politics

Oregon Lawmakers Wrap Session, Describe Mix Of Success And Failure

By Jeff Mapes (OPB)
Salem, Oregon July 7, 2017 9:56 p.m.

The Oregon Legislature on Friday finished a more than five-month session that left most participants with mixed emotions.

Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, told his colleagues "they would be remembered for doing pretty good things in an extraordinarily difficult time when everyone is divided."

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Courtney gaveled the Senate into adjournment at 11:58 a.m. on the 157th day of the session after deciding not to wait for the House to finish.

The House was still debating a series of hot-button issues and did not adjourn until 3:26 p.m.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Legislative leaders usually like to simultaneously adjourn to ringing applause throughout the Capitol. But the ragged end was in keeping with the session’s up-and-down nature.

A $5.3 billion transportation bill won wide support. But Democrats and Republicans couldn't agree on a blueprint for raising some business taxes while cutting government overhead. That held down school spending.

Related: $5.3B Transportation Bill Heads To Oregon Governor

In the last few days of the session, the Democratic majority did push through several priority bills on issues important to them — and particularly opposed by Republicans.

That last minute push included passage of a bill allowing judges to remove guns from someone deemed to be a danger to self or others as well as legislation providing health care for the children of undocumented immigrants.

Rep. Knute Buehler, a Bend Republican eyeing a run for governor, complained about a session he said was "rancorous" and "excessively partisan."

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: