Oregon House Fails Quorum in Special Session on $5.8B Transportation Funding

Hundreds of Oregon Department of Transportation workers represented by SEIU Local 503 and the Association of Engineering Employees are facing potential layoffs on September 15 due to a $350 million budget deficit. About 100 union members rallied at the state Capitol on August 29 to urge lawmakers to pass a funding package during a special legislative session called by Governor Tina Kotek. However, the Oregon House of Representatives failed to reach the quorum required to conduct business for most of the day, delaying any progress on the transportation funding proposal. Only by late evening did the House meet quorum and approve procedural rules, but the session was adjourned until Sunday afternoon. The unions' executive director, Melissa Unger, expressed frustration and concern for the 500 workers losing their jobs, emphasizing the uncertainty these workers face regarding their livelihoods. Lawmakers are expected to reconvene to continue addressing the state's transportation funding crisis and the impending layoffs.