Special Session Draws to a Close

Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Jeff Merkley gaveled the special experimental session of the Legislature to a close at 9:41 p.m on Friday.

The session was short—it ended a week before the self-imposed deadline—but according to the Democrats who control both the House and Senate, successful.

“This three-week session we have been able to offer aid to disaster victims, homeowners facing foreclosure, seniors being kicked out of long term care facilities. We also invested in a number of important infrastructure improvements that will pay Oregon back many times over in the coming years,” said House Majority Leader Dave Hunt .

The Republicans also issued releases citing achievements such as approving more state troopers and money to study land-use policies.

“The February session offered several important accomplishments all Oregonians can be proud of,” said House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna, yet he also noted that there was much business left unfinished.

Although Democrats pointed to accomplishments such as the two bills to help homeowners affected by the nation’s mortgage crisis and a less costly alternative to Kevin Mannix’s proposed crime initiative, the Legislature’s agenda was ultimately limited, and the session’s results left many questioning the efficacy of the format.

The hurried schedule -- requiring bills to move quickly or die -- left little time to find compromise, Gary Conkling, who has worked in the capitol in difference capacities for about 30 years, told the Oregonian.

"It's probably too soon to absolutely say this is a failure," said Conkling. "But I don't think it's too soon to say the format doesn't work."