As the Oregon Legislature made plans last fall for this February session, a number of longtime lobbyists, former legislators, and legislative staff urged caution. We argued for a limited and achievable agenda; bipartisan action; and a timely adjournment.
Hundreds of lobbyists, legislators, and casual observers gathered Monday to watch what could be the beginning of annual sessions. The February session, passed by the 2007 Legislature, is intended to test-drive annual sessions and convince voters that meeting annually is in their best interest. Unfortunately, the 2007 Legislature also authorized major rebuilding of the Capitol Wings. The result is a month long Legislative Session in a construction Zone. Legislators are crammed in every nook and cranny of the old Capitol building; only the Speaker of the House has his regular office. All support staff has been moved to other buildings and the Lobby gets a half dozen folding tables and chairs in the hallway.
As to the urgency or caution of a limited agenda, someone seems to have taken us seriously. There will be 100 bills - 50 for the House and 50 for the Senate. As I read through the first 25 bills I asked myself, "Why now, why not 2009!" There seems to be little of urgent need for action now; but at least there’s only 100. There are only about three areas where I think “emergency” action would seem appropriate, but negotiations will take far longer than the given 25 days, so action is unlikely.
1. In December, the Oregon Supreme Court overturned the $200,000 damage limit for lawsuits against public entities in Clarke v. OHSU. The decision has led OHSU to propose cutting $200 million in jobs and programs. This action, criticized by some as an overreaction, has been termed necessary by a very knowledgeable party close to the scene. More importantly, every level of government from the State to the smallest city in Oregon will see their liability insurance premiums rise sharply.
2. A second issue that many would like addressed is undocumented workers and immigration reform. A noontime protest outside the Capitol illustrates the wide difference of opinion. Several thousand Hispanics marched and chanted in Spanish in favor of leniency. Several hundred of a decidedly different background and opinion shouted insults and chanted, "Go back to Mexico!" It is unclear what will happen, but effective opening day of session was an executive order given by the Governor with stricter standards including proof of citizenship to receive a license. Calmer heads point out that Oregon's farm and small business economy would collapse if they did ALL GO BACK TO MEXICO!
3. The third issue that would seem easier to address - but won't be touched - is Oregon's new Ethics law. Passed by the 2007 Legislature in reaction to some Lobby spending and entertaining incidents that were extreme by anyone's standards, the new law has proven to be an absolute overreaction. Legislators and lobbyists will adhere to the new rules, unfortunately by definition the law extends to thousands of government employees and even non paid volunteers. Again, no corrective action is planned.
There are many little things that this special session plans to address such as Commemorating the Hood to Coast relay and regulating state agency energy use, but what they are really trying to do is convince the public that is worth the $25,000 per day it costs them to be in the capitol building doing the people’s business. As for the first few days of session, I can only describe them as “chaos.” I believe in the cause and only hope that the legislators can find a way to get along and be productive during these next few weeks. Oregon has gotten too big to meet every other year, but it’s up to the members to convince the voters to approve the constitutional amendment that allows them to meet annually. Stay tuned…