Legislative Update
We have reached the point in legislative session where budgets are forming. Last Wednesday State Economists revealed a strong economic forecast with a bright future for revenues. This report signals to legislators they have more money to spend — a lot more. What is often missed in this ongoing conversation is the fact that in order for the state to have more money to spend it means the people that earn that money, often make do with less. Moreover, cumbersome business regulations, new regulatory fees and inflation make the numbers a bit fuzzy; it is unclear how much the increase in state revenue is due to real wage gains and profitability, or rather inflated numbers and tax bracket creep.
The Elephant in the Room
While it may be good news that the state remains in a strong financial position, the big elephant in the room is ailing relationships that need mending. Thursday marked day 10 for several Senators being recorded unexcused from quorum calls on the Senate floor. With the passage of Ballot Measure 113, any legislator with 10 or more unexcused absences may not run for re-election. This is an extremely high price to pay for “walking-out” to stand on principle.
The central issue is how the Senate is being managed. Democrat Senate President Rob Wagner has stated he will not compromise with Republicans, and his behavior all session has been to act in a hyper-partisan manner. The Senate is split 17-Democrats (~57%) to 13-Republicans/Independents (~43%), yet many of the policies represent only an uber-minority of liberal Oregonian wishes.
There are extreme bills, like HB 2002 — which allows for secret (without parental permission or knowledge) 10-year abortions, and forces insurance companies to cover costly, irreversible hormone and surgical transgender procedures on those 15 and up (again without parental permission or knowledge). HB 2005 is unconstitutional on its face, yet Democrats want the courts to decide when such judgements have already been delivered. New, and unnecessary, cell phone taxes to build a brand new behavioral health bureaucracy, massive DEQ hikes in business compliance fees and expensive regulations on insurance are just a few examples of the additional, partisan legislation awaiting the Senators to return.
Why Republicans and Independents Serve
Please remember that Republicans and Independents do not take their oath of office lightly, nor do they believe they travel to the Capitol merely to provide quorum for an extreme leftist agenda. They go to be heard, to find common ground and to have their ideas added to the mix of legislative solutions. That used to be called the Oregon Way. Unfortunately, for more than a decade the legislature has been moving to the beat of a partisan drum — no longer the Oregon Way but the Democrat Way, or else.
If you don’t like the homelessness you see, the high cost of gas and groceries, unaffordable housing; if you don’t like the increased crime in our state, the poor performance of our or public education system or an addiction crisis which has gained national attention (Oregon is the Meth capitol of the US), then blame the Democrats. Their party has been solely in charge of Oregon public policy for over 15 years. We are now seeing the fruit of their labor.
The Way Forward
Hopefully Senate Wagner will take his role serious as the Senate President, which includes being the President for all senators not just those in his party. He must start by leading in a bi-partisan fashion. He needs to excuse the absences of those who have been away. He should work to find common ground in order to pass bills and budgets all parties agree on — Democrat, Independent and Republican. It could be one of the finest moments in Oregon’s political history, but he must find the courage to lead.
 It is an honor to service the wonderful people of Central & Southern Oregon. If you need assistance on a state matter, plan on visiting the Capitol or have an idea for legislation, please reach out to my office.
Best regards,
E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 55
The Crater Lake District
Capitol Phone
(503) 986-1455
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-383
Salem, OR 97301
Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
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