Salem, OR. — Official Release: The Oregon Senate has once again postponed a key vote on Governor Tina Kotek’s $4.3 billion transportation package, citing the continued hospitalization of Sen. Chris Gorsek (D–Gresham). Lawmakers now plan to resume the special session during interim legislative days, scheduled for Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.
The delay comes after Gorsek’s medical team informed Senate President Rob Wagner (D–Lake Oswego) that it would be “medically unsafe and unwise for Sen. Gorsek to leave the hospital at this time.” Wagner visited Gorsek earlier this week, passing along well wishes from his colleagues. Gorsek is recovering from back surgery that resulted in an unforeseen complicationTransportation Special Session ….
“The stop-gap transportation bill before the Senate is important for all Oregonians who rely on our roads and the maintenance workers whose jobs are at risk,” Wagner said. “At the same time, we are not going to do anything that would put the health of our colleague at risk. The Senate will provide Sen. Gorsek with the time he needs to regain his health and be present for the vote on transportation policy he was instrumental in creating.”
Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama (D–East Portland, Boring & Damascus) emphasized the caucus’s commitment to moving forward once Gorsek returns.
“The Democratic caucus is a team, and we will eagerly welcome back Senator Gorsek when his continued recovery allows him to return to the chamber,” Jama said. “As soon as that happens, Senate Democrats will take the action we’ve worked toward together for more than a year: shoring up funding for our roads, bridges, and public transit.”
Republicans, however, sharply criticized the governor’s approach, framing the delay as a symptom of what they describe as a partisan and flawed process.
“Governor Kotek could have worked with Republicans from the beginning to craft a transportation package with true bipartisan support—one that redirected existing funding to road maintenance and operations, protected ODOT jobs, and eliminated the cost drivers that have made transportation more expensive under her leadership,” Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R–Dundee) said in a statement.
Starr argued that instead of building consensus, Democrats pressed forward with “a partisan plan destined to pass only on a slim, party-line margin.” He added, “Whenever this vote takes place, our caucus remains united in rejecting this tax hike, leaving no doubt about who is advocating for Oregon families—and who is not.”
The House of Representatives already passed House Bills 3991 and 3992 earlier this month. Gov. Kotek subsequently delayed agency layoffs until Oct. 15, citing the need for additional revenue to preserve 500 frontline Oregon Department of Transportation jobs.
Until the Senate reconvenes later this month, lawmakers will continue to meet in pro forma sessions every three days, as required by the Oregon Constitution.
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