Oregon Legislators Look to 2009

Oregon’s Legislature convenes on Jan. 12 with many newly elected members and daunting economic conditions to face.  AARP Oregon asked caucus leaders from both chambers a few questions on the top of members’ minds regarding top priorities and concerns, the economy and our broken health and vulnerable long-term care systems.

But first, political analyst Dr. Bill Lunch helps weigh in on what’s influencing the upcoming session.

Nonpartisan Political Analyst
Professor and Oregon State University Political Science Department Chair: Bill Lunch

The key issue by a gigantic margin is dealing with budget problems from the recession, which is only now beginning.  The decline of the state’s incoming revenue, including income taxes, could have moderate to serious effects on sustaining public services through the legislature.  Our economy hasn’t been as severely impacted yet, but recent announcements are indications of other things to come.  The challenge may be to reestablish the importance of community interest.

View the faculty profile for Dr. Lunch online.

1. Tell us about the top issues your caucus is prioritizing this session.

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin):
We will continue our commitment to a government that is responsive to working families and vulnerable populations trying to make ends meet.  Our priorities are those that matter most to Oregonians – our schools, our health care, our communities and our jobs.

Senate Republican Leader Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day):
The first and most important priority of the session will be getting the 110,000 unemployed Oregonians back to work and our economy back on track.  The long term well being of Oregonians depends on employers that continue to grow and provide living-wage jobs.

House Majority Leader Rep. Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas County):
Change may not come as rapidly as we like because of the economic downturn, but it makes our work in education, health care and job growth even more critical.

House Republican Leader Rep. Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg):
• Improving Oregon’s economy
• Increasing government accountability
• Promoting fiscal responsibility in state spending

2. How will these issue platforms be affected by the current and changing economic conditions?

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin):
We are steadfast in advancing an agenda for state government that is fiscally responsible and delivers the greatest value for every dollar spent.
 
Senate Republican Leader Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day):
Because a struggling economy is likely to leave state government with less money than it needs to keep spending at current levels, a key decision next session will be between raising taxes and prioritizing important services.

State Rep. Mary Nolan (D-Portland, District 36), Co-Chair, 2007/08 Ways & Means Committee:
Our work in 2009 must be targeted to bring results as we work to rebuild Oregon’s economy.  The tremendous growth in renewable energy jobs is evidence our strategy will work.

House Republican Leader Rep. Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg):
To stimulate the economy, House Republicans will introduce legislation to allow lower-income Oregonians and working families to keep more of what they earn.  We will seek to put more dollars back into the economy, and encourage capital to remain in the state and reinvested in Oregon businesses and workers.

3. Given the recommendations from the Oregon Health Fund Board, how will this legislative session bring tangible changes to the overall health care system? 

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin):
We are committed to working to control health care costs and to expand access, especially for Oregon's children and vulnerable families, and will give careful consideration to the Oregon Health Fund Board's recommendations.

Senate Republican Leader Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day):
The cost and availability of health care continues to be one of Oregon's most pressing issues.  Senate Republicans believe Oregonians need access to safety net health care.  One key to lowering health care costs is enacting common sense reform to out-of-control medical malpractice lawsuits.

State Rep. Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland, District 33), Chair, House Health Care Committee:
The Health Fund Board recommendations will help focus our discussions in the 2009 legislative session as we work our way to a better system.

House Republican Leader Rep. Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg):
Our caucus is committed to passing reforms that reduce health care costs, but protect Oregonians’ ability to choose their own doctors.  We will focus on real solutions that expand health care access, but do not expand an inefficient government bureaucracy.

4. What are your plans for addressing and/or shoring up Oregon's once lauded long-term care system?

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin):
Senate Democrats recognize that Oregon is a leader in providing community-based care options to seniors. We remain committed to Oregon seniors and programs that promote their independence and protect their dignity.

Senate Republican Leader Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day):
Senate Republicans will work to identify what needs and concerns are most important to Oregonians, and fund those services first, that includes programs like Oregon Project Independence, which helps seniors receive care in their home. 

State Rep. Jean Cowan (D-Newport), Chair, House Human Services and Women's Wellness Subcommittee on Seniors and People with Disabilities:

Our work in the interim period has been geared toward making major improvements in our community-based system of long-term care by working with all interested groups, including AARP.  We’ll be coming to the legislature with a strong list of proposals.
 
House Republican Leader Rep. Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg):
Oregon has been very successful in enabling seniors to receive in-home care.  That’s why House Republicans remain committed to protecting and fully funding Oregon Project Independence, which would allow more seniors and disabled citizens to receive care in their own homes.

Find more on each chamber’s 2009 legislative caucus agendas at:

Senate Democrats
Senate Republicans
House Democrats
House Republicans

Related Articles:
Restoring Oregon's Long-Term Care Promise
Fixing Oregon’s Health Care System Must Be Top Priority

Other Resources:
AARP Get Involved Advocacy Center
Oregon Legislature
Find information on legislators, bills, committees and more regarding the State Senate and House of Representatives.
Oregon Channel
Watch live streaming television footage of state government and public affairs events from floor sessions to news conferences.
Citizen’s Guide to Oregon’s Legislative Process
Get information regarding the legislature process, including publications, resources and contact information.
Gov. Ted Kulongoski
Updates on the Governor’s priorities, projects, news and contact information.