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Oregon Democrats delay key vote on transportation package for 2 weeks due to Gresham senator’s health
The transportation funding package includes tax increases and fees aimed at preventing layoffs of nearly 500 Oregon Department of Transportation workers, lawmakers said.
- Oregon Democrats delayed the Senate vote on a $4.3 billion transportation funding bill until September 17 due to Senator Chris Gorsek's health complications.
- Senator Gorsek is recovering from complications following a planned medical procedure in August, and his absence prevents Democrats from reaching the required quorum to pass the bill.
- The House passed the bill on Labor Day, which includes a 6-cent per gallon gas tax increase, higher vehicle fees, a new electric vehicle mileage fee, and a temporary doubling of the transit payroll tax.
- House Speaker Julie Fahey highlighted that the bill will preserve maintenance station operations, support winter road clearing, and aid emergency responders, while House Republican Leader Christine Drazan criticized the legislation, stating that a large majority of Oregonians expressed opposition to the tax increase during public testimony.
- Governor Kotek asked the Oregon Department of Transportation to delay layoffs until October 15, emphasizing that delays ensure service continuity and expressing confidence the bill will pass once Senator Gorsek returns.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Oregon transportation tax vote and layoffs delayed because of senator’s health - Ashland News - Community-Supported, NonProfit News
Vote expected to take place Sept.17 By Julia Shumway, Oregon Capital Chronicle With a key Democratic senator recovering from surgery, the Oregon Senate will delay a planned vote on a transportation tax package for two weeks. The House narrowly passed the 10-year, $4.3 billion package Monday, and a Senate vote was scheduled for Wednesday. But on Tuesday evening, Senate Democrats announced that they would delay the vote until Sept. 17, when they e…
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon transportation tax vote and layoffs delayed because of senator’s health
Sen. Chris Gorsek, D-Gresham, at the Oregon Legislature on Feb. 12, 2024. (Photo by Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)With a key Democratic senator recovering from surgery, the Oregon Senate will delay a planned vote on a transportation tax package for two weeks. The House narrowly passed the 10-year, $4.3 billion package Monday, and a Senate vote was scheduled for Wednesday. But on Tuesday evening, Senate Democrats announced that they would …
Oregon Senate Dems delay ODOT funding vote for 2 weeks
SALEM, Ore. (KOIN) -- In a dramatic turn of events, Oregon Senate Democrats delayed a final vote on the transportation funding package for two weeks because of the health of one of their key votes. In a statement early Tuesday evening, the Democrats said Sen. Chris Gorsek of Gresham is recovering from complications from a medical procedure in August. Because of that, "the Senate will meet in a brief floor session to reschedule final votes on HB …
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