Oregon lawmakers find common ground on housing, drug policy and campaign finance in largely bipartisan session – By Carlos Fuentes (The Oregonian/OregonLive) / March 9, 2024
In a remarkably bipartisan five-week legislative session, Oregon lawmakers authorized big spending on housing production, revamped the state’s controversial drug decriminalization law and voted for the first time to impose campaign finance limits.
“This is probably one of the most historic and largest short sessions that we have ever had. I’m proud to have been a part of it,” House Speaker Dan Rayfield, a Corvallis Democrat, told reporters after the Legislature adjourned following marathon floor sessions Thursday. Rayfield stepped down from his role at the close of the session to run for attorney general.
Lawmakers prioritized the state’s dual housing and addiction crises, agreeing to major outlays and policy changes that passed with days to spare.
Prompted by Gov. Tina Kotek, legislators approved an extensive $376 million housing package aimed at accelerating home development and improving affordability.
