OTA Dispatch Issue 4, 2020

www.ortrucking.org 7 Issue 4 | 2020 Negotiations over how session will function are ongoing, but we expect that the Capitol will remain closed to the public when the session begins on January 19. We anticipate the legislature will hold virtual public hearings for the first couple of months, but since legislators are constitutionally required to vote in person, they will need to come to the building to vote bills out of committee and out of the House and Senate chambers. It is anticipated that could happen around April, but whether or not the public, or the lobby, will be allowed in the building is still being considered. Due to the constitutional limitation on the length of the session, the legislature will need to adjourn sine die by the end of June. Also being considered is whether or not legislators will be limited in the number of bills they are allowed to introduce, and whether or not those bills will have to be related to COVID-19 or wildfire, or if a broader set of issue areas will be considered. The state budget will be central to all legislative discussions, and the legislature is approaching the next budget cycle with great apprehension. While the last revenue forecast was more positive than anticipated, the November revenue forecast will be telling—the economic impact of the wildfires is unknown, 150,000 Oregonians remain unemployed, and that number will increase substantially with the second statewide shut down. Additionally, an immense problem hangs over Oregon in deferred residential rents that will be due the first of the year, and many tenants will lack the resources to pay, so millions in state assistance will likely be necessary. Tax revenue will be down as a result of business closures, reduced sales, and high unemployment. And the potential federal COVID-19 assistance may not materialize, which will exacerbate issues further. The legislature is already anticipating a significant budget shortage, and agencies have been asked to reduce their budgets by 5–10%. Given all of this, the 2021–2023 budget presents a challenge for the state budget writers. Legislators will consider a range of policy issues including: employment law; COVID-19 employer liability protection; COVID-19 presumption for workers compensation claims; a possible disconnect of certain tax credits from the federal tax code to increase state revenue; resolving the I-5 Rose Quarter issue; increasing alcohol taxes; improving access to telehealth and broadband; whistle blower protections; prevailing wage; increasing taxes and fees; improving distance learning for students; amending Oregon’s bottle bill; affordable housing; and social justice issues. OTA will be involved in advocating in support or opposition of bills that impact our members’ ability to successfully conduct business in the state. Given the anticipated budget shortfall, the unprecedented demands for additional revenue, and the limited public access to the Capitol, it will be more important than ever for you to participate in the legislative process when OTA asks you to by calling, writing, or emailing your legislators. Due to COVID-19 there will not be an opportunity to have our usual day at the capitol in the building , but your association is considering a day outside the capitol! It will be one that you and legislators won’t forget—stay tuned for more details. OTA is represented in the Capitol by Oxley and Associates, an established firm who represents some of Oregon’s largest employers, fortune 500 companies, small independent businesses, associations, and nonprofits.