Smith lists legislative priorities
By Terry Murry on Monday, February 13th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Oregon Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) says his biggest priority in the 2023 session is making sure state funding to address behavioral health problems makes its way to rural Oregon.
He says that will be easier now that the Democrats no longer hold a super-majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
“In order to touch anything related to the constitution or to have any conversations related to revenue, the minority party must be involved,” he said.
Legislation that changes the constitution as well as bills that impact revenue must be passed by 3/5 of the majority in each house in order to become law. While finding solutions to problems stemming from behavioral health are Smith’s top priority, it’s not the only issue he’s tackling. Water rights, beef processing, small business development, and rural infrastructure are also among his priorities.
