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We are looking forward to the preliminary Human Services budget information to be released in the next week or so.
With the majority of legislators currently elected to represent the interests of Oregonians being affiliated with the Democratic political party, it means there are fewer Republicans in the state legislature this session. Unless an issue is bipartisan (agreement by the two political parties that often disagree), significant policy decisions are likely to be decided by the party with the majority of votes. It is important to note that the Oregon Constitution requires two-thirds of lawmakers to be present for either chamber to conduct business, not a simple majority like most states. Oregon Republicans have increasingly relied on being absent so the Democrats cannot pass bills they disagree with, such as policies relating to reproductive and gender-affirming care. While Oregon voters passed Measure 113 to keep legislators actively engaged in policy-decisions throughout the legislative session, several Republican Senators are currently walking out of the session as a political strategy.
Meanwhile, the Legislature must pass a new two-year budget this year, ideally before July 1 when the new budget would begin. However, Oregon legislators did agree to pass House Bill 5046 earlier this session which would provide funding to state agencies at the current service level until September 15 if the Legislature cannot agree on a new budget during this session.
While the Legislature has passed major packages on housing and economic development this year, many bills, including more funding for behavioral health care and education, that passed the House are still awaiting action in the Senate. If the session has to be called off because of the walkout, additional investments and other important policy bills will have to wait for a future session.
It is reported that negotiations between the two parties continue, and Republicans have said they are willing to return to Salem before the final day of session (June 25) to pass the state’s budget along with some other, noncontroversial legislation.
There is concern that policy bills and additional investments of significant importance in the lives of Oregonians with I/DD, their families and support systems will get lost if the session continues to be prevented from moving forward.
Oregon is strongest when the voice of all Oregonians is represented.
Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting
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