Foto: Ford, Brad
The special session of the Oregon Legislature has been delayed two weeks, because of a medical emergency.
Democrats needed the votes of all their members in the Senate to pass the ODOT funding package. Democratic Senator Chris Gorsek is out due to a medical issue.
The session will resume September 17th when the Senate will debate the bills and a final vote could be taken.
Governor Tina Kotek directed ODOT to wait until October 17th to start layoffs, if the bills don't pass.
“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.”