Hansell says talks have begun
By Terry Murry on Thursday, May 25th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Oregon Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena) says Democrats in the Senate finally understand that Republicans are willing to give up their political careers to stand against legislation that the majority party is trying to pass. He said talks with Gov. Tina Kotek began Monday and have continued daily since then.
He said Democrats underestimated the strength of the Republicans convictions against certain bills involving gun control and abortion and gender affirmation rights for minors. He said since the Democrats refused to sit down and negotiate changes, the GOP felt it had little choice.
“That was the only way that we had available to us at the time to bring the parties together and sit down and negotiate,” he said.
The Republicans have announced they will return to the Senate on June 25 to pass a state budget which has originates with the House of Representatives and bills with bipartisan support.
(Editor’s note: Sen. Hansell is a guest on the KUMA Coffee Hour Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. It is streamed live and shortly after airing is available as a podcast on this website’s home page.)
