SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon’s governor and legislative leaders predicted a tough legislative session this year on Thursday because of a budget deficits, while Democrats are also focused on insulating the state from President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration, health care and other issues.
These issues emerged during a forum organized in the Oregon State Capitol by The Associated Press. Gov. Kate Brown said she hopes the whole country can work together, but at the same time she vowed to use every tool on behalf of Oregon, including litigation, if Washington tries to withhold federal funding as leverage.
Trump has ordered cuts in federal grants for immigrant-protecting “sanctuary cities.” Several cities in Oregon have committed to being sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants.
“Oregon law is very clear,” Brown said. “Law enforcement cannot assist with deportations.”
“We’re going to keep Oregon a welcoming place,” said Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland. “For those living in fear, Oregon House Democrats will stand with you and fight for you.”
Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day, said now is not the time to pick a fight with the administration.
“Let’s keep our powder dry,” he said. “The rhetoric will change and morph. Your fondest hopes and worst fears never materialize.”
Burdick said the legislative session, which begins Feb. 1, will be her tenth, and that she could not imagine a more difficult one because of a $1.7 billion budget deficit.
Ferrioli said reforming Oregon’s Public Employees Retirement System is critical. Unfunded liability of the retirement system in the wake of a Supreme Court decision in 2015 that struck down key elements at earlier reform efforts is contributing $354 million to the budget deficit, according to Brown’s office.
Democratic Sen. Peter Courtney said he is “terrified” about the budget deficit.
“I’m trying to find a way to feel good, to feel optimistic,” he said.
Among the biggest challenges, said House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, is financing health coverage. Increased state responsibility for healthcare costs accounts for $1 billion of the deficit.
Republican House Leader Mike McLane, of Powell Butte, said taxing corporations is not the answer, because it would be giving “more money to a broken government.”
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