OSCC: 2022 Short Session Preview

January 25, 2022

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Here’s latest update from our Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) legislative counsel, outlining what’s happening (OSCC Political Observations), activity on major issues, and what’s coming up. Any opinions expressed or implied are those of OSCC and do not necessarily reflect those of the Springfield Chamber or its representatives.

This is an update on the political dynamics for the upcoming 35-day Legislative session.

The redistricting process and upcoming 2022 election cycle has generated an immediate and dramatic shift in the composition of the Oregon Legislature. Since sine die of the 2021 session just six months ago, there are 3 new faces in the Senate and 4 in the House. But that’s just the start of it:

Speaker of the House Resigns effective today: After announcing that she would serve as House Speaker through the election, Tina Kotek stunned the Oregon political world when she announced her resignation from the Legislature, effective today. Kotek is running for Governor and is a serious contender to win. Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) was nominated by his caucus as Speaker-elect.
Senate President Retires: After nearly 40 years in the Legislature (and nearly 20 years as Senate President), Senate President Peter Courtney announced his retirement. He will serve as Senate President through the election, after which Senate Democrats will nominate a new leader in that chamber.
House Majority Leader Steps Down: Representative Barbara Smith Warner also announced that she would be stepping down as House Majority Leader. Warner’s extensive campaign experience aided Democrats in achieving a super majority in the House in the 2018 and 2020 elections. She will be replaced by Julie Fahey (D-Eugene).
Senator Betsy Johnson Resigns: Senator Betsy Johnson, a fearless moderate Democrat and influential member of the Joint Ways and Means Committee, resigned from office to focus full time on her candidacy for Governor as an Independent candidate.
New Republican Leaders Elected: Representative Christine Drazan, who is also running for Governor, stepped down as the House Minority Leader in December. House Republicans elected Representative Vikki Breese Iverson to serve as the new House Minority leader. Senate Republicans also elected a new leader, Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend).
Key Senate Chairs Resign: Longtime Senate Revenue Committee chair Ginny Burdick, and Senate Business & Labor Chair Chuck Riley both resigned prior to the 2022 session.
Campaigning from the Capitol: There will be no shortage of political posturing during the 35-day short session. Multiple House members are running for higher office, such as state senate, Congress, and Governor. Every House member is up for re-election, as well as half the Senate. As such, floor sessions and votes on legislation will take on a heightened scrutiny, as members use floor sessions and committee meetings as a venue to bolster their candidacies and re-election efforts.
Total Retirements, Resignations and Candidacies: The following is a list of announced retirements, resignations, and candidates who will give up their seats to run for higher office in the Legislature since sine die 2021:

Senate (6)

Sen. President Peter Courtney (retirement)
Sen. Lee Beyer (retirement)
Senator Ginny Burdick (resigned)
Senator Betsy Johnson (resigned/gubernatorial candidate)
Senator Chuck Riley (resigned)
Senator Chuck Thomsen (retirement)

House (17)

House Speaker Tina Kotek (resigned/gubernatorial candidate)
Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon (Congressional candidate)
Rep. Daniel Bonham (State Senate candidate)
Rep. Brian Clem (resignation)
Rep. Christine Drazan (gubernatorial candidate)
Rep. Cedric Hayden (State Senate candidate)
Rep. Gary Leif (died July 2021)
Rep. Mark Meek (State Senate candidate)
Rep. Raquel Moore-Green (State Senate Candidate)
Rep. Ron Noble (Congressional candidate)
Rep. Jeff Reardon (retirement)
Rep. Bill Post (resigned)
Rep. Andrea Salinas (Congressional candidate)
Rep. Janeen Sollman (State Senate appointment)
Rep. Duane Stark (retiring)
Rep. Suzanne Weber (State Senate candidate)
Rep. Jack Zika (retirement)

These unprecedented changes in both leadership and personnel present new opportunities and challenges, particularly in a 35-day short session with pressing issues and tight time frames. We will work diligently to build on existing relationships with legislators, develop new relationships, and educate new lawmakers and leadership on issues the best we can.

SAVE THE DATES: OSCC Legislative Session Calls

The 2022 Legislative Session will begin February 1st and run through March 7th. OSCC will be holding calls to update members on legislation we are monitoring that impacts the business community.

Calls will be held on the following dates, beginning at 10am:

February 4th
February 18th
March 4th
March 11th

Links to join the calls will be sent prior to the first call on February 4th. Calls are open to all OSCC chamber executives and members of your government affairs committees.