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Oregon News
TRANSPORTATION
Oregon Senate Dems delay ODOT funding vote for 2 weeks
KOIN 6 | By Ariel Jacobazzi
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham said his prayers are with Gorsek and his family. But in a statement he blasted Kotek.
“Governor Kotek did not work with us to find common ground, and there’s nothing in her bill that reflects the concerns we’ve raised. Senate Republicans remain united in our opposition. There are no Republican votes for this bill,” Bonham said. “Until Senator Gorsek returns, we’ll be here advocating on behalf of the thousands of Oregonians who tell us they can’t afford another tax increase.”
In a separate statement, Senate President Rob Wagner said: “We have been in constant communication with Sen. Gorsek and his team as he works to recover from complications relating to a planned back surgery. My understanding is that it would be unsafe for Sen. Gorsek to be away from medical care at this time. After conversations with Democratic and Republican leaders, the Senate will reconvene Sept. 17 to stabilize Oregon’s transportation system and finish the special session.”
Special session of the Oregon Legislature, ODOT layoffs delayed
Statesman Journal | By Dianne Lugo, Anastasia Mason
No Republican senators have publicly signaled support for the transportation package. In the House, it received a sole Republican ‘yes’ vote.
In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, said his prayers are with Gorsek and his family.
"I hope he can focus on his recovery and make a full and speedy return," Bonham said.
Bonham also said Democrats will need all 18 members present to pass the proposed bills because Senate Republicans remain united in opposition.
"Governor Kotek did not work with us to find common ground, and there's nothing in her bill that reflects the concerns we've raised," Bonham said. "Until Senator Gorsek returns, we'll be here advocating on behalf of the thousands of Oregonians who tell us they can't afford another tax increase."
Democrats postpone vote on Kotek's transportation bill until Sept. 17
KATU | By Christina Giardinelli
"First and foremost, my prayers are with Senator Gorsek and his family during this time. I hope he can focus on his recovery and make a full and speedy return," Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, a Republican from The Dalles, said in a statement to KATU News. "Democrats will need every one of their 18 members present to pass Governor Kotek’s $4.3 billion tax hike. Governor Kotek did not work with us to find common ground, and there’s nothing in her bill that reflects the concerns we’ve raised. Senate Republicans remain united in our opposition. There are no Republican votes for this bill. Until Senator Gorsek returns, we’ll be here advocating on behalf of the thousands of Oregonians who tell us they can’t afford another tax increase.”
Oregon Democrats delay key vote on transportation package for 2 weeks due to Gresham senator’s health
The Oregonian | By Carlos Fuentes
Oregon Democrats on Tuesday delayed the final vote on a transportation funding plan until Sept. 17 because Sen. Chris Gorsek, a Gresham Democrat, is unable to attend a planned vote this week due to serious health issues, they said.
Democrats were relying on Gorsek’s vote to approve the package because they have exactly the required 18 members in the Senate to raise taxes, and no Republican has indicated support for the plan.
Oregon Democrats put special session on hold amid key senator’s absence
OPB | By Dirk VanderHart
Sen. Chris Gorsek, D-Gresham, is unable to come to Salem because of health struggles. His vote may be needed to pass Gov. Tina Kotek’s transportation funding bill.
Oregon transportation tax vote and layoffs delayed because of senator’s health
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Julia Shumway
With a key Democratic senator recovering from surgery, the Oregon Senate will delay a planned vote on a transportation tax package for two weeks.
Oregon transportation bill vote delayed 2 weeks due to senator's absence; ODOT layoffs also pushed back
KGW | By Amy Xiaoshi DePaola, Alma McCarty
In her own statement, Kotek thanked Gorsek for his work during the regular session and said she knows he wants to "get the job done" on the transportation bill.
“I wish Senator Gorsek a speedy recovery and am keeping him and his family in my thoughts," she said in part. “I would also like to thank the Senate Republicans for their professionalism while one of their colleagues is recovering.”
Drivers divided over ODOT funding tax hikes
KOIN 6 | By Ariel Salk
Republican legislators against the bill argue the ODOT funding gap can be filled by reallocating existing funds. Hikes, they say, are not in the best interest for the taxpayers.
State Sen. Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) said he has a stack of public testimony opposing the plan.
“We’re up to thousands of pieces of testimony, individual pieces of testimony,” Bonham said. “Some simply say I oppose this bill, and others articulate very clear reasons why their opposition.”
POLITICS
West Coast governors say states will establish their own vaccine guidelines
The Oregonian | By Kristine de Leon
The three Democratic governors — Oregon’s Tina Kotek, Washington’s Bob Ferguson and California’s Gavin Newsom — said their states formed a West Coast Health Alliance “to ensure residents remain protected by science, not politics” in response to what they called the Trump administration’s “dismantling” of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s credibility and independence.
DRUGS
One year in, Oregon’s efforts to curb drug use are still a work in progress
OPB | By Conrad Wilson
During the past year, more than 1,300 people entered a deflection program. Roughly 48% didn’t complete it. The remainder either did or are currently enrolled.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
States fast-track wind, solar permits and contracts to beat Trump’s deadline
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Alex Brown
Regulators in Oregon and Minnesota are also considering proposals to fast-track electricity procurements.
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