In the shadow of one of Oregon’s Seven wonders, Smith Rock State Park, Wyden addressed an invited group of travel and outdoor recreation professionals. “I hope to get ideas and suggestions like streamlining some of the hassles people have with permitting. I’ve been told on several occasions there are water issues. A Lot of interest in public-private partnerships, land and water conservation I think is sure to come up. So I think the idea is just to listen and get ideas,” Sen. Wyden tells KBND. Another listening session was scheduled for the Painted Hills Unit Area, Thursday morning.

 

Sen. Wyden also discussed his feelings on Oregon's new legalization of recreational marijuana. He says the federal government needs to catch up with the times when it comes to Oregon’s new relaxed marijuana law.

 

Legal retail pot businesses in Oregon cannot currently use our banking system. The Oregon Democrat says that is wrong, and so is declining other perks for the legal businesses. "When you’re engaged again in lawful conduct, which has been deemed lawful by the voters of Oregon, if you run a business in central Oregon now, in the past you’ve been able to get a tax break for hiring a veteran. It seems to be that one of these businesses became lawful today also ought to be able to get a tax break and I’ve introduced legislation to do that.”