Oregon Lawmakers in Turmoil Over Secret Transportation Deal
Oregon’s legislative landscape is heating up as a select group of lawmakers engage in covert negotiations for a vital road and bridge funding bill. Discontent simmers among House Republicans after two members, Kevin Mannix and Jeff Helfrich, have reportedly struck a deal with Democrats without their party’s knowledge. This secretive approach has alarmed many within the GOP, particularly House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, who denounced the closed-door meetings as a betrayal of transparency.
Drazan accused Speaker Julie Fahey of hypocrisy, claiming that the clandestine discussions contradict her stated commitment to public engagement in the legislative process. The atmosphere has become increasingly strained, with rumors of ostracizing Mannix and Helfrich from GOP caucus meetings circulating among party members.
The stakes are high. Democrats recently proposed a plan to raise taxes and fees to generate approximately $1 billion annually for critical road maintenance and two major highway projects. Republicans countered this by advocating for funding sourced from existing budgets rather than new taxes, presenting a proposal they believe could provide over $700 million without raising taxes.
While Democrats hold a supermajority, the necessity for bipartisan support may hinge on at least two Republican votes, especially given the absences of two Democratic members. With time running out in the current legislative session, the formation of a new Joint Transportation Reinvestment Committee aims to streamline discussions on this significant bill.
As negotiations continue, questions about transparency and party loyalty remain at the forefront, highlighting the complexities of bipartisan governance in Oregon. The outcome of these discussions could shape the state’s transportation landscape for years to come.
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