Oregon Legislature begins its 2024 session

(FEBRUARY 8, 2024) Oregon's lawmakers started working on February 5, 2024, and will continue for 35 days. The state is facing challenges from a recent ice storm and a fentanyl crisis. Governor Tina Kotek, who is a Democrat, wants the lawmakers to approve $500 million for building more homes to help with homelessness and drug problems. She has a plan called Senate Bill 1537, asking for money to buy land and make it easier to build homes. However, some of her ideas, like letting cities bring in land for housing, are causing disagreement even within her own political party.

Furthermore, the governor has changed her mind about drug laws. Before, she supported a measure that focused on helping people with addiction, but now she is open to making small drug possession a crime again. The lawmakers are also dealing with a decision that stops some Senate Republicans from running for re-election because of a past disagreement. There are changes happening in the House too, with a new leader and the current speaker stepping down.

The state's economy is also important. The lawmakers will receive report on how much money the state has in the first week of the session. Governor Kotek says the state has enough money already, and so it doesn't need to raise taxes. She wants the focus to be on building homes, helping with mental health, and supporting education in the summer. In simple terms, her priorities are to keep things practical and not start many new projects.