Joseph Jordan: News and notes from Salem
An expulsion vote steals headlines...but legislation is starting to be discussed
Joseph Jordan is an Oregonian, writer, and law student.
Potential Expulsion of Rep. Hernandez
Before the State Legislature’s policy work could even begin, the House had to deal with a roiling problem in its ranks: Rep. Diego Hernandez (D-Portland) was accused by at least three women of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment in his office at the Capitol.
After a nine-month investigation by attorneys from the law firm Jackson Lewis P.C., the House Committee on Conduct voted 4-0 last week to recommend Hernandez’s expulsion. Many in Salem, including Gov. Kate Brown, have called for Hernandez to resign. Hernandez, who was just 29 when first elected four years ago, has declined to do so and vowed to fight expulsion.
The vote to expel, which would require two-thirds (40) of his House colleagues to pass, has not been scheduled, but may happen as soon as Monday, 15 February. Twenty-six House members have already signaled that they will vote to expel Hernandez, who is one of the few people of color in the Oregon Legislature.
Limits to the Governor’s “COVID” Powers
Rep. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) introduced a bill that would limit Gov. Brown’s ability to issue executive orders shuttering restaurants, gyms, and bars as a precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would not prevent Brown from issuing masking and social distancing requirements, however. The bill has no Democratic co-sponsors and is likely doomed in the House, which is controlled by a Democratic supermajority.
Property Tax Change
House and Senate Republicans have proposed a bill that would cancel or prorate property taxes on land destroyed by wildfire. A public hearing was held on Thursday, 11 February, but no floor vote has been scheduled.
Potential Amendment for Healthcare for All
House and Senate Democrats have proposed an amendment to the Oregon Constitution that would obligate the state to “ensure every resident . . . access to cost-effective, clinically appropriate and affordable healthcare.” An online public hearing is scheduled for Monday, 15 February. If the bill passes, it will then go on the ballot for approval or rejection by Oregon voters in November 2021.
Middle Housing Proposal
A bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives from three of the state’s largest metropolitan areas has introduced a bill to allow division of land for the construction of “middle housing” — duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, and so on.
Advocates of middle housing such as the nonprofit Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) believe that middle housing will be key to tackling the radical shortage of affordable housing that affects many cities across the countries, including places like Portland, Bend, Eugene, and Salem.
The Senate Committee on Housing and Development will hold an online public hearing on Thursday, 18 February to discuss the bill, which seems likely to pass in some form during the 2021 session.
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