and efficiencies in state government; fight fraud in Oregon’s in initiative process; and personally engage

Oregonians on their right to vote,” said Secretary Brown. “That is exactly what my team and I have done and more. In the next four years we will continue to build upon our accomplishments, continuing to ensure our tax dollars are managed with greater transparency and accountability, ensuring businesses can thrive and create jobs here in Oregon and defending every eligible Oregonian’s right to vote, especially those whose voices are underrepresented.”

The ceremony took place in the House chamber at the State Capitol. Gov. Kitzhaber administered the oath to Secretary Brown, Treasurer Ted Wheeler, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian.

Governor Kitzhaber swears in Secretary of State Kate Brown

Gov Kitzhaber swears in Sec Brown

Brown was elected to her second four-year term as Secretary of State on November 6, 2012.

Oregon Governor Sustainability Winners Honored at Northwest Environmental Conference

Published on December 4, 2012 in Corporation, Headlines, Press Releases, Secretary Brown and Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

PORTLAND – Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown and the Oregon Sustainability Board will honor five Oregon companies for their commitment to sustainable business practices at the NEBC/AOI Northwest Environmental Conference & Tradeshow on December 4.

This year’s winners of the Governor’s Sustainability Awards are: Grand Champions – Mountain Rose Herbs and Hopworks Urban Brewery; Technology Award – EasyStreet Online Services; Manufacturing Award – Oregon Iron Works; and Rising Star – Bridgetown Natural Foods.

“The winners truly represent the best Oregon has to offer in sustainable business practices,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “We can all learn so much from these companies, as we continue to rebuild Oregon’s economy.”

The 24th NEBC/AOI annual conference is the Northwest’s largest and most comprehensive environmentally focused conference and trade show and will highlight such issues as: environmental protection and compliance; resource and operational efficiencies; health and safety practices; sustainability programs; product standards; and environmental economics.

In 2006, then Governor Ted Kulongoski issued an Executive Order directed the then Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) [now known as Business Oregon] to establish an awards program to promote and advance the inclusion of sustainable practices in government and the private sector.

More on the 2012 Oregon Sustainability Award Winners:

Mountain Rose Herbs

Mountain Rose Herbs has been known for its uncompromising commitment to organic agriculture, sustainable business practices, and a steadfast focus on the pure aesthetics and freshness of botanical products. Their wide range of certified organic product offerings includes bulk herbs and spices, aromatherapy and essential oils, tea and tea supplies, and natural health and body care. Every aspect of product creation is carried out in accordance with strict quality control and organic handling procedures by employees who care. The company employs numerous energy efficiency measures including a lighting program that has reduced electricity usage for lighting by more than 40%. It is also enrolled in EWEB’s Greenpower program to cover all electricity use, and purchases carbon offsets for all aspects of company operations including shipping, travel and operations.

Hopworks Urban Brewery

Hopworks Urban Brewery and Hopworks BikeBar are Portland’s first Eco-Brewpubs. Its stated mission is to “produce world-class beer and food as sustainably as possible. The brewery offers handcrafted organic beers and fresh, local ingredients, all served in sustainably-built and operated buildings with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Hopworks incorporates many aspects of sustainability: from composting to rain barrels, and from pervious pavers to hand dryers. Hopworks brewery is 100% renewably powered and “cradle to gate” carbon neutral. The company has purchased BEF Water Restoration Credits for more water than their facilities use and is working towards a zero landfill goal. Currently, less than 10% of waste is sent to landfills.

EasyStreet Online Services

EasyStreet is Oregon’s locally-headquartered enterprise-class IT Services provider. EasyStreet helps its customers integrate Cloud, colocation, Internet connectivity and related services to create the flexible computing infrastructure that meets their needs. The company buys offsets for 100% of the electricity, water and natural gas it consumes in its data centers — resulting in zero carbon footprint operations. Its innovative cooling systems that significantly reduce energy consumption that allow data center to save over 1.5 million kWh per year.

Oregon Iron Works

Oregon Iron Works, Inc. (OIW) is a world-class metal fabricator headquartered in Clackamas, Oregon with factories in Oregon and Washington. Founded in 1944, we have an exceptional history and success in both commercial and government contract work. OIW specializes in mechanical and electrical integration and complex fabrication across diverse industries. The company implemented significant energy efficiency upgrades to lighting, HVAC and process machinery. EE upgrades have saved them over 1.6 million kWh and over $100,000 per year. It also installed a 30.8 kWh solar PV array and is planning to add 300% more solar within the next year.

Bridgetown Natural Foods

Bridgetown Natural Foods is an emerging, fast-growing contract manufacturer of all-natural, organic, kosher and gluten-free healthy snack products. The company has an 110,000-square-foot facility in Portland’s Lents neighborhood. Bridgetown currently is working toward becoming a zero-waste-to-landfill operation. The company sells unusable food product/waste to local hog farmers, refurbishes used equipment in-house and has implemented energy efficiency measures in lighting, process machinery and facility cooling.

For more information, please refer to http://www.sustainableoregon.net or contact Andrea Cantu-Schomus (503) 986-2368 or Mark Brady (503) 689-5638.