OTA Dispatch Issue 3, 2020

Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Waylon Buchan OTA Director of Government Affairs LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 6 A LOT HAS happened since the COVID-19 pandemic took center stage in Oregon politics last March. To many, it seems like the year 2020 has already taken at least a few years to get through, and it is not over yet. In late June, the Oregon Legislature convened for the first emergency Special Session of the year. Of course, this is not the ordinary constitutional legislative process where legislators are obligated to meet for a 160-day session each odd-numbered year and a shorter 35-day session each even-numbered year. Instead, the special session was called by Governor Brown for the purpose of passing legislation aimed at COVID-19 relief and police accountability measures. Legislators remained in their offices and committee meetings were held virtually, but legislators were required to be physically present during floor votes. Leadership declined to address budget issues, reserving that topic for a later date. The legislature met again on August 10, for a one- day emergency Special Session aimed at addressing Oregon’s $2.6 billion budget shortfall. The public was not allowed within the Capitol, and only invited testimony was heard for bills under consideration. Immediately prior to the session, the Joint Emergency Board approved $244 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to assist with contact tracing, testing, and addressing the pandemic impact to communities of color. State agencies saw significant cuts, and lawmakers passed approximately $400 million in cuts and administrative savings while dipping into reserves to provide $400 million for education spending. A third special session is very likely to occur during the Fall, primarily due to unresolved issues relating to business liability and worker protections. The business community, supported by Republicans as well as moderate Democrats, has stated the clear need for business liability protection for businesses operating in good faith, adhering to executive orders, and struggling to survive economic freefall. Opportunistic attorneys are sure to bring litigation on the heels of the pandemic, and the legislature has an opportunity to shield those following government guidelines from these potentially devastating lawsuits. However, leadership appears more interested in offering blanket protections for workers by creating a presumption that every case of COVID-19 qualifies as a Workers’ Compensation claim. At the same time, Democrats desire to disconnect Oregon from the federal tax code provisions within the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This would result in the state recouping $225 million in taxes from Oregon’s cash-strapped businesses. Once lawmakers complete their third emergency special session of 2020, they will turn their attention to the upcoming long legislative session which will begin in February 2021. But before Democrat leadership can begin that work and continue to push for their policy objectives, they must get through the November election first. This means Oregonians have a rare opportunity to reestablish balance within the Oregon Legislature through their ballot selections this fall. It also means Truck PAC will be directing OTA member contributions toward the candidates and sitting legislators who consistently uphold the ideals of the trucking industry. Unfortunately, our friends in the legislature are outnumbered, and the warped dynamics of the shuttered Corona-Capitol have further dampened their voices as the supermajority marches forward without meaningful input from their colleagues or the public. One-party rule, regardless of which party, does not work for Oregon. The give-and-take process of discussion, compromise, and negotiation tends to result in policies that are sound and representative of Oregon’s collective goals. When one party has the numbers to simply steam-roll the minority, it is only a matter of time before that occurs. The result? A hostile, toxic atmosphere in Salem, partisan bickering, and a disheartening lack of thoughtful policies to improve life for everyday Oregonians. There is a tired old saying that states, “If you aren’t outraged, you aren’t paying attention.” If you have been following the news and you are not happy with what you see, we implore you to get involved in ways you never previously considered. Volunteer for a campaign to make phone calls and reach potential voters. Speak to your friends and neighbors on social media and express your Legislative Update 2020 There is a tired old saying that states, “If you aren’t outraged, you aren’t paying attention.”