LOC News
Capitol Walkout: Legislators Look to Resume for Senate Floor Sessions Next Week
On Thursday, Senate leadership reached an agreement to pause floor sessions until Monday, May 15. This should allow for discussions between Senate Republican and Democratic leaders to find a pathway back to the Capitol and carry on the business of the Legislature. Senate Republicans have denied Senate President Rob Wagner a quorum since May 3, racking up nine consecutive days of unexcused absences. Oregonians passed Measure 113 in 2022 by a margin of 68% to 32%. This was a constitutional measure that limited legislators to 10 unexcused absences, or they could not run for re-election.
The walkout by Republicans came in response to HB 2002, which creates a pilot program that would deploy two mobile health clinics that include abortion services, gender-affirming care, and other reproductive health services in rural areas. The bill also requires student health centers to provide access to emergency contraception and abortion medication.
There are several major legislative measures that are being held up due to the walkout. They include homelessness funding, remaining components of the semiconductor package, a funding commitment for the interstate bridge replacement, broadband legislation, and of course the state’s balanced budget. There are literally billions of dollars at stake not just for state-financed projects, but also federal funding for investment in the semiconductor industry and transportation projects.
We’ll know Monday what the rest of the session looks like, and whether an agreement between Republican and Democratic leaders can be identified. Next week also marks the last revenue forecast on May 17. This will inform the Legislature how much revenue is available for final budget decisions.
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 5/12/23