OR short session begins tomorrow
By Terry Murry on Monday, January 31st, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Legislature’s 35-day short session was originally created to deal with problems in the biennial budget and fix unanticipated problems with newly-passed bills from the previous year. The GOP says that’s all that should happen. However, the super-majority Democrats can do what they want unless there’s another Republican walkout.
Hot-button issues that will be pursued during the session that begins tomorrow (Tuesday) include a sales tax on luxury items that include cars, jewelry, snowmobiles, and guns. The bill to require agricultural workers be paid overtime is also scheduled to be considered.
The legislature will hold virtual committee meetings. Meanwhile, lawmakers are required to be present in chambers for votes.
It will be the last session for Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) who is retiring at the end. House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland) and Minority Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) will not be present. They are both running for governor and are not allowed to raise campaign funds while the Legislature is in session, so they resigned.
