Oregon Senate Dems delay ODOT funding vote for 2 weeks

SALEM, Ore. (KOIN) — In a dramatic turn of events, Oregon Senate Democrats delayed a final vote on the transportation funding package for two weeks because of the health of one of their key votes.

In a statement early Tuesday evening, the Democrats said Sen. Chris Gorsek of Gresham is recovering from complications from a medical procedure in August. Because of that, “the Senate will meet in a brief floor session to reschedule final votes on HB 3991 and HB 3992 to Wednesday, September 17.”

The Democrats need 18 votes — that is, 3/5 of the Senate — to pass the funding bill and get it to Gov. Kotek’s desk. With all the Republicans opposed, they need the full support and attendance of every Democrat.

The package for ODOT funding was expected to have a final reading and a vote on Wednesday, but that has now been scuttled. Without the bill’s passage, 500 people are expected to be laid off from the agency.

But those 500 layoffs, expected to happen at ODOT in mid-September, were pushed back one month by Gov. Kotek Tuesday evening, who said she made a “good faith assessment” the bill will pass when the Senate comes back for the vote on September 17.

“With assurances from legislative leadership, I have directed ODOT to extend the effective date of the layoffs to October 15. This date will make sure there are no interruptions for the hundreds of workers whose jobs hang in the balance and the basic services that Oregonians rely on,” Kotek said in a statement.

What Senate leaders say

In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama said: “Senator Gorsek is a dear and valued colleague in the Senate Democratic Caucus, and everyone in the Oregon legislature sends good wishes to him and his family as his health improves. … Senator Gorsek’s contributions in transportation policymaking have been crucial to the legislation we have today. On Wednesday, September 3, the Senate will meet in a brief floor session to reschedule final votes on HB 3991 and HB 3992 to Wednesday, September 17. The postponement will allow our esteemed colleague to join us in passing the transportation measure he has worked so long to shape.”

Senate sources told KOIN 6 News it’s not clear if they will have enough votes to push the package through without Gorsek’s vote.

In a separate statement, Senate President Rob Wagner said: “We have been in constant communication with Sen. Gorsek and his team as he works to recover from complications relating to a planned back surgery. My understanding is that it would be unsafe for Sen. Gorsek to be away from medical care at this time. After conversations with Democratic and Republican leaders, the Senate will reconvene Sept. 17 to stabilize Oregon’s transportation system and finish the special session.”

Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham said his prayers are with Gorsek and his family. But in a statement he blasted Kotek.

“Governor Kotek did not work with us to find common ground, and there’s nothing in her bill that reflects the concerns we’ve raised. Senate Republicans remain united in our opposition. There are no Republican votes for this bill,” Bonham said. “Until Senator Gorsek returns, we’ll be here advocating on behalf of the thousands of Oregonians who tell us they can’t afford another tax increase.”

ODOT workers on edge

ODOT worker Wren Gilson, one of the hundreds staring layoffs in the face, said the past few months have been exhausting.

“I’m exhausted. I can’t tell you the last time I slept well or ate something that didn’t make me want to get sick,” Gibson told KOIN 6 News. “I would definitely echo the disappointment, echo the frustration. I definitely feel like my job is being held hostage.”

Union workers feel the lawmakers are toying with their livelihoods.

“We just think there’s a lot of other people who can step up and make sure there’s a plan,” said SEIU Local 503 President Melissa Unger. “And we’re disappointed that that’s not the answer.”

This latest two-week delay has ODOT workers growing tired of the back-and-forth.

“It is continuous,” Gilson said. “It is insidious and it is frustrating.”

The bottom line: Nothing is certain about the outcome of the transportation funding bills in this special session called by Gov. Tina Kotek.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.