Hansell is appealing his unexcused absence
By Terry Murry on Thursday, May 11th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Oregon Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena) said he’s worked hard to follow the rules as Republicans deny the Democrats a quorum until the pending bills’ summaries are written in easier to understand language. Last week, he was excused from the floor of the Senate so he could accompany Gov. Tina Kotek, who was visiting his district. He had also gotten approved for an absence on Saturday.
Bill and Margaret Hansell then flew to San Diego to attend their oldest granddaughter’s graduation from college. He got bad news right before the ceremony began.
“We’re walking toward the venue of the graduation, and I got word from my office that my excuse had been reversed,” Hansell said. “The president (of the Senate) reneged on it.”
Hansell described the action as petty. He has asked for a reconsideration but had not heard back yet at the time of the interview.
Oregon voters approved a ballot measure that would mean any legislator with more than 10 unexcused absences is not eligible to be reelected. The Republican from Athena said that he’s already announced he is not running for reelection but would like to do things the right way for the duration of his final term in the Senate.
