After the Oregon House passed a transportation bill on Labor Day to fund the Oregon Department of Transportation, the state Senate has delayed its vote due to the health of a state Senator. Below is a release from Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama.
Senator Chris Gorsek (D – Gresham) is recovering from complications that arose during a planned medical procedure in August. As he heals, Senate votes on HB 3991 and HB 3992 will be delayed until September 17.
Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama (D – East Portland, Boring & Damascus) has this statement:
“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. His staff reports that Sen. Gorsek’s spirits are high, and his strength already has increased after his medical procedure.
“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.”
Senator Gorsek adds these sentiments:
“I am honored to serve the people of District 25, and I’m eager to get back to the Senate, representing them on the floor. Until then, I have deep gratitude for the nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals delivering my care and serving other patients with far greater needs than mine.”
Governor Tina Kotek issued the following response:
“I am making a good faith assessment, with the assurances of Senate leaders, that the bill passed by the House on Monday will pass when the Senate reconvenes.
“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.
“I want to acknowledge Senator Gorsek for his tireless work during this year’s session. I know he wants to get the job done on transportation. I wish Senator Gorsek a speedy recovery and am keeping him and his family in my thoughts.
“I would also like to thank the Senate Republicans for their professionalism while one of their colleagues is recovering.”
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
