Republicans Challenge Attendance Requirement
Oregon Republican senators have continued their walkout over Democratic-backed legislation on abortion, trangender medical care, and gun safety last week. So far all but three Republican state senators have racked up 10 unexcused absences.
That means the nine Republican state senators (and one independent) are ineligible for re-election under Measure 113, which passed with overwhelming support last year, but which the Republicans plan to challenge in court. The Oregon Constitution requires a two-thirds quorum in the legislature, which has resulted in some high-profile walkouts. [OPB]
Good News on State Revenues
The state revenue projections for the next two years are $2 billion higher than previously expected, meaning the Legislature and governor will be able to fund more projects. That set off a scramble among education advocates and others for the money.
Tax revenues are higher despite a slowing economy and a declining state population, thanks to higher incomes for Oregonians. The new economic projections also mean that $5.5 billion is expected to be returned to taxpayers as a kicker, because revenues for the last two years exceeded projections by more than 2%. [OPB]
Former Congressman’s Pharma Links Strengthened
Last year, former six-term U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Oregon) lost his reelection bid in a rare contested Democratic primary. Among the knocks against him were his ties to the pharmaceutical industry, who made up his largest donors. Now he’s gotten a job with Williams & Jensen PLLC, a D.C.-based lobbying firm that represents major pharmaceutical companies. [Willamette Week]
